Browsing: Infectious Disease

A deadly mystery illness in Congo has claimed 79 lives and infected hundreds, mainly malnourished children. The WHO is investigating potential causes like malaria and pneumonia. Poor infrastructure and food insecurity are hampering response efforts.

HIV affects millions globally, but advances like antiretroviral therapy (ART) allow people to live healthy lives. Preventive tools like PrEP and PEP significantly reduce infection risk, while innovations such as injectables offer new, effective management options.

Misusing antibiotics: stopping early, skipping doses, or treating viral infections can empower bacteria to resist drugs. Here’s how you can curb this crisis and ensure antibiotics remain effective for generations.

Health advocates are urging the Department of Health (DOH) to expedite flu vaccine distribution due to a surge in influenza cases and the emergence of mpox. Experts warn that vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, face increased risks as the rainy season exacerbates virus transmission

NEA expands Project Wolbachia in October 2024, releasing male Wolbachia-Aedes mosquitoes to five new areas to combat dengue. Despite the success of Project Wolbachia, the NEA emphasised that community participation remains crucial in preventing mosquito breeding.

Rwanda is battling its first ever outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus, with 36 cases and 11 deaths reported so far. Marburg causes haemorrhagic fever with an average 50% fatality rate, and spreads through contact with bats or infected human fluids.

Eastern Visayas saw a 316% increase in dengue cases, with 11,624 cases and 23 deaths by September 2024, in comparison to the same period the previous year. Several areas are under a state of calamity to combat the outbreak.

Filipino health authorities have expressed readiness to the WHO to receive smallpox vaccines for monkeypox once available. With 27 total cases since July and 18 new ones in August, local governments are aiding containment efforts alongside the DOH.

Stay safe during the rainy season and avoiding food contamination. Learn how moisture increases the risk of food-borne illnesses and follow these expert tips for food hygiene.

The “Hakdaw Kabataan” project in Quezon City trains youth leaders to provide free HIV testing in their communities, addressing disproportionately high HIV rates among Filipino teens. By promoting U=U and empowering youth leaders to spread prevention messages on social media, this initiative strives to end HIV stigma and improve access to treatment and care.