Chikungunya epidemic risk: A call to action

On today’s show, I want to look at the parasites collectively known as the soil transmitted helminths. They are also grouped in with the neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs. Joining me today is Bukunyi (Mercy) Ajanaku, MS. Mercy is a parasitologist who hails from Ibadan, Nigeria.

Last week, New York health officials reported a confirmed locally acquired chikungunya case in the state in Nassau County on Long Island. This is the first locally acquired case of chikungunya reported in New York state and the first in the US since 2019. Joining me today to discuss chikungunya is Aileen Chang, MD. Dr Chang is an Associate Professor of Medicine at George Washington University.

In this podcast, I briefly go over a number of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Powassan virus disease.

In this podcast, I look at the recent human plague cases in the United States and discuss some specifics about the 'ancient disease'

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned that a major chikungunya virus epidemic risks sweeping around the globe, calling for urgent action to prevent it. The call-to-action urges countries to scale their lab diagnostics and surveillance, train staff, and strengthen healthcare systems as cases are appearing in popular travel destinations across Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia. Joining me today to examine this topic is Ben Simone, MD, FFPH. He is the Global Medical Affairs Director Travel Vaccines at Bavarian Nordic.

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. This annual observance aims to educate the public about psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions worldwide, and to support those living with it. Joining me today to talk about psoriasis is Rosanne Paul, DO. Dr Paul is an assistant professor of dermatology at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but serious eye infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Acanthamoeba. It primarily affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, and can lead to significant pain, inflammation, and potential vision loss. Contact lens wearers are particularly at risk due to improper hygiene practices, but anyone can be affected. My guest today founded The Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) Eye Foundation in 2022. Joining me today is Juliette Vila Sinclair Spence. Juliette is the Founder & Chairwoman of the Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) Eye Foundation.

Rapid data collection can provide an insight into causation, the socio-cultural reality, and complex social processes. This is especially important in disease outbreaks when information is quickly required on local needs that is essential for success. My guest today will discuss rapid data collection and how it is applied in a hantavirus outbreak in Argentina. He will also discuss its use within the contact of Ebola. Joining me today is Glenn Laverack, PhD. Dr Laverack is a professor at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health at UAE University. He is also the author of a number of books on health promotion and outbreaks.   The Challenge of Rapid Data Collection and Health Promotion: A Quick and Easy Approach

In today's news cast, I look at the growing yellow fever outbreak in Tolima Department, Colombia.

In today's news cast, I look at the growing yellow fever outbreak in Tolima Department, Colombia.