Also, researchers report a mutation in the Asian-lineage strain that made it more infectious to mosquitoes.
In the first-of-its-kind comprehensive review of a Zika outbreak in Asia, researchers from Singapore yesterday reported how easily the virus can be introduced and spread even when vector control programs are good, adding that response measures had a measurable impact on curbing the disease. Writing in The Lancet Infectious Diseases yesterday, the team described an outbreak that began in August 2016.
Yesterday Brazil's Ministry of Health lifted the state of emergency caused by the Zika virus, due to the country's dwindling case counts of the mosquito-borne disease.
A multicenter study of patients with MRSA bloodstream infections caused by a community-associated strain of the pathogen has identified race as a primary association, researchers reported yesterday in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Changes are based on evidence that Zika virus IgM antibodies can persist beyond 12 weeks.
Also, reseachers identify a Zika antibody that might open up new therapy and vaccine possibilities.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health (MOH) said there was a new case of MERS-CoV today linked to indirect camel exposure.
Health officials in Liberia have reported a second death in Monrovia linked to an unexplained illness cluster in people who attended the funeral of a religious leader in Greenville, located about 4 hours' drive south of the country's capital in Sinoe County, according to local media reports.
Over the weekend the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health (MOH) said there was a new case of MERS-CoV diagnosed in a man who had contact with camels in the weeks prior to illness.
A 69-year-old Saudi man from Buraydah is in stable condition after presenting with symptoms of MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus) infection. The man had direct exposure to camels, a known risk factor for contracting the virus.
The cost study looked at different attack-rate ranges, putting the upper-end estimate at as much as $2 billion.
