Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Does eczema increase the risk of developing shingles?

People with eczema face a higher risk of developing shingles due to an altered skin immune response. Researchers analyzed UK database data and found that eczema severity was directly linked to increased shingles risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJDDG Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft·DateAug 5, 2026

CU Anschutz scientists identify key protein behind spread of shingles virus

Researchers discovered a new evasion strategy used by the varicella zoster virus to affect tissues far from the original site of infection. The virus uses small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) to package and shuttle a protein called IE62, which can travel to distant cells and shut down their antiviral response.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Clinical trial finds live vaccinations safe for liver, kidney transplant recipients

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found live vaccinations safe and effective for children who have received liver or kidney transplants, offering protection against life-threatening conditions. The study showed high antibody levels and minimal adverse events following vaccination.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 16, 2023

Vaccination against chickenpox is estimated to significantly reduce varicella cases and deaths in both children and adults and would be cost-effective, per a modelling study in Denmark, informing policymakers around routine immunization

A modelling study in Denmark found that universal varicella vaccination significantly reduces chickenpox-related cases and deaths in both children and adults. The study also showed cost-effectiveness of the vaccine, informing policymakers about routine immunization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateApr 5, 2023

ICE detention centers saw sustained outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, says study

A study by University of California - San Francisco researchers found that over a three-year period, more than a dozen ICE detention centers experienced large, repeated outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, including influenza, chickenpox, and mumps. The Centers reported nearly half of the infections occurred in two facilities.

Google searches for 'chickenpox' reveal big impact of vaccinations

A University of Michigan-led study analyzing Google Trends data found a significant reduction in chickenpox searches following vaccination implementation in countries like Germany. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of immunization in reducing seasonal outbreaks and offers a novel way to track global childhood disease burdens.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2016

Chickenpox continues to decline in US thanks to vaccination

A new study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society finds that US chickenpox cases have declined by 93% since the introduction of the vaccine in 1995, thanks to increased vaccination coverage. This decline is attributed to herd immunity, which protects those who are not immunized themselves.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 13, 2015

Shh! Don't wake the sleeping virus!

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University develop novel experimental model that successfully mimics the re-activation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The model allows scientists to test drugs and develop therapies to prevent shingles and potentially impact other viruses targeting the human nervous system.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 4, 2015

Chicken pox vaccine saving children's lives

A national study of chicken pox admissions found a 68% drop in hospitalizations since the introduction of the vaccine in 2006. The results show that unvaccinated children were more likely to require intensive care treatment, highlighting the importance of herd immunity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateMar 13, 2013

Study confirms 2 vaccine doses protect children from chickenpox

A new study confirms that two doses of the varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine provide excellent protection in children against this highly contagious and, in some cases, severe disease. The study found that the effectiveness of two doses of vaccine was 98.3 percent in protecting against varicella, significantly higher than one dose.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 5, 2011

Mayo Clinic article offers data about shingles virus

New research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that shingles and its complications may have a greater impact on healthy adults than previously thought. The study found that shingles affects at least 1 in every 278 adults each year, with post-herpetic neuralgia being the most common complication, especially among older adults.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateDec 12, 2007

Monkeypox in the USA

A review article by Daniel B. Di Giulio and Paul B. Eckburg reports the first confirmed cases of monkeypox in the US, likely introduced through the pet trade and rodent importation. The disease has been mild in the US, with no fatalities, but poses a risk of endemicity in US rodent populations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 7, 2004