How Arachnids May Reveal Looming New Threats to American Public Health—Bourbon Virus

Medicine & Technology Feb 21, 2015

While these little arachnids are not much to look at, ticks are the carriers of a myriad of diseases, which makes them of great importance to researchers. History has shown that they can cause sepsis, this past summer researchers discovered that the Lone Star tick can create a severe allergy to red meats, and now health officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a new tick-borne virus can even cause multiple organ failure.

Superbug Breaks Out at UCLA Medical Center, Causing Concern for Safety of Endoscopic Procedures

Feb 19, 2015

While all may seem fine in endoscopic outpatient procedures, with an easy check-in and virtually no down-time at all, it turns out that an antibiotic-resistant superbug may be waiting in the OR. Health officials with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the California health department are on high alert this week as news of two deaths in a local Los Angeles hospital have researchers wondering whether the superbug will claim more lives in its wake.

Could New HIV Strain Cross the Atlantic? Fears of the Spread of Aggressive HIV from Cuba

Feb 15, 2015

Though advances in HIV research and treatment have come to find ways of mitigating the virus, the disease continues to affects millions worldwide. And when the virus moves quickly, so does fear. In light of the discovery of a new strain of HIV, many are left wondering—could you too be at risk for contracting the disease?

Happiest Place on Earth or Headquarters for the Measles?

Jan 13, 2015

Disneyland may be the happiest place on Earth, but now it seems you can pay a visit to the beloved theme park and bring home more than just a pair of mouse ears. Disney has proven to us all that it is a small world after all, as a recent measles outbreak has now been traced to its California theme park.

2014 Was a Busy Year for Disease Control

Jan 01, 2015

2014 proved to be a busy year for disease control experts around the world, as many viruses began to rear their heads like never before. Ebola, measles, mumps, and whooping cough, among others, have seen record outbreaks as health officials work to stay ahead of the potentially deadly diseases.

Tick-Bourne ‘Bourbon Virus’ Wreaks Havoc on Kansas

Dec 23, 2014

While these little arachnids are not much to look at, ticks are the carriers of a myriad of diseases, which makes them of great importance to researchers. History has shown that they can cause sepsis, this past summer researchers discovered that the Lone Star tick can create a severe allergy to red meats, and now health officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a new tick-borne virus can even cause multiple organ failure.

Sweets May Swell Your Brain—Caramel Apples & Listeria

Dec 21, 2014

Want to give something sweet this Christmas as an added treat? Well, you may want to reconsider. While cookies and cakes may be safe, one Autumn treat may carry along with it a bad tiding, and a serious infection as well. Though caramel apples are often an Autumn/Winter treat, health officials with the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are saying that they may be the link between a multi-state Listeria outbreak that has to date led to more than four deaths, and dozens of hospitalizations. Spanning the states of Texas, Arizona and Minnesota, the CDC confirms that the bacterial infections came after ingestion of pre-packaged caramel apples, and now the patients are facing life-threatening complications.

Caramel Apples May Not Be So Sweet—Listeria Outbreak Across US

Dec 19, 2014

This holiday season you may want to steer clear of the sweets—or at least caramel apples. Though the caramel sweets are often an Autumn/Winter treat, health officials with the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are saying that they may be the link between a multi-state Listeria outbreak that has to date led to more than four deaths, and dozens of hospitalizations. Reporting this morning, Dec. 19, on the condition of the outbreak, the CDC says that at least 28 individuals spanning the states of Arizona, Texas and Minnesota have been infected and are facing the life-threatening illness.

CDC Designates 35 U.S Hospitals As Ebola Treatment Centers

Dec 03, 2014

As Ebola treatments and vaccines have been gaining ground as of late, fear and anxiety over the spread of the disease have been slowly allaying in communities around the world.