All articles tagged with #disease tracking
Researchers have developed a new blood test to detect the brainworm Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in live moose and other wildlife, aiding in tracking and managing the spread of this deadly parasite that affects herbivores like moose and elk across North America.
Public health officials from eight states, including Massachusetts, are exploring regional collaboration to bypass federal health policy disruptions caused by the Trump administration, focusing on vaccine coordination, disease monitoring, and emergency response amid concerns over federal funding cuts and changing priorities.
The United States Department of Agriculture confirmed avian flu cases in mammals in Washington, Kentucky, and Montana, raising concerns about potential spread to humans. The virus, commonly found in wild birds and poultry, has now been detected in a raccoon, striped skunks, and a mountain lion. Scientists warn of the virus accumulating new traits that could pose a threat to humans and advocate for better disease tracking. Additionally, a recent study found the virus in marine species along the Atlantic coast of South America, raising fears about its potential spread to people.
Wastewater testing has proven effective in detecting mpox infections, with a 32% likelihood of detecting the virus in populations ranging from thousands to millions. The approach has also shown promise in tracking other diseases, such as polio and flu, and is being expanded to monitor germs resistant to antibiotics and food poisoning bugs. The CDC's wastewater surveillance work has outperformed expectations and is expected to play a significant role in understanding disease in communities.
Researchers in Peru are using drones to track disease-carrying mosquitoes in the Amazon as climate change leads to an increase in diseases like dengue and malaria. The drones capture photos to map potential breeding sites for mosquitoes, such as stagnant water in lakes, broken-down vehicles, and small objects like water tanks. The data collected is combined with field trip observations to identify patterns that trigger outbreaks. The goal is to create a forecasting system that can predict disease outbreaks in real-time, helping health authorities prepare and respond more effectively. However, some experts are skeptical about the ability of such models to encompass all the factors that contribute to disease outbreaks.
Researchers at the University of South Florida are using citizen science and artificial intelligence to track mosquitoes that could be carrying deadly diseases. By uploading images of mosquitoes to the Global Mosquito Observations Dashboard, researchers can train AI algorithms to detect disease-carrying species. With the rise in global temperatures due to climate change, the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses is increasing. Diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika are on the rise, and mosquitoes are expected to adapt and expand their ranges. It is crucial for humans to remain vigilant in monitoring mosquitoes and take preventive measures such as draining standing water, dressing appropriately, and using insect repellent.