Respiratory Infections

Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in Northern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East are worrying neighboring countries and have led to the culling of tens of thousands of chicken, turkeys, and ducks.

Two cases of meningococcal disease strain B have been confirmed at Oregon State University, urging officials to take preventive measures.

A recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial chickens and ducks in South Korea has health officials in the country on high alert and some poultry farmers taking quarantine measures.

Lake County General Health District confirmed that a contaminated cooling tower in Ohio was the cause of a 4-month-long outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, which resulted in one death.

A recent study shows that a person’s birth year may predict his/her chances of surviving an influenza A virus pandemic.

Recent article discusses how advanced practice registered nurses can help combat pertussis.

Fifteen countries continue to see 72% of all childhood deaths from pneumonia and diarrhea, the two biggest killers of children under five years of age worldwide, says a new global report.

In a new study, researchers from the United Kingdom have found that cystic fibrosis patients are more likely to pick up multi-drug resistant infections in hospitals than was previously believed.

A new study suggests that a homeopathic syrup may be an effective way to rid a child of bothersome cold symptoms.

The scope of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in West Africa, until recently, has not been well-understood, but a new study on eight countries in the region shows that the superbug is more common than previous estimates suggested.

University of California and Stanford University researchers have identified how temperature and humidity work together to affect flu season.

Laura Cooley, MD, MPH, medical epidemiologist, Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Disease, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, explains why Legionella is such a challenging pathogen.

Recently, FDA reviewers met to discuss a new drug application submitted by Cempra Pharmaceuticals to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.

Predicting how long it takes for an infectious disease outbreak to begin may help health officials develop an early warning system, according to the authors of a new study on lag times in epidemics.

Laura Cooley, MD, MPH, medical epidemiologist, Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Disease, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, explains the current Legionella situation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 18 cases of new swine flu viruses in Ohio and Michigan state fair attendees, highlighting the need for precaution when handling pigs.

A new study by Public Health England researchers finds that disinfectants used against Klebsiella pneumoniae may be helping the pathogen develop new antibiotic resistance.

A new study from United Kingdom researchers finds that nearly one-quarter of the global population is infected with latent tuberculosis (TB), a finding that exposes the challenges ahead for the World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy.

Rebekah Stewart Schicker, MSN, MPH, APRN, Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, explains her recent research on influenza antiviral treatment prescribing practices in 60 outpatient settings across the United States.

Researchers in the United States and South Korea recently studied the use of an experimental nanoparticle treatment that acts as a decoy to stop and kill the influenza virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released their Global Tuberculosis Report for 2016, emphasizing that today’s global actions and investments are falling far short of what is needed to stop the worldwide tuberculosis (TB) epidemic.

Jacob Morton, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, Antibiotic Stewardship Outcomes Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, clinical pharmacy research specialist, Wesley Healthcare, discusses his research on 30-day mortality in adults with pneumococcal disease.

Public-health experts recommend that the seasonal influenza vaccine be available in more non-medical settings in hopes that with increased accessibility, more people will choose to get vaccinated.

Rebekah Stewart Schicker, MSN, MPH, APRN, Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Influenza Division, explains how antiviral flu treatments may be affecting patients in the outpatient setting.