Hepatitis B, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, can range from a mild illness (acute HBV) to a more serious, lifelong illness (chronic HBV). There has been an available vaccine for hepatitis B since 1982.

Despite this, the number of deaths from viral hepatitis rose to 1.4 million worldwide in 2016. That number surpasses the deaths from tuberculosis, HIV or malaria respectively. The HBV infection can be prevented by vaccination in early childhood. Once infected, it can even be treated with the same antiretroviral drugs used against HIV.

Although, there is still a stigma surrounding the disease that leaves millions around the globe unvaccinated, untreated, or suffering in silence.

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There are a lot of new trends in the tourism world, but arguably, one of the most interesting is volcano tourism.

There’s no trick in the name, volcano tourism is what it sounds like. Tourists are now taking trips specifically to see a live volcano erupt. People are fascinated by the power of volcanic eruptions and want to experience them first-hand.

While volcano tourism may sound exciting, it has become so popular that it is nearing the point of becoming dangerous. If you’re considering taking a trip that centers around a volcano erupting, or even if you only want to visit a volcano for a day, please practice safety at all times.

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A new saliva test can now help screen and prepare necessary preventions against malaria.

Scientists published a study in the Science of Translational Medicine Journal giving clinics a new way to help test individuals for malaria.

Currently, the only way that clinicians can check for malaria is through a blood test. While long-used, the method poses many issues.

Blood tests are invasive and harder to carry out in more rural areas. The tests are also not 100 percent effective as sometimes, individuals can test negative for malaria, only to have a subclinical infection that the blood test can’t pick up on. There are also mutations that have developed that blood tests no longer register. This has become a huge issue as individuals are deemed free of the disease. Unfortunately, they leave to unknowingly spread the parasite.

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Why is there so much sickness in the wintertime?

One explanation is that we’re all cooped up inside. People are more susceptible to germs because they aren’t spending time outdoors like they do in warm weather.

Another reason is that some viruses thrive in cold temperatures. Winter air is crisp and dry which dries out your nasal passages and sinuses. Some doctors believe that these imposters recirculate in your heating system. When you inhale them through your dry nose, they enter your body.

Typically, your body secretes mucus to line your nasal passages and sinuses. This mucus traps germs and prevents you from getting sick.

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Thailand’s slowly growing 2018 chikungunya outbreak took a dramatic leap in December. In that span, the number of reported cases jumped from almost 540 to approximately 2,140.

Just over 1,600 new patients contracted chikungunya from November to mid-December. Potential further chikungunya cases are waiting to be confirmed.

Phuket Public Health Office Chief Tanit Sermkaew discussed the rising danger with The Phuket News. “Chikungunya virus infections are increasing in areas where people live close together, especially in densely populated areas in Rassada, Wichit and Talad Yai (in Phuket Town), as well as in Rawai.”

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