Bovine TB moving between humans and animals

A veterinary nurse and her dog in the U.K. have contracted bovine tuberculosis.

While the investigation is ongoing, there is a belief that infected badgers have spread the TB to beef and dairy cattle herds, which have served as a conduit transmission to pets and humans.

It is unusual for people to contract Bovine TB, but farmers and vets who work with infected animals can run the risk.

For more reading: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4649216.ece

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK : Disease management

Help us fill in the blank:

"The best strategy for managing disease outbreaks on a local level is _____________"

1918 Flu Pandemic deaths not just due to influenza

The 1918 Influenza Pandemic is often spotlighted as an example of the rapidity with which outbreaks, even those occuring under past conditions very different from today, can move from one place to another.

New research published by NIH proposes that many who died during the epidemic, were sickened not just by the influenza virus but also succumbed bacterial pneumonia. A conclusion is that a similar type of scenario could unfold during a future influenza pandemic.

More: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/aug2008/niaid-19.htm

WHO and World Bank team up to better health

As delegates gather at the International AIDS Conference (3-8 August), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank today address the pressing global debate around health systems and initiatives in specific aspects of health, nutrition and population. Critics claim that disease-specific initiatives are eroding already weak health systems, while others assert that weak health systems are holding back progress in disease-specific initiatives. In an effort to gather evidence and provide technical guidance in this area, WHO and the World Bank have agreed to join forces in collaboration with a wide range of interested stakeholders including country officials, academic and research institutions, Global Health Initiatives and civil society organizations.

Read more: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr26/en/index.html

Natural disasters and disease risk

Natural disasters and an increased risk of disease go hand-in-hand, say those at the World Health Organization. Of particular note, are areas in West Africa beset with flooding and impacted through health risks as well as food insecurity.

Full story, from WHO:http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr28/en/index.html

Villages in Ghana being washed away

A report from Ghana on the eastern coast of Africa of beach front being reduced by several yards every year. The consequence is the disappearance of villages, animal species, and potential impact upon disease vectors.

"...unless global warming is reined in, millions of seaside dwellers will experience flooding, up to one-third of coastal wetlands will be lost, and increasingly ferocious storms will batter the shores."

What role should other countries / governments / agencies / the public be expected to play?

Full story: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-ghana-village-under-sea,1,7438106.story

Bed bugs on the move - The invasion is underway!

Appears that new freshman aren't the only thing invading college campuses!

Aided by our typical convergence vectors (transportation, humans, etc.), bed bugs are on the move.

What to do? Any strategies?

Read more:

MSNBC: Bedbugs biting their way across country: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10987651/
USA Today: Bed bugs move into dorms: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-08-20-bedbugs-dorms_N.htm