Articles tagged with Epidemics
A mathematical model developed by Don Klinkenberg suggests that partial vaccinations can effectively control the spread of swine fever. The model indicates that vaccination reduces the spread of the virus but does not completely prevent it, allowing for epidemic persistence for several months.
The region is facing a major public health crisis with an estimated 1 million individuals already infected, mostly through injecting drug use. Improved measures are urgently needed to prevent further HIV spread and protect vulnerable populations.
The Bush administration is considering implementing a pro-life policy that would restrict foreign non-governmental organizations from receiving US funds if they provide abortions or lobby for abortion liberalization. This policy threatens the $15 billion HIV/AIDS fund, which relies on local clinics providing family-planning and materna...
Researchers discovered a new mouse virus that can help study human noroviruses, which cause 90% of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. The findings suggest that innate immunity is essential for fighting off the virus and have implications for commercial facilities using immune-deficient mice.
The number of UK deaths from vCJD has been declining, with a stabilization in the rate of mortality. The disease's mortality rate is no longer increasing exponentially, but further confirmation is needed to determine if the epidemic is in permanent decline.
Researchers estimate that 90% of the population is gaining up to 50 extra calories a day, which can be addressed by taking an extra mile of walking each day. Closing the energy gap will also require a fundamental change in how people think about physical fitness.
Cardiff University academics predict a new foot and mouth disease outbreak due to inadequate funding and lax regulations. The report criticizes the government's handling of previous outbreaks, including 'horribly cruel' slaughtering practices.
A study estimates that US HIV prevention efforts saved between 204,000 to 1.585 million lives and resulted in cost savings of at least $11 billion since the onset of the epidemic, with a cost per infection prevented ranging from under $50,000 to $6,400.
Researchers found a fourfold increase in cerebral infarct deaths compared to hemorrhage between the 1930s and 1990s. This trend closely matched that of coronary heart disease, suggesting a common cause for these diseases, but differing from cerebral hemorrhage which showed a steady decline
The Lancet Seminar highlights the role of adverse environmental factors in childhood obesity and advocates for straightforward solutions. Comprehensive measures targeting energy intake and expenditure are necessary to prevent and treat obesity in children.
A UCLA study found that treating more people in developing countries with antiretroviral drug therapy can eliminate HIV on a community level, even without eradicating it in individuals. The research suggests that treatment and prevention are not two separate approaches, but rather intertwined strategies to save lives.
The African HIV-1/AIDS epidemic is reaching catastrophic levels, with significant implications for the region's healthcare infrastructure. Co-existing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), malaria, and tuberculosis further complicate the situation, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions to mitigate these consequences.
Climate change is disrupting natural ecosystems, making life better for infectious diseases, says a team of experts. Warmer temperatures are causing disease outbreaks in coral reefs, oyster populations, and bird species, as well as increasing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses like Rift Valley Fever.
Researchers found that higher energy consumption significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke across all age groups. The study also revealed that Americans of all ages are consuming more restaurant food, including fast food, than a generation ago.
Researchers investigate church records to reconstruct the virulence, spacial diffusion and temporal dynamics of the Black Death. They argue that the disease was transmitted through person-to-person contact, contrary to traditional theories linking it to bubonic plague.
Researchers discuss biological and cultural factors behind global obesity trend, citing rapid urbanization and technology as contributing causes. Childhood malnutrition and stunted growth are paradoxically linked to adult obesity in many places.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mozambique is taking a toll on education, leading to reduced school enrollments, graduation rates, and quality of education. The report predicts that the country's economy will be smaller than expected by 2010 due to reduced productivity growth, population growth, human capital accumulation, and physical capita...
Researchers found a strong relationship between climate event El Niño and outbreaks of Bartonellosis, an insect-borne disease highly fatal to humans. The study suggests that warming of the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean is closely linked to the worst outbreaks, occurring one to three months after El Niño.
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.
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.
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.
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.