The World Health Organization (WHO) today reported the global cholera situation has deteriorated, with four new countries reporting outbreaks.
In total, 24 countries are reporting cases as of March 20, 2023.
Since the beginning of 2023, cholera outbreaks have spread further in southeast Africa.
And the widespread outbreaks in Malawi and Mozambique remain active.
Additional outbreaks have been reported in Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia since the start of the year.
Cholera Risks Remains Very High for Travelers
Fatal Marburg Disease Outbreak Confirmed in Tanzania
The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the Republic of Tanzania had confirmed its first-ever cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) following reports of cases and deaths in the country’s north-west Kagera region.
Five of the eight cases, including a health worker, have died, and the remaining three are receiving treatment.
A total of 161 contacts have been identified and are being monitored as of March 21, 2023.
Are Face Masks Needed at Sweet Sixteen Games?
As sixteen college basketball teams and fans prepare for playoff games this weekend, many ask if face masks are needed to be protected from the respiratory virus that causes COVID-19.
While there is much debate and research on the benefits of wearing face masks, a new surveillance system helps people visualize their actual risks.
Thanks to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a data-driven way to make informed infection-risk determinations is now open to the public.
Rockland County Offers Travelers Free Polio Boosters
Just as New Yorkers are finalizing their Spring Break plans, Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced he is urging residents planning to visit countries where poliovirus is found to get a polio booster shot.
According to Rockland County's March 17, 2023, press release, these countries include Israel, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and several other African countries.
NBA's Magic Raises RSV Awareness
Former NBA superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson recently agreed to assist in launching Sideline RSV, a new health education campaign aimed to help older adults and their loved ones better understand the risks and potential seriousness of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection.
The new campaign will help bring the RSV conversation to center court as older adults are more likely to have severe outcomes from RSV because the immune system typically weakens as people age.
Venous Thromboembolism Risk Low in COVID-19 Outpatients
Patient-level factors, including age, sex, and body mass index, associated with higher risk
Antibody Response Prolonged With COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Symptoms
Increased likelihood of experiencing prolonged neutralizing antibody response seen for those with vaccine-associated symptoms, prior SARS-CoV-2 infection
Spring Break 2023 Warnings Include Mexico's Beaches
As vacationers head south to avoid the cold and snow, many consider visiting Florida instead of Mexico this Spring Break. This change in the destination is based on recent travel alerts issued by local governments.
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico recently announced new advice for Spring Break 2023.
Both Canada and the U.S. are advising prospective visitors to many areas in Mexico to practice enhanced precautions as of March 17, 2023.
Novel Polio Vaccine Breakthrough Cases Confirmed in Africa
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) today announced it had received notification of the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) linked with the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) in the African countries of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
These are the first instances of cVDPV2 linked with nOPV2 since the roll-out of the vaccine began in March 2021.