Browsing: Infectious Disease

The resilient communities of the Davao Region, already grappling with the aftermath of recent floods and landslides, now face a new health crisis as cases of leptospirosis surge.

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.

Amidst the convergence of colder months and an uptick in both influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) and anticipated COVID-19 cases, Dr. Rontgene Solante, the President of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), shares crucial insights during a bi-monthly lay forum organised by the PCP. 

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.”

Medical Channel Asia presents the weekly Asian medical news bulletin, bringing you essential healthcare news from across the region. This…

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.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a concerning rise in malaria cases in the Philippines.  From January to September 2023, there were 4,777 reported cases, compared to 3,207 cases during the same period in 2022. This uptick highlights the pressing need for proactive measures and public awareness to address the growing threat of malaria in the country. Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, continues to pose a significant global health challenge. In a recent media briefing, Dr Jhobert Bernal, the technical supervisor of the National Reference Laboratories for Malaria and Other Parasites, emphasised the crucial role of early detection and accurate diagnosis in preventing malaria transmission within communities. The importance of timely intervention becomes even more apparent as global malaria cases increase to 247 million in 2021, according to data from the World Health Organization.