Disease

NPR: After last season where 80,000 people died from influenza, officials are trying to increase vaccination rates. In the United States the vaccination rate is approximately 47 percent, far lower than the desired 70 percent target. Some reasons to get vaccinated: you are vulnerable, it’s your civic…

According to a recent report by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a Campylobacter outbreak has spread across 18 states. Between 2016-2018, over 118 individuals have been infected with a 24% hospitalization rate. Luckily, the outbreak has ended but officials are keeping a close eye on…

For years, older adults have been taking an aspirin a day to keep the heart attacks away. However, a recent study involving more than 19,000 American and Australian older adults says otherwise. While the use of daily aspirin has been shown to reduce the likelihood of another heart attack or stroke…

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed that two individuals in California have died from West Nile Virus (WNV) infection. As of September 7th, the CDPH reports 56 human cases of WNV in California. Additionally, hundreds of dead birds tested positive for containing WNV in…

The FDA has put out another statement warning against the consumption of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal. This cereal has been linked to over one hundred cases of Salmonella since March of this year. This outbreak has spanned over 36 states and the cereal should no longer be available to purchase.…

As temperatures continue to rise in Europe, the threat of tropical disease outbreaks has worsened. For example, the West Nile Virus transmission season began earlier than usual due to high temperatures resulting in a significant spike in infection. Researchers predict that dengue fever, Chikungunya,…

Presently, a Salmonella outbreak has occurred in multiple states, with a possible source being Empire brand Kosher chicken. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that at least 17 people have Salmonella infections throughout New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, with one…

An Ebola outbreak is thriving in the Congo, growing at a pace faster than public health officials can respond to. At least 90 people have been infected thus far, with 45 reported deaths. Ten public health officers have been infected as well. With a period of 21 days before symptoms arise after…

As of Friday, August 17, 2018, the World Health Organization announced that 44 people have died and 78 people have been infected in the Congo's tenth Ebola outbreak This outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been particularly challenging due to an active conflict where armed groups…

An infant has just died from whooping cough in San Bernardino- the first in two years for California. Experts urge expectant mothers to be immunized because the infants who are most at risk are those too young to be vaccinated themselves. Statistics show that 32% of mothers in San Bernardino County…

The number of cases of virulent Newcastle disease in backyard chickens is on the rise. Citizens should take note that no human has ever contracted Newcastle disease from eating properly cooked poultry, however those coming into contact with the infected chickens can acquire it. Those who do work…

According to federal health officials, 12 individuals have been infected by rat lungworm which is a parasite with the ability of negatively impacting the central nervous system. Symptoms of infection include severe headache and stiffness of the neck, tingling in the skin or extremities, low-grade…

A new species of Tick has been found on the Eastern coast of the United States. It is the first new species found in America in fifty years. This species, the Asian long-horned tick, brings a large threat to livestock as they can multiply at incredible rates and can kill young animals. They will…

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…