Showing posts with label meningitis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meningitis. Show all posts
04 August, 2011
Cerebrospinal Meningitis Outbreak in Ghana Leaves 5 Dead
An outbreak of CSM, commonly known as cerebrospinal meningitis, in the New Nsuta community of Obuasi Municipality in Ghana, has killed 5 and infected 17 individuals. It has not yet been established how the disease broke out in the area. Fearful residents are urging local health officials to immediately immunize them, and the Ministry of Health is working to dispatch vaccines to the area, although the strain has yet to be identified. Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal membrane and can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. The outbreak has reportedly taken a toll on businesses in the area, as patrons are pulling out. Last year’s meningitis outbreak in northern Ghana resulted in 54 cases and 27 deaths.
03 August, 2011
“Unusual Cluster” of Deadly Meningitis in New Zealand
Health care professionals on New Zealand’s South Island have been told to be extra vigilant after 4 cases of a rare and aggressive type of meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis type C) were confirmed. One patient has died (a well-known construction company CEO and father of three), and three others remain hospitalized. The individuals hospitalized include a colleague of the deceased CEO, a Christchurch woman in her 40s, and a toddler in a Dunedin Hospital. All are expected to make a full recovery. What has made this outbreak particularly unusual is the confirmation by public health officials that there is nothing linking the two men with the woman or toddler.
Anyone with suspected infection with meningococcal disease should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms can develop quickly and include nausea, fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
10 June, 2011
Source of e. coli Outbreak Discovered; Meningitis Vaccine Reduces Cases; Fungal Infection Strikes Joplin, MO
Germany: It’s the sprouts. We mean it this time.
First it was cucumbers (Spanish), then it was sprouts. Then it was cucumbers (German) and now officials say it truly was the sprouts. Although lab tests failed to find the E. coli on plants at the farm which produced the sprouts, the strain was isolated on leftover sprouts from a family which became ill. At the moment, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports that 3086 people became ill. Media reports state 33 have died (all German except for 1 Swede). The United States and Canada also reported cases suspected to be associated with the outbreak. Over a quarter of cases experienced the severe form of the infection, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. This strain has been unusually severe, with doctors noting neurologic damage in many patients.
In the end, traditional epidemiological studies examining foods consumed and events attended by both sick and healthy individuals showed many of the infected ate at restaurants and cafeterias supplied by one organic sprout farm. From there, investigators were eventually able to track down sprouts that test positive for the strain. Those interested in reading about the methods and challenges of investigating an outbreak of foodborne illness may enjoy this post.
The outbreak has been devastating to farmers. While Spanish cucumber farmers were the first to feel the impact, consumers soon began to avoid all produce as no single source was quickly identified.
The German E. coli outbreak has sparked increased news reporting of E. coli cases, even those not linked to the outbreak. The Netherlands, Thailand and Finland all reported finding E. coli. In Tennessee, a two year old girl has died and 8 are believed to be ill from E. coli.
Meningitis Vaccine Project (MVP) Reduces Cases
World Health Organization (WHO) data on the MenAfriVac vaccine distributed in Meningitis Belt countries show a massive decrease in cases in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The Serum Institute, based in India, developed MenAfriVac against meningitis A, which has been very common throughout the infamous Meningitis Belt. They began distribution for 50 U.S. cents a dose six months ago. In the 2011 meningitis season, Burkina Faso confirmed 4 cases (compared to 66 this time in 2010), Niger also reported 4 cases (compared to 219 last year) and Mali had no reported cases (10 cases the previous year). These dramatic decreases are promising for the fight against meningitis. The MVP hopes to immunize 250 million people in Africa between 2010 and 2015.
Rare Fungal Infection Strikes Joplin Tornado Survivors
On May 22, 2011 much of Joplin, Missouri was destroyed when an EF-5 tornado ripped through the small town killing 151 in its path. (The EF-5 rating is the highest rating on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.) The storm ravaged a one-mile wide, thirteen-mile long path through Joplin, destroying 8000 homes and apartment complexes, and leaving thousands homeless. The tornado that hit Joplin, MO is the deadliest twister to strike in the United States since modern record keeping began in 1950.
As if the people of Joplin haven’t suffered enough, a new threat has emerged, as a potentially lethal fungal infection has been contracted by at least 9 tornado survivors, killing 3. (The Jasper county coroner has so far stated that 1 was killed as a direct result of the fungal infection while the other two victims had other medical conditions that could have contributed to their deaths.)
Zygomycosis (also known as mucormycosis) is caused when commonly present fungi, found in soil and decaying vegetation, becomes embedded under the skin. These secondary skin-fungal infections are sometimes seen in survivors of mass trauma where multiple injuries and skin lacerations are treated as quickly as possible in makeshift emergency shelters (such as the 2004 Indonesian tsunami). Doctors began seeing patients in Joplin with fungal infections a week after the tornado. Patients have visible mold growing in their wounds, and surgery is typically required to remove the dead tissue. Zygomycosis can also invade the brain, lungs, or sinuses, and generally kills half of its victims. Despite the severity of zygomycosis, it should be stressed that people should not panic. The infection does not spread from person to person and does not invade normal, intact skin.
First it was cucumbers (Spanish), then it was sprouts. Then it was cucumbers (German) and now officials say it truly was the sprouts. Although lab tests failed to find the E. coli on plants at the farm which produced the sprouts, the strain was isolated on leftover sprouts from a family which became ill. At the moment, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports that 3086 people became ill. Media reports state 33 have died (all German except for 1 Swede). The United States and Canada also reported cases suspected to be associated with the outbreak. Over a quarter of cases experienced the severe form of the infection, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. This strain has been unusually severe, with doctors noting neurologic damage in many patients.
In the end, traditional epidemiological studies examining foods consumed and events attended by both sick and healthy individuals showed many of the infected ate at restaurants and cafeterias supplied by one organic sprout farm. From there, investigators were eventually able to track down sprouts that test positive for the strain. Those interested in reading about the methods and challenges of investigating an outbreak of foodborne illness may enjoy this post.
The outbreak has been devastating to farmers. While Spanish cucumber farmers were the first to feel the impact, consumers soon began to avoid all produce as no single source was quickly identified.
The German E. coli outbreak has sparked increased news reporting of E. coli cases, even those not linked to the outbreak. The Netherlands, Thailand and Finland all reported finding E. coli. In Tennessee, a two year old girl has died and 8 are believed to be ill from E. coli.
Meningitis Vaccine Project (MVP) Reduces Cases
World Health Organization (WHO) data on the MenAfriVac vaccine distributed in Meningitis Belt countries show a massive decrease in cases in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The Serum Institute, based in India, developed MenAfriVac against meningitis A, which has been very common throughout the infamous Meningitis Belt. They began distribution for 50 U.S. cents a dose six months ago. In the 2011 meningitis season, Burkina Faso confirmed 4 cases (compared to 66 this time in 2010), Niger also reported 4 cases (compared to 219 last year) and Mali had no reported cases (10 cases the previous year). These dramatic decreases are promising for the fight against meningitis. The MVP hopes to immunize 250 million people in Africa between 2010 and 2015.
Rare Fungal Infection Strikes Joplin Tornado Survivors
On May 22, 2011 much of Joplin, Missouri was destroyed when an EF-5 tornado ripped through the small town killing 151 in its path. (The EF-5 rating is the highest rating on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.) The storm ravaged a one-mile wide, thirteen-mile long path through Joplin, destroying 8000 homes and apartment complexes, and leaving thousands homeless. The tornado that hit Joplin, MO is the deadliest twister to strike in the United States since modern record keeping began in 1950.
As if the people of Joplin haven’t suffered enough, a new threat has emerged, as a potentially lethal fungal infection has been contracted by at least 9 tornado survivors, killing 3. (The Jasper county coroner has so far stated that 1 was killed as a direct result of the fungal infection while the other two victims had other medical conditions that could have contributed to their deaths.)
Zygomycosis (also known as mucormycosis) is caused when commonly present fungi, found in soil and decaying vegetation, becomes embedded under the skin. These secondary skin-fungal infections are sometimes seen in survivors of mass trauma where multiple injuries and skin lacerations are treated as quickly as possible in makeshift emergency shelters (such as the 2004 Indonesian tsunami). Doctors began seeing patients in Joplin with fungal infections a week after the tornado. Patients have visible mold growing in their wounds, and surgery is typically required to remove the dead tissue. Zygomycosis can also invade the brain, lungs, or sinuses, and generally kills half of its victims. Despite the severity of zygomycosis, it should be stressed that people should not panic. The infection does not spread from person to person and does not invade normal, intact skin.
18 March, 2011
Meningitis in Ghana and the US, Avian Influenza in Bangladesh, and Plague in Madagascar
Meningitis in Ghana and the United States
Fifteen people have died from meningitis in Ghana’s Upper West Region with over 100 cases reported. Ghana is located in the Meningitis Belt of sub-Saharan Africa where the highest rates of bacterial meningitis are seen. Although vaccines exist for meningococcal meningitis, many in the Meningitis Belt are unvaccinated.
In the United States, young adults are considered to be at the greatest risk. This week, a college student at Ohio State University and a high school student in Elizabethton, Tennessee died. Meningococcal meningitis has been confirmed in the former and is suspected in the latter. Also, an Oregon high school student is in critical condition with confirmed meningococcal meningitis. A second possible case has also been identified. According to the CDC, the US has between 1,000 and 1,200 cases each year. The CDC has more information on the vaccine here.
Human Cases of Avian Influenza in Bangladesh
Two cases avian influenza (H5N1) have been reported in the Kamalapur area of Dhaka. The first case is a one year old girl and second is a 2 year old boy. The boy was diagnosed after increased surveillance following the identification of the girl’s illness. The only other human case of H5N1 in Bangladesh was in 2008 in the same area as the current two cases.
Plague Continues to Spread in Madagascar
Since early February 2011 deaths from both pneumonic and bubonic plague have been occurring in Northern Madagascar. As of February 23rd a total of 45 cases had been detected in the country with 23 deaths. It is thought that plague initially spread as locals mistook symptoms of plague for influenza. It was only after 3 people in one family died in the district of Ambilobe that doctors were alerted. In a report dated March 15th, additional deaths were reported from the Antananarivo region. While plague typically occurs yearly in Madagascar’s Central Highlands, the current outbreak is occurring in a region where the disease is not endemic. In areas affected, homes are being sanitized, and preventative treatment is being given to those who have had contact with plague victims.
Fifteen people have died from meningitis in Ghana’s Upper West Region with over 100 cases reported. Ghana is located in the Meningitis Belt of sub-Saharan Africa where the highest rates of bacterial meningitis are seen. Although vaccines exist for meningococcal meningitis, many in the Meningitis Belt are unvaccinated.
In the United States, young adults are considered to be at the greatest risk. This week, a college student at Ohio State University and a high school student in Elizabethton, Tennessee died. Meningococcal meningitis has been confirmed in the former and is suspected in the latter. Also, an Oregon high school student is in critical condition with confirmed meningococcal meningitis. A second possible case has also been identified. According to the CDC, the US has between 1,000 and 1,200 cases each year. The CDC has more information on the vaccine here.
Human Cases of Avian Influenza in Bangladesh
Two cases avian influenza (H5N1) have been reported in the Kamalapur area of Dhaka. The first case is a one year old girl and second is a 2 year old boy. The boy was diagnosed after increased surveillance following the identification of the girl’s illness. The only other human case of H5N1 in Bangladesh was in 2008 in the same area as the current two cases.
Plague Continues to Spread in Madagascar
Since early February 2011 deaths from both pneumonic and bubonic plague have been occurring in Northern Madagascar. As of February 23rd a total of 45 cases had been detected in the country with 23 deaths. It is thought that plague initially spread as locals mistook symptoms of plague for influenza. It was only after 3 people in one family died in the district of Ambilobe that doctors were alerted. In a report dated March 15th, additional deaths were reported from the Antananarivo region. While plague typically occurs yearly in Madagascar’s Central Highlands, the current outbreak is occurring in a region where the disease is not endemic. In areas affected, homes are being sanitized, and preventative treatment is being given to those who have had contact with plague victims.
25 February, 2011
African Swine Fever, Meningitis C, Measles, and more Infectious Disease News from Around the Globe
African Swine Fever in Ukraine
Ukraine is hoping to prevent an outbreak of African swine fever. "[Across the border] in Russia. . . the epidemic of the disease is already out of control.” Ukraine is taking preventative measures to avoid the spread of the disease. All pigs will be vaccinated, and meat markets will be closed. In the coming days, residents of neighboring villages must relinquish their pigs for slaughter. As compensation, they will receive 75 rubles per kilogram of body weight.
На сегодняшний день Украина находится под угрозой африканской чумы свиней. «В России, практически на границе с Украиной, эпидемия этого заболевания уже вышла из-под контроля. Cоответствующие службы из регионов, находящихся в зоне риска, должны принять профилактические меры для предупреждения распространения заболевания по территории Украины и провести вакцинация всего поголовья свиней. Кроме того, устранить места стихийной торговли мясными продуктами, а также определить специальные места для проведения забоя свиней, если заболевание проявится на территории Украины.
Meningitis C in France
France is launching a vaccination campaign, aimed at students, due to the increase in Meningitis C cases in Lille. Though the case count in the general population is still low (0.36 per 100 000), the student population is facing a higher and more serious case count (7 per 100 000). France feels there is a great need for the campaign as 10% of meningitis C cases are fatal.
La France lance une campagne de vaccination contre la méningite C. La campagne est visée aux étudiants universitaires à cause de l’augmentation des cas de méningite C a l’Université de Lille. Pendant que le taux pour la population générale reste plutôt bas, a 0.36 cas pour 100 000, la population étudiante a 7 cas pour 100 000, ce qui est plutôt sérieux.
Enteroccocus at University Hospital Vaudois, Switzerland
Vancomycine resistant enteroccocus has been found at the University Hospital Vaudois in Lausanne, Switzerland. All patients, confirmed or suspected of carrying enteroccocus have been grouped together on the 15th floor, which is no longer taking admissions. Enteroccoci are gram-positive bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, bacterial endocarditis and meningitis.
Le Centre Hospitalier Université Vaudois est touché par entérocoques résistant à la Vancomycine. Tous les patients qui sont suspects ou bien porteurs de l’entérocoques sont réunis sur le 15ème étage pour une durée indéterminée. L’entérocoques est une bactérie anaérobie qui peut provoquer les infections du canal urinaire, l’endocardite et la méningite.
Measles in Geneva, Switzerland and Rhônes-Alpes, France
Twenty-six cases of measles have been identified since January 2011. This is the biggest outbreak of measles in the canton of Geneva since 2008. The majority of cases in Switzerland and in the neighboring French region are adults who have not been vaccinated.
Dans le canton de Genève, 26 cas de rougeole se sont identifiés depuis janvier 2011. Ceci est la plus grande flambée de rougeole depuis 2008. La plupart de cas sont les adultes qui n’ont pas été vacciné contre le rougeole.
Avian Influenza Update: Bangladesh (poultry), India (ducks), Cambodia (humans), Indonesia (poultry and human) and Vietnam (poultry; human case ruled out)
In addition to the ongoing outbreaks of avian influenza in South Korea and Japan, three other Asian countries reported outbreaks. In Rajshahi, Bangladesh, 8,600 chickens were culled as outbreaks continue to be detected around Dhaka and Rangpur. India confirmed an outbreak in Agartala, Tripura leading to the culling of 3,000 ducks. It is India’s first outbreak since June 2010.
Cambodia recorded two human deaths last week as doctors worry about the possibility of an outbreak. WHO has not yet confirmed the recent deaths, but a five-year-old girl died there earlier this month. In Garut, Indonesia, the sudden death of 600 chickens has been attributed to avian influenza. Additionally, 14 villagers have severe flu symptoms but the cause of their illnesses has not been determined. In Vietnam, tests have ruled out avian influenza infection after a girl with suspect symptoms died at the Hue Central Hospital. Outbreaks among poultry have been reported in three Vietnamese provinces.
Conjunctivitis Clusters in Brazil
Over the last week over 150 cases of conjunctivitis were reported in the city of Goioerê (located in Parana State), with 52 of those cases occurring over the weekend. At about 29,000 inhabitants the city of Goioerê is considered relatively small and any outbreak of this magnitude is cause for city officials to be alarmed, and in addition the highly contagious nature of conjunctivitis, the ministry of health is concerned about containing this outbreak. All inhabitants of Goioerê are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, and not to stay in enclosed (non-ventilated) housing with large gatherings of people.
Ukraine is hoping to prevent an outbreak of African swine fever. "[Across the border] in Russia. . . the epidemic of the disease is already out of control.” Ukraine is taking preventative measures to avoid the spread of the disease. All pigs will be vaccinated, and meat markets will be closed. In the coming days, residents of neighboring villages must relinquish their pigs for slaughter. As compensation, they will receive 75 rubles per kilogram of body weight.
На сегодняшний день Украина находится под угрозой африканской чумы свиней. «В России, практически на границе с Украиной, эпидемия этого заболевания уже вышла из-под контроля. Cоответствующие службы из регионов, находящихся в зоне риска, должны принять профилактические меры для предупреждения распространения заболевания по территории Украины и провести вакцинация всего поголовья свиней. Кроме того, устранить места стихийной торговли мясными продуктами, а также определить специальные места для проведения забоя свиней, если заболевание проявится на территории Украины.
Meningitis C in France
France is launching a vaccination campaign, aimed at students, due to the increase in Meningitis C cases in Lille. Though the case count in the general population is still low (0.36 per 100 000), the student population is facing a higher and more serious case count (7 per 100 000). France feels there is a great need for the campaign as 10% of meningitis C cases are fatal.
La France lance une campagne de vaccination contre la méningite C. La campagne est visée aux étudiants universitaires à cause de l’augmentation des cas de méningite C a l’Université de Lille. Pendant que le taux pour la population générale reste plutôt bas, a 0.36 cas pour 100 000, la population étudiante a 7 cas pour 100 000, ce qui est plutôt sérieux.
Enteroccocus at University Hospital Vaudois, Switzerland
Vancomycine resistant enteroccocus has been found at the University Hospital Vaudois in Lausanne, Switzerland. All patients, confirmed or suspected of carrying enteroccocus have been grouped together on the 15th floor, which is no longer taking admissions. Enteroccoci are gram-positive bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, bacterial endocarditis and meningitis.
Le Centre Hospitalier Université Vaudois est touché par entérocoques résistant à la Vancomycine. Tous les patients qui sont suspects ou bien porteurs de l’entérocoques sont réunis sur le 15ème étage pour une durée indéterminée. L’entérocoques est une bactérie anaérobie qui peut provoquer les infections du canal urinaire, l’endocardite et la méningite.
Measles in Geneva, Switzerland and Rhônes-Alpes, France
Twenty-six cases of measles have been identified since January 2011. This is the biggest outbreak of measles in the canton of Geneva since 2008. The majority of cases in Switzerland and in the neighboring French region are adults who have not been vaccinated.
Dans le canton de Genève, 26 cas de rougeole se sont identifiés depuis janvier 2011. Ceci est la plus grande flambée de rougeole depuis 2008. La plupart de cas sont les adultes qui n’ont pas été vacciné contre le rougeole.
Avian Influenza Update: Bangladesh (poultry), India (ducks), Cambodia (humans), Indonesia (poultry and human) and Vietnam (poultry; human case ruled out)
In addition to the ongoing outbreaks of avian influenza in South Korea and Japan, three other Asian countries reported outbreaks. In Rajshahi, Bangladesh, 8,600 chickens were culled as outbreaks continue to be detected around Dhaka and Rangpur. India confirmed an outbreak in Agartala, Tripura leading to the culling of 3,000 ducks. It is India’s first outbreak since June 2010.
Cambodia recorded two human deaths last week as doctors worry about the possibility of an outbreak. WHO has not yet confirmed the recent deaths, but a five-year-old girl died there earlier this month. In Garut, Indonesia, the sudden death of 600 chickens has been attributed to avian influenza. Additionally, 14 villagers have severe flu symptoms but the cause of their illnesses has not been determined. In Vietnam, tests have ruled out avian influenza infection after a girl with suspect symptoms died at the Hue Central Hospital. Outbreaks among poultry have been reported in three Vietnamese provinces.
Conjunctivitis Clusters in Brazil
Over the last week over 150 cases of conjunctivitis were reported in the city of Goioerê (located in Parana State), with 52 of those cases occurring over the weekend. At about 29,000 inhabitants the city of Goioerê is considered relatively small and any outbreak of this magnitude is cause for city officials to be alarmed, and in addition the highly contagious nature of conjunctivitis, the ministry of health is concerned about containing this outbreak. All inhabitants of Goioerê are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, and not to stay in enclosed (non-ventilated) housing with large gatherings of people.
17 February, 2011
Legionnella at the Playboy Mansion, Meningitis in the Ukraine and on US college campuses, Cholera update, and Chlamydia in New Brunswick
Meningitis in Ukraine
On February 11th, in Zakarpatie, about 60 people were hospitalized, suspected of having the deadly disease - meningitis. Most of the patients are associated with a local Roma camp. The town is in a panic and many are afraid of becoming infected from the Roma people. Parents are not letting their children outside and most others are trying to stay indoors. “Everybody is scared, the same as last year during the outbreak of the swine flu.” Locals say that the Roma district had suffered from meningitis in the past, but do not recall such a widespread event.
It is suspected that an epidemic of meningitis has the potential to touch other parts of Ukraine. On January 28, in Svyatoshynskyi district of Kiev, a second-grade boy died from meningitis while other children were infected.
The most common symptoms of viral meningitis are high fever, vomiting and headache. Meningitis can be life-threatening and is therefore classified as a medical emergency.
На Закарпатье уже госпитализировано около 60 пациентов с подозрением на смертельную болезнь - менингококк. Большинство заболевших - это представители местного цыганского табора.
В городе паника - люди боятся заразиться от цыган. Местные не пускают детей на улицу и сами стараются меньше выходить. "Все перепуганы, как в прошлом году во время эпидемии "свиного гриппа". Местные говорят, что в ромском районе и раньше болели менингитом, но такой мощной эпидемии не припоминают.
Похоже эпидемия менингококка может затронуть всю Украину. 28 января в Святошинском районе Киева от менингита умер второклассник. Признаки вирусного менингита - температура до 40, рвота, головная боль.
Chlamydia Epidemic in New Brunswick
New Brunswick has issued a warning over the growing number of cases of chlamydia, particularly among youths. “If you are under 30 and you are breathing you need a chlamydia test," stated the deputy chief medical officer. Although over 1,800 New Brunswick youths have been diagnosed, a focus group has revealed that most youths in New Brunswick are unaware of the risks infection poses. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to infertility in both women and men if untreated (although sterility is a very rare complication in men). Having chlamydia also increases the likelihood of becoming infected with HIV if exposed to it.
Cholera Spreading in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Papau New Guinea
The number of deaths in Greater Accra, Ghana from cholera has risen to six with 505 cases recorded as of February 14. The 1st case was reported on January 10, and the number of cases has continued to rise despite the government’s efforts to combat the outbreak by offering free treatment to those affected and undertaking a public education campaign.
Eleven are now dead and 252 cases suspected due to a cholera outbreak in Côte d’Ivoire’s capital of Abidjan. The epidemic began in Adjame on January 21 and is being attributed to garbage piling up throughout the city. An educational campaign as well as free treatment of cases are both being conducted in an attempt to stop the outbreak.
Cholera cases continue to be recorded in Papau New Guinea (PNG) due to a lack of government funding and an initially poor response to the outbreak. Over 10,000 cases and 483 deaths have been recorded in 7 of 19 PNG provinces since the outbreak began in September 2009.
Playboy Mansion Hit with Legionnaires’ Disease
On February 3, Hugh Hefner hosted a fundraiser for Jenny McCarthy's Generation Rescue Autism Foundation at the infamous Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills in California. Unfortunately, many of his guests became very sick within 24 to 48 hours after leaving the event with severe flu-like symptoms such as coughs, chills, fevers, and respiratory infections. Investigators discovered that these people were experiencing a mild form of Legionnaire’s Disease, Pontiac Fever. So far, 170 people have been reported with the disease.
Pontiac Fever is a respiratory infection caused by the Legionnella bacteria, which is typically found in water-delivery systems such as shower heads, hot tubs and air conditioners. The Playboy Mansion spread may be linked to a fog machine. Symptoms usually persist for 8-10 days, but resolve themselves without any antibiotics.
The Playboy Mansion is only one of various DOMAINfest Global Conference locations in Santa Monica under investigation for helping spread the disease.
Meningitis on campus
Two US universities have seen meningitis cases recently. In New York, a St. Lawrence University junior has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. At St. Lawrence, approximately 95% of the students have been vaccinated. At Texas A&M, a 20-year old junior living off-campus died of bacterial meningitis on Friday. He was the second student this academic year to be infected at Texas A&M. Texas’ one-year old law requiring meningococcal vaccination does not apply to students living off-campus.
Pneumoccal and meningococcal meningitis are the most common forms of bacterial meningitis. The pnemococcal vaccine routinely given to children under 2. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends everyone between 11-18 years of age be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis. According to the National Meningitis Association, there are 1500 cases of bacterial meningitis every year. Many states and schools require the vaccine for incoming freshman. For more information on the vaccine, visit the CDC’s site.
On February 11th, in Zakarpatie, about 60 people were hospitalized, suspected of having the deadly disease - meningitis. Most of the patients are associated with a local Roma camp. The town is in a panic and many are afraid of becoming infected from the Roma people. Parents are not letting their children outside and most others are trying to stay indoors. “Everybody is scared, the same as last year during the outbreak of the swine flu.” Locals say that the Roma district had suffered from meningitis in the past, but do not recall such a widespread event.
It is suspected that an epidemic of meningitis has the potential to touch other parts of Ukraine. On January 28, in Svyatoshynskyi district of Kiev, a second-grade boy died from meningitis while other children were infected.
The most common symptoms of viral meningitis are high fever, vomiting and headache. Meningitis can be life-threatening and is therefore classified as a medical emergency.
На Закарпатье уже госпитализировано около 60 пациентов с подозрением на смертельную болезнь - менингококк. Большинство заболевших - это представители местного цыганского табора.
В городе паника - люди боятся заразиться от цыган. Местные не пускают детей на улицу и сами стараются меньше выходить. "Все перепуганы, как в прошлом году во время эпидемии "свиного гриппа". Местные говорят, что в ромском районе и раньше болели менингитом, но такой мощной эпидемии не припоминают.
Похоже эпидемия менингококка может затронуть всю Украину. 28 января в Святошинском районе Киева от менингита умер второклассник. Признаки вирусного менингита - температура до 40, рвота, головная боль.
Chlamydia Epidemic in New Brunswick
New Brunswick has issued a warning over the growing number of cases of chlamydia, particularly among youths. “If you are under 30 and you are breathing you need a chlamydia test," stated the deputy chief medical officer. Although over 1,800 New Brunswick youths have been diagnosed, a focus group has revealed that most youths in New Brunswick are unaware of the risks infection poses. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to infertility in both women and men if untreated (although sterility is a very rare complication in men). Having chlamydia also increases the likelihood of becoming infected with HIV if exposed to it.
Cholera Spreading in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Papau New Guinea
The number of deaths in Greater Accra, Ghana from cholera has risen to six with 505 cases recorded as of February 14. The 1st case was reported on January 10, and the number of cases has continued to rise despite the government’s efforts to combat the outbreak by offering free treatment to those affected and undertaking a public education campaign.
Eleven are now dead and 252 cases suspected due to a cholera outbreak in Côte d’Ivoire’s capital of Abidjan. The epidemic began in Adjame on January 21 and is being attributed to garbage piling up throughout the city. An educational campaign as well as free treatment of cases are both being conducted in an attempt to stop the outbreak.
Cholera cases continue to be recorded in Papau New Guinea (PNG) due to a lack of government funding and an initially poor response to the outbreak. Over 10,000 cases and 483 deaths have been recorded in 7 of 19 PNG provinces since the outbreak began in September 2009.
Playboy Mansion Hit with Legionnaires’ Disease
On February 3, Hugh Hefner hosted a fundraiser for Jenny McCarthy's Generation Rescue Autism Foundation at the infamous Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills in California. Unfortunately, many of his guests became very sick within 24 to 48 hours after leaving the event with severe flu-like symptoms such as coughs, chills, fevers, and respiratory infections. Investigators discovered that these people were experiencing a mild form of Legionnaire’s Disease, Pontiac Fever. So far, 170 people have been reported with the disease.
Pontiac Fever is a respiratory infection caused by the Legionnella bacteria, which is typically found in water-delivery systems such as shower heads, hot tubs and air conditioners. The Playboy Mansion spread may be linked to a fog machine. Symptoms usually persist for 8-10 days, but resolve themselves without any antibiotics.
The Playboy Mansion is only one of various DOMAINfest Global Conference locations in Santa Monica under investigation for helping spread the disease.
Meningitis on campus
Two US universities have seen meningitis cases recently. In New York, a St. Lawrence University junior has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. At St. Lawrence, approximately 95% of the students have been vaccinated. At Texas A&M, a 20-year old junior living off-campus died of bacterial meningitis on Friday. He was the second student this academic year to be infected at Texas A&M. Texas’ one-year old law requiring meningococcal vaccination does not apply to students living off-campus.
Pneumoccal and meningococcal meningitis are the most common forms of bacterial meningitis. The pnemococcal vaccine routinely given to children under 2. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends everyone between 11-18 years of age be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis. According to the National Meningitis Association, there are 1500 cases of bacterial meningitis every year. Many states and schools require the vaccine for incoming freshman. For more information on the vaccine, visit the CDC’s site.
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