Tag

Bacterial Infection

All articles tagged with #bacterial infection

health4 months ago

Flesh-eating bacteria outbreaks lead to multiple deaths and hospitalizations

A deadly bacterial infection called Vibrio vulnificus is resurging due to rising temperatures and warming seas, with a high mortality rate of about 1 in 5 infected individuals dying, often rapidly. The bacteria thrive in warm, low-salinity waters near coastlines, and infections are increasing along the US East Coast, linked to seafood consumption and water activities. Experts warn that climate change may lead to a global rise in such infections, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preventive measures.

health6 months ago

Arizona Resident Dies from Pneumonic Plague, First in Nearly 20 Years

A resident of northern Arizona has died from pneumonic plague, marking the first death from this disease in the area since 2007. The bacterial infection, which is rare in humans, is highly deadly and easily spread through respiratory droplets. Health officials emphasize caution when handling sick or dead animals, as the disease is primarily transmitted via fleas from rodents and can infect humans through bites or contact with bodily fluids.

health1 year ago

"Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria Spreads Rapidly in Japan"

A Connecticut woman contracted Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a deadly flesh-eating infection that has caused 77 deaths in Japan this year. The woman, who is asthmatic, likely inhaled infected air droplets and experienced severe symptoms including organ failure and necrosis. While STSS cases have surged in Japan due to immunity debt, experts believe a similar spread in the US is unlikely but advise vigilance in wound care and symptom monitoring.

health1 year ago

"Surge in Rat Urine-Related Infections Hits Record High in NYC"

New York City has seen a surge in cases of leptospirosis, a life-threatening bacterial infection spread through rat urine, with a record 24 cases reported in 2023 and six cases so far in 2024. The bacteria, which infect rats and are transmitted to humans through contact with open wounds or mucous membranes, can cause severe symptoms such as kidney failure, liver damage, and respiratory distress. The city's health department attributes the increase in cases to a booming rat population, climate change, and warm, moist conditions. Mayor Eric Adams has made fighting the rat population a priority, and the health department has advised clinicians to be vigilant for cases, which are treated with common oral antibiotics or intravenous doses.

health1 year ago

Toilet Rat Bite Leads to Organ Failure in 76-Year-Old Man

A 76-year-old Canadian man was hospitalized with organ failure and sepsis after being bitten by a rat while trying to remove it from his toilet. The bite led to a bacterial infection called leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans by animals like rats and can be fatal in severe cases. The man received treatment including antibiotics and steroids and was released from the intensive care unit after three days.

health1 year ago

Understanding Streptococcal Infections in Japan

Japan is facing a surge in cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), a rare but serious bacterial infection with a 30% fatality rate, and the detection of a new, potentially more virulent strain of the responsible bacteria has raised concerns. The health ministry has received inquiries from overseas travelers, and North Korea's cancellation of a soccer match with Japan due to a "malignant infectious disease" has fueled public concern about the disease, caused most often by strep A bacteria.

health1 year ago

"Canadian Man Hospitalized with Severe Bacterial Infection After Rat Bite from Toilet"

A 76-year-old Canadian man was hospitalized with severe bacterial infection after being bitten by a rat while trying to remove it from his toilet bowl. The man developed leptospirosis, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by animal-to-human transmission, but was successfully treated with antibiotics and discharged within a couple of days.

health1 year ago

CDC Alerts Doctors to Surge in Meningitis-Causing Bacterial Infections

The CDC has issued an alert about a rise in bacterial infections, specifically a strain of meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y, which has targeted adults aged 30 to 60 and is particularly affecting Black or African Americans and those with HIV. There are two types of infections stemming from this disease: meningitis and septicemia, each with distinct symptoms. The state of Virginia is currently dealing with a statewide outbreak, with 35 confirmed cases and 6 deaths. It's important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

health1 year ago

CDC Warns of Spike in Rare and Severe Meningococcal Disease Cases

The CDC has issued a warning about a spike in meningococcal disease, a rare bacterial illness that can lead to meningitis, with 143 cases reported in the U.S. as of March 25. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and a dark purple rash, and the disease can be transmitted through respiratory and throat secretions. Treatment involves antibiotics, and vaccines are recommended for children entering middle school and for those at higher risk.