Cholera kills fast, and outbreaks are common in war-torn regions and after natural disasters where clean water is scarce. A new strategy to prevent cholera infections is a ‘cocktail’ of live virus.
A risk analysis could offer insight into the anti-vaccination decision of some parents.
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Scientists identified the general pattern of measles infections as a country moves toward eliminating the disease. This roadmap can help public health workers most efficiently fight and end measles.
Measles cases in the US have reached their highest in 25 years. A bioethicist argues why parents opposed to vaccination are not just wrong about the science, but about the morals.
The fungus Candida albicans causes candidiasis, or thrush.
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A deadly fungus called Candida auris, is among us and is now detected in more than 20 countries. It is resistant to many anti-fungal drugs. But a familiar fungus may reveal a solution.
During high-stress deadly epidemics, even well-trained responders can get caught up in behaviors that are more harmful than helpful.
AP Photo/Olivier Matthys
The high stress conditions of an outbreak can spread a dysfunctional culture among those working to fight it. A survey after the 2015 Ebola epidemic quantified the issue – and suggests a better way.
Nigeria was quick to respond and control the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
EPA
In January, measles returned to the Pacific Northwest, while Ebola resurged in the Congo. It would take a lot more research for scientists to be able to stop threats like these in their tracks.
Ebola is a dreadful disease and is one of the deadliest infections known to medical science.
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The obesity epidemic, the flu epidemic, the opioid epidemic… in the 21st century, everything seems to be an “epidemic”. But what does the term actually mean?
A Liberian burial team during the world’s biggest Ebola outbreak in 2014.
EPA/Ahmed Jallanzo
When day zero arrives in Cape Town, the routine surveillance systems that monitor disease outbreaks will be enhanced to pick up new diseases.
A baby cries during diphtheria immunisation at a clinic in Cibinong, Bogor, West Java, south of Jakarta, Indonesia, December 5, 2017.
Antara Foto/Yulius Satria Wijaya/via REUTERS
Kambang Sariadji, National Institute of Health Research and Development (NIHRD), Ministry of Health Indonesia
An outbreak of diphtheria in Indonesia is not caused by a singular factor. The country needs better vaccination coverage and distribution as well as better antibiotics.
Tackling local diseases like rabies could help health authorities identify new outbreaks more easily.
N. Bastiaensen/World Organisation for Animal Health
By tackling local threats and controlling existing diseases, countries are able to build the capacity needed to deal with future emerging disease threats.
The Monkeypox virus was isolated most recently in 2012 from a dead infant mangabey (species of monkey) in Ivory Coast.
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A disease suspected to be monkeypox is on the rampage in Nigeria. In less than one month, it has spread to seven of the country’s 36 states and infected 31 people.
A woman takes an oral cholera vaccine in a hospital. But cholera vaccines are not always effective and never long lasting.
REUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares
Many states in Nigeria are reeling from cholera outbreaks. They need better health and sanitation infrastructure to disrupt transmission of the bacteria which cause the disease.
Tailgating can be fun, but watch what goes into your drink.
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Bacteria are everywhere, even on your drink garnishes and ice. While most are not going to harm you, some can make you very sick. Here are some things to consider at public drink stations.