Medicine
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SARS Virus
Tracking SARS back to its source January 2006 The previously unknown SARS virus generated widespread panic in 2002 and 2003 when the airborne germ caused 774 deaths and more than 8000 cases of illness. But where did this mystery virus come from? Scientists immediately suspected that it had jumped to humans from some other organism. In May of 2003, attention focused in on cat-like mammals called civets. Infected civets were discovered at a live animal market in southern China (where they are occasionally eaten). However, since further searches failed to turn up more tainted civets, scientists concluded that they were not the original source of SARS and continued their quest.…
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New Virus Related to Ebola and Rabies
By Maggie Fox, NBC News A virus that killed two teenagers in Congo in 2009 is a completely new type, related to rabies but causing the bleeding and rapid death that makes Ebola infection so terrifying, scientists reported on Thursday. They’re searching for the source of the virus, which may be transmitted by insects or bats. The new virus is being named Bas-Congo virus, for the area where it was found. Researchers are finding more and more of these new viruses, in part because new tests make it possible, but also in the hope of better understanding them so they can prevent pandemics of deadly disease. The virus infected a…
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Meningitis Questions
Need a cheat sheet to help keep it all straight? The CDC thinks you should remember 10 easy bullet points about this surprisingly complex disease. Here they are: 1. There are five “types” of meningitis. Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses, but meningitis can also be caused by physical injury, cancer or certain drugs. The five “types” of meningitis are: Bacterial Meningitis Viral Meningitis Fungal Meningitis Parasitic Meningitis Non-infectious Meningitis The severity of illness and the treatment for meningitis differ depending on the cause. Thus, it is important to know the specific cause of meningitis. For the ongoing outbreak of fungal meningitis…
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Beware in Denver Salads sold at Safeway recalled due to Salmonella risk
DENVER – The department of Public Health and Environment is recalling grape tomatoes sold in Colorado due to Salmonella risk. The recalled tomatoes were used in pre-packaged salads made by Taylor Farms Pacific for several stores. However, in Colorado, only products sold at Safeway stores are included in the recall. According to a Safeway representative, the recalled products were pulled from store shelves on Sat. April 30. No illnesses have been reported. The following Signature Café products sold at Safeway stores in Colorado are included in the recall: – Chef salad in 11-oz. plastic trays with use by dates of 4/30/2011-5/5/2011 and UPC code 21130-06252 – Cobb salad in12-oz. plastic…
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Ebola Virus Outbreaks Table
Known Cases and Outbreaks of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, in Chronological Order Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ Year(s) Country Ebola subtype Reported no. of human cases Reported no. (%) of deaths among cases Situation Download PDF version formatted for print (81 KB/7 pages)