Articles tagged with Epidemics
A global early warning system for infectious diseases is proposed to use computer models to forecast disease risk and inform targeted responses. This system could shift the paradigm from reactive to pre-emptive management of risk, minimizing damages and improving global health security.
A study published in Virus Evolution found that unconventional transmission routes like semen and breast milk contributed to the tail-end of the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. The research used real-time sequencing of Ebola virus genomes to track the source of infection for some final cases.
A global health emergency is looming due to the rapid spread and potential future outbreaks of yellow fever, say Georgetown University professors. The ongoing epidemic, particularly in Angola, has led to a significant shortage of vaccines and calls for an urgent international response.
Research suggests that climate change and resulting water shortages are linked to an increase in chronic kidney disease caused by dehydration and heat stress. The study found that rural hot communities are disproportionately affected, with risks increasing for cognitive dysfunction, malnutrition, and other conditions.
The 2013-2014 sea star wasting epidemic had a significant impact on the Oregon coast population, with up to 80% of sea stars dying during the outbreak. However, by spring 2015, the population was recovering in numbers, with study sites having up to 300 times as many new sea stars as in 2014.
The California sudden oak death epidemic cannot be stopped, but its impact can be reduced by starting control measures earlier. Mathematical modeling shows that targeting the 'wave-front' of the disease and 'front-loading' the budget are more effective methods of control.
A team of doctors analyzed brain scans of 23 babies born with microcephaly associated with Zika, revealing severe brain damage and abnormalities. The study found extremely severe brain calcification, malformations of cortical development, and delayed myelination in most cases.
A warming climate is expanding Europe's seasonal window for mosquito-borne dengue fever, posing a significant global health concern. The study found that increased temperatures will intensify the ability of Aedes mosquitoes to transmit the disease, putting much of Europe at risk of seasonal outbreaks by the end of the century.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that diagnostic tests are crucial for forecasting major epidemics. The study shows that precise estimates of infected individuals cannot be inferred from data based on symptomatic cases alone, highlighting the need for reliable diagnostic tests to detect presymptomatic infections.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to analyze the Zika virus strain isolated from an infected patient in French Polynesia. The analysis revealed that Zika's structure is similar to other flaviviruses, but with a slight difference in a region important for binding to antibodies and host receptors.
Researchers found Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in over half of hospitalized children with pneumonia in Beijing, predicting an ongoing epidemic. The study may help clinicians slow the spread of the disease.
Researchers propose a novel framework to uncover hidden patterns of transmission and identify super spreaders in epidemics. Asymptomatic carriers can play a significant role in spreading diseases, and understanding their contribution is crucial for targeted interventions.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that healthcare providers' concerns about prescription drug abuse can lead to changes in prescribing and dispensing practices. The survey of nearly 6,000 health professionals revealed a majority were very concerned, but some dentists were relatively unconcerned.
A new policy report in Science issues recommendations for responding to infectious disease epidemics, citing the Ebola crisis as a framework. The report proposes rebuilding local health care infrastructures and improving international response capabilities.
A new analysis of deformed wing virus shows that the Varroa mite has spread globally due to human trade, contributing to an endemic to epidemic shift. The study provides insights into worldwide transmission routes and dynamics of DWV.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur in French Guiana have sequenced the complete genome of the Zika virus, showing almost complete homology with strains responsible for the 2013-2014 Pacific epidemic. The analysis provides a major starting point for understanding how the virus behaves and shedding light on its impact.
A review analysis suggests that patient location and travel mapping limitations contributed to the Ebola epidemic's spread. Employing community members in mapping and education could have helped contain the outbreak.
A study develops new methods to detect the onset of critical transitions in infectious disease epidemics, such as malaria. The method identifies the critical slowing-down period in human cases, suggesting that eradicating the disease could be anticipated even without a full understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
A recent study by Dr. Anthony Griffiths reveals that the Ebola virus has a high frequency of spontaneous mutation, which could prove useful for developing therapies. Increasing the mutation rate may make the virus non-viable, providing a potential therapeutic tool against the disease.
A new mathematical model helps researchers predict the spread of dengue fever in urban areas by analyzing neighborhood conditions and human travel patterns. The SIR-Network model reveals that central neighborhoods are crucial hubs for transmission, emphasizing the need for countermeasures before epidemics peak.
Researchers found that South Africa reduced childhood deaths associated with HIV but failed to meet the MDG4 goal due to its narrow definition. The country's progress is deemed a 'success' when considering overall child mortality levels, despite not meeting the target.
A York University study found that vaccination strategies should be adjusted based on region-specific characteristics, such as age demographics and virus transmission rates. Early vaccination leads to better public health outcomes, including reduced infection rates, hospitalizations, and stress on healthcare systems.
A novel statistical model mapped the spread of the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, providing the most detailed picture to date. The analysis suggests two critical opportunities to control the epidemic and identifies two critical points where intervention could have been more effective.
A study of 7,699 fast food diners in NYC and NJ found that calorie labels don't reduce overall calories consumed. While some consumers notice and respond to calorie counts, awareness decreases over time, suggesting a need for multi-faceted approaches to address obesity.
TB researchers propose a biosocial approach combining biomedical interventions with social actions to address root causes of the disease, which include poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowding. The strategy aims to reduce morbidity and mortality while alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development.
The prevalence of nonmedical use of prescription opioids decreased among adults in the US from 2003 to 2013, while the prevalence of prescription opioid use disorders and related deaths increased. The study highlights the need for coordinated efforts to address nonmedical use of prescription opioids and heroin abuse.
A study by University of Florida scientist Derek Cummings found that high temperatures during strong El Niño seasons increase dengue incidence in Southeast Asia. Urban areas act as 'pacemakers' for traveling waves of epidemics moving to nearby rural areas.
A recent study found that dengue epidemics are more likely to occur during abnormally high temperatures brought by El Niño weather patterns. The research team analyzed 18 years of data and discovered synchronicity in dengue transmission across the entire region, highlighting the need for improved disease surveillance and control efforts.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that employees using sit-stand desks stood for 60 minutes more per day and burned up to 87 more calories than those with sitting desks, supporting the redesigning of office environments as a potential approach to fighting obesity.
Researchers developed a method to estimate real-time death risk during outbreaks, revealing that older patients and those with pre-existing illnesses had significantly higher mortality rates. The study applied this method to the 2015 Korean MERS epidemic, showing an estimated 20% overall mortality rate.
A study by Umeå University researchers found that population growth is responsible for 86% of the increase in dengue incidence in Singapore, with climate change and urban heat islands contributing to the remaining 14%. The findings have significant implications for predicting future trends in dengue epidemics.
A new study uses mobile phone records to predict the geographical spread and timing of dengue epidemics, providing critical early warning to policymakers. The model accurately forecasts outbreaks in locations of recent epidemics and emerging trouble spots, enabling national control programs to plan in near real time.
Experts claim number of people with dementia in some Western European countries is stabilizing. The findings suggest a decrease in prevalence and incidence of dementia across specific age groups.
Researchers found genetic changes in group A streptococcus that increase toxin production, contributing to large epidemics. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of epidemic bacterial infections and potential strategies for developing novel therapeutics.
A Kansas State University study uses aggregated data to estimate detailed cattle movement and predict disease risk in the US. The research reveals a significant risk of disease infiltration, highlighting the need for more accurate epidemic models and animal movement parameters.
A sociologist has revealed significant traces of HIV in Montreal's urban landscape, including public spaces like Park of Hope and the Chapel of Hope. These urban vestiges reflect the history and presence of the gay community and the fight against AIDS.
Researchers discovered that dengue virus adapts by interacting with host RNA and proteins, allowing it to bypass the immune response. This finding explains the 1994 Puerto Rico epidemic and may help predict future outbreaks.
Singapore researchers have identified specific molecular interactions in the dengue virus genome that allow it to manipulate human immune defenses and spread more efficiently. These genetic changes increase the virus's capacity for epidemic outbreaks, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and response strategies.
Scientists at the Institut Pasteur sequenced three distinct Ebola virus variants co-circulating in Guinea, with each variant defined by unique mutations affecting viral proteins. The study highlights the genetic diversity of the viruses circulating in Guinea during the epidemic's spread and will aid in optimizing treatments and vaccines.
A new mathematical model investigates the impact of individual movement on infectious disease spread, finding that spatial dispersal can create up to nine stable equilibria. The study highlights the importance of considering both backward bifurcation and spatial mobility in epidemiology.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that a low-cost, non-profit weight loss program offers clinically significant and long-term weight loss results. The TOPS program, which costs just $92 a year, was shown to be effective in maintaining weight loss for over seven years.
Global health experts offer a new framework for creating a robust global health system with national health systems at its foundation. The framework proposes key priorities, including funding, technical excellence, operational capacities, normative standards, regional offices, and engaging non-state parties.
New estimates suggest that the West African Ebola outbreak could have resulted in comparable number of malaria deaths as those due to Ebola itself. Implementing mass drug administration and ITN campaigns may largely mitigate the impact of Ebola on malaria.
The Ebola epidemic has revealed critical weaknesses in the global public health system, including delayed responses and inadequate resources. Experts recommend adjusting WHO criteria for public health emergencies and increasing local authority involvement to develop culturally appropriate measures.
Researchers say treating human health as part of an ecosystem can resolve problems like antibiotic crisis and obesity epidemic. Professor Mark Wahlqvist advocates for integrative approaches to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of nature and varied diets.
New research reveals that established HIV epidemics conserve 'founder effects', slowing the spread of secondary strains. This means the dominant strains may not be the most transmissible, but rather lucky to have been picked up early in the pandemic.
Researchers from Arizona State University and Georgia State University model the impact of timely diagnostic testing on Ebola's spread across populations. Early detection provides the opportunity to safely isolate and treat individuals before they become contagious, significantly reducing the number of infected individuals.
A report by The BMJ found that only around two-thirds of Ebola donations ($1.9 billion) reached affected countries, with delays in disbursements potentially contributing to the spread of the virus. Expert Karen Grépin argues that existing mechanisms need improvement to enable rapid deployment of funds for future public health threats.
A recent study found that communities with higher levels of Indigenous language knowledge and cultural continuity have significantly lower diabetes rates, contrary to expectations. The research suggests that reconnecting Aboriginal Canadians to their cultural roots may be a crucial factor in addressing the epidemic of modern times.
A new model developed by ecologists at the University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University predicts that the Ebola epidemic in Liberia can be largely contained by June 2015 if hospitalization rates and safe burial practices are maintained. The model, which includes factors such as location of infection and treatment, hospital c...
Healthcare workers face difficulties in differentiating between obstetric emergencies and suspected Ebola cases, while limited evidence exists on asymptomatic pregnant women. The article highlights the need for continual assessment of minimising risk to healthcare workers while providing lifesaving care.
A new model developed by ecologists at the University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University projects that the Ebola epidemic in Liberia can be largely contained by June if an 85% hospitalization rate is achieved. The model takes into account various factors such as infection location, treatment, hospital capacity, and safe buria...
A new study projects that the US drug overdose epidemic will peak at 50,000 annual deaths in 2017 before declining to 6,000 deaths in 2035. The researchers use Farr's Law to analyze the rise and fall of epidemics and predict a similar decline based on trends in prescription painkiller deaths.
Ebola survivors can donate blood, care for sick patients, and generate community-based responses. Employing trained survivors as caregivers could also provide a source of income.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals buried as potential 'vampires' in 17th-18th century Poland were likely local residents. The research used radiogenic strontium isotope ratios to determine the origin of the individuals, and the results suggested a predominantly local population. This suggests that these burials may h...
A recent review reports on the devastating effects of the Syrian conflict on the healthcare system, including outbreaks of poliomyelitis, measles, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Vaccination coverage has dropped dramatically, hampering efforts to combat these epidemics.
A new model developed at NYU School of Engineering aims to accurately predict the spread of epidemics by accounting for individual human behavior and contagion. The researchers hope this model will help determine who should be vaccinated or isolated first and what travel restrictions are most effective in preventing different epidemics.
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.
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 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.