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Pandemic Potential

All articles tagged with #pandemic potential

health1 year ago

Second U.S. Bird Flu Case Detected in Michigan Dairy Worker

The CDC has confirmed a second human case of H5N1 avian influenza in America, linked to an outbreak among dairy cows. Both cases involved farm workers with mild symptoms and no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Public health authorities are on high alert, preparing half of the national H5N1 vaccine stockpile for potential deployment. H5N1 has pandemic potential due to lack of human immunity and a high fatality rate among known cases.

via The Economist|
#bird-flu#h5n1#health
health-disease-outbreak1 year ago

"Health Officials on Alert as Pandemic-Potential Monkeypox Strain Discovered in Congo"

Scientists have discovered a new strain of monkeypox, officially known as mpox, with "pandemic potential" in a mining town in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mutated version, named "clade 1b", is thought to be better at spreading and has raised concerns about the potential for national and international spread. Health ministers have called for swift action to avert another global outbreak, as the virus has a history of causing mild illness but can lead to serious cases and has already resulted in deaths.

via The Mirror|
#democratic-republic-of-congo#global-epidemic#health-disease-outbreak
health-pandemic1 year ago

"Emerging Threat: Mutant Strain of Monkeypox Raises Pandemic Concerns in Congo"

A mutant strain of monkeypox with "pandemic potential" has been discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the town of Kamituga. This new strain, named "clade 1b," is more infectious and better at evading tests than its predecessor, and has already resulted in 108 cases and two deaths. Researchers are calling for urgent measures to contain the virus and prevent a global outbreak, as the highly mobile population of Kamituga, including miners and sex workers, could facilitate its spread. The virus is believed to have emerged in animals and then jumped to humans, particularly affecting sex workers. The international community is urged to roll out vaccines, drugs, and heightened surveillance and contact tracing measures to address the situation.

via Daily Mail|
#congo#global-outbreak#health-pandemic
health1 year ago

"Emerging Pandemic Threat: Mutated Monkeypox Strain Discovered in DRC"

A new strain of mpox with "pandemic potential" has been discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the mining town of Kamituga. Named "clade 1b," this mutated virus is better at spreading between people, particularly through sexual contact, and has mutations that evade some existing tests. The outbreak raises concerns due to its potential to spread nationally and internationally, especially given the highly mobile population in the area. Urgent action, including surveillance, contact tracing, and targeted vaccinations, is recommended to halt the spread of the new strain, as it poses a substantial risk of escalation beyond the current area and across borders.

via The Telegraph|
#democratic-republic-of-congo#global-health-security#health
health1 year ago

Rising Threat: The Surge of Deadly Streptococcal Infections in Japan

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a severe and deadly form of Group A Streptococcus infection, is surging in Japan, with a record 378 cases recorded in the first two months of 2024. The exact cause of the rise is unclear, but experts suspect a post-Covid surge in illnesses similar to what the UK experienced in 2022. STSS comes with fever, chills, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting, and can quickly progress to sepsis and organ failure, with a 30% fatality rate. The bacteria responsible, Strep A, spreads through close contact and can cause a range of diseases affecting the skin, soft tissue, and respiratory system. While the rate of STSS infections in Japan is still low, the potential for a pandemic caused by Strep A exists, although it spreads more slowly than viruses.

via Metro.co.uk|
#health#infections#japan
health2 years ago

India's Battle Against the Deadly Nipah Virus Outbreak Intensifies

Health officials in India are working to contain an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus, which has already claimed two lives. Nipah is a rare zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans, particularly through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, respiratory illness, brain swelling, and seizures. The virus has a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%. There are currently no authorized drugs or vaccines for Nipah, and diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific symptoms. Experts warn that the destruction of natural bat habitats in India may increase the risk of virus spillovers. Nipah is listed as a priority pathogen for urgent research and development by the World Health Organization, as it has the potential to cause a pandemic.

via Forbes|
#health#india#nipah-virus
health2 years ago

"Breakthrough: Human Gene Shields Against Bird Flu Viruses"

Scientists from the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research have identified a human gene, BTN3A3, that can block the replication of most strains of bird flu in human cells. The gene is part of the human immune system's defense against bird viruses and appears to be a key factor in determining whether a bird flu strain has the potential to cause a human pandemic. However, viruses can mutate, so it is not certain that bird flu viruses could not evolve to escape the gene's activity. About 50% of H5N1 strains circulating globally in 2023 are already resistant to BTN3A3, raising concerns about an elevated level of risk.

via Reuters|
#bird-flu#health#human-gene