Tag

Contagious Illness

All articles tagged with #contagious illness

health1 year ago

Walking Pneumonia Cases Surge Nationwide, Affecting Kids and Teens

Knox County hospitals are seeing an increase in cases of 'walking pneumonia,' a mild form of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, according to the local health department. Symptoms initially resemble a chest cold but can develop into more severe conditions requiring hospital care. Dr. Megan Edwards from the Knox County Health Department advises that while the situation is not overly concerning, people should be aware of the symptoms, which can last over 10 days, and seek medical attention if needed. Walking pneumonia is contagious, and those affected should rest at home to prevent spreading the infection.

health1 year ago

"Whooping Cough Outbreak Hits Hawaii Island with 2 Confirmed Cases"

The Hawaii Department of Health is investigating two confirmed cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, on Hawaii island, along with eight probable cases. The cases involve school-aged children from two separate households with travel-related exposures. Health officials are urging close contacts to seek medical attention for preventive care and testing if symptomatic. Whooping cough is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, especially in infants. Hawaii's vaccination coverage for whooping cough is lagging behind the national average, and health officials encourage hesitant parents to discuss their concerns with healthcare providers.

health-and-fitness1 year ago

"Norovirus Outbreak 2024: Recognizing Contagious Symptoms in the Northeast"

A highly contagious stomach bug, particularly norovirus, is spreading in the Northeast, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The virus is especially prevalent among children and has led to school closures and deep cleanings. Health experts emphasize the importance of handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers may not effectively combat the virus. Dehydration is a significant concern, and individuals are advised to seek medical attention if they struggle to keep fluids down or become lethargic. Prevention measures include frequent handwashing, thorough cooking of shellfish, and refraining from food preparation while sick.

health1 year ago

"Tuberculosis Cases Surge in Santa Clara County"

Santa Clara County Public Health Department reported a 19% increase in new tuberculosis diagnoses in 2023 compared to the previous year, indicating a widely dispersed and increasing community health risk for the contagious illness. Officials suspect that delayed access to healthcare during the pandemic may have contributed to the spike, and are urging at-risk residents to seek TB testing and treatment.

health2 years ago

'Zombie Deer Disease' Spreads to Beloved US National Park

The first known case of "Zombie Deer Disease," also known as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), has been confirmed in Yellowstone National Park in the US. CWD is a contagious and fatal illness that affects cervids, including deer, elk, caribou, reindeer, and moose. It is caused by a malformed protein (prion) that accumulates in the brain and other tissues, leading to physiological and behavioral changes, emaciation, and death. The disease is transmitted through direct animal-to-animal contact or contact with infectious particles in the environment. While there is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans or domestic animals, it is recommended to avoid consuming tissues from infected animals.