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Yellow Fever

All articles tagged with #yellow fever

Colombia faces yellow fever surge as death toll surpasses 70
world2 months ago

Colombia faces yellow fever surge as death toll surpasses 70

Colombia is grappling with a mosquito-borne yellow fever outbreak that has killed more than 70 people since 2024. The government declared a national health emergency last year; from 2024 to January 2026 there were 161 confirmed cases and 73 deaths, including 13 cases and 10 deaths in 2026. Yellow fever symptoms resemble flu—fever, headache and nausea—though severe cases can cause multi-organ failure and internal bleeding; about 15% of patients develop severe illness and roughly half of those die, according to the WHO. The outbreak is being monitored as part of global disease surveillance.

Health Updates: Yellow Fever, H5N1 in China, Moderna COVID Booster
health10 months ago

Health Updates: Yellow Fever, H5N1 in China, Moderna COVID Booster

Recent health updates include a high yellow fever risk in the Americas with increased cases outside the Amazon, a human H5N1 case in China likely imported from Vietnam, Moderna's filing for an updated COVID vaccine targeting the LP.8.1 sublineage, a study suggesting that rubella vaccination in 19 countries could prevent nearly 1 million CRS cases by 2055, and WHO monitoring the emerging SARS-CoV-2 NB.1.8.1 variant, which shows limited immune evasion and is under close observation.

Uganda Fights Yellow Fever with Vaccines and Travel Restrictions
health1 year ago

Uganda Fights Yellow Fever with Vaccines and Travel Restrictions

Uganda has launched a nationwide yellow fever vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize 14 million people and requiring vaccination cards for travelers. The initiative is part of a global effort to eliminate yellow fever by 2026, led by the WHO. Despite concerns and hesitancy among some Ugandans, the government is promoting the vaccine's benefits through community programs.

Uganda Launches Mass Yellow Fever Vaccination, New Travel Rules
health1 year ago

Uganda Launches Mass Yellow Fever Vaccination, New Travel Rules

Uganda has launched a nationwide yellow fever vaccination campaign, targeting 14 million people, and will now require travelers to show proof of vaccination. The initiative aims to combat vaccine hesitancy and protect against the mosquito-borne disease, which poses a significant threat in the country. The campaign is part of a global strategy to eliminate yellow fever by 2026.

Yellow Fever Resurgence: Is the US Ready?
health2 years ago

Yellow Fever Resurgence: Is the US Ready?

Medical experts warn that yellow fever, a mosquito-borne disease once confined to the tropics, is poised for a resurgence in the US due to climate change. With no cure and a high fatality rate, the US is unprepared as the population remains largely unvaccinated and there are no vaccine doses in the US Strategic National Stockpile. The South, including cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Miami, is particularly vulnerable to an epidemic. Poverty and economic factors also contribute to the spread of yellow fever. Experts urge prioritizing yellow fever in national pandemic-preparedness efforts and recommend protective measures such as insect repellent and clothing, as well as vaccination for those traveling to affected areas.

The Looming Threat: Reemergence of Forgotten Diseases in a Warming Climate
health2 years ago

The Looming Threat: Reemergence of Forgotten Diseases in a Warming Climate

Infectious disease experts warn that yellow fever, a mosquito-borne disease, could make a comeback in the United States, particularly in the South. Recent clusters of cases of malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus indicate an increasing risk of arbovirus outbreaks due to factors such as poverty, inadequate housing, and mosquito-friendly environments. Yellow fever, which causes severe symptoms and can be deadly, has not caused an epidemic in the US for over a century. Cities like Galveston, Corpus Christi, Houston, Mobile, New Orleans, and Tampa are identified as high-risk areas. Experts urge prioritizing yellow fever in national pandemic preparedness efforts, as the country lacks routine vaccinations and a national stockpile of yellow fever vaccines.

Innovative Discoveries from Northwest Labs: Moon Dust Spray and Sweet Plastic Substitute.
science-and-technology2 years ago

Innovative Discoveries from Northwest Labs: Moon Dust Spray and Sweet Plastic Substitute.

Researchers in the Pacific Northwest have made several breakthroughs in science and technology. Scientists at Washington State University have developed a liquid nitrogen spray that removes over 98% of moon dust from space suits. Researchers at Boise State University have created a plastic substitute made of isomalt, which is harder than plastic, lightweight, and dissolves quickly in water. Oregon State University scientists have developed a new electrolyte for zinc batteries that allows them to recharge with virtually no loss of energy. Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University are testing a new treatment for yellow fever using monoclonal antibodies. Finally, scientists at Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are using science to reduce the number of whales getting tangled in commercial fishing gear off the West Coast.

Cracking the Code: Understanding Mosquito Attraction to Humans
science2 years ago

Cracking the Code: Understanding Mosquito Attraction to Humans

Scientists built a large outdoor arena in Zambia to study how malaria-carrying mosquitoes are drawn to specific chemicals found on people's skin. They found that mosquitoes use visual cues and body warmth to seek their prey at close range, but when out of visual range, they track carbon dioxide and other chemicals found in body odor and breath. The study identified a lucky individual whose distinctive body odor appeared to be relatively unappetizing, opening up a new avenue in the search for ways to deter bites. The insights gained from such experiments could lead to new ways to repel mosquitoes, perhaps by finding ways to alter or mask skin chemistry, making people less alluring.

Soap and Beer: Surprising Factors That Attract Mosquitoes.
health2 years ago

Soap and Beer: Surprising Factors That Attract Mosquitoes.

Certain brands of soap can make people more attractive to mosquitoes that spread diseases like yellow fever, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, according to a study published in the journal iScience. However, one soap, Native Coconut & Vanilla Body Wash, made people less attractive to mosquitoes. Only a few species of mosquitoes are specialized to target humans out of the thousands of species.

Divers Discover 19th-Century Underwater Hospital and Cemetery in Florida Keys
archaeology2 years ago

Divers Discover 19th-Century Underwater Hospital and Cemetery in Florida Keys

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 19th-century quarantine hospital and graveyard on an above-sea island in the Florida Keys. The hospital was used to treat yellow fever patients from Fort Jefferson between 1890 and 1900. The Fort Jefferson Post Cemetery once held the graves of dozens of people, most of them being U.S. soldiers. The hospital's underwater location shows the impact of climate change and storm events on the Florida Keys. Archaeologists are still working to learn more about the people interred at the cemetery.

"Lost Underwater History Uncovered off Florida Coast"
archeology2 years ago

"Lost Underwater History Uncovered off Florida Coast"

Divers have discovered the remains of a 19th century hospital and cemetery on a submerged island near Key West, Florida. The hospital served as a quarantine and cemetery for yellow fever patients between 1890 and 1900. The cemetery is believed to contain the remains of dozens of people, mostly U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Jefferson. The discovery highlights the untold stories in Dry Tortugas National Park and the impacts of climate change on resources in the area.