Browsing: Infectious Disease

Singapore’s Project Wolbachia began as a small-scale project involving the release of male mosquitoes that carry a natural parasite called Wolbachia, which prevents the eggs of female mosquitoes from hatching. This approach led to a dramatic 90% reduction in the A. aegypti mosquito population and a 77% decrease in dengue cases in the targeted areas. The project has been expanding steadily since its inception.

Recently, with a striking increase in dengue cases over the past ten weeks, Singapore’s government has urged for immediate action. In just the past week, the project released a further 350,000 Wolbachia-carrying males in an area and are planning to extend this initiative to four more regions within this first quarter. This means stepping up to produce a whopping 11 million male Wolbachia mosquitoes weekly and coverage from 26% to 35% of all households in Singapore.

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In a startling incident in central Oregon, a pet owner has been diagnosed with the bubonic plague, a disease that harks back to the Middle Ages. Health officials believe the resident contracted the rare illness from their symptomatic pet cat, marking a rare occurrence of the plague in modern times.

The Duke-NUS research team, collaborating with Duke University and the National University of Singapore, conducted a preclinical comparison between nasal and subcutaneous administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Their findings were published in eBioMedicine. It revealed that the intranasal route not only induces a strong mucosal antibody response but also enhances long-term mucosal and systemic immune protection.

Dengue infections in Malaysia nearly doubled in 2023 compared to 2022 amid global surge in dengue cases. According to the Malaysian government’s iDengue portal, a total of 123,300 dengue cases were reported from January 1st to December 31st 2023, 86.5% more compared to 2022 (66,102 cases). This was the highest number of recorded cases since 2019 when 130,101 dengue cases were reported.

As Palawan charts its course towards a malaria-free future, the unity and commitment displayed at the 14th Provincial Malaria Congress serve as a beacon of hope. With healthcare providers, officials, and the community working hand in hand, Palawan is poised to eliminate the disease, contributing significantly to the nationwide goal of a Philippines entirely free from this infectious disease. The efforts in Palawan, underscored by resilience and dedication, illuminate the path forward and exemplify the collective strength required to overcome the final challenges in this fight. The province’s journey serves as an inspiration for regions worldwide grappling with the persistent threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

Discover the Department of Health’s proactive engagement in commemorating World Toilet Day through the Biyaheng Kalusugan program. This comprehensive effort focuses on promoting the ‘7 Healthy Habits para sa Healthy Pilipinas’ and bolstering the Zero Open Defecation initiative. Explore the state of safe water and sanitation facilities in the Philippines, as revealed in the 2020 WHO-Unicef report. The caravan activities, distinguished guests, and advocates, along with a call to action and insights into the DOH’s 8-Point Action Agenda, provide a holistic perspective. Join the collective effort towards a healthier, safer, and more hygienic Philippines with continued support and investment.”

Explore the latest developments in the Philippines’ COVID-19 vaccine distribution as the Department of Health halts procurement amid depleted stocks. Committee inquiries, vaccine-associated controversies, and insights from healthcare professionals shed light on the nation’s challenges and successes. Dive into the complex landscape of the ongoing pandemic, where strategic government decisions play a pivotal role in balancing effectiveness, financial sustainability, and healthcare needs.