All articles tagged with #contagious virus
During peak holiday travel, measles, one of the most infectious diseases, was detected at Newark Liberty and Boston Logan airports, prompting health officials to conduct contact tracing and urging vaccination to prevent further spread amid a record travel season.
Scientists in New York City have detected the highly contagious bird flu in some city birds, prompting health officials to advise caution when encountering sick or dead animals. The risk to the general public is currently low, with only two human cases reported in the country since 2022. The NYC Virus Hunters, a collaborative effort between wildlife organizations and research institutions, found six viruses in birds across the city, including the H5N1 strain in geese, a hawk, and a falcon. While the virus has impacted animals globally, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Experts recommend using common sense precautions when encountering sick animals, and health officials stress that the current public health risk is low.
Norovirus, also known as "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," is a highly contagious virus affecting the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and fever. It is not related to influenza and can be transmitted through close person-to-person contact or contaminated surfaces. Prevention measures include thorough handwashing, avoiding food preparation while sick, and cooking shellfish thoroughly.
Customers of a popular East Bay restaurant, Sons of Liberty Alehouse in San Leandro, are being warned of possible measles exposure on March 9 between 4:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Alameda County Public Health Department issued an alert, advising those who dined, worked, or visited the restaurant during that time to watch for symptoms such as fever, coughing, and rash, which can appear one to three weeks after exposure. Vaccinated individuals are generally protected, but those with young children or in healthcare or childcare roles are urged to contact their doctor and public health officials if they suspect exposure.
America is facing a potential measles outbreak, with cases in the first two months of 2024 nearly surpassing the total for 2023. Hundreds are feared infected in California and Arizona, with concerns over an outbreak at a migrant shelter in Chicago. Vaccination rates have dropped, leaving the US vulnerable, especially with the influx of migrants. Measles, a highly contagious virus, can lead to severe complications and even death. Health officials are urging vaccination and taking precautions to prevent a public health crisis.
Two adults with no record of measles immunization sought care at multiple healthcare facilities in Michigan, potentially exposing hundreds to the highly contagious virus. Health officials are urgently working to prevent a larger outbreak by identifying and vaccinating those who were exposed. Measles can be contagious before symptoms appear, making it difficult to trace and contain. Unvaccinated individuals are urged to get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, as measles can be especially dangerous for children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. If exposed, individuals are advised to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention while health departments are actively tracing potential contacts.
Health officials in Canada are warning of potential local spread of measles, with two recent cases in Quebec and Ontario not linked to travel or known cases. Concerns arise as vaccination rates drop and more parents express skepticism about routine childhood vaccinations. While experts believe the risk of a massive outbreak is low, they stress the importance of vaccination to prevent onward transmission. The highly contagious virus can lead to severe complications, but the two-dose vaccine regimen is over 95% effective at preventing infection. Officials urge Canadians to ensure their vaccination records are up-to-date, especially before travel.
Norovirus cases are increasing in the US, particularly in the Northeast, according to CDC data. The virus, which causes gastrointestinal symptoms, is most prevalent in crowded environments and can spread through direct contact, contaminated food or surfaces. While there is no specific treatment, preventive measures such as handwashing, thorough cooking of shellfish, and avoiding contaminated oysters are recommended to reduce the risk of infection.
Norovirus cases are increasing in the US, particularly in the Northeast, with over 12% of tests coming back positive for the virus, according to CDC data. The virus, which causes gastrointestinal symptoms, is most common in crowded environments and can spread through direct contact, contaminated food or surfaces. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, and there is no specific treatment. Prevention measures include handwashing, rinsing fruits and vegetables, and thorough cooking of shellfish. The FDA has issued a warning about certain oysters from Baja California and Mexico due to potential norovirus contamination, and a sushi restaurant in North Carolina had over 200 suspected cases of norovirus in December.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the state's first case of measles since 2019, with an Oakland County child contracting the virus while traveling internationally. Health officials are concerned about the state's measles vaccination rate, which currently stands at 83.6% for children aged 19-35 months, and are urging anyone aged one and older to get vaccinated. Measles is highly contagious, and the last outbreak in 2019 affected more than 40 people.
Norovirus is spreading in the Northeast at the highest rates since April of last year, with over 13% of tests coming back positive. The virus, often referred to as the stomach flu, causes gastrointestinal symptoms and spreads easily on hands and surfaces. It is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., and there is no specific treatment, but the CDC recommends drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
A norovirus outbreak, also known as the stomach flu, has been spreading in the Northeast and has now reached New Jersey. The virus causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramping, and can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces, infected individuals, and contaminated food or water. Preventative measures include thorough handwashing, avoiding raw seafood, and disinfecting contaminated areas. While there is no approved vaccine for norovirus, recent research trials have shown promise. Symptoms typically last 1 to 3 days, but a person can remain contagious for more than two weeks after symptoms fade.
Five confirmed cases of measles at a South Florida elementary school have raised concerns among pediatricians, who suspect that the affected students were not vaccinated. The rise in parents using religious exemptions to opt out of childhood vaccinations in Florida is contributing to the trend. Dr. Lisa Gwynn, a pediatrician, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that the measles outbreak is preventable and the vaccine is safe and effective. The MMR vaccine is about 98% effective in preventing measles, and experts believe the unvaccinated children at the school likely contracted the virus. The impact of the anti-vax movement and vocal opposition to COVID-19 vaccines on MMR vaccine rates is a growing concern for pediatricians.
Measles cases are on the rise in the US, with nearly two dozen cases reported since December 1, 2023. International travel and declining global vaccination rates are believed to be contributing factors. The virus, which was eliminated in the US in 2000, can still be brought into the country by unvaccinated individuals traveling abroad. Falling vaccination rates, particularly among children, are also a concern. Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in children, and health officials are urging people to ensure they are vaccinated and to take precautions if they suspect exposure.
Measles cases are on the rise in the US, with nearly two dozen cases reported since December 1, 2023. International travel and declining global vaccination rates are believed to be contributing factors. The virus, which was eliminated in the US in 2000, can still be brought in from countries with active outbreaks. Vaccination rates in the US remain low, particularly among children, and falling vaccination rates have led to clusters of cases. Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in children, and health officials are urging people to get vaccinated and take precautions if they suspect exposure.