The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the Federal Republic of Nigeria's meningitis outbreak had caused severe concerns this year.
The WHO reported on April 27, 2023, between October 2022, and April 16, 2023, Nigeria confirmed 1,686 suspected cases of meningitis, including 124 deaths, for a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 7%.
Unfortunately, the highest proportion of reported cases is among children aged 1 to 15.
And the Jigawa state accounts for 74% of all suspected meningitis cases.
Africa's Meningitis Belt Most Fatal in Nigeria
Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Could Lead to Zika Vaccines
Researchers at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center recently discovered a potent antibody that appears to block mosquito-borne viruses.
The newly found antibody can block the Zika virus, as well.
Fred Hutch researcher Leslie Goo, Ph.D., MPH, is an expert in flaviviruses, a family of pathogens that include Zika, dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis viruses.
Canadian Flyers Have Rights Too
Protecting the rights of air passengers is a priority of the Government of Canada, and the Government will continue to ensure that travelers' rights are respected by airlines when travel does not go according to plan.
Canada's Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced on April 24, 2023, that proposed amendments to the Canada Transportation Act had been introduced as part of the Budget Implementation Act.
BCG Vaccine Does Not Reduce COVID-19 Risk for Health Care Workers
No significant difference seen in risk for symptomatic COVID-19, severe COVID-19 for those receiving BCG or saline placebo
HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Down During Pandemic
Authors say low-barrier alternatives to office-based testing are needed to mitigate testing gaps, high positivity rates