Little-known virus causes outbreak in Pacific isles

DanyC submitted, created time 1 year 5 months (www.reutershealth.com)

“An epidemic caused by a little-known virus has broken out on a group of islands in the western Pacific Ocean, as warmer weather and heavy rain fuel the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in many parts of the world.”

Submit comment | Blog It | Email It | Keywords: mosquito-borne diseases HIV virus virus infections

Attentions:West Nile virus cases rose.

crackpot submitted, created time 1 year 7 months (www.latimes.com)

West Nile virus, which is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, is named after the district in Uganda where the disease was first isolated. It circulates mostly among birds, but has also been found in some mammals and reptiles.In humans, the virus can cause fever, encephalitis and other severe nervous-system diseases.The number of West Nile virus infections in the U.S. rebounded last year, reaching the highest point since 2003, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday.

Submit comment | Blog It | Email It | Keywords: West Nile virus virus infections H5N1 virus encephalitis nervous-system diseases

New Rules May Protect Fish From Virus

badboy submitted, created time 1 year 7 months (www.channel3000.com)

"New state rules are likely as state fish and agriculture officials rush to contain in a deadly fish virus and keep it out of Madison lakes."

Submit comment | Blog It | Email It | Keywords: virus infections fish infected fish

Too Much Weight May Cause Ear Infections in Kids

captainclaw submitted, created time 1 year 8 months (www.forbes.com)

Ear infections in children remain very common . In the new study, the researchers looked at two groups of children aged 2 to 7 -- 155 who had tubes implanted in their ears to help them drain fluid and recover from ear infections, and 118 who were in the hospital for other reasons. According to this, the children with ear infections had an average BMI of 22, compared to 16 for the other group. This suggests that extra fat boosts the risk of ear infections.

Submit comment | Blog It | Email It | Keywords: children health middle ear infections virus infections

Mailman School of Public Health researchers report blood DNA can be early predictor of liver cancer

alpha submitted, created time 1 year 8 months (www.biologynews.net)

"Researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health have discovered a means for early detection of liver cancer. Using DNA isolated from serum samples as a baseline biomarker, the scientists examined changes in certain tumor suppressor genes that have been associated with the development of liver carcinomas. This is the first study to prospectively examine potential biomarkers for early detection of liver cancer in high-risk populations, including those with chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections."

Submit comment | Blog It | Email It | Keywords: liver cancer suppressor gene chronic hepatitis virus infections