Tag

Infectious Disease

All articles tagged with #infectious disease

Broome County Sees Uptick in Shigellosis Infections, Public Health Warns
health6 days ago

Broome County Sees Uptick in Shigellosis Infections, Public Health Warns

Broome County’s health department reports a rise in shigellosis, a bacterial stomach illness caused by Shigella, with about 22 cases since August 2025—well above the typical six per year—prompting prevention guidance (handwashing, careful diaper changes, avoiding swallowing pool water, safe food/water practices when traveling, and avoiding sexual contact for at least two weeks after diarrhea ends). Symptoms typically appear 1–2 days after infection and last up to seven days.

Maine confirms first measles case since 2019, triggering exposure notices
health18 days ago

Maine confirms first measles case since 2019, triggering exposure notices

Maine's CDC confirms the state's first measles case since 2019 in an adult who had recently traveled to a state with known cases. The individual was infectious Jan. 28–Feb. 5 and may have exposed people at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Bangor (Jan. 28) and Hill View Mini Barns in Etna (Jan. 28–29); anyone at those locations during those times should monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if exposed.

Genetics shape who survives infections once thought harmless
science1 month ago

Genetics shape who survives infections once thought harmless

A Nature News feature explains that inherited immune-system mutations—and, more recently, autoantibodies against interferons—help determine why some people die from microbes that are usually harmless. Researchers have cataloged hundreds of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) across many genes, with defects like interferon-γ receptor mutations causing severe mycobacterial disease, and autoantibodies linked to severe COVID-19 and other infections. Some mutations can even confer protection against specific pathogens (e.g., CCR5 against HIV). With incomplete penetrance and epigenetic regulation, IEIs can vary by cell type and over a person’s lifetime, prompting genetic screening and targeted therapies to prevent or treat severe infections.

US Faces Surge in Measles Cases Amid Outbreaks and Holiday Travel
health1 month ago

US Faces Surge in Measles Cases Amid Outbreaks and Holiday Travel

Measles cases are at a 25-year high in the US, spreading rapidly and causing concern among health officials. The highly contagious virus can be prevented with the MMR vaccine, which is highly effective. If exposed, those vaccinated or with presumed immunity generally do not need to take action, but unvaccinated individuals should consider vaccination or antibody treatment. Symptoms include fever, cough, and rash, and while there is no specific treatment, supportive care and prevention are key.

Doctors Alert on Rapidly Spreading Infectious Disease in US
health1 month ago

Doctors Alert on Rapidly Spreading Infectious Disease in US

Measles cases are rising across the US, with nearly 2,100 cases in 2025, the highest in 25 years. The highly contagious virus spreads through respiratory droplets and surfaces, but vaccination with the MMR vaccine is highly effective in prevention. Experts advise vaccination after exposure and prompt medical consultation if symptoms develop, emphasizing the importance of herd immunity and vaccination to control outbreaks.

Maine Reports Three Active Tuberculosis Cases Amid Rising National Cases
health5 months ago

Maine Reports Three Active Tuberculosis Cases Amid Rising National Cases

Maine has reported three active tuberculosis cases linked to the Greater Portland area, amid a nationwide increase in TB cases, which remain a serious global health concern despite being less contagious than COVID-19 and flu. The Maine CDC is actively responding and testing contacts, as TB cases have been rising since 2021, with 28 cases reported in Maine this year through July. TB is a bacterial lung infection that can also affect other organs, but is curable with antibiotics.

California Reports New Plague Case Linked to Lake Tahoe
health6 months ago

California Reports New Plague Case Linked to Lake Tahoe

The reappearance of the plague in California, caused by infected fleas from wild rodents, highlights its ongoing presence despite medical advances. A recent case in South Lake Tahoe involved a patient recovering at home, with historical cases in the state showing the disease's persistence. The plague, primarily bubonic, can be treated with antibiotics if caught early, but remains a health concern in rural and wilderness areas where humans and pets can be exposed to infected rodents and fleas.

California Reports New Bubonic Plague Case Amid Concerns
health6 months ago

California Reports New Bubonic Plague Case Amid Concerns

A rare case of the plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, has reappeared in Northern California, likely contracted from a flea bite while camping. Despite being a disease of the past, it still exists in small numbers, primarily affecting rodents and occasionally humans, especially in rural and wilderness areas. There are no current FDA-approved vaccines, but the disease is treatable with antibiotics if caught early. Experts consider it under control and not a major public health threat today.