A new analysis suggests the Ebola fatality rate is over 70%, far higher than the initial 50% estimate, with the total number of affected individuals potentially exceeding 1 million by early next year. The exponential growth of cases raises concerns about exporting the disease to other countries and sparking a global humanitarian crisis.
A simple computer model of disease spread reveals that low-long distance jump events slow the spread, while high events lead to rapid spread like with SARS. The study's findings will help epidemiologists understand complex models and also apply to other phenomena such as cancer metastases and rumors.
A nasal vaccine in development has been shown to provide long-term protection for non-human primates against the deadly Ebola virus. The vaccine platform has significant global implications in controlling future outbreaks, which could have a fatality rate as low as 25-90%.
A non-injectable vaccine has been shown to provide long-term protection for non-human primates against the Ebola virus. The breathable vaccine overcomes logistical obstacles of storing and administering injectable vaccines in affected areas.
A new study reveals that monkey-borne Plasmodium knowlesi is the leading cause of malaria hospitalizations in Malaysia, with 68% of cases attributed to this parasite. Deforestation and increased human interactions with macaques are potential culprits behind this rise in infections.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have developed a genetic strain of mice that accurately reflect human Ebola symptoms. The new mouse model enables rapid development of potential vaccines and treatments, addressing the global public health crisis caused by Ebola.
A study by Kansas State University researchers suggests that bat influenza viruses are unlikely to pose a pandemic threat to humans. The team characterized the viruses using synthetic technology and next-generation sequencing, finding they have a low risk of transmission.
A new mouse model reveals that genetic factors play a significant role in the severity of Ebola disease. Research suggests that certain genetic lines of mice are more resistant to the virus, while others are highly susceptible to severe illness and death. The findings could lead to rapid development of candidate therapeutics and vaccines.
Researchers recommend shifting from expanding to declining Ebola epidemic through hygienic funeral practices, case isolation, contact tracing, and better health worker protection. Achieving these goals at a success rate of about 60 percent could ultimately curtail the epidemic in Liberia.
A new analysis of over 12,000 outbreaks affecting 44 million people worldwide reveals a rising trend in global infectious disease outbreaks, with 65% caused by zoonoses. Despite this increase, the impact of outbreaks is declining on a per capita basis.
Radiologists in Singapore outline lessons learned from SARS to improve current Ebola outbreak response. The article highlights the importance of balancing clinical needs with patient and staff safety.
The Lancet Commission argues that cultural understanding is crucial for advancing healthcare and prioritizing individual and community wellbeing. The commission highlights the need for greater recognition of cultural assumptions and biases among medical professionals.
The International Union of Immunology Societies is urging urgent funding and implementation of Ebola vaccine trials. Several promising vaccine candidates, including Cad3 Ebola and rVSV-ΔG-ZEBOV, are being tested in phase 1 clinical trials, showing safe and efficient results in non-human primates.
Researchers developed a random transmission model to determine how disease progression and case fatality affect transmission and patient isolation. Isolating the sickest Ebola-infected individuals before they progress into their late phase of illness can effectively eliminate the Ebola epidemic in Liberia.
The article provides guidelines for humanitarian volunteers during the Ebola outbreak, emphasizing the importance of thorough training and preparation. It highlights the need for experienced physicians and organizations to prioritize volunteer well-being and safety.
Only 6% of US hospitals are well-prepared to receive a patient with the Ebola virus, highlighting inadequate personnel and resources. APIC urges facilities to assess their infection prevention programs to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the public.
A new study has found that filoviruses, the family housing Ebola and Marburg, are at least 16-23 million years old. This pushes back their evolutionary roots and provides insight into the historical relationship between these two lethal viruses.
Researchers have developed a new method for using engineered gene circuits in a cell-free, paper-based system to detect deadly viruses like Ebola. The low-cost platform could enable rapid detection of different strains of the virus.
A research team led by the University of Liverpool is testing the safety and efficacy of using Ebola survivors' blood to treat patients in West Africa. The study aims to reduce deaths from the outbreak by finding a safe and effective therapy.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases predicts that the Ebola epidemic in West Africa will worsen unless international aid is significantly increased. The model developed by Yale researchers estimates tens of thousands of new cases and deaths by December 15 if current efforts are not intensified.
A new study predicts that current international efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in Montserrado, Liberia, will not be sufficient to contain the epidemic. The research estimates that up to 170996 total cases and 90122 deaths are projected by December 15, 2014, without expanded control measures.
The NIH is conducting an early phase trial to evaluate the VSV-ZEBOV vaccine candidate, which was developed by researchers at Canada's National Microbiology Lab. The trial will enroll 39 healthy adults aged 18-65 and assess the vaccine's safety and ability to generate an immune response.
A Michigan State University study of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic offers insights into infection control measures for the flu and other epidemic diseases. The research found that locations close to an entry point will have extremely short windows of time to deal with a virulent pathogen, emphasizing emergency management.
A study published in eLife has found that favipiravir is effective at lowering norovirus levels in the body, which may help reduce disease severity and prevent onward transmission. The experimental drug works by causing the virus to self-destruct through a process called lethal mutagenesis.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that controlling Ebola outbreaks at the source in West Africa is the most effective way to prevent international spread. Focusing on exit screening for travelers leaving affected countries can be a more efficient approach than entry screening.
Researchers predict that without effective exit screening, Ebola-infected travelers will continue to pose a significant risk of international spread. With 2-3 cases predicted to travel abroad every month, countries with limited medical resources may struggle to respond effectively to imported cases.
Researchers will screen tens of thousands of chemical molecules to identify effective adjuvants for vaccines against infectious diseases. The project aims to develop novel applications for enhancing the immune response against Ebola virus, HIV, and other virus infections.
The Journal of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness has launched a special issue on Ebola, featuring a clinician primer prepared by Dr. Eric Toner and colleagues. The primer covers the history, epidemiology, microbiology, clinical manifestations, biosafety, prevention, treatment, and experimental vaccines of the Ebola virus.
Researchers have found that emerging viruses are causing severe disease and mass deaths in many amphibian species, including frogs and salamanders. The viruses, part of the Ranavirus group, are being spread through human activities and are having a devastating impact on entire host communities.
Experts warn conventional US medical centers may struggle to manage Ebola due to lack of preparedness and training. Regional referral centers could help address the shortage of high-level biocontainment patient facilities.
The study found that measles death rates were 197 times greater in developing countries than in developed countries, while syphilis death rates were 33-45 times higher. Ebola mortality rates were also significantly higher in developing countries, with 4,447 deaths compared to just two in developed nations.
The NIH has granted a license agreement for a candidate Ebola vaccine that also protects against the rabies virus. Studies have shown the vaccines are safe and induce immune responses in monkeys, offering protection against the Zaire strain of Ebola.
The Scripps Research Institute team is investigating the deadly Lassa fever virus with a $6.6 million NIH grant. The five-year study aims to understand how the immune system fights off the virus and develops new treatments for the disease. Researchers will analyze cells, chemicals, and genetics of patients to uncover key findings.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC rats harbor bacterial and viral pathogens, including Seoul hantavirus and rat hepaciviruses similar to human hepatitis C. The researchers identified 15 pathogens in 133 trapped rats, highlighting the importance of monitoring the city's rodent population.
A commentary cautions against using experimental Ebola drugs without proper triage to minimize risks. Meanwhile, health economists highlight a major flaw in the FDA's cost-benefit analysis of proposed cigarette labeling regulations. Additionally, a national study reveals that medical residents have varying levels of knowledge on High V...
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has begun a clinical trial in health care workers in Mali to evaluate a promising experimental Ebola vaccine. The vaccine, developed by the Vaccine Research Center at NIAID, has shown highly protective immune responses in animal model challenge studies.
A survey of 577 people in southern Ghana reveals that hunters and consumers perceive the risk of infection from eating bat meat as low, despite handling live bats and coming into contact with bat blood. The study finds that regulations alone are not effective solutions to reduce the practice.
Researchers analyzed Ebola data to estimate case fatality rates and impact of control measures on epidemic size. They found that swift interventions can halt transmission and prevent outbreaks, with Nigeria's response being a successful example.
Malaria causes over 200 million cases annually, with P. falciparum responsible for most deaths; researchers seek inhibitors of sugar metabolism enzyme to fight the disease.
A team of researchers has captured a high-resolution image of the HIV surface spike protein, revealing its dynamics and structure. This breakthrough provides new information on how the virus infects cells and may lead to the development of more effective treatments.
The Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health is launching a special issue on Ebola, providing timely expert information to address the virus. The journal aims to translate science into practice, integrating medical and public health perspectives to effectively deal with major events.
A new study reports the discovery of a universally conserved drug target for Ebola, which can be used to develop effective anti-Ebola agents against all known species. The researchers have produced a peptide mimic that displays a functionally critical region of the virus, making it suitable for use in high-throughput drug screens.
A new study analyzing the first outbreak of Ebola in 1976 found that reducing community transmission and changing behavior were crucial to controlling the outbreak. The study suggests that if communities had not changed their behavior, the outbreak could have been much larger, with potentially devastating consequences.
Researchers analyzed bat influenza viruses and found they could not infect human cells or other animals, contradicting initial concerns. The study suggests these viruses have limited genetic compatibility with Type A or Type B influenza viruses, making reassortment unlikely.
Australia's lack of preparedness for Ebola is highlighted by experts who call for a national disease control centre to coordinate risk assessments and response plans. The current outbreak in multiple regions of five countries underscores the need for such a centre.
A new study suggests that targeted admission of medical and nursing students from rural areas could provide a solution to the current Ebola outbreak in western Africa. The study found that students from rural areas are more likely to want to pursue rural careers, making them ideal candidates for recruitment.
A new study published in Science Express reviews progress in addressing challenges using evolutionary histories and rapid adaptation approaches. The research highlights the urgent need for better implementation of these strategies to combat escalating resistance to antibiotics and pesticides.
Researchers predict 6,800 new Ebola cases in West Africa by end of month due to increased rate of rise in August. Mass quarantine efforts may have worsened the outbreak by crowding people together in unsanitary conditions.
Researchers at Duke Medicine and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore detail how Yersinia pestis bacteria hitchhike on immune cells in lymph nodes to spread the bubonic plague. New therapies that block host immune function show promise in preventing infection and improving survival.
Researchers create a new tool to study Ebola virus in wildlife using fecal samples, providing insights into the virus' distribution and potentially changing disease understanding. The method detects antibodies against Ebola virus in ape feces, suggesting some apes survive exposure.
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that a mathematical model replicating Ebola outbreaks can no longer predict its scale. The current outbreak is 'out of all proportion' and defies previous patterns.
A team of scientists at UVA has obtained the crystal structure of a key Ebola virus protein, revealing a novel tertiary fold that could lead to insights into viral assembly and antiviral drug design. The study's results may provide a potential target for the development of new treatments for Ebola hemorrhagic fever.
The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa requires a rapid global response to contain the virus, which has already killed nearly 2000 people and may infect up to 20,000. Experts warn that fear, mistrust, and lack of resources are exacerbating the situation.
Penn Medicine bioethicists emphasize the duty to provide humanitarian assistance, global justice, and ethical requirements to combat the Ebola outbreak. The experts also discuss the importance of randomized clinical trials in advancing research and ensuring fair benefits for communities affected by the disease.
Researchers analyzed case counts to find consistent high transmission rates, with Liberia and Sierra Leone reporting one to two new cases for every existing case. The study suggests that controlling the epidemic could be achieved by preventing more than half of secondary transmissions.
The US National Science Foundation, NIH, and USDA have awarded over $12 million in new research grants to study the ecological and biological mechanisms behind human-induced environmental changes and infectious diseases. Researchers will investigate topics such as landscape structure on disease dynamics and host vaccinations' impact on...
Researchers applied evolutionary game theory to analyze disease outbreaks, identifying four key outcomes influenced by government response and healthcare provision. The approach has been tested with actual data from the 2009 influenza outbreak and may inform quarantine measures for future pandemics.
Researchers have discovered a novel virus in ball pythons that could be the source of severe respiratory disease, with implications for public health and animal care. The virus, named ball python nidovirus, has been sequenced and found to be similar to toroviruses, which infect mammals and fish.
Researchers have successfully tested a new vaccine regimen that provides rapid protection against Ebola virus in monkeys, with some animals remaining protected for up to 10 months after vaccination. The experimental ChAd3 Ebola vaccine demonstrated strong immune responses in both single-dose and prime-boost regimens.
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic approach against Ebola virus infection by targeting cellular proteins critical for the virus's functions. Oubain, a drug previously used to treat heart disease, has been shown to reduce virus replication in infected cells.