Researchers speculate that approximately 330,000 individuals are diagnosed with Lyme disease every year.

Although, that already high number cannot be confirmed and they have reason to believe it is much higher. As a matter of fact, many estimate Lyme disease is 10 times more common than initially thought.

Scientists only see that number going up in the next couple of years, possibly made worse by a new species of tick that made its way to the United States last year. Some calculate that as many as 2 million people will have contracted an untreatable parasitic illness by 2020.

[Read more…]

For over 10 years, people have been able to vaccinate against HPV. Since that time, millions have received the vaccine to prevent a common virus and the dangers that come with it.

But, many other people still have not received the vaccine.

And over a decade since the HPV vaccine was made available, the virus is becoming more common in certain age groups.

[Read more…]

It may not have a long history, but Nipah virus is rightfully causing some panic.

Since it was discovered in during a 1999 outbreak that led to 100 deaths, the virus has been the source of various outbreaks. Bangladesh, India, Singapore and Malaysia have all seen spikes in the virus. All told, there have been more than 500 reported cases of the Nipah virus in Southeast Asia, with almost 300 of those resulting in death.

As those numbers have increased, the WHO has give the Nipah virus more attention. They’ve included the virus on its list of, “priority pathogens with epidemic potential.” That list includes any illnesses that might be used in bioterrorism for a large number of deaths.

[Read more…]

Flu season can often be a time of year that varies. We expect the season to start around fall and end during the start of summer, but that timeline can change.

That’s because the virus is highly contagious and spreads different strains every year.

Some strains of the virus might spread late in the season, with flu cases popping up late into summer. Others will slow down early and end before children get out of school.

According to CDC calculations, they estimate approximately 13 to 15 million people will have the flu this year. They also suggest that 6 to 7 million people went to the doctor for experiencing flu symptoms and between 10,000 and 15,000 individuals have perished from the disease. These figures are based on information gathered in mid-February this year.

[Read more…]

In many of the world’s developing countries, we still can’t get a hold of cholera.

An ongoing outbreak in Yemen has already shattered records with no signs of stopping. Haiti’s decade-long outbreak cost over a million lives after one devastating earthquake.

If a country’s water supply becomes tainted, chances of a cholera outbreak skyrocket. Not only will the drinking water pose a risk for the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, but food will too. Any food or water that comes in contact with the contaminated water could be the cause of cholera’s symptoms that could prove deadly.

On March 11th Cyclone Idai made landfall along Africa’s southeast shoreline. The disaster struck the nation of Mozambique, as well as parts of Zimbabwe and Malawi. The port city of Beira, with over half a million people, was among the region that endured the most of the cyclone’s devastation left in its wake.

[Read more…]