Recent health updates include a high yellow fever risk in the Americas with increased cases outside the Amazon, a human H5N1 case in China likely imported from Vietnam, Moderna's filing for an updated COVID vaccine targeting the LP.8.1 sublineage, a study suggesting that rubella vaccination in 19 countries could prevent nearly 1 million CRS cases by 2055, and WHO monitoring the emerging SARS-CoV-2 NB.1.8.1 variant, which shows limited immune evasion and is under close observation.
Uganda has launched a nationwide yellow fever vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize 14 million people and requiring vaccination cards for travelers. The initiative is part of a global effort to eliminate yellow fever by 2026, led by the WHO. Despite concerns and hesitancy among some Ugandans, the government is promoting the vaccine's benefits through community programs.
Uganda has launched a nationwide yellow fever vaccination campaign, targeting 14 million people, and will now require travelers to show proof of vaccination. The initiative aims to combat vaccine hesitancy and protect against the mosquito-borne disease, which poses a significant threat in the country. The campaign is part of a global strategy to eliminate yellow fever by 2026.
Medical experts warn that yellow fever, a mosquito-borne disease once confined to the tropics, is poised for a resurgence in the US due to climate change. With no cure and a high fatality rate, the US is unprepared as the population remains largely unvaccinated and there are no vaccine doses in the US Strategic National Stockpile. The South, including cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Miami, is particularly vulnerable to an epidemic. Poverty and economic factors also contribute to the spread of yellow fever. Experts urge prioritizing yellow fever in national pandemic-preparedness efforts and recommend protective measures such as insect repellent and clothing, as well as vaccination for those traveling to affected areas.
Infectious disease experts warn that yellow fever, a mosquito-borne disease, could make a comeback in the United States, particularly in the South. Recent clusters of cases of malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus indicate an increasing risk of arbovirus outbreaks due to factors such as poverty, inadequate housing, and mosquito-friendly environments. Yellow fever, which causes severe symptoms and can be deadly, has not caused an epidemic in the US for over a century. Cities like Galveston, Corpus Christi, Houston, Mobile, New Orleans, and Tampa are identified as high-risk areas. Experts urge prioritizing yellow fever in national pandemic preparedness efforts, as the country lacks routine vaccinations and a national stockpile of yellow fever vaccines.
Researchers in the Pacific Northwest have made several breakthroughs in science and technology. Scientists at Washington State University have developed a liquid nitrogen spray that removes over 98% of moon dust from space suits. Researchers at Boise State University have created a plastic substitute made of isomalt, which is harder than plastic, lightweight, and dissolves quickly in water. Oregon State University scientists have developed a new electrolyte for zinc batteries that allows them to recharge with virtually no loss of energy. Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University are testing a new treatment for yellow fever using monoclonal antibodies. Finally, scientists at Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are using science to reduce the number of whales getting tangled in commercial fishing gear off the West Coast.
Scientists built a large outdoor arena in Zambia to study how malaria-carrying mosquitoes are drawn to specific chemicals found on people's skin. They found that mosquitoes use visual cues and body warmth to seek their prey at close range, but when out of visual range, they track carbon dioxide and other chemicals found in body odor and breath. The study identified a lucky individual whose distinctive body odor appeared to be relatively unappetizing, opening up a new avenue in the search for ways to deter bites. The insights gained from such experiments could lead to new ways to repel mosquitoes, perhaps by finding ways to alter or mask skin chemistry, making people less alluring.
Certain brands of soap can make people more attractive to mosquitoes that spread diseases like yellow fever, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, according to a study published in the journal iScience. However, one soap, Native Coconut & Vanilla Body Wash, made people less attractive to mosquitoes. Only a few species of mosquitoes are specialized to target humans out of the thousands of species.
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 19th-century quarantine hospital and graveyard on an above-sea island in the Florida Keys. The hospital was used to treat yellow fever patients from Fort Jefferson between 1890 and 1900. The Fort Jefferson Post Cemetery once held the graves of dozens of people, most of them being U.S. soldiers. The hospital's underwater location shows the impact of climate change and storm events on the Florida Keys. Archaeologists are still working to learn more about the people interred at the cemetery.
Divers have discovered the remains of a 19th century hospital and cemetery on a submerged island near Key West, Florida. The hospital served as a quarantine and cemetery for yellow fever patients between 1890 and 1900. The cemetery is believed to contain the remains of dozens of people, mostly U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Jefferson. The discovery highlights the untold stories in Dry Tortugas National Park and the impacts of climate change on resources in the area.
