In the past, doctors have largely believed that bacteria has been the cause of most pneumonia cases. While the flu has often been linked to the disease, bacteria within the environment was long considered the root of pneumonia. Although, new research shows that viruses are actually the cause of most cases.

Pneumonia often resembles bronchitis with its symptoms, causing a lung infection, cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. But, without treatment, these symptoms can become life-threatening. People of all ages are susceptible to the infection, but it can be treated with medication and prevented with a vaccine.

Every year, pneumonia kills almost 1 million children. This new research could be vital in understanding what causes pneumonia and how to prevent these deaths from occurring.

[Read more…]

In recent years, hepatitis A has been increasing across the United States. After an initial outbreak in San Diego, other parts of the country found increased cases of the disease.

As cases increased, so did recommendations to receive the vaccine. Recent changes to the hepatitis A vaccine appear to coincide with that same dangerous rise in the disease.

The changes come after the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on June 28. The new hepatitis A recommendations isn’t the only change. The ACIP also agreed on new recommendations for the meningitis B vaccine.

[Read more…]

It’s been in the news over recent years, and even months, but Nipah virus is still a pretty new disease.

The ailment was only discovered 21 years ago thanks to an outbreak in Malaysia. After that initial outbreak claimed over 100 lives, researchers learned the severe dangers of the virus. With 300 confirmed infections, they knew only 25 to 60% of those who get sick with the virus survive.

Which takes us to the modern day. A much larger country, India, is now worried about their own Nipah virus outbreak.

[Read more…]

Chronic Wasting Disease or Zombie Deer Virus, one infection has earned attention across the United States.

The Zombie Deer Virus first caused a bit of panic earlier in 2019. Although first discovered in 1967, the virus that causes a rabies or “zombie”-like affect on animals was found in 24 states.

After the initial reactions from the news and public, Zombie Deer Virus didn’t stop spreading. The illness recently reached even more regions in the US. While many are concerned about the nation’s deer population, others worry about what it could mean if CWD is transmitted to humans.

[Read more…]

Tourism is an important component for many economies.

While the United States ranks number one in tourism, pulling $210.7 billion per year, it did not have the most international visitors according to HowMuch.net. That title goes to the home of the Eiffel Tower and some of the world’s best cooking. France earned about 86.9 million visitors compared to the U.S. which had only 74.7 million. It is important to note that these numbers do not count for intercountry tourism.

France has held the title as “most visited” for years, but the European country may see its reign come to an end soon. By 2030 experts foresee China becoming the world’s most visited country.

[Read more…]