Disease Surveillance

Historically, Lyme disease has been very prevalent in the Northeastern United States, accounting for about ninety-five percent of all cases. However, areas such as California and Florida that were deemed “low-risk” states have shown a dramatic increase in recent years. States such as New England…

Two new studies suggest a link between maternal diabetes or high blood pressure and Autism prevalence in children born to mothers with these traits. Previously, there was thought to be a link with type two and gestational diabetes, however, the new study suggests a link between maternal type one…

Previously, Ebola was thought to only be transmitted sexually through males, as the virus can survive in semen for two years. However, in Liberia a woman carried the virus for two years and fell ill a second time soon after giving birth. This is the first instance where a woman has carried the virus…

Since mid-May there have been several reports in Iowa of Cyclosporiasis. Symptoms of this parasitic disease include watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, increased nausea and fatigue. While this parasite is more prevalent in developing countries, this recent resurgence in Iowa has been thought to be…

Over the past week, over eight residents in Washington Heights have been sickened by a Legionnaires outbreak. Seven of the residents are currently hospitalized but fortunately, no deaths have been reported. Legionnaires disease is transferred when contaminated water becomes airborne. Normally,…

According to government figures, smoking among adults and teens has reached an ‘all time low.’ They attribute this to an increased understanding of the harmful consequences of smoking cigarettes. They speculate that the development of electronic cigarettes and vaping may play a role as well. The…

Recently, scientists have conducted a study looking into young children’s added sugar consumption. This is the first of its kind, focusing on children aged two and under. They have found that children 6-11 months old consume around 65% of their sugars daily from added sugar. Children who are aged…

Malaria parasites produce tiny crystals within infected blood cells, which creates a unique magnetic property that engineers have utilized to create a fast, cheap, and effective method of testing for malaria. By using a simple laser and magnet to test the magnetic property of the sample of blood,…

Nipah, a rare and deadly virus has spread throughout India taking the lives of over 13 individuals. The infection has no known cure and is transmitted by bats, pigs, or other animals. The virus has a rather high mortality rate at 70% and can cause inflammation of the brain also known as…

Early this month an Ebola outbreak was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo causing a very high public health risk. In the previous 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, over 11,300 deaths were reported and over 28,600 infections. However, now there is significantly more preparation and tools available…

Nipah virus has surfaced in India, hospitalizing and claiming the lives of some twenty five people. Nipah is on the Top-10 list of viruses to cause the next major epidemic, as identified by the WHO. This virus has a 70% mortality rate, no vaccination, no cure, and the only treatment is supportive…

WHO: The Emergency Committee met for the first time (via teleconference) regarding the Ebola Virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, May 18th. The committee decided that the current situation does not meet the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Key…

Express: There’s been a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. So far the outbreak has killed 23 people. The World Health Organization is currently sending experimental vaccines to the affected area. The main concern is that the outbreak could spread to the more densely populated…

According to the State Department of Public Health, over 100 individuals in California have contracted norovirus from Canadian oysters. An official warning was issued on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, regarding oysters harvested in the south and central Baynes Sound. In Canada alone, over 170 patients…