infectious diseases

infectious diseases

infectious diseases

Questions and answers on the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda

In Rwanda, according to the latest ECDC data, 25 cases and 11 deaths have been detected in what is already the third largest outbreak of the Marburg virus to date. The WHO considers the overall risk to be low and possible imported cases from Belgium and Germany - reported only yesterday in Hamburg - have proved to be false alarms. What is of concern is the national and regional spread of a virus for which mortality can be as high as 88% and for which there is no treatment or vaccine. In this article we answer the main questions.

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High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes linked to reduced male fertility

The sperm of men infected with high-risk genotypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) suffers more damage from oxidative stress and has a weaker immune response, which can lead to reduced fertility. This is one of the conclusions of a study published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. The research compared the semen of 20 adults infected with high-risk genotypes, seven infected with low-risk genotypes, and 43 adults without infections.

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Ticks, transmitters of diseases now included in health surveillance plan

The third part of the National Plan for Surveillance and Control of Vector-borne Diseases is presented today, focusing on ticks, parasitic mites that cause serious diseases. Of these, the two of greatest concern in Spain are Lyme disease and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. Cases are expected to increase, but so far there has been no surveillance. International health authorities have also warned of the risks of Lyme disease in connection with the European Football Championship being held in Germany in recent weeks. 

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Reactions to WHO statement on outbreaks of childhood pneumonia in northern China

Since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years. On 21 November, the media and the ProMED system reported outbreaks of pneumonia of undiagnosed cause in children in northern China. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is unclear whether these are related to the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by the Chinese authorities or are separate episodes. In a statement, the WHO has officially requested detailed information from China on this increase in respiratory illnesses and outbreaks of childhood pneumonia.

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Citizen science: a tool for the study and control of mosquitoes

Today it is difficult to see science policies that do not mention citizen science or citizen participation in science. On World Mosquito Day, which is celebrated on August 20, we analyze what has been achieved by the Mosquito Alert project, based on citizen science and which the Ministry of Health has supported this summer within the framework of the National Plan for Disease Prevention, Surveillance and Control Transmitted by Vectors.

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Reaction: Chagas disease is also under-diagnosed in Spain

A study of nearly 3,000 Latin Americans who attended the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona over 17 years showed that 47% were infected by the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Of these, 17% also presented cardiac alterations derived from the disease. The study reveals that there is under-diagnosis in Spain, as there is in endemic areas. However, due to the characteristics of the research, the authors point out that "these data cannot be used to estimate the prevalence of infection in the general Latin American population living in Spain", which is notably lower according to other studies. The results are published in the journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

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Reaction: 19 TB positives detected at Ourense high school

The Regional Ministry of Health of the Xunta of Galicia reported a few days ago that it had detected a case of tuberculosis in a high school in Ourense. Yesterday it confirmed that it is following up the contacts of the case after 19 positive tuberculin tests were detected, which implies contact with the bacteria but not necessarily the development of the disease.

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