Numerous scientists are currently working to prevent the next pandemic in 2024. To prepare for it, countries need to take certain measures says the World Health Organization (WHO).
In February 2018, the WHO included the term "Disease X" in its Blueprint list of diseases for the first time.
According to the WHO, this concept represents the knowledge that a pathogen currently unknown to cause human disease could cause a serious international epidemic.
Disease X Explained in Five
National Vaccination Day 2024 Launches Today
National Immunization Days (NIDs) are essential to eradicating diseases worldwide. Celebrated annually on March 16th, the goal of NIDs is to identify children who are either not fully immunized or only partially protected and to enhance immunity in those who have already been immunized.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination is an effective and safe way of preventing harmful diseases. A vaccine uses the body's natural defenses to build a resistance wall to specific infections and make the vaccinated individual's immune system stronger.
Coping Behaviors Improved Mental Well-Being in Adversity-Exposed Teens During Pandemic
Higher positive affect, lower perceived stress seen in association with caring for one’s body, exercising, and engaging in healthy behaviors
Single Mindfulness + Compassion Session Aids Mental Health
Small delayed benefit seen for loneliness, but larger improvements seen in perceived stress
Genomic Surveillance Lands at Chicago and Miami Airports
In 2021, health officials started testing airline passengers who passed through a New York airport to identify imported emerging infectious diseases, part of the U.S. national biosecurity initiative.
Over the past three years, more than 300,000 travelers from over 135 countries have participated each year in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program.
The TGS has been offering testing services in Los Angeles, Newark, Seattle, Boston, San Francisco, NYC (JFK), and Washington, DC (IAD).
$57 Million Project To Test Next-Gen Inhaled and Nasal Coronavirus Vaccines
An international team of researchers specializing in human challenge studies has initiated a $57 million project to develop advanced vaccines that can block coronaviruses and prevent infections.
The consortium, consisting of more than a dozen scientific teams and organizations, is led by Imperial College London and co-funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe Programme and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
Pneumococcal Vaccination Also Reduces Viral Respiratory Infections
According to emerging evidence, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) not only prevent pneumococcal disease but also have the potential to indirectly reduce viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) by affecting pneumococcal-viral interactions.
Researchers recently performed a systematic review of interventional and observational studies published between 2000 and 2022 on vaccine efficacy/adjusted effectiveness (VE) and the overall effect of PCV7, PCV9, PCV10, or PCV13 against viral RTI.
The Rise of Deadly Mosquito-Borne Diseases
In this blog post, written by Juan Carlos Jaramillo, MD. Chief Medical Officer Valneva and Vice President Vaccines Europe highlight a lesser-known consequence of climate change: the increasing prevalence of deadly mosquito-borne diseases.
Historically, these mosquitoes inhabited tropical and subtropical regions like South America and Southeast Asia. In recent years, they've infiltrated previously unaffected areas, such as Southern Europe and the United Kingdom.
17% of Canadians Vaccinated with Updated COVID-19
The Honourable Mark Holland, Canada's Minister of Health, issued a statement today marking the fourth National Day of Observance for COVID-19.
'Today's landscape is different than it was during the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines and treatments are now more accessible to people in Canada, making it easier for everyone to protect themselves and their families from serious illness.'
Most Meningococcal Disease Cases Confirmed Since 2014
Meningitis continues to be a major public health concern worldwide, with epidemics being reported in 2024.
In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported a significant increase in meningococcal disease cases, which causes severe inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Based on preliminary data, as of March 8, 2024, there were 415 confirmed and probable cases of meningococcal disease in 2023 alone.
This is the highest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 2014.