Articles tagged with Disease Outbreaks
A new study from IHME found that chewing tobacco use contributed to an estimated 251,000 deaths globally in 2023, with health loss concentrated in South Asia. Chewing tobacco use was more common among males than females, with significant variations by age and sex.
UVA Engineering AI researcher Chen Chen is developing trustworthy AI systems to forecast infectious disease epidemics, combining multiple data sources like reported cases, wastewater surveillance, and human travel data. Her approach aims to predict where diseases will spread and help public health officials respond effectively.
A study by University College London found that human impacts increase the risk of emerging infectious disease outbreaks, particularly in areas with fragmented ecosystems and climate change. The researchers identified a clear 'anthropogenic fingerprint' on the global geography of emerging infectious diseases, with factors driving outbr...
A new study reveals that public health officials are facing intense backlash, with 76% experiencing threats or harassment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers identified successful strategies, such as promoting civil discourse and building relationships with local businesses, that may reduce backlash.
The University of Oxford has been awarded €8m to develop an AI model for pandemic detection, assessment and response. The PANDAI project aims to transform the detection, assessment, prediction and response to global disease threats by combining epidemiology expertise with artificial intelligence tools.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that people who swim in rivers and lakes are more than twice as likely to develop skin problems. Higher levels of bacteria linked to faecal pollution are also associated with an increased risk of stomach bugs. The study, which analyzed data from 2,368 volunteers, found that swimmers ...
A 2-year multicenter cohort study found that most hospitalized survivors maintained or regained cognitive function after Omicron infection, while older and reinfected patients may face progressive decline. The study identified age, infection history, and disease severity as risk factors for progressive decline.
A new viewpoint article in BioScience suggests using multiple working hypotheses and strong inference to break the logjam in the COVID-19 origins debate. The approach, inspired by a 1890 paper, aims to distinguish among competing explanations and improve analytical processes guided by an objective consortium of scientists.
Researchers developed a model to optimize countermeasures while considering containment costs, identifying a clear threshold for optimal control. The study found that measures become necessary only when the disease reaches a certain severity, and that vaccination campaigns can help reduce transmission rates.
Researchers have compiled ten fundamental mechanisms governing the development of pandemics, highlighting the importance of understanding biological, mathematical, and social factors. These mechanisms can help improve preparedness and response to future pandemics by identifying key drivers of outbreak dynamics.
A study in Arequipa, Peru, found that a decentralized, immune-inspired surveillance model detected 23 infested households compared to just one through the conventional strategy. The new approach allowed local public health staff to accept reports of infestations and expand outreach to nearby areas.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to reconstruct COVID-19 spread in Dutch schools, showing that targeted closures can reduce hospital admissions. The study highlights the value of mathematical models for informing public health decisions during outbreaks.
Researchers have created an affordable and highly effective mosquito repellent distilled from locally grown catnip plants, comparable to DEET-based products. The nepetalactone-based lotion has been shown to repel mosquitoes responsible for malaria transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Healthcare-associated transmission of Andes virus is uncommon but can occur when infection is not recognized early or protective measures are delayed, research suggests. Implementing transmission-based precautions at earliest stages of infection can prevent transmission in healthcare settings.
Researchers propose a voluntary labelling scheme using 'STABILISED' to indicate products with minimal risk of Listeria infection. The scheme aims to help consumers choose safe products and reduce the number of people falling ill with Listeria infections.
A new study analyzing over 11,000 YouTube videos and comments found that online discussions surrounding avian influenza transformed scientific information into broader debates involving institutional trust, politics, and alternative interpretations of disease risk. The analysis identified dominant themes, emotional patterns, and shifts...
JMIR Publications invites submissions on the 2026 Ebola disease public health emergency of international concern, focusing on response strategies, risk communication, and surveillance. The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency due to population mobility and ongoing uncertainty in the Democratic Republic of th...
Researchers at Texas A&M University develop a laser technique called TRIP to directly measure quantum forces shaping proteins, enabling accurate prediction of how pharmaceutical drugs interact with them. This breakthrough could lead to the design of medicines tailored to specific diseases, revolutionizing precision medicine.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have developed a first-ever vaccine against leishmaniasis, a disease putting 10% of the world at risk. The vaccine is expected to start clinical trials this year and has shown 100% effectiveness in animal studies.
A study analyzing all known Ebola disease cases outside Africa since 1976 found a low overall risk of exportation. Local, community-based case management and infection prevention at the outbreak source are considered key strategies to mitigate transmission risk.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that 'cross-reactive' T cells can recognize multiple species of paramyxovirus, including measles and Nipah viruses. This broad protection is essential in combating emerging diseases with unknown viral strains.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults with better Life's Essential 8 scores had lower odds of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19. The research suggests that having a healthy heart helps prepare the body for real-life stress tests, such as infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Climate change is likely to spread chikungunya virus into temperate regions like northeastern North America, central Europe, and East Asia, with the Asian tiger mosquito playing a key role in transmission. Public health officials should prepare by tracking mosquitoes, training doctors, and strengthening control measures by 2040.
A 2021 dog daycare outbreak in LA County revealed critical gaps in vaccinations and animal-to-human transmission. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, can cause severe illness in dogs and flu-like symptoms in humans.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that combining key vaccine ingredients could give the body the tools it needs to fight the entire family of arenaviruses with a single vaccine. This approach may protect against life-threatening infections from Lassa virus, Junin virus, and many other arenaviruses.
Researchers used wastewater surveillance to detect drug-resistant Candida auris strains up to five months before patients showed symptoms, opening a new frontier for hospitals. The study found higher detection rates and concentrations of the pathogen in hospital wastewater compared to community-scale treatment plants.
A study found that airborne viruses can spread between separated indoor spaces through shared bathroom ventilation systems. The study, conducted in a high-rise building in Spain, confirmed COVID-19 transmission through vertical ventilation shafts, highlighting the risk of disease transmission in older buildings.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that the US missed four out of seven measles elimination status indicators, with most at risk. The latest outbreak has spread continuously for over a year and affected 45 states since January 2025.
A new handbook produced jointly by Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg aims to improve decision-making and preparedness for future pandemics. The handbook provides practical guidance on how mathematical models can be used to inform decision-making, particularly in times of crisis.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a promising new vaccine approach against highly pathogenic bird flu (H5N1) that demonstrates strong efficacy in both mice and dairy cattle. The vaccine platform protects against multiple H5N1 strains and generates immunity in both the bloodstream and respiratory tract.
Researchers developed an AI tool called PathogenFinder2 that can detect harmful bacteria before they infect humans. The tool uses protein language models and has been shown to significantly improve the detection of bacterial threats.
A new study found that over 155,000 US deaths between March 2020 and December 2021 were not officially recorded as COVID-19 deaths, highlighting critical gaps in the death investigation system. These unrecognized deaths disproportionately affected certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
Research from Stanford University reveals that warmer, wetter weather conditions linked to climate change are making disease epidemics more likely, with a study analyzing a 2023 cyclone and dengue fever outbreak in Peru estimating that 60% of cases were directly caused by extreme rainfall and warm temperatures. Targeted mosquito contro...
Researchers at Penn State found that Ebola outbreaks are influenced by environmental and human factors, including weather patterns, vegetation health, and human movement. A strong positive correlation was found between the total length of roads and rivers in outbreak locations and the number of Ebola cases reported early in each outbreak.
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.
A new index maps state-level flu risk, highlighting regional disparities and socioeconomic factors contributing to vulnerability. Policymakers can use this tool to develop targeted strategies, strengthen epidemic preparedness, and address disparities in flu risk across the US.
A new special edition of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B provides a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed studies on disease management in marine wildlife. The issue examines emerging pathogens, methodological advances, climate change, and ecosystem-based management.
A study from the University of East Anglia found that Covid lockdowns disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, leading to slower growth in executive functions. Reception-age children, who normally learn to socialize and navigate classroom routines, showed significant setbacks in cognitive flexibility and self-regulation skills.
A recent study found that chikungunya can spread in temperatures as low as 13 degrees Celsius, posing a greater health threat in Europe than previously thought. The Asian tiger mosquito is expanding northwards through the continent, and warming temperatures may lead to local outbreaks in the UK.
A sweeping new study has identified tuberculosis as the predominant cause of deadly sepsis among people with HIV in Africa. Immediate treatment for TB significantly increased survival rates, especially when treatment was started before diagnosis.
A new MERS vaccine candidate has shown a stable and functional immune response in humans that persists for at least two years after a booster vaccination. The study demonstrates that such durable immunity can be achieved through targeted booster vaccinations, providing an important step toward an effective MERS vaccine.
The new platform developed by UVA Health scientists can produce vaccines much faster, cheaper, and more easily than traditional approaches. The platform's proof-of-concept demonstrates its ability to produce highly immunogenic vaccines that can be manufactured at extremely low cost.
Current smokers are more likely to experience four symptoms associated with Long COVID, including arthralgia, chest pain and dyspnea. Dual users of combustible and heated tobacco products also show a stronger correlation with symptoms, suggesting the added use may worsen symptoms.
Researchers at NUS Medicine discovered that genetic vectors can efficiently spread antibiotic resistance within the gut, enabling even highly virulent bacteria to acquire drug resistance. This finding sheds light on the emergence of 'superbugs' in healthcare settings.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that human activity in the Amazon basin is driving an uptick in yellow fever cases. The proximity of urban areas to forests increases the risk of disease transmission, as does the growing border between forested and urban areas.
The study provides direct evidence of large-scale human mortality during the Plague of Justinian and offers insight into how people moved, lived, and became vulnerable within ancient cities. The mass grave at Jerash, Jordan, helps resolve a long-standing puzzle about ancient community dynamics.
The number of US pertussis cases has surged sixfold since the pandemic began, with over 26,600 reported in 2024. Many Americans are unaware of whooping cough symptoms or that a vaccine exists to prevent it. Despite widespread agreement on the causes and risks of the disease, vaccination rates remain low.
A new study found that adults hospitalized with RSV often struggle with breathlessness, reduced ability to perform everyday activities, and lower quality of life six to 12 months after their hospitalization. The study also showed that younger adults can experience serious RSV infections requiring hospitalization, similar to older adults.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed the fastest test yet for diagnosing hepatitis C virus, delivering results in just 15 minutes – up to 75% faster than current rapid tests. The highly accurate diagnostic could revolutionize HCV care by improving diagnosis and accelerating treatment uptake.
The APIC and SHEA have established the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG) to fill gaps in coordinated infection prevention efforts. The group aims to provide timely, evidence-informed advisory expertise to support organizational needs and promote alignment among healthcare stakeholders.
A comprehensive review of 19 multi-day events found that nearly 70% of reported emergencies were infectious disease outbreaks, with influenza, measles, and meningococcal disease being the top causes. Foodborne illnesses accounted for over one in five incidents, often linked to poor food handling practices.
PathGen is an AI-powered platform that integrates diverse data sources to provide enhanced situational awareness and decision-making support. It enables countries to respond faster to outbreaks while strengthening trust and sovereignty, reducing lives lost and livelihoods disrupted.
A new study by ESMT Berlin finds that fractional-dose vaccines can significantly reduce infections during epidemics, especially in low-resource settings. The researchers identify vaccination policies that minimize infections while accounting for limited stockpiles and administration capacity.
The FluWarning system uses genetic code analysis to detect subtle changes in flu viruses that may indicate cross-species transmission. It has been successfully applied to H5N1 bird flu and detected clusters of viral activity in the US, issuing alerts before official reports were published.
The partnership aims to co-develop and evaluate next-generation self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines targeting seasonal and pandemic influenza. Apriori's Octavia platform will be combined with A*STAR IDL's saRNA delivery technology to develop improved H5 influenza vaccines that anticipate infection in humans.
Researchers discovered a 'sticky' molecule, P-selectin, that can cause blood clots and organ failure during COVID-19. A new mRNA therapy that drives P-selectin expression provides broad protection against coronavirus infection.
A study published in Nature found that wild birds, particularly ducks, geese, and swans, are driving the current US bird flu outbreak. The viruses were introduced to North America via migratory birds and have become better adapted to infect wild birds since 2020.
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.
A study in Arequipa, Peru found that efforts to track dog-related rabies in poorer areas were lacking, despite higher disease prevalence. An active surveillance system improved data collection and analysis, revealing striking differences between risk and surveillance.
Researchers are investigating co-evolution between viruses and the immune system to predict future variants and develop effective vaccines and preventive measures. The ERC Synergy Grant will fund a six-year project, CoEvolve, led by physicists Michael Lässig and virologist Florian Klein.