All Emerging Threats & Epidemiology articles – Page 3
-
NewsTropical ocean temperatures drive changes in malaria cases in Malawi
New research shows that temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Indian Oceans drive year-to-year changes in malaria cases in Malawi.
-
NewsHow specific humidity affects flu outbreaks - and what it means under climate change
In temperate regions, flu season is in the winter, while in the tropics, constant low-intensity activity is typically punctuated by two annual peaks—or a surge during the rainy season. Researchers investigated whether specific humidity—the mass of water vapor per unit mass of air—could explain these differing patterns.
-
NewsJust 10 viral particles can cause H5N1 avian flu infection in cows
Just 10 viral particles of the H5N1 bird flu that caused hundreds of influenza outbreaks in U.S. dairy cattle can cause infection in cows, a new study shows. The research also hints at why the outbreaks have confounded scientists, farmers and livestock handlers hoping to contain and prevent the disease.
-
NewsWastewater analysis offers a new way to monitor HIV in communities
Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) detection in wastewater offers a novel approach to monitor the virus in communities. Hybrid-capture genetic sequencing allows researchers to analyze viral genomes in detail and specifically identify viral signals coming from community wastewater.
-
NewsPandemic may have reshaped England’s medication use
Medication dispensing patterns in England shifted during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an analysis of national primary care dispensing data. The use of some treatments recovered to or exceeded pre-pandemic levels, including medications for cardiovascular disease and diabetes; the use of others remained lower.
-
NewsStudy deploys DNA to track infectious bacteria from raccoons via rivers to humans
The emerging infectious bacterium Escherichia albertii has caused outbreaks of severe food poisoning and hospitalized people through contaminated water and foods, such as salad ingredients. A new study suggests a pathway by which invasive raccoons transmit infections to humans.
-
NewsThousands of young people to be offered two-dose MenB vaccine ahead of autumn
Thousands of young people across England will get protection against meningococcal B disease (MenB) through a one-off vaccination programme launching ahead of the 2026 academic year.
-
NewsAsk the expert: World Cup travel and Ebola risk
Luis Ostrosky, MD, division chief of infectious diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and chief epidemiology officer for Memorial Hermann Health System addresses the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda and how the United States could be affected through travel.
-
NewsPathogenic fungus transmitted by domestic cat scratches is present in wild animals
Researchers detected pathogenic species of Sporothrix in the internal organs of mammals, birds, and reptiles that were killed by vehicles on Brazilian roads. The study reveals a new reservoir for fungi and highlights the need for surveillance.
-
NewsAs California warms, cases of dengue fever are expected to grow
Historically, dengue fever has been rare in California. But according to new research, a warming climate is making parts of the state more hospitable to the illness — and the mosquitoes that carry it.
-
NewsChina’s psittacosis knowledge gap: A scoping review calls for coordinated action
Psittacosis—a bacterial pneumonia transmitted from birds to humans—is experiencing a notable resurgence in China. A new review presents a sobering picture: psittacosis is epidemiologically substantive, clinically serious, and chronically underserved by institutional resources and public health infrastructure.
-
NewsResearchers test two treatments to protect against deadly cattle disease
As cases of a deadly cattle disease rise in Arkansas, researchers are testing two treatments they hope will help ranchers protect their herds. The disease is bovine theileriosis and is caused by the parasite Theileria orientalis Ikeda, carried primarily by the invasive Asian longhorned tick.
-
NewsFirst-in-human clinical trial shows promising results for new Lassa fever vaccine
Researchers have reported encouraging results from an early clinical trial that tested a new dual vaccine against Lassa fever and rabies. The study found that the vaccine was safe and induced immune responses against both viruses. There are currently no vaccines against Lassa fever on the market.
-
NewsTesting AI against public health’s existing tools
A new study found that AI chatbots made vaccine-hesitant parents more likely to say they would vaccinate their children against HPV, but did not outperform materials from government health agencies, whose effects also lasted longer.
-
NewsEurope’s crops under threat: €6 million project launches to tackle rising plant pest crisis
The University of Warwick leads a European consortium to build the first platform capable of coordinating Europe’s response to devastating agricultural and forest pest invasions. The project will give plant health authorities the ability to model and optimise pest control strategies across the entire agri-value chain.
-
NewsNew study highlights maternal-fetal TORCH infection risk
Researchers have assessed long-term trends in TORCH infections in India, a region where reliable data have been lacking. TORCH includes pathogens that cause toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus and other infections.
-
NewsInfections are major ‘health hazard’ for people with diabetes
Infections should be considered a “health hazard” in people living with diabetes, with experts warning that current clinical guidelines fail to reflect a substantial but under-recognised burden of illness, hospitalisation and death. People living with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes face higher risks of infection compared to those without diabetes.
-
NewsNew tool quickly sequences hantavirus genome
The genetic diversity of hantavirus and the low levels of virus typically found in patient samples make sequencing its genome particularly challenging. Researchers have developed a new, effective, and low-cost way to carry out whole genome sequencing for hantaviruses.
-
NewsNew model could help track deadly viruses back to their source
A new predictive model could help scientists more efficiently identify the reservoirs of emerging zoonotic viruses and dangerous pathogens like Ebola that can spill over from animals into humans. It relies on detailed information collected on suspected reservoir species to identify key windows.
-
NewsAntibiotics for common sore throats have very limited effect on Strep spread
Antibiotics for sore throats have hardly any preventive effect against serious streptococcal infections in the population, according to a study. Instead, healthcare needs to quickly recognize warning signs of a serious infection.