After nine months and thousands of potential cases, Brazil’s yellow fever outbreak is over.

Brazilian officials confirmed the news on Sept. 6 after reporting no new cases of the mosquito-borne disease since June. The outbreak began in Dec. 2016, with 777 people infected with yellow fever, leading to 261 deaths.

“Today’s situation is under control,” said Brazilian Health Minister Ricardo Barros, translated from Portuguese. Barros stressed the need for Brazilian states to use campaigns and active searches to increase vaccination for yellow fever.

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Many diseases in the world are considered ancient history. Feared centuries ago, many assume that these illnesses are long gone. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for all ancient diseases.

Take leprosy.

The contagious disease is often associated with biblical times. In the modern age, leprosy probably isn’t even on your radar when it comes to realistic health risks.

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The devastating aftermath of a hurricane is impossible to miss.

Building and homes are leveled while streets fill with floodwater. Affected regions can deal with power outages, dangerous animals and a lack of clean water.

But, there is another dangerous risk that’s often forgotten, posing a risk for years after the storm.

Along with the flooding and destruction, hurricanes can bring new bacteria. Collecting and spreading with the storm, the risk of disease rises in the aftermath.

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Although only a few countries make up Central America, the food is as interesting and diverse as the area’s history. Due to it’s location, Central America has been influenced by different cultures which makes its cuisine unlike any other in the world.

El Salvador: Platanos con Crema y Frijoles

El Salvador’s traditional breakfast dish makes us of a Central American favorite: plantains.

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Natural disasters do far more than immediate damage. The effects of these disasters can be long lasting and creates a need for volunteers to help with the recovery.

Earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, the list is long when it comes to disasters requiring volunteer response. For foreign volunteers and locals effected by the disaster, disease is just one more risk that comes from the event. In every area of the world, a natural disaster increases the chances of disease.

The World Health Organization started a campaign in 2013 to monitor vaccines and diseases during natural disasters. Along with the Center for Disease Control, the WHO hopes this plan will be implemented as a part of aid efforts in response to disasters.

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