All articles tagged with #public health response
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Undark Magazine
Louisiana's response to its worst whooping cough outbreak in 35 years was slow and lacked timely public communication, leading to preventable infant deaths and increased cases, highlighting the importance of rapid public health action and vaccination promotion.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)
In August 2024, a rabid feral cat from an unmanaged colony in Maryland led to the exposure of three people who received postexposure prophylaxis, highlighting the public health risks posed by unmanaged feral cat colonies and the need for improved management and vaccination efforts.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by NBC News
A measles outbreak in a West Texas Mennonite community highlights the clash between evidence-based public health efforts and anti-vaccine misinformation, with community distrust, alternative treatments, and high-profile anti-vaccine advocates complicating containment and prevention efforts, ultimately leading to preventable deaths and a public health crisis.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by World Health Organization (WHO)
Timor-Leste reported its first fatal human case of rabies, prompting a high-risk assessment by the World Health Organization. The 19-year-old female victim from Oecusse had a history of dog bite and died after exhibiting symptoms. A total of 29 suspected rabies cases in humans were reported in Oecusse Municipality this year. The public health response includes dog vaccination, risk communication, healthcare worker training, active surveillance, and ensuring the availability of rabies vaccines. WHO advises close coordination for rabies elimination, including risk communication, immunization, mass dog vaccination, and wildlife vaccination.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by World Health Organization
Indonesia reported four cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) from October 2022 to February 2023, with two new confirmed cases in December 2023. The cases are from Central Java and East Java provinces, with sub-optimal vaccination coverage increasing the risk of further transmission. Public health responses, including detailed case investigation and risk assessment, are underway, and the overall risk is assessed as high at the national level. WHO advises strengthening surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis cases and maintaining high routine immunization coverage to minimize the consequences of any new virus introduction.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Hill
Former White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci has agreed to appear before the House select subcommittee on the coronavirus pandemic in January for a two-day interview regarding his role in the public health response during the COVID-19 outbreak. The transcribed interview will take place on January 8-9 and will cover topics such as the origin of COVID-19, coercive mandates, gain-of-function research, and scientific censorship. House Republicans have long sought to bring Fauci in for testimony, and he has expressed his willingness to cooperate.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by World Health Organization
The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has reported two confirmed cases of influenza A(H5N1) in the same village in Kampot Province. Both cases had exposure to sick backyard birds. The first case died while in the hospital, while the second case is currently being treated. The Ministry of Health is investigating the source of the infection and coordinating response activities, including active surveillance, identifying close contacts, and conducting health education campaigns. The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the risk to the general population as low and advises the public to avoid contact with high-risk environments, maintain good hand hygiene, and report instances of sick or unexpected deaths in animals.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WRAL News
The lack of testing data is making it difficult to determine the current spread of COVID-19, despite increasing key metrics and hospitalizations. Wastewater surveillance suggests the virus is as prevalent now as it was in early January. Without accurate data, it becomes challenging to effectively address the three pillars of public health response: data collection, testing, and treatment. Healthcare providers recommend reinstating previous practices, such as wearing masks, to mitigate the risk of infection. With children returning to school and the respiratory virus season approaching, health officials anticipate a continued upward trend in COVID-19 cases.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNBC
Covid hospitalizations are surging across the United States, with new admissions increasing by about 16% over the past week. This spike comes as students return to school and just before updated shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are set to be rolled out for a fall vaccination campaign. Dr. Deborah Birx, former White House coronavirus response coordinator, warns that the U.S. has let its guard down and is not adequately testing for Covid. She also criticizes the delayed release of vaccines to combat the summer wave and calls for the development of new shots to target emerging variants. Despite the rise in cases, Dr. Anthony Fauci believes that the number of hospitalizations and deaths will not reach previous levels due to the substantial wall of immunity from vaccination and prior infection. However, Birx warns that the U.S. should prepare for a winter surge and start making vaccines for that wave.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by World Health Organization
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported a case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a 28-year-old male from Al Ain city. The patient had no history of contact with dromedaries or travel outside the UAE. All identified contacts have been monitored and no secondary cases have been detected. Since 2013, the UAE has reported 94 cases of MERS-CoV, resulting in 12 deaths. Globally, there have been 2,605 confirmed cases of MERS-CoV, with 936 associated deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises strong surveillance for respiratory infections, including MERS-CoV, and emphasizes the importance of hygiene measures and infection prevention in healthcare settings.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Weather Channel
Six cases of locally acquired malaria were reported in Sarasota County, Florida, in May and June, with an additional case reported in far southwestern Texas. These cases are extremely rare in the U.S., and health officials have issued advisories and implemented mosquito control measures. The type of mosquitoes that carry malaria are present in much of the U.S., but climate change may cause them to move to new areas. So far, the cases have not spread further, and health departments are working to stop transmissions.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Trinidad & Tobago Express Newspapers
The Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed the first case of the MPOX virus in the country. The patient is a middle-aged male with a travel history. The ministry has initiated a local public health response, including contact tracing. The MPOX virus, which can range from mild to severe illness, is spread through close contact or respiratory droplets. Common symptoms include a skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The ministry advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to visit their nearest health facility and reminds the public to maintain good hygiene practices. The MPOX vaccine is available in Trinidad and Tobago but currently reserved for contacts of known positives.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by World Health Organization
Six additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) have been reported in Equatorial Guinea, bringing the total to 15 laboratory-confirmed and 23 probable cases since the declaration of the outbreak on 13 February 2023. Among the laboratory confirmed there are 11 deaths (Case Fatality Ratio 78.6%; for one confirmed case the outcome is unknown), and all probable cases are dead. WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health by strengthening different response pillars, including but not limited to surveillance, including at points of entry; laboratory; case management; infection prevention and control; risk communication and community engagement.