Articles tagged with Disease Outbreaks
An analysis of cases in Beijing found that two existing Omicron sub-variants, BA.5.2 and BF.7, accounted for more than 90% of local infections between November 14 and December 20, 2022. The study suggests these variants are chiefly responsible for the current surge in Beijing, likely China as a whole.
The European Health Union aims to detect, prepare, and respond collectively to future health threats. The EU Health Security Framework has been reinforced to learn from lessons learned during the pandemic, with a focus on close collaboration among ECDC, EMA, and HERA.
A new NIH-developed vaccine, VSV-SUDV, has been shown to completely protect cynomolgus macaques against a lethal Sudan virus challenge. The vaccine, based on the Ebola VSV vaccine concept, demonstrates cross-protective immune responses and provides rapid protective immunity to Sudan virus.
A new study predicts global antimicrobial use in food-producing animals will increase by 8% by 2030 if stronger regulations are not implemented worldwide. The findings highlight the need for stricter controls on antimicrobial use, which has raised concerns over antimicrobial resistance.
A Rutgers researcher has analyzed data from Mexico's Ministry of Health to identify dengue fever hotspots, highlighting areas where severe outbreaks occur. The study found that lower socioeconomic status increases risk of dengue fever and that DENV-2 is the deadliest serotype.
A genomic study of the Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak revealed its origin as international travelers from areas where Shigella was common. The study also found that multi-drug resistant Shigella has become a growing global health concern, primarily affecting men who have sex with men and those experiencing homelessness.
The University of Kansas has established the International Center for Avian Influenza Pandemic Prediction and Prevention (ICAIP3) with $1 million in NSF funding. The center aims to predict and prevent future avian influenza pandemics by monitoring viral strains and identifying potential outbreak areas.
A cohort study of over 600 persons with non-MRI-conditional implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that these devices continue to appropriately treat detected tachyarrhythmias after MRI scans. The findings suggest that patients with non-MRI-conditional ICDs can safely undergo MRI exams without compromising device function.
An experimental vaccine against Marburg virus demonstrated a good safety profile and induced strong, long-lasting immunity in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The vaccine candidate, cAd3-Marburg, induced an immune response in 95% of participants and maintained that response for over 48 weeks.
Global health organization's disease outbreak news has shifted from high-income countries to low- and middle-income countries, with a growing focus on antimicrobial resistance. The study analyzed 23 years of WHO Disease Outbreak News reports, providing insights into changing global threats.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Jake Haselswerdt suggests that partisan beliefs do not overshadow how people perceive the severity of COVID-19 in their communities. Local public health information appears to get through to individuals, regardless of their political leanings.
A study found that the decline of black-tailed prairie dogs due to sylvatic plague, combined with abnormally high precipitation, led to dramatic ecosystem changes. The loss of prairie dog habitat caused declines in associated species such as birds, swift foxes, and coyotes.
A new study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that urban men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to get vaccinated and tested for Mpox than their rural counterparts. The study also revealed that rural MSM perceived themselves as less susceptible to the disease and had lower intention to be vaccinated.
Texas Biomed is at the forefront of developing a Sudan ebolavirus vaccine and antibody therapeutic to combat the ongoing outbreak in Uganda. The Institute has been awarded millions of dollars in contracts to run studies required for FDA approval, utilizing its BSL-4 laboratory facilities.
A Nagoya University study found that increased use of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a 27% increase in hospital carbon emissions. Despite reduced electricity and gas consumption, the overall carbon footprint rose due to longer hospital stays and increased intensive care needs.
Researchers found that fleas with early-phase infection are insufficient to drive epizootic outbreaks but can promote a low level of enzootic plague. Early-phase transmission may help maintain the enzootic state by reducing susceptible individuals in the population.
The Ebola vaccine trials found all three regimens safe in both age groups, with antibody responses detectable for one year. The study enrolled over 3,100 volunteers in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have confirmed that the smallpox vaccine MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) can teach T cells to recognize and fight the mpox virus. The study suggests that the JYNNEOS vaccine may provide protection against severe disease and could be effective in immunocompromised individuals.
A randomized controlled trial found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet helped patients with type 2 diabetes achieve better weight loss and glucose control over a 6-month intervention compared to a high-carb, low-fat diet. However, changes were not sustained 3 months after the intervention.
A University of Ottawa-led team identified a new entry route for SARS-CoV-2 using metalloproteinases, which may lead to more widespread cell infection and severe illness. The study suggests that variants like the Delta strain may prefer this entry method, while others like Omicron do not.
Research by University of East Anglia reveals care home nurses were unprepared for the pandemic, impacting their mental health and wellbeing. The study suggests implementing a mental health and wellbeing strategy is crucial to promote recovery from trauma and moral distress.
Researchers developed a noninvasive microphone sensor that uses machine learning to detect bowel diseases like cholera. The algorithm analyzes audio data from toilet sounds, identifying consistent tones for urination and singular tones for defecation.
A study conducted in Brazil reveals that only 75.8% of under-fifteen children in São Paulo have antibodies against measles, falling short of the ideal 94% target to prevent outbreaks. The finding is a warning sign that Brazilian children are not achieving herd immunity, making them susceptible to infection.
A post-pandemic outbreak of a drug-resistant fungus in Brazil was linked to the misuse of medications and full ICUs. The study found that 90% of infected patients had strains resistant to fluconazole and echinocandins, leading to high mortality rates.
A new serological test, PepSeq, allows scientists to quickly test antibody binding against hundreds of thousands of protein targets, helping prepare for and respond to pandemics. The technology identifies specific antibodies that provide protection against infection, holding promise for developing effective vaccines and treatments.
A global Phase 2/3 clinical trial found that vaccination with SCB-2019 reduced the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection to household members. The study showed a significant reduction in symptomatic cases among vaccinated household contacts and indicated that vaccines can play an important role in controlling future outbreaks.
Princeton University researchers found that mask-wearing and social distancing reduce respiratory disease spread in the short term but do not guarantee long-term benefits. Vaccination successfully limits return epidemics, whereas sustained NPIs can lead to increased susceptibility and eventual outbreaks.
A research team at the University of California, Riverside has discovered the structure of a human monoclonal antibody that protects against Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus. The study provides insights into fighting a broad range of viral strains and could lead to targeted therapeutics for infected patients.
A modelling study allocates vaccines to cities with higher epidemic potential and more initial cases. This maximizes the impact of a limited supply. The study emphasizes global vaccine equity and a population-level perspective in responding to outbreaks.
Dr. Fauci highlights the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines as a significant success in responding to emerging infectious diseases. He emphasizes the need to improve capabilities for established diseases like malaria and tuberculosis while addressing new threats.
Researchers have identified a tailor-made pocket feature in the spike glycoproteins of deadly coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS, and Omicron. This finding could lead to the development of a pan-coronavirus treatment that exploits this pocket feature to stop virus infectivity.
Biovac has concluded a licensing agreement with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to manufacture an oral cholera vaccine, addressing the critical shortage of vaccines needed to prevent cholera globally. The partnership aims to increase production volumes, reduce supply gaps, and support Africa's indigenous vaccine industry.
Researchers from UCSF and the San Francisco VA Health Care System found that veterans with PTSD had an 8% increased risk of death and a 9% increased risk of hospitalization compared to those without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychosis had a 58% increased risk of death and a 66% increased risk of hospitalization.
A study found that mixing genetic makeup of corals increases resistance to disease, allowing some vulnerable corals to thrive. This 'rescue' effect helps reduce disease transmission among corals.
A global case series of monkeypox infection in cisgender and transgender women and non-binary individuals provides valuable insights into risk factors, routes of transmission, and clinical features. The study highlights the need for education among healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and prevent transmission.
The number of Candida auris cases in the EU/EEA nearly doubled between 2020 and 2021, with 11% of cases having no available information on carriage or infection. Early detection is crucial to prevent the spread of this healthcare-associated pathogen.
A new analysis by researchers at Duke University proposes a four-step science-based framework to overcome barriers and enhance the success of early warning systems. The framework involves understanding potential barriers, engaging key stakeholders, identifying promising strategies to overcome barriers, and measuring outcomes.
A new analysis proposes a four-step framework to overcome barriers and enhance the success of early warning systems for climate-related disease outbreaks. Engaging crucial decision makers immediately is key, as well as training local health providers in environmental science.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that maintaining an indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is associated with relatively lower rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths. Indoor conditions outside this range are linked to worse COVID-19 outcomes.
Global immunization efforts have made polio a rare disease, but healthcare workers still need to be vigilant for acute flaccid paralysis. Dr. Marina Salvadori emphasizes the importance of alerting healthcare workers to this diagnosis as elimination is within reach.
Researchers identify unique chemical signal allowing ancient TB bacteria to evade immune system and spread beyond lungs. The 'mobile factor', called EsxM, allows the bacteria to infect macrophages more easily, leading to bone infections in six people.
Researchers used event system theory to analyze how past pandemics, including the Black Death, were caused by cumulative events leading up to a transformation. They found similar patterns in human behavior and societal responses, highlighting the importance of understanding historical events to address current crises.
A large contact tracing investigation found no secondary cases of monkeypox, informing estimates of exposure risk and postexposure prophylaxis recommendations. The framework's ease of application and cross-setting use has important applications for future infection prevention efforts.
Researchers identified specific monkeypox mutations that contribute to its continued infectiousness. The virus is accumulating mutations where drugs and antibodies from vaccines are supposed to bind, making it smarter and more infectious.
A UK study found substantial monkeypox transmission before symptoms appear, with 53% of cases occurring pre-symptomatically. The study's findings have important implications for infection control globally and may affect isolation and contact tracing policies.
A new study has linked the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito to an unprecedented dry season wave of infections in Ethiopian city Dire Dawa, causing a 10-fold spike in malaria cases. The mosquito's ability to thrive in urban environments and resist insecticides poses a significant threat to Africa's efforts to eliminate malaria.
According to a review by Petra Zimmermann and Nigel Curtis, children under 8 are at higher risk of complications from monkeypox disease. The authors emphasize the need for smallpox vaccination as an effective way to prevent the spread of monkeypox among young children.
A large listeriosis outbreak in southern Spain was linked to contaminated stuffed pork, which led to a public health alert and the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis for pregnant women. The outbreak resulted in 207 confirmed cases and five miscarriages, highlighting the risk of Listeria contamination in ready-to-eat foods.
A survey among European gay-dating app users found a 82% crude vaccination acceptance rate. Willingness to vaccinate increased with factors like perceived severity of monkeypox, transmission risk, and existing health links. Higher acceptance rates were seen in northern and western Europe compared to southern and eastern regions.
A banana protein-derived therapy called H84T-BanLec has been shown to be effective against all known strains of the flu and all human-infecting coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The therapy works by binding to high-mannose glycans on the surface of viruses but rarely found on normal human cells.
The study will gather data from over 500 adults with monkeypox to determine the effectiveness and safety of tecovirimat. Participants with severe disease or high risk of severe disease will receive open-label tecovirimat, while others will be randomly assigned to receive either tecovirimat or placebo.
Nurses play a key role in combating stigma by educating healthcare professionals about safe spaces for affected individuals, regardless of sexual behavior or co-infections. Accurate messaging is crucial to prevent misinformation and promote proper care and counseling.
Researchers developed a groundbreaking model to estimate bait vaccination effectiveness in wild animals by analyzing the proportion of immunized animals and vaccine applications. The study successfully tested the model using real data from Japan's CSF outbreak, demonstrating a measurable increase in immunized wild boars.
Researchers have reverse-engineered a virus linked to chronic kidney disease in cats and described its mechanism of infection. The feline morbillivirus, or FeMV, can spread from host to host through urine, similar to the zoonotic Nipah virus.
A 14% decrease in live births was observed in Europe nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdowns. The decline may be linked to lockdowns rather than COVID-19 infection, with countries experiencing longer lockdowns having lower birth rates.
A clinical trial begins in the Democratic Republic of Congo to evaluate tecovirimat's safety and effectiveness in treating monkeypox. The trial will enroll up to 450 participants, comparing those who receive tecovirimat to placebo, and gather data on disease severity, mortality, and recovery.
The Independent Task Force Report emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to prevent or respond adequately to the next pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of 'Smart Surveillance' to identify high-threat pathogens and invest in R&D for innovative diagnostics, antiviral strategies, and therapeutic research.
A new study suggests that genetic sequencing can detect emerging COVID-19 variants with enough time to contain them at their source. This approach requires coordinated global efforts to prevent the spread of new variants.
The article highlights the need for a unified approach to prevent and respond to pandemics by adopting a One Health strategy. This involves targeted preparedness, drug and vaccine research, and worldwide cooperation on surveillance and stopping disease spread.
The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to increased malnutrition risk, as reduced access to food and healthcare worsens nutritional deficiencies. In turn, malnutrition amplifies the spread of infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle that threatens global health.