Articles tagged with Epidemics
The Global Health Security Index reveals severe weaknesses in countries' abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to significant disease outbreaks. The average overall score is slightly over 40 out of a possible 100, with the lowest-scoring category being having a sufficient health sector.
Filters are ineffective and contribute to global plastic pollution, with the largest part being non-biodegradable cellulose acetate. Experts recommend banning filtered cigarettes to reduce waste and strengthen ties between environment and health communities.
Conflict events repeatedly reversed a declining phase of the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to researchers. Vaccination effectiveness was severely impacted by preceding unrest and subsequent conflict events, dropping from 52% to 4.8%.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received $2.8 million in NIH funding to investigate non-opioid pain management solutions for adults with kidney disease. The study aims to find effective treatments to alleviate chronic pain and improve quality of life for patients on maintenance dialysis.
A review of autopsy reports reveals that early in the HIV epidemic, the average age of death was 36, increasing to 54 by 2010 due to development of antiviral therapies. However, people are still dying predominantly from underlying disease rather than just old age, with infections like pneumonia and hepatitis C contributing to deaths.
A genomics study reveals an undetected Zika outbreak in Cuba in 2017, which peaked around the same time international health agencies thought the epidemic was nearing its end. The study uses genomic sequencing and travel patterns to reconstruct virus ancestry and outbreak dynamics, providing insights into how viruses can spread silently.
Researchers discovered a spike in Zika cases among travelers returning from Cuba in 2017, which was not reported locally. The study found that mosquito control measures may have initially mitigated transmission but need to be maintained.
A team of scientists developed a technique to coat low-cost paper with a liquid-infused polymer layer, creating a portable lab for field laboratory tests. The coated paper performed significantly better than uncoated paper in terms of fluid delivery and accuracy.
Researchers estimate that opioid misuse reduced state tax revenue by over $11 billion and increased Medicaid costs associated with opioid use disorder to more than $3 billion. The study also found significant costs to the child welfare system, criminal justice system, and education sector.
A recent study published in Pediatric Obesity found that Leeds, England has bucked the global trend by reducing childhood obesity by 6.4%. The decline coincided with a strategy targeting families with preschool children in poor areas, utilizing the Health Exercise Nutrition for the Really Young (HENRY) intervention program.
A substantial increase in BMI has been observed since the 1960s, with both genetically predisposed and non-predisposed individuals experiencing weight gain. The study's findings suggest that genetic predisposition interacts with an increasingly obesogenic environment to contribute to higher BMI in recent decades.
A new epidemic forecast model developed by Texas A&M researchers can accurately predict disease trajectories by taking into account human behavior. This allows for more effective resource allocation during outbreaks, reducing the risk of over-preparation and public mistrust.
Researchers have retraced the pathogen's route as it spread from Pará State in North Brazil. Yellow fever virus was detected in dead monkeys and mosquitoes, revealing a 40-year-old strain behind current epidemic.
A new study estimates that half of all Ebola outbreaks have gone undetected since the virus was discovered in 1976. The research highlights the need for improved detection and rapid response to prevent future epidemics.
Research finds hearts from overdose death donors are as suitable as others, offering a solution to the growing organ shortage. The opioid epidemic has increased the number of organs available for transplant, including lungs and potentially other organs.
Researchers developed a new methodology to calculate vulnerability based on adaptive capacity, which can help international bodies allocate resources. The study found that the most vulnerable states are not necessarily those with high confirmed cases, but rather those that struggle to cope with the disease.
The University of Miami has established a new center, CHARM, to study mental health disparities and curtail the local HIV/AIDS epidemic. The center aims to address behavioral factors that perpetuate the disease, particularly in poor and marginalized communities.
Research finds that adult cases with respiratory symptoms are more likely to transmit the virus, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions. Contacts exposed to respiratory secretions are also at higher risk, emphasizing the need for protective measures among spouses and caregivers.
A new survey of over 200 internal medicine residents suggests that better training is needed to increase the prescribing of PrEP, a proven tool to prevent HIV transmission among high-risk individuals. The study's findings highlight the importance of improving residency training programs nationwide.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that climate change may be contributing to a mysterious epidemic of chronic kidney disease among agricultural workers. The researchers found that heat exposure and heavy labor are common factors in the disease, which is also linked to toxins such as glyphosate and lead.
The US is falling short in tackling HIV, with new infections remaining high at 40,000 annually. Effective strategies learned from Africa's response can help bring the epidemic under control.
A study by Penn State researchers estimates that the US government lost up to $37.8 billion in tax revenue between 2000 and 2016 due to opioid-related employment loss. The state of Pennsylvania was among the hardest hit, with approximately $638.2 million lost in income and sales tax.
A novel study creates a new metric to illustrate disadvantaged areas nationwide, highlighting the regions with the highest disparity between opioid-related deaths and access to treatment providers. The study found that nearly 32% of US counties lack any treatment programs, while over 19% have a low number of treatment programs per death.
Acute flaccid myelitis, caused by recent infections including polioviruses or non-polio enteroviruses, presents significant challenges to patients and researchers. Early intensive physical therapy has shown promise in improving outcomes for polio patients, suggesting potential benefits for AFM patients.
New research examines the link between Chinese famine and Type 2 diabetes, finding little evidence for an association. The study suggests that existing studies had limitations in design and control groups, which may have led to inaccurate conclusions.
The US opioid epidemic has rapidly shifted to the Eastern states, with synthetic opioids accounting for most recent deaths. The study found that eight states have highest rates of opioid-related deaths, with Florida and Pennsylvania experiencing doubling mortality rates every two years.
A USC study found that the US has the highest drug overdose death rates among high-income countries, with mortality rates tripling over the past two decades. The study suggests that the epidemic is contributing to the widening gap in life expectancy between the US and other high-income countries.
A new study finds that the US has the highest rates of drug overdose mortality among high-income countries, with a rate 3.5 times higher on average. The country's overdose death rate has increased rapidly over the past decade, outpacing other nations.
A mathematical model estimates chlamydia's R0 value, indicating the disease's potential spread. The multi-group SIR model with age structure yields an R0 estimate between 1.0148 and 1.0535 for Japan's outbreak.
New research finds elk in Wyoming's Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest avoid beetle-killed areas during summer months. Elk strongly avoid these areas due to the need to expend significant amounts of energy to walk over downed logs and cool themselves.
Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School used a new model-inference system to estimate population susceptibility and demographical characteristics in three key locations in China. The study found that catch-up vaccination targeting migrant populations may be an efficient means of controlling current epidemics in big cities, wh...
Researchers found that prior dengue virus immunity reduces risk of Zika infection and severity of symptoms in a Brazilian favela study. Nearly 73% of community residents were infected with ZIKV during the outbreak.
Researchers predict a significant increase in opioid overdose deaths from 33,100 in 2015 to 81,700 in 2025, with illicit opioids accounting for 80% of these deaths. Interventions targeting prescription opioid misuse are expected to decrease overdose deaths by only 3-5%.
A recent study found that elk avoid areas with extensive tree mortality due to bark-beetle epidemics. This avoidance leads to a decline in preferred habitat for elk, impacting wildlife and land managers managing populations in affected areas.
The HEROES program, launched in 2018, provides comprehensive treatment for opioid abusers and offers assertive outreach to those struggling with addiction. The program has seen success with nearly 150 patients remaining drug-free for over 30 days.
A study projects a 147% increase in opioid overdose deaths from 2015 to 2025, with illicit opioids causing most deaths. Interventions targeting prescription opioids are expected to have only a minimal impact on reducing overdose deaths.
Researchers found a significant increase in infection-related stroke hospitalizations from 1993 to 2015, with the greatest increases seen in women and young people. The study suggests that addressing the opioid epidemic is crucial in reducing this public health problem.
A new 'Cascade of Care' framework aims to address gaps in addiction care and monitor treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder. The model identifies key stages through which people must progress to increase the chance of reaching remission, and emphasizes prevention services targeting populations by risk level.
A new survey technique estimates that 1,857 people injected drugs in Cabell County, W.Va. in the last six months. The study provides valuable data to help tailor response strategies for rural communities battling the opioid epidemic.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed an algorithm that can predict porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) outbreaks with approximately 80% accuracy. The algorithm uses weekly farm-level incidence data, including animal movements and environmental factors, to identify neighborhoods at high risk of PEDV spread.
The new data reveal an estimated 2.3 million people living with Hepatitis C infection in the U.S. between 2013 and 2016, with a high burden in the West and Appalachian states. HepVu's interactive maps provide a comprehensive picture of the disease's impact on states to inform researchers and public health decision-makers.
An investigation by Susan Greenhalgh reveals how Coca-Cola influenced China's health policies through institutional, financial, and personal links. The company's focus on physical fitness over dietary restrictions has aligned with official obesity policy.
Researchers argue that the opioid crisis requires a comprehensive approach, building on lessons from the AIDS epidemic. A five-point action plan is proposed to address cultural, social, economic, and structural barriers to care.
The strain of cholera causing the current outbreak in Yemen was estimated to come from Eastern Africa and entered the country through human migration. Genomic data analysis has enabled researchers to estimate the risk of future outbreaks and inform targeted interventions.
Researchers develop a time-varying network model that factors in individual dynamics and burstiness to better explain the relationship between social activity and disease spread. The model shows that self-excitement mechanisms lower the epidemic threshold, increasing disease communicability.
A Johns Hopkins report highlights Yemen's inadequate cholera preparedness and response, citing gaps in surveillance, access to populations, and coordination. The authors recommend improving disease surveillance, integrating health and WASH sectors, and boosting laboratory capacity to better prepare for future epidemics.
High-dose opioids are widely prescribed for chronic pain, but can cause self-perpetuating therapy and withdrawal. The Canadian government should recall these formulations to regulate dangerous prescribing practices. This would help fuel the opioid crisis, particularly among patients with addiction.
A potential joint US-Mexico opioid epidemic is looming due to relaxed regulations, increased demand, and pharmaceutical pressure. The study highlights the need for US resources to mitigate a possible epidemic in Mexico.
A mathematical model revealed that spotted hyenas take over a decade to recover from the CDV epidemic due to their slow reproduction rate. The study emphasizes the importance of age and social status in disease spread, with high-ranking females playing a crucial role in population recovery.
Researchers are sampling annual bluegrass populations across Tennessee to quantify herbicide resistance and develop new diagnostic assays. The goal is to optimize management plans that integrate cultural and chemical techniques to mitigate resistance.
A recent study published in SCIENCE CHINA Life Sciences reveals significant advancements in diabetes research in China since 1995, with a substantial increase in publication numbers and citation metrics. The study highlights the need to address the growing diabetes epidemic, suggesting opportunities for new drug development, high-quali...
Researchers link declines in life expectancy to rising medical costs and structural issues like democratic institutions failure and economic stagnation, not just opioid epidemic
A new study analyzing nearly 600,000 unintentional drug overdoses reveals a smooth exponential growth curve nationwide. Regional hotspots have been identified, except for select areas in the north central US.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found death rates from drug overdoses have been growing exponentially for at least 15 years, suggesting a long-term process driving the epidemic. The study suggests that prevention efforts must address deeper factors beyond specific drugs to be successful.
Researchers studied blood samples from 3,740 children and 1,074 adults in Managua, Nicaragua, after the 2016 Zika epidemic. The study found a high post-epidemic seroprevalence of 36% in children and 56% in adults, with immunity rates higher in females and increasing nonlinearly with age.
Researchers at Imperial College London identified the cause of enterovirus outbreaks as linked to birth rates. The model predicts subsequent outbreaks, allowing for vaccine design and anticipation of outbreak impact.
A study in Guatemala finds type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes affect 25% of the indigenous population, with age being a significant risk factor rather than obesity. The prevalence has more than doubled since 2003, and researchers attribute this to aging, increased physical inactivity, and insulin resistance.
Researchers found that Ebola outbreaks have a lasting negative impact on Liberian agricultural production, income, and food security. Despite no difference in annual household income between affected and unaffected areas, communities with EVD experienced greater crop production losses.
Namibia achieved high levels of viral load suppression among women and adults, with progress attributed to targeted expansion of prevention and treatment services. However, gaps remain in western Africa, particularly among young women and men, highlighting the need for expanded primary HIV prevention and treatment resources.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that congressional districts in the southeastern US and Appalachia have the highest opioid prescribing rates. These areas were followed closely by rural west states. On the other hand, districts near urban centers tend to have lower prescribing rates.