Infectious Disease News - Latest Updates & Headlines
Screening for both active and dormant TB infection key to improve detection: Study
New Delhi, April 26: Screening for both active and dormant tuberculosis (TB) infection simultaneously can help improve detection, which is key for better outcomes, according to a study.
Cambodia on verge of achieving malaria-free goal: PM Hun
Phnom Penh, April 25: Cambodia is making great progress towards achieving its malaria-free target by the end of 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet said.
Zambia confirms second mpox death as cases rise to 49
Lusaka, April 18: Zambia confirmed its second mpox-related death as the cumulative cases reached 49 in the southern African country.
South Africa's health department urges vigilance amid rising malaria cases
Johannesberg, April 17: The South African Department of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant against malaria as the country is seeing a slight increase in cases of the disease, particularly in malaria-endemic provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Uganda launches mass yellow fever vaccination in eastern region after outbreak
Kampala, April 11: Uganda has started a mass yellow fever vaccination exercise in the eastern part of the country after six confirmed cases were reported, a health official said.
Uganda to start next phase of mpox vaccination with 100,000 additional doses
Kampala, March 31: Uganda has received an additional 100,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to support the next phase of its prevention campaign, said a senior health official on Monday.
Singapore reports 1,156 new tuberculosis cases in 2024, lower than 2023
Singapore, March 24: Singapore recorded 1,156 new cases of active tuberculosis in 2024, with an incidence rate of 27.6 cases per 100,000 residents, as per the Ministry of Health,
WHO in Western Pacific urges action to end tuberculosis by 2030
Manila, March 24: The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday called on countries to take "urgent and decisive action" to end Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.
Uganda discharges last Ebola patients, begins 42-day countdown to end outbreak
Kampala, March 20: Uganda discharged the last two remaining Ebola patients, starting a 42-day countdown to declare the end of the latest outbreak if no new cases are recorded, the country's health authorities announced.
Death toll from meningitis outbreak in Nigeria rises to 56
Abuja, March 20: The death toll of an outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) across four local government areas in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kebbi has risen from 26 to 56, health authorities said.
Uganda's mpox cases reach 4,342, death toll rises to 31
Kampala, March 18: The cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed mpox cases in Uganda has reached 4,342, with 31 deaths reported since the outbreak was declared in the East African country eight months ago, the Ugandan Ministry of Health said on Tuesday.
Mongolia's total number of confirmed measles cases exceeds 50
Ulan Bator, March 17: Mongolia has recorded 24 new cases of measles infection over the past 24 hours, bringing the national caseload to 51, according to the country's National Centre for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) on Monday.
Tanzania declares end of second Marburg virus disease outbreak
Dar es Salaam, March 14: Tanzanian health authorities declared the end of the country's second Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after recording no new cases for 42 days following the death of the last confirmed patient on January 28.
Measles cases in Europe doubled in 2024, highest since 1997: WHO
London, March 14: Measles cases in Europe doubled in 2024, reaching the highest level since 1997, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said, emphasizing the need for vaccinations to curb the spread.
Rural communities at high risk of scrub typhus infections: Study
New Delhi, March 13: Rural communities are at high risk of potentially life-threatening scrub typhus infections, according to a study by researchers from the Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore released on Thursday.
US: Nearly 160 measles cases reported in Texas
Houston, March 4: Nearly 160 measles cases have been reported in Texas, the second largest US state, state health officials said, warning the outbreak could last for months.
South Africa reports three new cases of monkeypox
Johannesburg, March 1: South Africa's National Department of Health appealed for vigilance as three new cases of monkeypox, also known as mpox, were confirmed in the country.
UK health authorities warn of potential second norovirus wave
London, Feb 28: Health authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) have raised the alarm this week over a potential second wave of norovirus, with new data showing a shift in circulating strains.
Pakistan: Mirpurkhas district sees rise in pediatric HIV cases
Islamabad, February 20: Mirpurkhas district in Sindh is emerging as a new hotspot for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases among children, with 150 new cases reported in 2024, according to official statistics, Geo News reported.
African officials call for strengthening public health security amid new outbreaks
Mombasa, Jan 29: The recurrence of infectious diseases such as Ebola, monkeypox and Marburg in Africa calls for enhancing the resilience of the continent's public health systems through sustainable funding, technology adoption, improved surveillance and community engagement.
Japan sees record surge in mycoplasma pneumonia cases
Tokyo, Jan 21: Japan is experiencing a significant rise in mycoplasma pneumonia cases, with patient numbers reaching the highest levels for this time of year in the past decade.
Bangladesh reports first death from HMPV
Dhaka, Jan 16: Bangladesh reported on Thursday its first fatality from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) when a woman died with multiple health complications.
Greece reports first HMPV case
Athens, Jan 8: Greece has confirmed its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in a 71-year-old man, the national news agency AMNA reported on Wednesday.
Mpox deaths rise to 10 in Uganda: Health Ministry
Kampala, Jan 8: The number of laboratory-confirmed mpox deaths in Uganda has climbed to 10 after four fatalities were registered in the last five days in the East African country, according to authorities.
Uttarakhand takes measures to control respiratory diseases amid global HMPV spread
Dehradun, January 7: The Directorate of Medical Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory on Monday to prevent and control respiratory diseases, including seasonal influenza and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is witnessing a global spread, according to an official release.
Zambia reports fourth monkeypox case
Lusaka, Jan 4: Zambia's health authorities have reported the country's fourth case of monkeypox, also known as mpox.