Tag

Infections

All articles tagged with #infections

health19 days ago•4 min saved

Recurrent COVID infections tied to higher odds of back problems, Canadian study finds

A Canadian study of 8,809 adults (Apr 2022–Jun 2023) found that people who had COVID twice had 76% higher odds of a new medical diagnosis and nearly four times the odds of a new back problem; even one infection raised odds by about 63%, and symptoms lasting three months or more were linked to more than a threefold increase. The researchers note possible reverse causation (long-lasting symptoms prompting medical visits) and higher risk among older adults, smokers, those with obesity, disability, or existing conditions, and those not fully vaccinated before their first infection. They caution these are relative odds, not absolute guarantees, and recommend up-to-date vaccination and medical consultation for persistent symptoms.

via New York Post|

#back-problems #covid #health

health23 days ago•14 min saved

Florida logs fourth Vibrio death tied to raw oysters

Florida has recorded its fourth Vibrio vulnificus death of 2026, a Broward County resident aged 75–79, with 21 total infections in the year; the bacterium is commonly linked to raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, though the source of the latest case isn’t yet known. Vibrio infections can occur from eating contaminated seafood or through open wounds in warm coastal waters and can progress rapidly, sometimes requiring antibiotics or surgery. Health officials advise cooking oysters thoroughly and avoiding raw shellfish for those at higher risk.

via The Independent|

#deaths #florida #health

health1 month ago•0 min saved

Tattoo Safety: Ink, Skin, and Hidden Health Questions

Tattoos are common in the U.S., with about half of adults aged 30–49 having at least one, but scientists still have many unknowns. The tattooing process deposits ink 1–3 millimeters into the skin, which can trigger immune responses and bacterial infections, and ongoing research is exploring potential long-term risks like cancer.

via The New York Times|

#health #immune-response #infections

world1 month ago•15 min saved

North Carolina teen fights for life after rare brain-eating amoeba infection

A North Carolina teenager is critically ill after being infected with Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain‑eating amoeba found in warm freshwater. Fewer than 10 US cases are diagnosed each year and the infection is usually fatal; authorities say the source is under investigation and urge precautions like avoiding warm freshwater and nose-dipping, especially during hot months and heat waves.

via independent.co.uk|

#amoeba #infections #naegleria-fowleri

health1 month ago•25 min saved

Louisiana 8-year-old dies after brain-eating amoeba linked to lake swim

An 8-year-old Louisiana girl, Lillian Smart, died after being infected with Naegleria fowleri (brain-eating amoeba) suspected to have been contracted while swimming in Lake Claiborne; PAM is extremely rare and usually fatal, with most documented cases occurring in July–August.

via New York Post|

#brain-eating-amoeba #health #infections

health1 month ago•8 min saved

West Nile virus surge prompts US health warning as mosquitoes spread

US health officials report a rising threat from West Nile virus as mosquito activity increases, with at least eight deaths and more than 180 cases across 30 states this year. Arizona has the most cases and fatalities, while California has fatalities among dozens of cases. West Nile can cause brain inflammation and paralysis, and there is no specific antiviral treatment. A climate-change–driven drought concentrates mosquitoes and birds around shrinking water sources, prompting preventive guidance to wear insect repellent, cover exposed skin, and eliminate standing water around homes.

via The Independent|

#health #infections #mosquitoes

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Florida man’s leg swells to eight times its size after Vibrio infection, plan for below-knee amputation

A Florida man contracted the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus while fishing, causing his left leg to swell up to eight times its normal size. After multiple surgeries to remove infected tissue, doctors say amputation below the knee is planned as the infection—often contracted from coastal waters or shellfish—continues to threaten his life. The case underscores the danger of Vibrio infections along the Gulf Coast, with dozens of cases reported this year.

via New York Post|

#amputation #flesh-eating-bacteria #florida

health2 months ago•22 min saved

Fungus 'superbug' Candida auris spreads to 23 states, including Wisconsin

Candida auris, a drug-resistant yeast, has been detected in 23 states in 2026, including Wisconsin which has reported over 100 cases historically and about 31 so far this year. Infections, mainly in healthcare settings among immunocompromised patients or those with medical devices, are difficult to treat. Texas leads 2026 cases, with Michigan and Illinois nearby; nationwide cases surpassed 6,000 in 2024. The fungus spreads through touch and contaminated surfaces, requires lab confirmation for diagnosis, and carries a substantial mortality risk (30–60%), highlighting the importance of infection-control measures and hand hygiene.

via Wausau Pilot & Review|

#candida-auris #drug-resistant-fungus #health

health2 months ago•31 min saved

Coastal Vibrio Outbreak Claims Five Lives in Louisiana

Five Louisiana residents have died from Vibrio vulnificus infections linked to warm coastal waters, with four more hospitalizations and all patients having underlying health conditions. Vibrio is a flesh-eating bacterium most common in May–October; prevention includes avoiding raw oysters for at-risk individuals, covering wounds when in brackish water, and washing any cuts exposed to seawater or seafood and seeking care if infection signs appear.

via NOLA.com|

#coastal-waters #health #infections

health2 months ago•10 min saved

Florida battles deadly coastal bacteria tied to shellfish and warm waters

Florida health officials report 1 death and 12 Vibrio vulnificus infections along the coast, with eight of the cases in Bay, Hillsborough, Lee, Marion, Okaloosa, Polk and St. Johns counties. The bacteria thrive in warm coastal waters and can infect people through contaminated seafood or open wounds; infections are rare but can be life‑threatening and may require aggressive surgeries or amputations. Last year Florida reported 5 deaths and 33 infections related to Vibrio vulnificus, and in 2024 there were 82 infections and 19 deaths. Officials warn to avoid contact between open wounds and warm seawater and to cook shellfish thoroughly.

via The Independent|

#bacteria #florida #health

health2 months ago•23 min saved

Florida Elder Dies From Flesh-Eating Vibrio, First 2026 US Fatality

An elderly Palm Beach County resident, aged 80–84, died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, marking the first US fatality from the flesh-eating infection in 2026. The bacterium thrives in coastal and brackish waters and can be contracted via contaminated seawater or raw oysters; Florida has 11 cases so far this year, with infections reported in Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, and St. John’s counties. The CDC warns the infection can kill about 1 in 5 people and severe cases can require amputations, underscoring the ongoing risk during summer months.

via New York Post|

#bacteria #cdc #florida

health3 months ago•19 min saved

Eye doctors flag three risky contact-lens habits to drop now

Eye doctors warn that three common contact-lens habits can raise infection risk and even cause rare serious eye problems, so wearers should avoid certain activities, practice proper handling, and follow recommended replacement and cleaning routines to protect long-term eye health.

via The Washington Post|

#contact-lenses #eye-health #eye-safety

health4 months ago•40 min saved

Florida braces for Vibrio season as five infections reported

Five Floridians have contracted Vibrio vulnificus as Vibrio season peaks in warm coastal waters, underscoring the ongoing risk from seawater exposure and raw shellfish. Infections can be severe, ranging from wound infections to life‑threatening septicemia, particularly for people with liver disease or weakened immune systems. Health officials urge avoiding raw oysters, ensuring shellfish is fully cooked, and protecting any open wounds from seawater, while seeking urgent medical care for fever, swelling, or rapidly spreading redness.

via Yahoo|

#florida #health #infections

health4 months ago•17 min saved

Six Beach-Related Infections to Watch for and How to Prevent Them

A health-focused piece warns that beach outings can carry six common rashes and infections from ocean water or sand, caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or fecal contamination; it recommends practical prevention steps such as rinsing off after swimming, wearing sandals on sand, avoiding barefoot exposure in polluted areas, covering wounds, showering after beach time, washing hands, and heeding local beach advisories to minimize risk.

via The Washington Post|

#beach #health #infections

health5 months ago•10 min saved

Science weighs in on 13 classic home remedies, from cranberry UTIs to warm baths

A roundup of 13 popular home remedies shows that some, like cranberry juice, may help prevent urinary tract infections and boost antibiotic effectiveness, while ginger can ease nausea, vitamin C can shorten cold duration, and apples may lower dementia risk and cholesterol. Chicken soup may aid recovery from respiratory infections; honey with lemon can soothe coughs; and warm baths or a relaxing bedtime ritual can improve sleep. The piece also notes caveats: the evidence for hot drinks cooling the body is nuanced; looser underwear may modestly boost male fertility; cycling can cause temporary genital numbness that improves with proper saddle fit; and weather can influence joint pain. Overall, several familiar remedies have measurable benefits, but many claims are modest or condition-dependent.

via The Times|

#health #infections #nutrition