News & Perspective

(CIDRAP News) – In the most detailed analysis to date on the Vibrio cholerae strain that has sparked Haiti's outbreak, researchers confirmed that it most closely resembles a South Asian variant not previously seen in the region and that it is more lethal than other strains.

(CIDRAP News) – In its latest update, Haiti's health ministry said today that 56,901 people have been treated for cholera infections, of which 21,665 were hospitalized and 1,344 died, according to preliminary data as of Nov 19 from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

(CIDRAP News) – Two new studies on viral pathogens in oysters and other mollusks shed new light on the need for better detection methods and the type of monitoring and treatments that are needed to ensure product safety.

Over the past few years the United States and Europe have reported several outbreaks of foodborne illness, especially norovirus cases, related to contaminated oysters and other mollusks.

(CIDRAP News) – Though pandemic flu activity stayed stable in most parts of the world, Chile is reporting new detections of the pandemic virus in at least three regions in advance of the start of its flu season, with other hot spots occurring in Bangladesh and parts of Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported today.

(CIDRAP News) – The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday reported moderately active pandemic influenza activity in parts of the tropical regions of Asia, the Americas, and Africa, as well as influenza B activity in much of East Asia.