Articles tagged with Disease Outbreaks
A team led by City University of Hong Kong researcher Dr Zhang Qingpeng found that donating 46% to 80% of COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries can significantly reduce infection rates and mortality. The study suggests prioritizing vaccines for countries with high incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates.
Research suggests that genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals may contribute to the evolution of deadly pandemic strains. The study found that ColV plasmids in pigs, cattle, and chickens can increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance and extra-intestinal infections in humans.
A new study found COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities are concentrated along social determinants of health, including visible minority status. Prioritizing public health supports to specific neighborhoods can help curb transmission and improve pandemic response.
Research suggests a possible silver lining for great ape conservation: a decline in respiratory illnesses among wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The reduced number of outbreaks correlates with decreased human-gorilla proximity and additional health measures.
Researchers sequenced genetic material from 88 bats and identified four unique rabies viruses, providing baseline data for future epidemiological investigations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring bat populations for rabies transmission and informs vaccine effectiveness.
The IEEE forum identified four major challenges to address during the pandemic: healthcare, screening, tracing, and treatment. The panel highlighted socioeconomic and education status as critical factors impacting mortality rates and hospital admission lengths.
Researchers provide cost-effective actions to prevent pandemics, including better surveillance and wildlife management, with estimated annual costs under $20 billion. These 'primary pandemic prevention' actions can help prevent future pandemics and have substantial co-benefits for human health, environment, and economic development.
A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was confirmed in England, with the individual remaining asymptomatic despite close contact with infected ducks. The investigation found that the virus exhibited four nucleotide mutations, but no increased zoonotic risk was detected.
Researchers have developed a novel method for detecting viruses like Ebola and SARS CoV-2 using simple, inexpensive, and fast nano-sensors. The Nano2RED technology provides 10 times better sensitivity than existing ELISA tests and can be produced at a cost of around 1 cent per test.
A plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness, with some studies suggesting a 9% lower risk and 73% lower risk among healthcare workers. The 'blue zone' diet, prevalent in Okinawa, Japan, may also provide benefits.
A Zika virus vaccine candidate has been shown to prevent fetal malformations and detect maternal antibodies in pregnant animals. The vaccine has demonstrated high levels of protection against Zika infection in both mice and marmosets, with over 90% effectiveness observed.
A group of plant pathologists have compiled a recovery plan to mitigate tar spot's impact on corn production. The plan reviews current knowledge and future needs, enabling the dissemination of best management practices across state lines.
A new study found that seafloor sediments can transmit a deadly pathogen to local corals, contributing to the persistence of a devastating coral disease outbreak. Coastal construction activities like dredging and beach renourishment may further spread the disease.
A Brazilian study found a correlation between dealing with COVID-19 and environmental disasters, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and community resilience. The study also identified a lack of continuity in funding for disaster relief and pandemic response.
A new study identifies a set of cellular receptors for eastern equine encephalitis virus and other alphaviruses shared across mosquitoes, humans, and animals. The researchers tested a decoy molecule that successfully prevented infection and slowed disease progression in cell and animal models.
A survey of 17,302 healthcare workers in 57 countries found that male participants and nurses had higher preparedness scores than women and doctors. Preparedness varied across national wealth and sociodemographic characteristics, with East Asia and the Pacific having significantly higher scores.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new genetic tool to study Candida auris, revealing key factors behind its shape-shifting abilities and drug resistance. The study could aid in understanding the fungus's transmission on hospital surfaces.
The NIH urges a collaborative effort to characterize coronavirus genetic diversity in multiple species, better understand disease pathogenesis, and develop long-lasting vaccines; permanent immunity remains unknown for COVID-19 vaccines
The University of Ottawa's CoVaRR-Net has received a $9 million grant extension to continue its rapid research on COVID variants, including the Omicron variant. This renewed funding will allow researchers to accelerate their work and keep policymakers informed of their latest findings.
Seagrass wasting disease, caused by warming waters, compromises roots and storage sugars, setting up plants for a harder winter. The disease affects eelgrass meadows, vital nutrient stores, and supports herring, salmon, and other marine life.
A Chicago study found that providing individual hotel rooms and medical support to high-risk homeless individuals reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection rates by 75% compared to citywide rates in shelters. The intervention also led to improvements in health measures such as blood pressure and glycemic control, with over half of participants movi...
Researchers developed a novel sequential analysis method to detect EWSs in daily COVID-19 case data across 24 countries, finding warnings were regularly detectable prior to exponential cases changes. The reliability of these signals depended on the time between successive waves and mathematical likelihood of critical transition.
The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...
Researchers highlight the need for disease transmission assessments and mitigation measures to prevent pathogen spread from humans to wild animal populations. The study's recommendations include disease risk analysis to identify gaps in data and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
A new statistical analysis supports the notion that COVID-19 became more lethal in the UK in late 2020, with increased lethality attributed to factors beyond just the alpha variant of the virus. The study used Bayesian inference to draw stronger conclusions from weekly data on cases and deaths.
Researchers from Osaka University found that over half of intensive care workers experienced moral distress during the pandemic due to limited communication with patients and families. Virtual communication and psychological support were identified as potential solutions to prevent burnout and ensure proper medical care.
A new study argues that the Justinianic Plague had a devastating impact on the Mediterranean world, and its effects were felt in England. Genetic discoveries suggest that bubonic plague may have reached England before its first recorded case in the Mediterranean, via a currently unknown route.
A new study found that host immunity drives the evolution of the dengue virus, causing it to adapt and change over time. The research, published in Science, analyzed genetic variation and immune signatures of dengue viruses isolated in Bangkok over a 20-year period.
Researchers developed EDS-HAT, an AI-powered system combining machine learning and whole genome sequencing to detect clusters of similar infections in real-time. The system identified 99 clusters of infections and prevented potential transmissions in 65.7% of cases, saving the hospital $692,500.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.
A team of researchers at Georgia State University has created a lightning-fast computer software that can process over 200,000 novel virus genomes in under two hours. The software provides valuable information for countries making early decisions about lockdowns, quarantines, and testing during infectious disease outbreaks.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that over half of surveyed healthcare workers reported PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of previous SARS experience. Healthcare workers with prior SARS experience showed lower scores of PTSD and depression, but this effect disappeared after correcting for other factors.
An updated vaccination strategy is credited with averting an outbreak of urban yellow fever in São Paulo State, according to research published in Scientific Reports. The study found that the virus spread rapidly, reaching cities never affected before, and that a high number of cases were reported in areas with low vaccination coverage.
Researchers will identify and track SARS-CoV-2 variants using genomic sequence analyses. The project aims to understand the emergence and spread of the virus in West Virginia, helping public health officials prepare for future outbreaks.
A study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that governments downplay pandemic severity if they prioritize economy over public health, while exaggerating it when prioritizing public health. The researchers suggest transparent information policies are key for balanced objectives.
A study by Texas A&M University researchers analyzed contact tracing data and found that most player interactions were fleeting and brief. Only a small number of games had prolonged close contacts, with none resulting in COVID-19 cases among athletes.
A study by the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases identified contaminated water as the most common driver of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks. The researchers analyzed over 4,400 outbreaks and found that unusual weather patterns and changes in vector abundance were also significant contributors.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a wearable, self-sustaining fever detector that uses thermal energy harvesting to power its electronic device. The device can generate an unprecedented 87 millivolts per degree Celsius, making it large enough to operate typical wearable electronics.
Researchers at Penn State used traffic cameras and mobile device data to monitor COVID-19 cases in Centre County, PA. Movement data preceded increases in cases, suggesting that behavioral interventions like stay-at-home orders can be effective in controlling transmission.
A modelling study suggests that COVID-19 could lead to the collapse of a population of mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park. The risk is higher due to lower availability of treatments for gorillas, but measures like mask-wearing and vaccination can limit transmission.
A study by Northwestern University scientists has shown that coronavirus vaccines and prior infections can provide broad immunity against other, similar coronaviruses. The findings build a rationale for universal coronavirus vaccines.
A new analysis suggests that the continuous arrival of infected individuals has a significant influence on the evolution and severity of local outbreaks. The researchers found an association between the number of seed arrivals and the speed of spread, final number of people infected, and peak incidence rate.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that respiratory diseases can spread rapidly within wild mountain gorilla groups but are less likely to spread between neighboring groups. The study suggests that strategies preventing initial transmission into a group may be most effective in limiting disease spread.
A Michigan-based study found a dramatic drop in vaccinations across the lifespan during the early pandemic, but a recent rebound has been noted. The researchers emphasize the importance of continued vaccinations to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases like measles.
A new OSU study on African buffalo offers insights into the persistence of highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease pathogens. Researchers found that carrier transmission among certain strains can allow them to persist in populations, highlighting the need for public health interventions to limit transmission and endemicity.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers proposes abandoning the R rate for tracking pandemics in favor of nowcasts, which forecast daily new cases and deaths based on growth rates. The Harvey-Kattuman model has already proved accurate and effective in predicting COVID-19 waves and spikes worldwide.
Researchers will conduct participatory research with transit workers to identify ways to reduce occupational health disparities and improve preparedness for public-facing workers. The project aims to improve safe working environments and build resilience among frontline workers.
The scientific paper highlights challenges in global food systems, including climate change, production of unhealthy foods, and inadequate nutrition. The authors propose rebalancing agriculture research towards healthy crops, nutrient-rich foods, and nature-positive technologies to create a more sustainable future.
A two-dose Ebola vaccine regimen has been found to be safe, well-tolerated, and produce a strong immune response in people over 1 year old. The study also supports the use of this regimen for Ebola virus disease prevention in children and adults.
A study conducted by RCSI has demonstrated that a saliva PCR test is almost as accurate as the standard nose and throat swab, enabling greater capacity for frequent testing. The saliva screening represents a less invasive alternative with the potential to increase compliance with screening.
The Delta variant's ability to evade neutralizing antibodies and its increased infectivity have contributed to its spread, making vaccination and infection control crucial in the post-vaccination era. The variant was found to be more efficient at replicating and spreading than other variants, giving it a selection advantage.
A study of highly vaccinated health workers found that COVID-19 vaccines lost effectiveness in protecting against symptomatic infection by July, with only 65% protection remaining. The emergence of the delta variant and lifting of masking mandates contributed to this decline in vaccine efficacy.
A new study found that local mobility, primary care access, and limited contacts in contagion hubs can curb COVID-19 deaths. The researchers used novel statistical approaches to analyze mortality curves across 20 Italian regions, identifying a strong association between mobility and COVID mortality.
A new study found that individuals infected with COVID-19 are most contagious two days before and three days after developing symptoms. Asymptomatic primary cases were also more likely to transmit the virus to close contacts, but only if they were exposed shortly before or after symptom onset.
A new study estimates the intensity and frequency of extreme novel pandemics, finding that large pandemics like COVID-19 are relatively likely due to growing risks. The study suggests that a pandemic similar in scale to COVID-19 is likely within 59 years, highlighting the need for adjusted perceptions of pandemic risks.
A new University of Georgia study models the impact of three interventions - social distancing, contact tracing, and case isolation - on containing COVID-19. The researchers found that robust contact tracing was essential in suppressing outbreaks, with a significant increase in cases when efforts were less efficient.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch adapted Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry to generate 3D models for tracking lesion progression and impacts on diseased coral colonies. The study found that stony coral tissue loss disease prevalence varied significantly across location, but not through time.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases documents the person-to-person transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pneumonic plague in an outbreak in rural Madagascar. The AMR strain was resistant to streptomycin but susceptible to co-trimoxazole, and all patients treated with antibiotics survived.
Researchers discovered a novel strain of morbillivirus in a Fraser's dolphin that died on Maui in 2018. The finding alerts scientists to the potential for a novel virus outbreak among Hawaiian dolphins and whales.
A new biomarker, HBcrAg, has been found to accurately predict viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B and reflect response to anti-viral treatments. This discovery may lead to improved monitoring methods for CHB, enabling clinical decisions and potentially improving patient outcomes.