All articles tagged with #preventable disease
Advocates in the Bay Area are emphasizing the importance of universal screenings for hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer, a largely hidden health crisis, but enforcement remains challenging despite the potential to reduce sickness, expenses, and deaths.
An 8-year-old boy in Indiana died within 20 hours after contracting H flu, which developed into meningitis, highlighting the importance of vaccination. His mother is advocating for eliminating religious exemptions for school immunizations to prevent similar tragedies.
Measles cases are on the rise, posing a threat to public health. The outbreak underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this highly contagious and preventable disease.
Cases of congenital syphilis in the US have surged over the past decade, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to call for "concerted action" to address the epidemic. In 2022, over 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis, more than ten times the number in 2012. The disease, which can result in stillbirth, death, or birth defects, was nearly eradicated in the 1990s but resurged due to limited funding for sexually transmitted diseases. Nearly 90% of cases could have been prevented, with barriers ranging from individual factors like untreated addiction to systemic issues such as a lack of prenatal care in rural communities. The shortage of Bicillin, the only safe treatment for syphilis during pregnancy, has further strained the situation. Disparities exist, with higher rates among Black, Latino, and Native American populations, highlighting the impact of social determinants of health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant increase in cases of babies born with syphilis in the United States over the past decade. In 2022, over 3,700 babies were born with syphilis, more than 10 times the number in 2012, making it the highest case count in over 30 years. Lack of timely testing and adequate treatment were factors in 88% of cases, and the CDC estimates that almost 9 in 10 cases could have been prevented with proper testing and treatment. The increase in cases is affecting all racial and ethnic groups, with Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native communities being disproportionately affected. The CDC is calling for additional actions to prevent further tragedies and ensure access to care for all pregnant mothers.