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US domestic treatment centers ready for Ebola even as Kenya plans persist

US domestic treatment centers ready for Ebola even as Kenya plans persist

By Michael Erman June 5 (Reuters) - Most of the 13 U.S. treatment centers in a government-funded hospital network for severe infectious diseases are ready to handle patients, including those with Ebola if needed, representatives from the hospitals said this week.
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CDC Warns Central Africa's Ebola Outbreak Could Rival 2014 Crisis

CDC Warns Central Africa's Ebola Outbreak Could Rival 2014 Crisis

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that the current Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could escalate to levels similar to the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths. The CDC's analysis, based on computer models, suggests that the number of cases could range from 10,000 to over 20,000, depending on the effectiveness of public health interventions. The World Health Organization has already declared the outbreak a global health emergency. The situation is further complicated by ongoing armed conflicts in the region, which have led to significant population displacement, hindering efforts to control the spread of the virus.
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CDC Identifies New Lyme Disease Strain in Upstate New York, Raising Public Health Concerns

CDC Identifies New Lyme Disease Strain in Upstate New York, Raising Public Health Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the detection of a new strain of Lyme disease, B. mayonii, in upstate New York. This case was identified in an adult from Herkimer County who had not traveled recently, suggesting local transmission. The New York State Health Department found ticks on the individual's property that tested positive for the bacterium. However, a broader search involving over 1,500 ticks from 24 counties did not reveal further cases. This discovery highlights the evolving nature of tick-borne diseases and their geographic spread.
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CDC Warns of Potentially Record-Breaking Ebola Outbreak in Africa

CDC Warns of Potentially Record-Breaking Ebola Outbreak in Africa

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a severe Ebola outbreak in Africa, which could potentially surpass the largest recorded outbreak in West Africa a decade ago. The CDC's projections suggest that if immediate measures are not taken, the outbreak could result in over 20,000 cases and at least 4,000 deaths within the next three months. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda are currently at the forefront of efforts to contain the outbreak, which has prompted the World Health Organization to declare an international health emergency. The CDC emphasizes the importance of isolating individuals exposed to the virus to limit its spread. The agency also notes that the risk to the U.S. remains low, as Ebola does not spread as easily as other viruses like COVID-19.
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Argentina expands hantavirus probe, sending teams to trap and test rats in Mendoza

Argentina expands hantavirus probe, sending teams to trap and test rats in Mendoza

Argentina is expanding its investigation into a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship
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CDC Report: Ebola Outbreak Could Rival Worst on Record Without Intervention

CDC Report: Ebola Outbreak Could Rival Worst on Record Without Intervention

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a report warning that the current Ebola outbreak in Africa could reach levels comparable to the worst recorded outbreak if immediate action is not taken. The outbreak, affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, could result in over 20,000 cases within three months. The CDC emphasizes the need for large-scale public health interventions to prevent a worst-case scenario. The outbreak is complicated by regional conflicts and limited healthcare access, making containment efforts challenging.
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New Concerns Arise Over Kratom Supplement Amid Poison Control Calls

New Concerns Arise Over Kratom Supplement Amid Poison Control Calls

The supplement Kratom, which is legally sold across most of the United States, is raising concerns due to an increase in poison control calls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings about the potential health risks associated with Kratom use. NBC News reports that individuals seeking to quit Kratom have sought professional help, highlighting the supplement's controversial nature and its impact on public health.
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CDC Budget Cuts Threaten U.S. Disease Surveillance Amid New COVID Variant

CDC Budget Cuts Threaten U.S. Disease Surveillance Amid New COVID Variant

Health experts are raising concerns over significant budget cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) wastewater surveillance program. This program is crucial for tracking infectious diseases, including the spread of a new COVID-19 variant across the United States. The cuts could impair the nation's ability to monitor and respond to emerging health threats effectively. The CDC's wastewater surveillance has been a vital tool in detecting and understanding the spread of COVID-19, providing early warnings of outbreaks. The reduction in funding comes at a critical time when maintaining robust disease surveillance is essential for public health safety.
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CDC Funding Cuts Threaten U.S. Disease Surveillance Amid New COVID Variant Spread

CDC Funding Cuts Threaten U.S. Disease Surveillance Amid New COVID Variant Spread

Health experts are raising concerns over significant budget cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) wastewater surveillance program. This program is crucial for tracking infectious diseases, including the spread of new COVID-19 variants across the United States. The cuts could severely impact the nation's ability to monitor and respond to emerging health threats effectively. The CDC's wastewater surveillance has been a vital tool in detecting and understanding the spread of COVID-19, providing early warnings of outbreaks and helping to guide public health responses. The reduction in funding comes at a critical time as a new COVID variant is reportedly spreading, necessitating robust surveillance to manage potential outbreaks.
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Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could reach 20,000 cases without strong public health measures

Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could reach 20,000 cases without strong public health measures

The Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could grow to 20,000 cases or more, depending on how quickly infected people are isolated to slow the spread
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Funding Cuts to U.S. Wastewater Surveillance Amid COVID 'Cicada' Variant Spread

Funding Cuts to U.S. Wastewater Surveillance Amid COVID 'Cicada' Variant Spread

The Trump administration's budget plan includes significant funding cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), reducing its budget from $125 million to $25 million annually. This reduction comes as the COVID-19 'Cicada' variant spreads across the U.S., highlighting the need for robust monitoring systems. Wastewater surveillance is a critical tool for early detection of infectious diseases, allowing public health responses to be more proactive. Experts warn that the funding cuts could severely limit the ability to track disease hotspots and respond to outbreaks effectively.
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CDC's Wastewater Surveillance Funding Cuts Threaten Public Health Monitoring

CDC's Wastewater Surveillance Funding Cuts Threaten Public Health Monitoring

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is facing significant funding cuts to its National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), which could jeopardize the U.S.'s ability to monitor infectious diseases. The NWSS, initially funded under the 2020 CARES Act, has been instrumental in tracking diseases like COVID-19, influenza, and measles. The funding reduction from $125 million to $25 million is part of President Trump's budget plan. This cut comes as the new COVID-19 'Cicada' variant spreads across the U.S., raising concerns about the country's preparedness to handle public health threats without adequate surveillance systems.