All articles tagged with #respiratory infection
Originally Published 1 year ago — by BBC.com
Wales will roll out a new RSV vaccine program targeting pregnant women and older adults to protect against severe respiratory infections, aiming to reduce hospitalizations and improve public health.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Times of India
Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, is spreading globally, with outbreaks reported in several countries. The disease, characterized by severe coughing fits and a distinctive "whooping" sound, can be particularly severe in infants and young children. Vaccination, good hygiene practices, and early diagnosis and treatment are key measures to prevent and control the spread of whooping cough, especially among vulnerable populations.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Hawaii News Now
The state Department of Health has confirmed two cases of whooping cough on Hawaii Island, with eight probable cases also identified. The affected households have children attending local schools in different areas of the island, and officials are working to identify close contacts. No one is hospitalized, and the cases are not connected to previous ones on Oahu. Whooping cough, caused by bacteria, can lead to severe complications, and vaccination is the best prevention method.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Livescience.com
An outbreak of parrot fever, or psittacosis, has resulted in five deaths across Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, with almost 90 people affected. The illness, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, primarily affects birds but can be transmitted to humans through inhalation of infected particles. The affected countries have reported an increase in cases, prompting epidemiological investigations and surveillance. The WHO advises pet-bird owners to maintain cleanliness and hygiene practices to minimize the risk of transmission.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by New York Post
An outbreak of psittacosis, commonly known as "parrot fever," has resulted in at least five deaths and dozens of hospitalizations across Europe, with cases surging in countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, and Sweden. The respiratory bacterial infection is typically transmitted through contact with infected birds or inhalation of particles from their feathers or dried feces, posing a higher risk to pet owners, poultry workers, gardeners, and veterinarians. While most cases present mild symptoms such as fever and coughing, severe instances can lead to pneumonia, and about one in 100 patients die from the illness. Despite the unusual increase in cases, the World Health Organization has assessed the current outbreak as posing a low risk.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fox News
Hawaii health officials have confirmed five cases of whooping cough in a family, including a child who has been hospitalized, all of whom were unvaccinated. The family had traveled from the U.S. mainland to Oahu, and health authorities are working to notify those who may have been exposed. Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, can cause severe complications, especially in infants. Officials urge staying up to date with vaccinations and seeking medical attention for symptoms such as struggling to breathe or violent coughing.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by WSAW
Blastomycosis, a rare fungal infection, is on the rise in northcentral Wisconsin, particularly in Lincoln County, due to the moist soil and leaves providing a habitat for the fungus. The infection can be contracted by breathing in fungal spores and can lead to serious health complications, requiring long-term treatment. Experts are urging residents to be aware of the risks and symptoms, as well as to seek immediate testing if they suspect they have been infected.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Daily Mail
A study suggests that blastomycosis, a deadly fungus with a 20% kill rate, may be more common in the US than previously thought, with Vermont showing a higher rate than four of the five states where it is tracked. The disease, caused by breathing in spores from rotten wood or leaf litter, can lead to deadly pneumonia and inflammation. The findings challenge assumptions about the disease's prevalence and call for increased awareness among clinicians. Last year, a paper mill outbreak in Michigan sickened over a hundred people, and a woman in Wisconsin died from the infection after being initially misdiagnosed.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by AOL
A 22-year-old man from North Dakota required a double lung transplant after developing parainfluenza, which led to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The man had been using e-cigarettes since his teenage years and had recently increased his vaping. While the exact link between vaping and lung disease is still unclear, some studies suggest that e-cigarette use can make people more susceptible to respiratory infections. After being on life support for 70 days, the man received a lung transplant and is now on the path to recovery, but will need to spend around six months in Minneapolis for monitoring.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KTVI Fox 2 St. Louis
A mystery respiratory illness called Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD) is spreading across the US, with cases reported in 16 states. The illness, which may be caused by a virus or bacteria, has now reached Illinois and could soon spread to Missouri. While the exact cause and transmission method are still unknown, pet owners are advised to avoid contact with sick dogs, communal water bowls, and shared toys, and to be cautious when bringing their dogs out in public. Dogs with underlying breathing conditions or compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
Up to 5.4 million people in the United States have already been sick with the flu this fall, with an estimated 55,000 hospitalizations and 4,600 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to update their tally of flu-related cases weekly as the flu season progresses. The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, fever, headaches, and fatigue. Prevention efforts focus on annual flu shots, recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Last year, 31 million Americans contracted the flu, resulting in 21,000 deaths.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Curbed
Dogs in parts of North America have been experiencing a mysterious respiratory illness, causing concern among dog owners. Veterinarians have been unable to identify the exact cause, and standard treatments have not been effective in all cases. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. While some dogs have developed pneumonia and a few have died, experts believe that the majority of cases are mild and will resolve on their own. The illness is suspected to be a combination of different respiratory infections rather than a single pathogen. Vets recommend limiting contact with unknown dogs, vaccinating against common respiratory diseases, and monitoring for severe symptoms in vulnerable dogs.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NorthcentralPA.com
A mystery illness that has been affecting dogs in Pennsylvania and other states has been identified as a "funky bacterium" by a team of scientists at the University of New Hampshire. The pathogen, which is smaller than a normal bacterium, has been causing respiratory symptoms in dogs. The researchers are now working on finding a cure and preventative measures. There are currently no reports of the illness being transferred to humans. Dog owners are advised to keep their pets' vaccinations up to date and avoid public spaces where dogs may be exposed to the illness.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WION
A study published in the journal Military Medical Research suggests that excessive exercise may increase the risk of viral respiratory infections. Researchers found that individuals who are very fit may be more prone to such infections immediately after vigorous exercise due to reduced inflammatory activity. The study examined the blood plasma, urine, and saliva of 11 firefighters before and after 45 minutes of intense exercise, revealing a decrease in inflammatory molecules and an increase in Opiorphin, which may improve blood flow to muscles. The findings could help reduce the risk of strenuous exercise for first responders, athletes, and military personnel.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by IndiaTimes
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that can start with mild, nonspecific symptoms similar to a common cold or flu. However, within a day or two, symptoms worsen, including high fever, intense coughing with abnormal colored mucus, shortness of breath, chest pain, bluish tint on lips and nails, confusion in severe cases, and nausea and vomiting in children. It is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms occur, especially in older individuals. Good hygiene practices, vaccinations, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent pneumonia.