Latest news with #USCDC
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Woman dies of brain eating amoeba after rinsing sinuses using tap water
A rare case of brain eating amoeba killing a woman has grabbed attention. As per the latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) of the US CDC, a woman died due to fatal brain infection caused by the free-living ameba, Naegleria fowleri which she got from nasal irrigation device filled with tap water. "A previously healthy woman aged 71 years developed severe neurologic symptoms, including fever, headache, and altered mental status within 4 days of using a nasal irrigation device filled with tap water from an RV's water system at a campground in Texas. Despite medical treatment for a suspected PAM infection, the patient developed seizures and subsequently died 8 days after symptom onset. Laboratory testing at CDC confirmed the presence of N. fowleri in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid," the US CDC says. "Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, often fatal brain infection caused by the free-living ameba Naegleria fowleri. Using tap water for nasal irrigation is a risk factor for PAM," it warns. What is Naegleria fowleri? Naegleria fowleri, also known as the "brain-eating amoeba," is a super rare but extremely dangerous microorganism that lives in warm freshwater—like lakes, rivers, hot springs, and even poorly maintained swimming pools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Click Here Undo Despite how scary it sounds (and yes, it is scary), infections from it are extremely uncommon. So what exactly is this thing? Naegleria fowleri is a tiny, single-celled organism that you can't see without a microscope. It thrives in warm temperatures, especially in water that's over 30°C (about 86°F). You don't get sick from drinking water that has it. The real danger happens when the water goes up your nose—usually while swimming, diving, or jumping into warm freshwater. Once it gets up your nose, the amoeba can travel to your brain through the olfactory nerve (the nerve that helps you smell). Once it reaches the brain, it causes a rare but deadly infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). And unfortunately, it progresses very quickly—people usually start feeling symptoms within 1 to 12 days, and the disease often leads to death within about 5 days after symptoms start. The early symptoms of PAM can feel like a bad case of meningitis or the flu: headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck. Then it gets worse—confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and eventually coma. Because it progresses so fast and looks like other infections at first, it's very hard to diagnose in time. To stay safe, avoid getting water up your nose when swimming in warm freshwater—wear nose clips, don't stir up sediment, and avoid jumping or diving into shallow, warm water. And definitely don't use tap water to rinse your nose or sinuses unless it's been properly sterilized or filtered. Naegleria fowleri may sound like something out of a horror movie. Just be smart around warm freshwater, and you'll likely never come close to encountering it. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
US CDC COVID vaccine advisor Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos resigns: Reuters
Vials labelled "VACCINE Coronavirus COVID-19" and a syringe are seen in front of a displayed U.S. flag in this illustration taken December 11, 2021. Photo:REUTER Listen to article Pediatric infectious disease expert Dr Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos of the US CDC resigned on Tuesday as co-leader of a working group that advises outside experts on COVID-19 vaccines and is leaving the agency, said two sources familiar with the move. Panagiotakopoulos said in an email to work group colleagues that her decision to step down was based on the belief she is "no longer able to help the most vulnerable members" of the US population. In her role at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's working group of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, she co-led the gathering of information on topics for presentation. Her resignation comes one week after Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a long-time vaccine skeptic who oversees the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, said the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women had been removed from the CDC's recommended immunization schedule. The move was a departure from the process in which ACIP experts meet and vote on changes to the immunization schedule or recommendations on who should get vaccines before the agency's director made a final call. The committee had not voted on the changes announced by Kennedy and the CDC does not yet have a permanent director. Two days after Kennedy's announcement, the CDC published a vaccine schedule online saying that COVID-19 vaccines remain an option for healthy children aged 6 months to 17 years when parents and doctors agree that it is needed. It had previously recommended updated COVID vaccines for everyone aged six months and older, following the guidance of the panel of outside experts. Two sources said Panagiotakopoulos did not include a specific reason for her departure. Panagiotakopoulos did not return requests for comment. "Unfortunately for me, this is a personal decision," Panagiotakopoulos wrote in an email to members of the working group that was read to Reuters by a source who received it. "My career in public health and vaccinology started with a deep-seated desire to help the most vulnerable members of our population, and that is not something I am able to continue doing in this role." The committee is scheduled to meet on June 25-27 and is expected to deliberate and vote on recommendations for use of COVID-19 vaccines, according to one of the sources who was not authorized to speak publicly.
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Insider
U.S. CDC issues alert as mpox outbreak in Central, East Africa leads to new cases in the U.S.
CDC urges vigilance as Clade I mpox cases appear in the U.S. following travel to affected regions in Central Africa, especially the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The CDC issued a health advisory concerning Clade I mpox cases appearing in the U.S. from Central Africa-associated travel. Clade I of the mpox virus is more severe and has higher mortality rates compared to Clade II, as seen in past outbreaks. Health professionals are urged to evaluate patients with recent travel history to affected areas and provide preventive measures. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an official Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory in response to a growing mpox outbreak in Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The outbreak has led to a small number of travel-associated mpox cases diagnosed in the United States since 2024. This outbreak involves Clade I of the mpox virus, a variant historically associated with more severe illness and a higher case fatality rate than Clade II, which was responsible for the 2022–2023 global outbreak. The Clade I of the mpox virus is also known as the Congo Basin clade and is one of two types of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) viruses. Laboratory testing has confirmed that the virus detected in the current U.S. cases is genetically consistent with strains circulating in Central Africa and distinct from the Clade II strain previously seen in the United States. Disease contained in the U.S. As of May 2025, there is no evidence of sustained local transmission in the U.S., but the CDC is urging healthcare providers to remain alert, especially when evaluating patients with recent trave l to the DRC or neighboring countries. According to the CDC, the outbreak in the DRC shows signs of sustained human-to-human transmission. Mpox cases have been reported among men, women, and children, suggesting a possible shift in transmission dynamics compared to previous outbreaks that largely affected men who have sex with men. Vaccination remains a key preventive measure. The CDC supports the continued use of the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is effective against both Clade I and Clade II strains. However, the agency notes that uptake of the vaccine has declined since the height of the previous outbreak. The HAN advisory encourages health departments to identify individuals at risk and ensure they have access to testing, treatment, and vaccination. To support early detection and reduce the risk of further spread, the CDC recommends that clinicians: Consider mpox in the differential diagnosis of patients with compatible symptoms and relevant travel history. Promptly report suspected cases to local or state public health authorities. Collect specimens for confirmatory testing through the CDC or designated public health laboratories. US CDC issues warning No travel restrictions have been issued at this time, but travelers to the DRC are advised to avoid close contact with sick individuals, wild animals, and materials contaminated with bodily fluids. The CDC continues to monitor the situation and will provide updated guidance as more information becomes available. For now, health officials are emphasizing early recognition and public health response, given that Clade I mpox presents more serious health risks and has resulted in fatalities in affected countries abroad.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI in Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Market Research and Global Forecast Report 2024-2025 & 2030: AI-Driven Remote Patient Monitoring Surges Amid Rising Chronic Disease and Telehealth Adoption
Company Logo The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the AI in remote patient monitoring market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and to plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. AI in Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Market AI in Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Market Dublin, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "AI in Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Market by Component (Device: Wearable, Implantable, Portable; Software, Service), Indication (Cardiac, Neuro, Onco, Diabetes, Sleep, Mental Health), End User (Hospitals, Clinics, Payer), Region - Global Forecast to 2030" report has been added to offering. The AI in remote patient monitoring market is projected to reach USD 8.43 billion by 2030 from USD 1.96 billion in 2024, at a high CAGR of 27.5% The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the AI in remote patient monitoring market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and to plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. Reason for growth in the AI in remote patient monitoring market: More individuals are getting hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) such as bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and infections caused by C. difficile. These infections have been associated with critical health complications and death in hospitals, hence the solutions that monitor patients remotely have been necessary in the prevention and management of risks. Further, the incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes is rising, which in turn increases the demand for effective remote monitoring technologies. The cost of healthcare in the US has substantially deteriorated; almost half of US adults are struggling to afford prescription drugs and doctor visits. According to US CDC about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection. For instance, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reported that RPM devices reduced hospital readmissions by 76%. Wearable devices is the fastest growing segment in the AI in remote patient monitoring market by devices in 2023 Wearable devices is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the AI in remote patient monitoring market during 2023, due to the increasing acceptance of AI-enabled biosensors, smartwatches, and wearables for medical use. These devices are based on machine learning, deep learning, and continuous monitoring of vital signs, early detecting potential health issues, and supplying predictive insights.
