Browsing: Infectious Disease

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reports an increase in cases of childhood paralysis due to polio in Indonesia. Since the beginning of 2022, 12 cases of paralysis have been recorded in eight provinces, caused by poliovirus types two and one.

The recent tragic death of a 13-year-old girl from rabies has highlighted the persistent public health challenge posed by this preventable tropical disease in the Philippines. Jamaica, a young girl from Manila, was bitten by a stray dog and, out of fear and misunderstanding, hid the incident from her parents.

The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to tackle Q fever bacteria from imported goats. To protect public health, DOH is rolling out an assessment of risks to human health status. Q fever, attributed to the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a disease found in animals that can be transmitted to humans. This collaboration highlights the critical need for joint efforts in managing diseases that affect both humans and animals.

As the rainy season descends upon Davao City, the City Health Office (CHO) has issued a bulletin warning residents about the increased risk of leptospirosis. This bacterial disease, which affects both humans and animals, is primarily spread through the urine of infected animals. With the region experiencing frequent flooding, the potential for outbreaks has heightened, prompting the CHO to take proactive measures to safeguard public health.

The Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Bicol (DOH CHD-5) announced a 92% treatment success rate for tuberculosis (TB) cases for Q1 2024. This achievement was highlighted during the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” briefing held at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City. This success is indicative of the region’s robust health initiatives and effective implementation of TB treatment protocols. 

The first round of the polio vaccination campaign in Jayapura, Indonesia, has achieved remarkable success, reaching an 81.3% coverage rate. This accomplishment marks a significant step in the global fight against polio, particularly in regions with historically low vaccination rates. This article will explore the details of the campaign, its impact, and the broader implications for public health in Asia.