The Global Situational Awareness Tool (GSAT) assesses environmental and health concerns for deployed US forces in Afghanistan and other areas. The system combines malaria prevalence predictions with meteorological and environmental factors to inform decision-making.
Scientists are working on a new strategy to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases by disabling insects from transmitting viruses. The approach targets ticks, sand flies, and mosquitoes, which are responsible for most deaths worldwide.
A new forecasting method predicts a significant rise in demand for anti-malarial treatments due to the loss of effectiveness of current medications. The method aims to ensure an adequate supply of effective drugs by accurately predicting future demand, particularly in Africa where malaria affects millions.
Warmer climate changes and international travel are creating an ideal environment for mosquitoes to survive and thrive near airports, leading to increased risk of malaria transmission. This phenomenon, known as airport malaria, can also spread other diseases like dengue and Chikungunya fever.
Despite its biblical origins, leprosy remains a significant public health concern in the US, with approximately 150 cases diagnosed annually. Early treatment with medicine is crucial for full recovery, but misdiagnosis and lack of awareness among physicians lead to delayed treatment and debilitating damage.
A new study questions the effectiveness of $220 million in malaria prevention efforts, citing a surge in annual mortality rates among teens and adults. The researchers call for addressing environmental factors contributing to malaria growth and developing more efficient control programs.
Scientists use NASA satellites to monitor environmental changes, predicting infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola, West Nile virus, and Rift Valley Fever. Malaria surveillance also benefits from this technology, providing public health organizations with increased warning time to respond to outbreaks.
Experts from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meet to address global health concerns and share research on infectious diseases such as Chagas and Dengue fever, which pose a threat to the US blood supply. Researchers also discuss using NASA technology to monitor deadly outbreaks like Ebola and malaria.
A recent study found that one in every 1,300 blood donors tested positive for dengue virus in Puerto Rico, highlighting the risk of transfusion-associated transmission. The disease is also grossly underreported globally, with an estimated 8 million cases and nearly 20,000 deaths projected annually.