Tag

Zoonotic Disease

All articles tagged with #zoonotic disease

health1 year ago

"Surge of Leptospirosis Infections Linked to Rat Urine in US Cities"

Leptospirosis, a deadly disease caused by exposure to rat urine, is on the rise in the US and is already circulating in India, particularly in states like Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The disease is transmitted through contact with contaminated water, soil, or food tainted by infected animal urine and can lead to symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, jaundice, and gastrointestinal complications. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water bodies, keeping homes rat-free, and promoting public awareness campaigns for early detection and treatment.

health1 year ago

"Rise in Rare Bacterial Disease Cases Among San Diego Dogs"

San Diego veterinarians are observing a rise in cases of leptospirosis, a rare bacterial disease that can be transmitted to dogs through contact with contaminated water or wildlife urine. The disease, which can also affect humans, can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Pet owners are urged to be vigilant, vaccinate their pets, and seek veterinary care if their animals show signs of lethargy or illness.

health1 year ago

Pennsylvania Resident Hospitalized with Novel H1N2v Swine Flu

A Pennsylvania resident has been hospitalized after contracting swine flu from infected pigs, marking the first pig-to-human transmission this year. The CDC reported that the patient has since recovered, and there have been no reports of person-to-person transmission. Swine flu, caused by influenza A H1N2 variant, is typically endemic among pigs but rarely infects humans. The CDC advises people to avoid direct contact with pigs and to monitor them for signs of illness to prevent the spread of the zoonotic disease.

health1 year ago

"Fatal Bubonic Plague Case in New Mexico Raises Concerns"

A man in New Mexico has died from the bubonic plague, marking the state's first human death from the disease since 2020. The New Mexico Department of Health is conducting outreach and environmental assessments to determine any ongoing risk to the public. The plague, a bacterial disease spread through infected flea bites or contact with infected animals, can also affect pets. Health authorities recommend measures such as avoiding sick or dead rodents, using appropriate flea control products for pets, and seeking prompt medical attention for unexplained illnesses with sudden and severe fever. This incident follows a recent case in Oregon where a resident is believed to have contracted the plague from their symptomatic pet cat.

health1 year ago

"Rising Concern: The Parrot Fever Outbreak in Europe Claims 5 Lives"

"Parrot fever", caused by the bird-borne bacteria Chlamydia psittaci, is on the rise and has resulted in several deaths in Europe. The infection can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected birds and their secretions, posing a higher risk to pet bird owners, poultry workers, veterinarians, and gardeners. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms and pneumonia, but the illness can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed promptly.

health1 year ago

"Rising Concerns as Zombie Deer Disease Spreads to Humans"

Scientists are growing concerned about the potential for chronic wasting disease (CWD) to cross over from deer to humans, as studies have shown that non-human primates can contract the disease. CWD, a neurological disorder similar to mad cow disease, has been found in deer, elk, and moose in 26 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. While there is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans, experts are urging caution and further research to understand the potential risks to public health.

health1 year ago

"First Fatal Case of Alaskapox Virus Reported in Alaska"

Alaska reports its first fatal case of Alaskapox, a novel orthopox virus, in a man with an underlying health condition living on the Kenai Peninsula. This marks the state's seventh Alaskapox case and the first located outside of the Fairbanks area. The man's immunocompromised status likely contributed to the severity of the disease, which was linked to a stray cat that frequently scratched him. The case highlights the need for increased awareness among clinicians and ongoing testing of small mammals to gauge the prevalence of Alaskapox.

health1 year ago

"First Recorded Death from Alaskapox Virus Confirmed in Alaska"

An elderly man from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska has become the first person to die from Alaskapox, a recently discovered zoonotic disease thought to be carried by small woodland animals like squirrels. The man, who had a history of drug-induced immunosuppression due to cancer treatment, had been scratched by a stray cat he cared for before developing symptoms. Despite initial misdiagnoses, advanced testing by the CDC confirmed the presence of Alaskapox. The case suggests the virus may be more geographically widespread in Alaska's small mammals than previously known, prompting increased statewide awareness.

health-environment2 years ago

"Pandemic Reaches the Ocean: Bird Flu Discovered on Sub-Antarctic Islands"

An unprecedented avian flu panzootic has affected around 320 bird and mammal species, causing significant die-offs and threatening ecosystems. The potent H5N1 avian influenza strain has spread globally, infecting wild and domestic animal populations, with concerns about its potential to evolve and spread to humans. The outbreak has already impacted poultry farms and wildlife, prompting efforts to monitor and mitigate the risk of future outbreaks. The virus's ability to jump between species has led to mass die-offs of marine mammals, raising concerns about potential transmission to humans. The ongoing outbreak highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, emphasizing the need for conservation and disease prevention efforts.

health2 years ago

First US Case: Woman Contracts C. diff from Pet Cat, Raising Concerns of Animal-to-Human Transmission

A healthy woman in Texas contracted a bacterial infection called C. diff from her pet cat, marking the first documented case of animal-to-human transmission in the US. The woman experienced violent diarrhea for two months before doctors discovered the link between her symptoms and her recently adopted stray cat. Swabs revealed that both the woman and the cat were infected with the same strains of C. diff, although the cat showed no symptoms. This case serves as a reminder of the potential risks posed by household pets and highlights the importance of proper hygiene and awareness of zoonotic diseases.

health2 years ago

Bird Flu Spreads to Puget Sound Harbor Seals, Raising Concerns for Humans

An "unprecedented outbreak" of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has reached harbor seals in the Puget Sound, according to experts. The highly pathogenic virus, which has the potential to infect humans and cause severe disease, was confirmed in three adult seals stranded on Marrowstone Island. While the risk to humans is currently low, experts advise maintaining a social distance from wildlife and avoiding contact with sick or dead animals. The virus is believed to have jumped directly from birds to mammals, highlighting the importance of caution and protective measures when encountering sick or wild animals.

health2 years ago

Unprecedented Discovery: Live Parasitic Worm Found in Woman's Brain

In a world first, doctors and researchers in Australia have discovered a live parasitic worm, Ophidascaris robertsi, inside the brain of a 64-year-old woman. The worm, typically found in carpet pythons, was removed alive and wriggling during brain surgery. It is believed that the woman contracted the infection from Warrigal greens, a type of native grass, which serves as a habitat for pythons that shed the parasite's eggs through their feces. The woman experienced symptoms including forgetfulness and depression, and the worm's larvae were suspected to have infected other organs in her body. This case highlights the increasing risk of zoonotic diseases, which can pass from animals to humans.

health2 years ago

"USDA Study: Deer's Role in Coronavirus Mutation Revealed"

A study led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has found evidence that white-tailed deer may be responsible for a coronavirus mutation that has been detected in humans. The study suggests that deer can act as a "reservoir species" where the virus can survive, mutate, and potentially transmit to other species. While virus spread caused by wild animals is rare, it plays a role in virus adaptation. The research highlights the importance of understanding how diseases can spread and evolve in wildlife populations to better prepare for future infectious disease outbreaks.

health2 years ago

Avian Influenza Outbreak: Cats in Poland Affected by H5N1

Poland has reported an outbreak of Influenza A(H5N1) in cats, with 29 out of 47 tested samples being positive for the virus. The source of exposure is currently unknown, and investigations are ongoing. While there have been no reported human cases, the risk of infection is assessed as low for the general population and low to moderate for cat owners and those occupationally exposed to infected cats. Public health measures have been implemented, including self-monitoring for symptoms and issuing precautions for cat owners. The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with relevant agencies.