Category: Emerging Infectious Diseases
Measles-free status in jeopardy in the Americas as outbreaks continue
Reuters The Americas region is at risk of losing its measles-free status as the highly infectious disease continues to spread in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the head of the Pan American Health Organization told Reuters in an interview. To be considered measles-free, a country where an outbreak takes place must get back to […]
Oct 8, 2025
Scientists finally reveal what’s behind long COVID’s mysterious brain fog
Sci Tech Daily Japanese researchers uncover the molecular signature of Long COVID brain fog, a breakthrough that could bring real treatments closer than ever. Researchers in Japan have pinpointed a biological cause of Long COVID brain fog using advanced PET brain imaging. They discovered widespread increases in AMPA receptor density linked to cognitive impairment and […]
Oct 8, 2025
Public Health Response to the First Locally Acquired Malaria Outbreaks in the US in 20 Years
JAMA Key Points Question Why were there 4 outbreaks of domestic malaria in 2023 after 20 years with no locally acquired cases? Findings In this qualitative study, 10 locally acquired mosquito-transmitted malaria cases were reported in 4 states amid more than 2200 imported cases in 2023. Three infected mosquitoes were found in Florida, where all cases shared […]
Oct 8, 2025
Ebola Outbreak, Kasai Province, DRC – Situation Report #4
Relief Web Download Full Report FACTS • On September 4, the DRC Ministry of Health officially declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Bulape and Mweka health zones in Kasai province. Since then, the virus has spread to Bambale, Bulape and the surrounding community, Dikolo, Ingongo and Mpianga health areas, inside of […]
Oct 8, 2025
New Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: early response guidance
The Lancet On Sept 4, 2025, in line with International Health Regulations (2005) requirements,1 the Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo officially declared a new Ebola virus disease outbreak in Kasai province,2 affecting the health zone of Bulape. This new outbreak of Ebola virus disease has occurred in a fragile context, regionally and […]
Oct 8, 2025
WHO says Ebola outbreak in Congo shows signs of containment with no new cases reported
Reuters The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo shows signs of containment, with no new confirmed or probable cases since the World Health Organization’s last update on October 1, the UN health agency said on Wednesday. As of October 5, a total of 64 cases, including 11 probable cases and 43 deaths, […]
Oct 8, 2025
Babies take a lesson from soldiers in the war against malaria
NPR Babies may soon join soldiers in the fight to ward off malaria. For years, the U.S. military has treated uniforms with insecticide to repel mosquitoes and the malaria they can transmit. Ross Boyce used to wear one before becoming an infectious disease physician and malaria researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He […]
Oct 8, 2025
The CDC’s most recent updates on COVID-19 vaccinations
WTOP The most recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on COVID-19 vaccines call for “vaccination based on shared clinical decision-making,” according to a news release published Tuesday. “Informed consent is back,” Acting Director and Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neil said. “CDC’s 2022 blanket recommendation for perpetual COVID-19 boosters deterred […]
Oct 8, 2025
Illinois Confirms First Case of Rare Tick-Borne Powassan Virus
Infectious Disease Advisor Illinois health officials are warning residents to be on alert after the state’s first case of Powassan virus was confirmed in a resident who became seriously ill. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) hasn’t determined whether the person was infected in Illinois, but officials are now testing ticks statewide for the virus. “With […]
Oct 1, 2025
437 hospitalized with measles, 39 in ICUs, amid outbreak that started in May
Times of Israel At a Knesset Health Committee meeting today, Dr. Sharon Elroei-Price, head of public health services at the Health Ministry, states that approximately 1,700 patients have been confirmed with measles in the past six months, 437 have been hospitalized since the outbreak began in May, and 39 are in intensive care. Six children […]
Oct 1, 2025