Concerns are being raised once more by the recent bird flu outbreak, linked to the H1N1 strain. Bird flu outbreaks are not novel. However, their effect can be vast. For both animals and people they can affect us in unpredictable ways. It reminds us, that disease from animals to people can be easily transferred. But…
The detection of the Marburg virus in the new country is another formidable challenge to the global health community that is detecting Ebola-like disease. And as that rare but highly deadly virus continues to break out, governments, health organizations and individuals alike need to understand its implications. Though not as well known as other serious…
The surprising return of scurvy, a condition historically linked to sea navigators of the 16th and 18th centuries, is particularly prominent in American children. Deficiency in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) brings on this condition, characterized by symptoms of general weakness, gum disease, anemia, joint pain, and in serious situations, teeth falling out. Scurvy, though less…
In a concerning development, Massachusetts health officials have reported the first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the state for 2024. The case marks the latest in a series of EEE occurrences in recent years, underscoring the persistent risk of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in the late summer months. The Massachusetts Department of Public…
In May 2024, Cuba reported its first-ever outbreak of Oropouche virus disease, a concerning development given the virus’s ability to spread rapidly through insect bites. The outbreak has been identified in two provinces—Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos—with 74 confirmed cases so far. The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected midges (Culicoides paraensis)…
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently grappling with a significant health crisis as a widespread outbreak of mpox, a viral disease previously known as monkeypox, spreads across the nation. This outbreak has drawn international concern due to its rapid transmission and the challenges faced in containing the virus, especially in regions with limited…
The recent detection of the clade 1 mpox virus in Sweden marks a significant development in the global understanding of this disease. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus closely related to the smallpox virus. Although clade 1 and clade 2 viruses both cause mpox, clade 1 is more virulent and has…
In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in Africa as an international emergency. This decision underscores the severity and potential global impact of the virus, which has been spreading across several countries, including non-endemic regions. Key Factor Details Outbreak Location Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Virus Strain Clade…
In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged in Nigeria: newborns are being born with bacteria resistant to some of the last-resort antibiotics. This alarming situation not only poses a significant health risk to the affected babies but also underscores a larger, global issue of antibiotic resistance. Factor Details Antibiotic Resistance in Newborns Newborns in…
In a recent and tragic incident, a Rhode Island resident passed away due to a rare infection after swimming with an open wound. This incident has sparked urgent warnings from health officials about the dangers of entering coastal waters with cuts or sores. The Cause: Vibrio Infection The fatal infection was caused by Vibrio vulnificus,…
California health officials are warning of a heightened risk of Valley Fever this year following an outbreak at a music festival near Bakersfield. This fungal disease, caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus found in soil, has sickened several festival attendees, raising concerns about a broader increase in cases across the state. Understanding Valley…
The World Health Organization (WHO) may soon declare a new, more dangerous mpox outbreak an international emergency. This decision comes in light of the ongoing spread of the virus, particularly in parts of Africa. The latest outbreak involves a more lethal strain known as clade 1b, which has emerged in the Democratic Republic of the…
