Recent News

By Category: International

Texan tracking down disease outbreaks around the world

(States Man) Joel Montgomery spends most of his time working with his team of epidemiologists to suppress outbreaks of dengue fever and Rift Valley fever in Kenya. “Both are mosquito-borne diseases that can be fatal,” Montgomery said. “We’re concerned about Rift Valley fever getting to the U.S., because it can infect cattle.” But on a Read More »

December 11, 2012
| Filed under Africa, Asia/Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, Agents & Toxins, International, Public Health, and Research
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Bugs without borders

(EurekAlert) Researchers show that the global epidemic of Clostridium difficile 027/NAP1/BI in the early to mid-2000s was caused by the spread of two different but highly related strains of the bacterium rather than one as was previously thought. The spread and persistence of both epidemics were driven by the acquisition of resistance to a frontline Read More »

December 10, 2012
| Filed under North America, Agents & Toxins, International, Public Health, and Research
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Countries to Examine Options for Strengthening Bioweapons Convention

(Global Security Newswire) Nations are set at a yearly gathering next week to consider means of bolstering compliance with the Biological Weapons Convention and building on its ability to impede the creation or employment of arms-usable disease agents and toxins, the United Nations said. The meeting of treaty signatories would examine advancements since the 2011 Read More »

December 10, 2012
| Filed under Africa, Asia/Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, Agents & Toxins, Biological Weapons, International, and Policy & Initiatives
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Kenya bans importation of all GMO foods

(Digital Journal) In a groundbreaking act, Public Health Minister Beth Mugo of the Kenyan government has advised that Kenya has completely banned the importation of all genetically modified (GMO) food into the country, until exhaustive tests on health effects are complete. Stressing that the decision was taken from genuine concern for Kenyans’ health, the move Read More »

December 6, 2012
| Filed under Africa, North America, Biosafety, International, Policy & Initiatives, and Public Health
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Suspect powder at Italy ministry sparks false alarm

(Chicago Tribune) Seven people were taken to hospital for checks after a suspect package at Italy’s labor ministry containing powder raised fears of possible anthrax contamination, but the parcel was found to be harmless. A ministry spokesman confirmed it was a false alarm after officials inspected the package at the offices in central Rome. Activists Read More »