Articles tagged with Disease Outbreaks
The LoCKAmp device uses lab-on-a-chip technology to detect Covid-19 and other pathogens in just three minutes, providing rapid and accurate results. The device has the potential to be used in remote healthcare settings and could also detect conditions like cancer.
A species of Asian mosquito, Anopheles stephensi, is responsible for a sharp expansion of malaria cases in Africa, particularly in urban areas. The mosquito's ability to thrive in dry conditions and adapt to new breeding sites has made it a significant threat to public health.
A new Australian study suggests harnessing genomic surveillance technology can detect the rise of deadly 'superbugs', slowing their evolution and spread to improve global health outcomes. The study highlights the need for a multifaceted 'One Health' approach to surveillance, with practical recommendations for implementation.
Researchers have developed a lab-grown human skin model that effectively replicates mpox virus infections, providing insights into the virus's mechanisms of attack on skin cells. The study reveals how the virus causes disease and identifies potential therapeutic targets, including an antiviral drug called tecovirimat.
Researchers found that antigen testing significantly reduces the probability of cluster occurrence by identifying and isolating infected persons. However, it may not be effective against highly infectious mutant strains like Omicron, highlighting the need for booster vaccination campaigns and other infection control measures.
A pilot study in Catalonia found that self-sampling is a feasible and acceptable method for diagnosing asymptomatic mpox. The study identified 7 positive cases, including 3 asymptomatic individuals, and estimated the prevalence of infection at 6.19%.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and NIH Vaccine Research Center developed an animal model that more closely mimics human infection symptoms than any existing model. This model allows for rapid testing and deployment of new vaccine candidates in a crisis scenario, potentially saving lives against bird flu.
Researchers have discovered a new plasmid in epidemic Vibrio cholerae samples that introduces genes encoding resistance to multiple antibiotics. The finding underscores the importance of genomic surveillance and suggests that the strain's stability poses a concerning factor for future outbreaks.
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body Bureau emphasizes the importance of social media regulation and digital health literacy in managing infodemics, which can spread false information on public health matters. Effective infodemic management is seen as a critical component of the Pandemic Accord to safeguard lives worldwide.
The UMass Amherst-UT Austin team has been awarded $27.5 million by the CDC to establish the nation's first disease outbreak response and modeling network. The $250 million program will support decision makers during public health emergencies like COVID-19.
A new analysis of COVID-19 cases in Africa found that the rate of infection was likely much higher than reported in the initial stages. The researchers estimated that approximately 66% of all infections were asymptomatic, while about 5% were severe and 27% were mild.
The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health is hosting a new CDC center for outbreak forecasting and response, supported by $4.5 million in funding over five years.
Researchers use genomic surveillance to identify distinct sexual networks for syphilis transmission in England, highlighting the presence of drug resistance. The study reveals information beyond standard epidemiological surveillance data, aiding public health strategies to break transmission chains.
A Pittsburgh-based surveillance system detected a drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection linked to artificial tears months before the national public health alert. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of whole genome sequencing-based surveillance in detecting outbreaks and preventing nationwide cases.
A new framework aims to build climate resilience in Europe's health systems by developing policy-relevant indicators and decision-support tools. The framework combines a holistic approach to address the interconnectedness of animals, humans, and the environment.
A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University have developed a method for forecasting short-term disease progression using limited data. The Sparsity and Delay Embedding-based Forecasting model, or SPADE4, uses machine learning to predict epidemic progressions with high accuracy.
A new AI-powered triage platform uses machine learning and metabolomics data to predict patient disease severity and length of hospitalization during a viral outbreak. The platform integrates routine clinical data, patient comorbidity information, and untargeted plasma metabolomics data to drive its predictions.
A new study found that voluntary collective isolation alone was ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among the Amazonian Tsimané. The researchers used a computer model and serological testing to confirm their predictions, showing nearly identical infection rates across communities.
A new study found that voluntary collective isolation was unlikely to prevent rapid spread of COVID-19 among the Tsimané, a small-scale Indigenous society in remote Amazonia. The simulation predicted nearly identical rates of infection in real-world data, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and medical resources
Researchers developed a deep-learning model to assess CXR images for probable COVID-19 severity. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 when predicting intensive care need within 24 hours.
A recent study published in Cell Host and Microbe reveals how flaviviruses hijack human cells to promote replication. The discovery of KAT5γ's critical role in viral replication paves the way for designing inhibitory molecules to stop viral replication.
The first locally acquired malaria cases in the US in 20 years have been reported, highlighting the need for clinicians to be vigilant about the disease's symptoms. Malaria thrives in warmer climates and can cause serious illness and death if not treated, emphasizing the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that climate influences the spread of polycystic echinococcosis, a neglected disease with high mortality rates, in the Amazon region. Climate factors can predict potential infection hotspots.
Biologists argue that building on genomic sequencing momentum is critical in society's response to future pandemics. The technology improved during the COVID-19 pandemic, but gaps remain in global infrastructure and data sharing.
A new study suggests that ancient pathogens trapped in melting permafrost could cause significant ecological damage, with up to 3% of invasive pathogens becoming dominant. The researchers found that these 'time-traveling' pathogens could lead to unpredictable results, including up to one-third of host species dying out.
A study found that targeting the bottom 12.3% of wall surfaces can kill over 85% of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, a vector for serious diseases like dengue and Zika. This approach could make indoor residual spraying cheaper and easier for individual householders to undertake.
CEPI and HMRI collaborate to leverage AI technology for faster vaccine development. The partnership aims to identify epitopes that stimulate the immune system, enabling swift clinical testing.
A new study suggests that wastewater monitoring can be an effective way to track the spread of infectious diseases. The research found that testing for COVID-19 in wastewater was an objective way to measure where the disease was spreading, with most samples processed in under four days.
A new study reveals that mobile phone data can be skewed towards more accessible populations, leading to misleading predictions and ineffective outbreak responses. Researchers urge acknowledging and measuring bias in all types of data to ensure accurate public health decisions.
A UCLA-led team is tracking mpox outbreaks across the US with a new surveillance project called CRASHED. The research aims to identify cases beyond high-risk groups and determine if mpox remains rare or resurges more broadly.
A new study found consistently high TB case rates among incarcerated people, but low detection rates. Nearly half of TB cases were not detected, highlighting the need for increased efforts to reduce TB spread in prisons.
A new study models the spread of African swine fever in US swine farms, finding that control actions can reduce secondary infections by up to 79% but an outbreak could still be persistent and costly. The model suggests that between-farm movements are the primary route of transmission.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have uncovered the atomic structure of the Langya virus, a highly infectious virus with pandemic potential. The study aims to develop broad-spectrum human vaccines and treatments for Henipaviruses, which cause severe disease and have the potential to get out of control.
Researchers at Trudeau Institute and Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that prior dengue infection can worsen Zika virus outcomes during pregnancy. Pregnant marmoset monkeys infected with dengue passed significantly more Zika virus to their fetuses than those without dengue, suggesting a link between the two viruses.
Experts highlight nine public health workforce strengths, 22 weaknesses, 14 opportunities and 14 threats in the nation's information systems. The report calls for a technology-enabled information infrastructure to deliver day-to-day essential services and respond effectively to emergencies.
Researchers discovered three 4,000-year-old cases of Yersinia pestis in human remains from mass burials in Somerset and Cumbria. The findings indicate the plague may have been easily transmitted across Britain, contradicting previous assumptions that it was brought by fleas.
A new identification tool called IDphy has been developed to accurately identify Phytophthora species, which cause significant economic and environmental losses. The tool uses data from ex-type cultures and includes features such as an interactive key, factsheets, and a mobile app.
A breakthrough surveillance tool has been developed to detect elevated risks of Buruli ulcer outbreaks in Victoria, utilizing possum 'poo' analysis. The tool reveals significant spatial correlation between clusters of Mycobacterium ulcerans positive possum excreta and human Buruli ulcer cases.
A new study by University of Wyoming researchers found that regular diagnostic testing and self-isolation can deliver higher net benefits than physical distancing strategies in combating infectious diseases. The study took into account the concept of superspreading, which made the testing-isolation approach even more effective.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights the rapid spread of avian influenza viruses worldwide, affecting wild bird populations and mammals. The authors warn that human infections with A(H5N1) can be severe and increase the risk of reassortment with mammalian viruses.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that customers who wore masks spent 25% less time shopping during the pandemic. Non-compliant customers did not change their shopping duration, despite being five times more likely to wear protective N95 masks.
A cohort study of 196 people treated with tecovirimat found that HIV status did not impact treatment outcomes. Only 22% of participants experienced nonsevere adverse effects, and 4 serious adverse events occurred, with 3 being persons with HIV. The findings contradict previous uncertainty about HIV's role in mpox acquisition.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has started clinical development of DuoChol, a new oral cholera vaccine in capsule form. This innovation offers improved thermostability, reducing storage challenges, while making vaccines more accessible to those who need them most.
Scientists have found a rare yeast pathogen, Lodderomyces elongisporus, causing neonatal outbreaks in India despite strong disinfectant bleach. The fungus is rapidly evolving and has been linked to hospital equipment and apples treated with fungicides.
Researchers at MIT have created a vaccine printer that can produce hundreds of vaccine doses in a day, using microneedle patches that can be stored long-term at room temperature. The printer can be deployed anywhere vaccines are needed, providing on-demand vaccine production.
A workshop at the Santa Fe Institute explores the complex interplay of contagions, including infectious diseases, social phenomena, and online behavior. Researchers aim to develop new tools to study interactions between different types of contagion.
A highly pathogenic bird flu, H5N1, is spreading rapidly in the US, decimating wild birds and impacting poultry, with egg prices soaring. The study's findings highlight the need for unprecedented coordination to manage the spread of the disease, which may become endemic, posing risks to food security and the economy.
Researchers studied H7N9 epidemic waves in China from 2013 to 2017, analyzing gene sequences to build phylogenetic trees. They found the virus likely circulated in poultry for months before being detected, and suggest continuous monitoring of animal health is crucial
Researchers suggest that 'network immunity', generated by core members of the sexual network, halted the mpox epidemic. The theory proposes that as core members were infected first, they developed infection-induced immunity which slowed transmission.
A growing number of European countries have experienced diphtheria outbreaks primarily associated with recently arrived migrants. Key findings indicate that whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis reveal that the toxin-producing bacteria were acquired during migration rather than in their home country or Germany.
A multidisciplinary research team has developed a promising virus-fighting protein using a quick, portable process that could be easily deployed at the source of a future virus outbreak. The protein, Griffithsin, disables a wide range of viruses, including COVID-19, and can be manufactured without living cells.
A study found that mutant strains of Salmonella cause more severe infections in commercial poultry than wild-type bacteria. The deletion of genes ttrA and pduA led to increased immune response and pathogenicity, emphasizing the importance of animal health measures and proper food conservation.
A national survey found that South Carolina residents were more hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccines due to low confidence in public health scientists and collective responsibility. Researchers hope that targeted education efforts will address these factors and reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Researchers in Southern Nevada have detected Candida auris genetic material in untreated sewage samples from seven wastewater treatment facilities. The fungus was also found in nearly 80% of untreated sewage samples, indicating its spread in the region. Wastewater surveillance may provide an early warning system for public health actio...
The CABI Distribution Database contributed to a synoptic review of plant disease epidemics and outbreaks in 2021, identifying 15 new pathogens reported in Asia, Europe, the USA, and other parts of the Americas. The study highlights the time lag between first reports of a pathogen being made and major disease outbreaks being observed.
A recent study found that ocean warming triggers dinoRNAV infections in coral colonies, intensified in unhealthy colonies. This is the first empirical evidence of reef-wide dynamics of viruses infecting coral symbionts during heat waves.
Researchers have developed an online tool, the 'Tree-Based Alignment Selector (T-BAS) toolkit', to identify and monitor plant pathogens, including Phytophthora species responsible for devastating plant diseases. The tool provides a living 'tree of life' with genetic sequence data, evolutionary history, and relationships within groups.
A large typhoid outbreak on a Dutch ship was traced to contaminated drinking water, with 72 cases confirmed. The investigation found that sewage containing Salmonella typhi leaked into freshwater tanks, highlighting the importance of regular water quality inspections.
A new study found that frequent COVID surveillance testing protected nursing home residents by detecting infected staff earlier, disrupting transmission chains. The research showed that high testing frequency facilities had clinically meaningful reductions in resident cases and deaths, particularly before vaccine availability.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that asymptomatic individuals account for a significant proportion (74%) of dengue infections in an Amazonian city. The 'super spreader' spaces, where infected people frequent, are crucial in predicting and controlling outbreaks.