Last August, the Democratic Republic of Congo saw the second largest outbreak of Ebola in history. To date, the outbreak has infected over 2,100 people and killed over 1,300.

But, even with those jarring numbers, the most dangerous development could be its recent spread to Uganda. The country’s fears of the virus spreading came true when the virus took the life of a 5-year-old boy.

The outbreak has not stopped or slowed down since it began in the DRC last year. So long as this continues, officials say the chances of it spreading to other neighboring countries will increase.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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