Articles tagged with Epidemics
A new UCSF study reveals that the KSHV epidemic in San Francisco gay men occurred before the HIV epidemic, and was linked to oral intercourse. The study found a steady prevalence of KSHV infection among gay men from 1978 to 1995, despite a significant decline in unprotected anal intercourse.
A recent yellow fever outbreak in Guinea highlights insufficient international stocks of the 17D yellow fever vaccine, which can protect for at least 10 years. WHO recommends an emergency stockpile of 1 million doses to provide a rapid response to large outbreaks.
Measles researchers used statistical techniques to pinpoint epidemic patterns in cities, revealing a two-year cycle, with larger cities catching on faster. The disease spreads through waves at about 5 kilometers per week, primarily carried by school children.
A study in Orel, Russia, has found a significant increase in tuberculosis cases linked to growing HIV infections. The authors call for better surveillance and public health measures to prevent further spread.
A recent study by Imperial College London has provided insights into the Foot and Mouth epidemic in Great Britain, revealing that large farms with many animals are more infectious and susceptible to disease. The analysis also highlights fragmented farms as a significant risk factor for transmission.
A genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene provides protection against HIV infection, slowing the spread of AIDS in African populations. Studies suggest that this mutation may be more common in European populations due to historical epidemics.
A new model for detecting early meningitis epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa has been developed, using weekly incidence thresholds to identify outbreaks. The model uses clinic-based weekly incidence of 5-10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to detect all meningitis epidemics with high sensitivity.
Researchers suggest emphasizing law enforcement at early stages of a new drug epidemic, then shifting funds to treatment when use flattens. The model is based on data from the U.S. cocaine epidemic and takes into account market and price dynamics, including the role of initiation, cessation, and treatment.
The American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene has warned of an emerging dengue fever crisis in South Texas. The region's high population density and abundance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are fueling increased disease transmission, with risks including epidemic dengue hemorrhagic fever and death.
A national committee recommends a strategy focused on better tracking of HIV infections, coupled with funding the most cost-effective prevention programs. The approach aims to significantly cut new infections, particularly in high-risk populations.
At the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) conference, scientists from Africa, Caribbean, and US/Europe discussed HIV/AIDS challenges in the developing world. They emphasized the need for more North-South partnerships to address affordable therapies and preventative vaccines.
The First Annual Civil War Medical Symposium will examine the influence of the mid-1800s conflict on modern medicine. Four physicians will discuss specific medical advances resulting from the war, including improvements in nerve injury treatment and smallpox vaccination.
A new mathematical model explains changing patterns in epidemics by analyzing historical data on measles outbreaks. The research reveals that increases or decreases in birth rates or vaccination rates cause dramatic changes in epidemic patterns.
A US trade and aid embargo against Cuba has contributed to significant public health problems, according to Yale Medical School professor Michele Barry. The embargo has led to epidemics of blindness due to nutrient scarcity, infants ingesting lye instead of soap, and outbreaks of Guillain-Barre syndrome caused by contaminated water.
A historical review suggests that European dancing traditions may have roots in a neurological disorder causing dance-like movements. The Dancing Procession of Echternach, which occurs on the Tuesday following Pentecost, has been linked to the medieval disease hysteric chorea, which caused involuntary dance-like movements.
The largest health system study of its kind reveals a chronic heart failure epidemic in the US. Researchers found that annual heart failure cases more than doubled at Henry Ford Health System from 1989-1997, with prevalence rising to 20 cases per 1000 patients.