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Lone Star Tick Transmits Multiple Diseases, Posing Diverse Health Risks in the U.S.

Lone Star Tick Transmits Multiple Diseases, Posing Diverse Health Risks in the U.S.

The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is a significant vector for several diseases in the United States, capable of transmitting bacterial and viral infections, and is also associated with allergic conditions. According to medical experts, this aggressive human-biting tick, prevalent across the Northeast, South, and Midwest, transmits bacteria causing ehrlichiosis and tularemia, as well as the Heartland virus and Bourbon virus. Beyond infections, its bite is linked to Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), which presents with a rash similar to Lyme disease but has an unknown cause, and alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic reaction to mammalian meat. While lone star ticks are not established vectors for Lyme disease, their geographic range often overlaps with other medically important ticks, complicating diagnosis. The distinction between these conditions is crucial, as symptoms, testing, and treatments vary significantly. For instance, ehrlichiosis and tularemia are treated with antibiotics, whereas...
ReutersReuters
Woman dies of complications from measles in western Pennsylvania

Woman dies of complications from measles in western Pennsylvania

By David French NEW YORK, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The death toll in Pennsylvania's measles outbreak rose this weekend with a county coroner's report of a woman's death from complications related to the disease.  
USA TodayUSA Today
The early signs of Lyme disease you shouldn't ignore

The early signs of Lyme disease you shouldn't ignore

Here's what Lyme disease is, how it spreads and when to seek medical care.
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U.S. Public Health System Weakened by Chronic Underinvestment and Disruptions, Report Finds

U.S. Public Health System Weakened by Chronic Underinvestment and Disruptions, Report Finds

America's public health system is at a critical juncture, facing significant challenges due to decades of chronic underinvestment, workforce reductions, funding disruptions, and institutional uncertainty, particularly between 2025 and 2026. A report titled 'Underfunded and Under Strain: The State of America’s Public Health System' by TFAH highlights that these factors have severely weakened the system's capacity to protect communities from preventable diseases and injuries. Despite Congress preserving much of the federal public health system in fiscal year (FY) 2026, appropriations alone could not restore lost operating capacity. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saw its workforce decrease by approximately 3,600 from the end of FY 2024, a reduction of about 28 percent. Grant interruptions, funding delays, and diminished technical and administrative capacity have further impacted program operations. The report emphasizes that while appropriated funds are crucial, they are in...
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CDC Issues Alert on Nationwide Increase in Rabies Exposures and Vaccine Utilization

CDC Issues Alert on Nationwide Increase in Rabies Exposures and Vaccine Utilization

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory warning of a nationwide increase in rabies exposures. From July through August, the agency saw a 17% rise in rabies-related inquiries compared to the same period last year, including reports of mass exposure events. Several state health departments have also reported an increase in administering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies, or errors in its administration. Notably, a mass exposure event in North Carolina involved nearly 300 people exposed to rabid baby goats from a mobile petting zoo. Weekly pharmacy data as of September 2 indicates a significant surge in the use of rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins, with utilization increasing by an estimated 33% and 76% respectively, compared to the previous year. The CDC emphasizes the importance of appropriate PEP administration to prevent unnecessary treatment, potential adverse effects, and avoidable costs, as a typical course of PEP can range from $11,000 to $14,0...
AP NewsAP News
Pennsylvania officials report state's 3rd death involving measles

Pennsylvania officials report state's 3rd death involving measles

A Pennsylvania woman's death is the state's third this year involving the measles virus
USA TodayUSA Today
Mosquito-borne illnesses increasing in US. See map of affected states

Mosquito-borne illnesses increasing in US. See map of affected states

State and federal officials have warned about surges in multiple mosquito-borne illnesses this season. See which states have been most affected.
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CDC Issues Alert on Nationwide Increase in Rabies Exposures and Surging Vaccine Demand

CDC Issues Alert on Nationwide Increase in Rabies Exposures and Surging Vaccine Demand

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory regarding a nationwide increase in rabies exposures. From July through August, the CDC observed a 17% rise in rabies-related inquiries compared to the same period last year. Additionally, at least eight state health departments have reported an increase in administering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies, or errors in its administration. This surge in exposures includes mass events, such as one in North Carolina where nearly 300 people were potentially exposed to rabid baby goats from a mobile petting zoo. The CDC highlights that while there is currently no shortage of human rabies vaccine or immunoglobulin, the use of these critical treatments has significantly increased this year, with rabies vaccines up by an estimated 33% and immunoglobulins by 76% compared to last year. The agency emphasizes the importance of appropriate PEP administration to ensure these life-saving vaccines remain available and to avoid un...
ReutersReuters
US declares end of largest recorded cyclosporiasis outbreak

US declares end of largest recorded cyclosporiasis outbreak

Sept 11 (Reuters) - U.S. health authorities on Friday declared the end of the nation's largest recorded multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak, after thousands fell ill from consuming contaminated iceberg lettuce.
Palm Springs Desert SunPalm Springs Desert Sun
California rabies incidents renew focus on a rare deadly virus

California rabies incidents renew focus on a rare deadly virus

Recent rabies cases in California highlight the danger of bats. Learn how to protect your family from exposure.
Cincinnati EnquirerCincinnati Enquirer
CDC reports outbreak of human rabies exposure. How to protect yourself

CDC reports outbreak of human rabies exposure. How to protect yourself

The CDC is reporting "mass rabies exposure events" as rabies has increased this summer.
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Study Reveals Dogs and Cats Carry Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Also Found in Humans

Study Reveals Dogs and Cats Carry Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Also Found in Humans

New research from Bournemouth University, published in the journal Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, indicates that dogs and cats can carry strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium also found in humans that can cause serious infections. The study analyzed 712 bacterial samples from pets across 25 countries and compared them with over 38,000 human genomes. It found that approximately 87% of the bacteria from animals belonged to strains identified in people. While the study does not definitively prove direct transmission between pets and owners, it highlights a shared genetic background of these bacteria. A significant finding was the high level of antibiotic resistance in these pet-derived bacteria, with nearly half of the samples carrying genes that confer resistance to clinically important antibiotics. Resistance was particularly prevalent in cats, with 80% of their samples showing multi-drug resistance, compared to 56% in dogs. One specific strain, ST147, was identified as a concern due to its cl...