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Study Reveals Underappreciated Threat of Mold-Associated Illnesses in U.S.

Study Reveals Underappreciated Threat of Mold-Associated Illnesses in U.S.

A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the potentially deadly threat of invasive mold infections, which may be underappreciated. The study, conducted in Atlanta-area hospitals, identified approximately 450 cases over five years, with about a third of the patients dying in the hospital. The research emphasizes the need for better understanding and monitoring of mold-related illnesses, particularly as climate change and natural disasters increase mold exposure risks.

Experts Warn of Measles Surge and Its Impact on Public Health

Experts Warn of Measles Surge and Its Impact on Public Health

Experts are raising concerns about a surge in measles cases in the U.S., which have already surpassed last year's numbers. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, can lead to severe complications and 'immune amnesia,' weakening the immune system. The increase in cases is attributed to declining vaccination rates, fueled by vaccine skepticism. Public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent outbreaks and protect public health.

Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York: Lack of Standard Testing Poses Challenges

Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York: Lack of Standard Testing Poses Challenges

Researchers at Stony Brook Medicine have confirmed the first human case of Bourbon virus in New York, a potentially fatal tick-borne infection with no available vaccine or treatment. Michael Larkin, a resident of Brookhaven, was diagnosed retrospectively after suffering from severe symptoms in 2021. The virus, carried by the lone star tick, has been expanding its range due to warmer winters and increased deer populations. Despite the virus's presence, no standard clinical laboratory in the U.S. can test for it, leading to underdiagnosis and untreated cases. The virus was first identified in Kansas in 2014, and only a handful of cases have been confirmed in the U.S. since then.

Doctor says cases of this deadly tick-borne virus may go undetected

Doctor says cases of this deadly tick-borne virus may go undetected

While rare, one expert said Bourbon virus is probably underdiagnosed and may be expanding in the U.S. Here's what to know about the tick-borne illness.

Cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan rise to 10,773 in ongoing outbreak

Cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan rise to 10,773 in ongoing outbreak

July 31 (Reuters) - Michigan reported 10,773 cases linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak on Friday, up 387 from the previous day, the state health department said in its latest update.

European Heatwaves Increase Risk of Infectious Diseases, Warns Health Agency

European Heatwaves Increase Risk of Infectious Diseases, Warns Health Agency

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning about the growing risk of infectious diseases due to prolonged heatwaves across Europe. The agency highlights that higher temperatures create ideal conditions for the spread of diseases such as foodborne illnesses, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and West Nile virus, and tick-borne diseases. The ECDC emphasizes the need for strategic collaboration across sectors to effectively predict, prevent, and respond to these health threats. The agency also provides guidelines for reducing risks, such as maintaining good hygiene and using insect repellents.

US Study Reveals Long Covid Affects 1 in 6 Patients, Driving Demand for Overseas Treatment

US Study Reveals Long Covid Affects 1 in 6 Patients, Driving Demand for Overseas Treatment

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed that Long Covid affects approximately 16.3% of COVID-19 patients in the United States, significantly higher than previous estimates of 5-7% by the US Department of Health and Human Services. This study, which analyzed data from nearly 458,000 patients across 58 US hospitals, indicates that new cases of Long Covid continued to rise through mid-2024. As a result, there is an increasing demand for specialized treatments like H.E.L.P. Apheresis, offered by the Apheresis Center in Larnaca, Cyprus. This center has reported a rise in international patients seeking treatment due to the lack of domestic options and insurance coverage in the US.

GAO Report Highlights Need for Improved U.S. Disease Surveillance

GAO Report Highlights Need for Improved U.S. Disease Surveillance

A recent report by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified several actions to enhance the surveillance of emerging infectious diseases in the U.S. The report emphasizes the need for improved collaboration, data quality, and communication strategies among federal agencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal entities are responsible for disease surveillance, which involves systematic data collection and analysis to detect and respond to health threats. The GAO convened a roundtable of experts who suggested creating a multisectoral leadership group to unify efforts across human and animal health sectors. The report also highlights the importance of developing a comprehensive national strategy for disease surveillance to reduce data duplication and improve interagency collaboration.

Wildfire Smoke Blankets Large Swaths of U.S., Raising Health Concerns

Wildfire Smoke Blankets Large Swaths of U.S., Raising Health Concerns

Wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest is affecting air quality across large parts of the United States, reaching as far as Florida. The smoke has created hazy skies and unhealthy conditions, particularly in Oregon and Idaho. This follows recent hazardous air pollution levels in the Midwest and Northeast due to Canadian wildfires. Health officials advise wearing N95 masks outdoors and keeping indoor air clean to mitigate health risks. The fires have burned over 1.8 million acres, with air quality advisories in place urging residents to limit outdoor activities.

Study suggests the threat of mold-associated illnesses may be underappreciated

Study suggests the threat of mold-associated illnesses may be underappreciated

A new U.S. study suggests invasive mold infections may be an underappreciated threat

Measles cases reach highest level in 35 years. See the charts

Measles cases reach highest level in 35 years. See the charts

Measles cases have surged to a 35-year high in the United States, marking the largest outbreak in decades.

Michigan cyclosporiasis cases increase to 9,680 in ongoing outbreak

Michigan cyclosporiasis cases increase to 9,680 in ongoing outbreak

By Siddhi Mahatole and Christy Santhosh July 28 (Reuters) - Michigan health officials reported 9,680 cases of cyclosporiasis on Tuesday, an increase of 427 cases from a day earlier, as the growing intestinal parasitic outbreak keeps U.S. consumers on edge about buying raw produce.