Infectious diseases News

Amateur tattoos carry hepatitis C

If you know someone who's likely to get a tattoo, tell him the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to make sure it's done by a professional and not a friend.

Virus strikes cruise ship

A stomach virus outbreak delayed the departure of the cruise ship "Voyager of the Seas" from New Orleans in one of three outbreaks of illness aboard US-based cruise ships.

Columbus voyage tied to syphilis?

A new examination of the origin of syphilis supports the theory that the disease was carried to Europe aboard Christopher Columbus' ships as they sailed home from the New World.

E. coli outbreak from lettuce

Romaine lettuce from one farm was the likely source of an E. coli outbreak that sickened 60 people in 10 states between, says the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Blood poisoning: speed saves lives

Speed can save lives – especially in the case of blood poisoning. The more quickly and directly doctors recognise and treat sepsis, the greater the patient’s chances of survival.

Money is dirty - wash your hands

If you get your hands on some money, wash them. Because all money is dirty - very dirty, say the experts.

Vaccine against Ebola works in mice

US researchers said this week they have made progress toward an experimental vaccine against the deadly Ebola virus that is 80% effective in mice.

Clinic blamed for hep C outbreak

More than 150 Chinese villagers, many of them children, may have been infected with hepatitis C by a clinic that reused old needles, state media and local authorities said.

Superbug no cause for panic

There is no cause for panic over the recent outbreak of superbug NDM-1, the National Health Laboratory Services said.

Triumph in trial for lung disease

A new gene-targeted treatment for cystic fibrosis has shown promise toward treating a small number of those affected by the disease, researchers said.