Odds of invasive mechanical ventilation, death significantly increased for those with RSV versus vaccinated COVID, flu
U.S. Government Takes Herpes Vaccine Development Lead
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are widely known to cause viral infections such as blisters around the face, and genital herpes usually affects the genital and buttocks area.
Recent research suggests that HSV may also be linked to Alzheimer's and autoimmune diseases.
Electronic Cigarettes May Help Regular Cigarette Smokers Quit
Vaping tied to greater cigarette quitting in more recent years
66 Million People Vaccinated Against Yellow Fever in Africa in 2023
From early 2023 until late February 2024, 13 countries in the WHO African Region reported yellow fever (YF) cases.
Unfortunately, preliminary data suggests that the case fatality rate for yellow fever in these countries is 11%.
According to the World Health Organization, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Guinea, Niger, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda continue reporting YF cases in 2024.
And Nigeria's outbreak has become a significant concern.
Technically, the HPAI A(H5N1) Outbreak Risk Remains Low
Although avian influenza (bird flu) viruses usually do not infect people, there have been some rare cases of human infection.
Human infections with bird flu viruses can happen when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth or is inhaled.
Mpox Vaccine and Treatment Access Expansion Includes Pharmacy
Although mpox is no longer considered a public health emergency, infections are still reported worldwide.
Since the initial outbreak of mpox in May 2022, over 32,000 cases have been reported in the United States, accounting for a third of all global cases.
As of April 2024, around 200 monthly cases of mpox are being reported, and the sexually transmitted virus has spread across most of the United States.
However, there is good news regarding expanded access to preventive vaccines and treatments.
Texas Confirms Its First Human Bird Flu Case
Recent reports indicate that the multi-year, global outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus has reached the state of Texas.
In late March 2024, the Texas Animal Health Commission announced that dairy cattle in the Texas Panhandle had tested positive for avian influenza A(H5N1).
Subsequently, on April 1, 2024, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported one confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in Texas. The affected person had direct exposure to dairy cattle suspected of being infected with avian influenza.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo Disease Outbreaks Deteriorate
During a recent UN Geneva press briefing, two World Health Organization (WHO) leaders confirmed that the overall health situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worsening.
On March 22, 2024, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, the WHO Representative to the DRC, and Dr. Rosamund Lewis, the WHO Technical Lead for Mpox, highlighted that the country's challenges have reached alarming levels.
According to the WHO, close to 20 million people will require health assistance in 2024, yet the health response remains severely underfunded.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo Disease Outbreaks Continue Deteriorating
During a recent UN Geneva press briefing, two World Health Organization (WHO) leaders confirmed that the overall health situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worsening.
On March 22, 2024, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, the WHO Representative to the DRC, and Dr. Rosamund Lewis, the WHO Technical Lead for Mpox, highlighted that the country's challenges have reached alarming levels.
According to the WHO, close to 20 million people will require health assistance in 2024, yet the health response remains severely underfunded.
Tuberculosis Cases Increased 16% Last Year
Despite being both preventable and curable, tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health risk. Last year, TB continued to be a leading cause of death worldwide.
Traditionally, the United States had one of the lowest TB rates globally.
Unfortunately, TB cases in the U.S. have now increased for four consecutive years amidst the worldwide resurgence of this contagious disease, which usually affects the lungs, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).