Virus outbreak in Kenya linked to heavy rains

Article Abstract:

Torrential rains that resulted in heavy flooding in most of East Africa from Oct 1997 to Jan 1998 have led to an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Kenya and neighboring countries. Cases of RVF virus infection have been confirmed in North Eastern, Eastern, Central and Rift Valley in Kenya, as well as in southern Somalia and northern Tanzania. It is believed to be the most serious RVF outbreak in East Africa, based on initial estimates of deaths among humans and animals.

Health aspects, Demographic aspects, Floods, Kenya, Epidemics, Rift Valley fever

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Persistent antibodies detected years after brief exposure

Article Abstract:

Researchers at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil found the persistence of anti-malarial antibodies in a group of people who were exposed to Plasmodium vivax in 1988. The group embarked on a study of immunological memory. They attributed the persistence of the antibodies to the antibiotic administration given to the patients even before the diagnosis of malaria. The study could open the door for the development of vaccines for malaria.

Research, Physiological aspects, Malaria, Antibodies, Immunologic memory

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Three children die of chickenpox related complications

Article Abstract:

Three children in Texas and Iowa died from complications of chickenpox in 1997, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The deaths incited concern over the effectiveness of children's vaccination programs and policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented a 100% effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing moderate and severe cases and 86% protection for all cases of varicella infections.

Laws, regulations and rules, Complications and side effects, Pediatric diseases, Children, Diseases, Vaccination of children, Vaccination, Chickenpox

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