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Two Connecticut residents died over the summer due to infections linked to bacteria found in raw shellfish or seawater, health officials said Tuesday. The state Department of Public Health said that three people there are known to have been infected with the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. However, the state Bureau of Aquaculture said earlier this month that Connecticut shellfish have never been associated with such infections and that the bureau tests commercial oysters statewide and has not detected it in any samples. Two of the three cases were wound infections not associated with seafood. The third was in a Connecticut resident who consumed raw oysters not harvested from Long Island Sound at an out-of-state establishment. NEW COVID SUBVARIANT, ERIS, IS NOW MOST COMMON AND FASTEST-SPREADING IN US: ‘NEVER GOING AWAY’ Two Connecticut residents have died this summer from infections linked to bacteria found in raw shellfish, the state Department of Public Health said Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) All three were between the ages of 60 and 80. The two deaths occurred in July, and the health department said it was the first time Connecticut has seen a Vibrio case in three years. Five cases were reported there in 2020. Vibrio vulnificus has never been found in state waters, it noted, with the majority of infections linked to shellfish from much warmer waters. Nearly a decade ago, the state added requirements to cool oysters to the point where such bacteria cannot survive. Vibrio vulnificus can cause life-threatening wound infections. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) CONNECTICUT MAN SEEN BRUTALLY ATTACKING POLICE OFFICER WITH HAMMER ON BODY CAMERA In high-risk areas, harvested oysters are immediately placed in an ice slurry. For lower-risk areas, harvesters must refrigerate or ice all oysters within five hours of harvest. Notably, the bacterium does not make an oyster look, smell or taste any different from usual. Infections can result in severe illness, including bloodstream infections. It can also cause wound infections, and people who become infected can get seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation. Vibriosis causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) About one in five people die from this type of infection, with the elderly and those with weakened immune systems most at risk. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “People should consider the potential risk of consuming raw oysters and exposure to salt or brackish water and take appropriate precautions. Particularly during the hottest months of the summer, bacteria are more likely to overgrow and contaminate raw shellfish,” Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said in a July release. “Given our current heat wave, this may be a time to exercise particular caution in what you consume.” The Associated Press contributed to this report. Julia Musto is a reporter for Fox News and Fox Business Digital.

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Dogs can detect Covid-19 faster and more accurately than a PCR test, a new study shows. Researchers looked at the ability of canines to recognise the virus and its variants, even when they are obscured by other viruses, like those from common colds and flu. More than 400 scientists from over 30 countries contributed to the study as well as 147 scent dogs, according to the findings published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. After analysing many studies covering both field and clinical experiments, Professor Dickey and Junqueira found that dogs who are trained to sniff out scents are “as effective and often more effective” than antigen tests. A total of 53 dogs were trained to sniff out Covid scents, while 37 were not and scientists found that the dogs that were not trained were in some cases “slightly superior” to those that were pre-trained. “The previously untrained dogs have the advantage that they are not as prone to indicating on scents other than the Covid–19 associated scent,” the paper said. The results indicated that not only can dogs detect Covid faster, but they can also do so in a non-intrusive manner. This means you won’t need to put a swab in your throat or nose. How can dogs detect the virus? This essentially comes down to the dog’s highly evolved nose with its ability to sense out smells quicker. Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in humans. And the part of a dog’s brain that is devoted to analysing smells is about “40 times greater” than humans. Canines also have ‘neophilia’, which means they are attracted to new and interesting odours And so, with all these enhancements, dogs can detect very low concentrations of odours associated with Covid infections. “They can detect the equivalent of one drop of an odorous substance in 10.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” Professor Dickey said. “For perspective, this is about three orders of magnitude better than with scientific instrumentation.” Scientists also found that in some cases, the animals were also able to detect the virus in pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, “whose viral load was too low for conventional tests to work.” Professor Dickey has said that dogs can also differentiate Covid and its different variants in the presence of other respiratory viruses. This included the common cold or flu. “They’re much more effective. In fact, one of the authors that we quote in the paper commented that the RT-PCR test is not the gold standard anymore. It’s the dog. And they’re so quick,” he added. “They can give you the yes or no within seconds if they’re directly smelling you.” How was the study conducted to see if dogs can really detect Covid-19? In some studies, the dogs gave a person a quick sniff, sitting down to see if the person has Covid. In another study, the dog was given a sweat sample to smell for a few minutes. The press release has said that scent dogs, such as beagles, basset hounds and coonhounds are the ideal candidates for sniffing out the virus, given their “natural tendencies to rely on odours to relate to the world.” But the studies which the researchers analysed showed a variety of dogs were up for the challenge and were able to sniff out the Covid odour. With a few weeks of training, puppies, older dogs, purebred and mixed breeds, both male and female were able to sniff such odours out and “all performed admirably,” the Eureka Alert press release said. Although there has been success with dogs detecting such viruses, researchers believe there are still many challenges with using dogs for medical diagnoses. “There’s quite a bit of research, but it’s still considered by many as a kind of a curiosity,” said Professor Dickey. In conclusion, Professor Dickey and Junqueira said after reviewing the studies, believe that scent dogs deserve “their place as a serious diagnostic methodology that could be particularly useful during future pandemics, potentially as part of rapid routine health screenings in public spaces.” “Perhaps, most importantly, we argue that the impressive international quality and quantity of COVID scent dog research described in our paper for the first time, demonstrates that medical scent dogs are finally ready for a host of mainstream medical applications,” they added.

ByParmita Uniyal, New Delhi Aug 16, 2023 03:43 PM IST Share Via Copy Link Your chances of getting viral infections could go up manifold in monsoon owing to humid weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. Monsoon season can add to your health woes as the season is known to weaken immunity and raise risk of illnesses and infections. As per studies, one’s chances of getting microbial infections goes up manifold in monsoon owing to humid weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. This year, many parts of the country received excess rainfall due to which diseases caused by virus, bacteria, fungus are seeing an exponential rise. Viral infections from dengue, malaria to influenza and common cold, gastro-intestinal diseases, hepatitis, conjunctivitis are fast spreading in the recent months. (Also read: Want better immunity? Check out this recommended diet for monsoon) Increased viral activity during the monsoon season often leads to the prevalence of viral fevers. “Increased viral activity during the monsoon season often leads to the prevalence of viral fevers. Some of the viral infections that are prevalent in monsoon seasons and can be easily prevented by taking precautions,” says Dr. Ramniwas Gupta, Senior Consultant, Dept of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. 1. Dengue fever Transmitted by mosquitoes, dengue can cause high fever, severe body pain, and even life-threatening complications. “Spread by the Aedes mosquito, dengue fever manifests with an abrupt onset of high fever, intense joint and muscle discomfort, headache, and a rash. In severe cases, it can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, causing bleeding, organ damage, and even death,” says Dr Gupta. 2. Malaria Malaria is another mosquito-borne disease that can lead to fever, chills, and body aches. Proper mosquito protection is crucial. It is important to wear long sleeved clothes that cover the body completely and take measures to control mosquito breeding, says Dr. Saibal Chakravorty, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute, Noida Sector-11, UP shares common viral infections that are rampant in monsoon. 2. Chikungunya Also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, chikungunya causes fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and rash. While fatalities are rare, the joint pain can be quite debilitating and persist for months, affecting the quality of life, says Dr Gupta. 4. Influenza (Flu) Flu viruses thrive in damp weather. Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and body aches. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, says Dr Chakravorty. It can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory complications, particularly in vulnerable populations, says Dr Gupta. 5. Common Cold “Caused by various viruses, colds lead to a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and mild fever. Hygiene and avoiding close contact can help prevent it,” adds Dr Chakravorty. 6. Viral Gastroenteritis “Also known as stomach flu, it causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Staying hydrated is important,” says Dr Chakravorty. “Several different viruses, including rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus, account for most cases of acute viral gastroenteritis (loose motions and vomiting). The majority are spread through the faecal-oral route, which includes contaminated food and water,” says Dr Gupta. 7. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Mostly affecting children, this viral infection causes sores in the mouth, hands, and feet. It spreads easily in crowded places, says Dr Chakravorty. 8. Hepatitis A & E These viral infections primarily spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms encompass jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), tiredness, abdominal discomfort, queasiness, and retching. Hepatitis A & E are usually self-limiting but can cause severe illness in some cases, says Dr Gupta. 9. Viral Conjunctivitis (Eye Flu) Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is usually caused by adenovirus. Symptoms include eye irritation, photophobia, and watery discharge. Practice good eye hygiene and avoid using contact lenses. Viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting, lasting 1 week in mild cases to up to 3 weeks in severe cases. For symptomatic relief, apply cool compresses, says Dr Gupta. 10. Chickenpox “The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox, a highly contagious illness. Other symptoms include an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash begins on the chest, back, and face before spreading across the entire body,” says Dr Gupta. Viral infections: Prevention and treatment Dr Gupta shares some prevention and treatment suggestions for the viral infections that tend to spread during the monsoon season in India: Stay hydrated: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for most viral infections to aid in recovery and manage symptoms. Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover and build up its immune response. Pain and fever relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers (such as acetaminophen or paracetamol) can help manage symptoms. Always follow the recommended dosage. Medical attention: Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or if you experience severe symptoms. This is especially important for conditions like dengue, where early intervention can prevent complications. Hygiene: Isolate yourself to prevent the spread of infections to others. Practice good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Vaccination: If available, consider getting vaccinated against diseases like hepatitis A, chickenpox, and influenza to prevent infection. Remember that self-medication is not recommended. Consult a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially for severe or persistent symptoms. Topics Monsoon Dengue Malaria

A blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) is one of two species of solitary bees studied by a team of researchers led by Penn State. It was the first study to examine how extreme heat waves affect the host-pathogen relationship between solitary bees and a protozoan pathogen (Crithidia mellificae). Credit: Robert Webster The historically high heat waves that gripped the southwest United States and southern Europe this summer are causing problems for more than just humans. Extreme heat waves affect pollinators and the pathogens that live on them, creating a mutual imbalance that could have major economic and public health consequences. A global research team led by Penn State was the first to study how extreme heat waves affect the host-pathogen relationship between two species of solitary bees (Osmia cornifrons and Osmia lignaria) and a protozoan pathogen (Crithidia mellificae). The researchers recently published their findings in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. The researchers found that the one-two punch of extreme heat exposure and prior infection led solitary bees, which account for over 90% of the roughly 4,000 species of bees in North America, to be less likely to forage for food. If bees don’t forage, they don’t eat, and importantly for humans, they don’t pollinate crops that are vital to the global economy and food security. “We are now experiencing the highest temperatures in recorded history,” said Mitzy Porras, a postdoctoral researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and lead author of the study. “These heat waves are lasting three, or even four days, which is a long period of heat tolerance for bees. Then, when you combine that with prior infection from a pathogen, we’re looking at two factors that can severely negatively impact pollinator populations.” The researchers devised an experimental method for testing that Porras calls “thermal boldness,” the amount of heat a bee can withstand in order to move to a food source. The bees were placed in a tunnel. On one side of the tunnel was a chamber with temperatures akin to what would be experienced in a summer heat wave, and on the other side of the hot chamber was a meal of sugar water and pollen. The team found that bees, which had previously been infected with a common protozoan pathogen, were far less tolerant of heat and much less likely to take the risk of passing through the chamber to eat. In general, they found that the heat negatively impacted both the bee host and its pathogen, but the host bore the brunt of it. Exposure to heat decreased the bees’ thermal boldness and their heat tolerance, whereas the pathogen’s growth rate was only slightly negatively affected by heat. “These asymmetrical relationships between organisms are often overlooked when studying climate impacts, but they are essential if we want to understand what is really going on,” Porras said. “When we looked at the host and pathogen in tandem, we found that infection greatly reduces heat tolerance in the host—a finding we wouldn’t have discovered if we had only been studying bees.” The researchers found that a healthy bee could tolerate a heat wave of 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit, but after infection its tolerance was reduced to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. “Our results shed light on the implications of extreme heat waves on host–pathogen dynamics under a warmer world,” said co-author Ed Rajotte, professor emeritus of entomology at Penn State. “We’re not going to see a simple, linear change as the climate warms. Every organism will respond differently and the relationships between organisms will be fundamentally altered. If we’re going to try to predict the impacts of climate change, relationships matter. There are real consequences to changes in our ecosystems and we must understand the subtleties if we are going to prepare ourselves for the reality of a changing climate.” Solitary bees, often called the workhorses of the pollinator world due to their high foraging capacity, live for roughly a year, but are only active outside their nests for two to four weeks, for example, in early spring. They do a lifetime of pollinating in less than a month, Rajotte explained. For humans, a three or four-day heat wave may just be an uncomfortable blip, but for a solitary bee, it can represent a quarter of the total time they are active outside their nests—and can severely affect their fitness for mating, pollinating and producing offspring. The researchers demonstrated that their health is even further jeopardized if they have been previously infected with a pathogen. The team concluded that extreme heat exposure reduces the bees’ heat tolerance generally, but heat waves exacerbated the adverse effects of infection on the bees’ thermal physiology and ultimately affected their behavior. “We have to think about the big picture,” Porras said. “Climate change is not just impacting species; it is impacting the relationships between species and that could have huge implications for human health and the planet as a whole.” Other Penn State co-authors on the paper are David Biddinger and Sharifa Crandall. The other authors are Carlos Navas and Gustavo Agudelo-Cantero of the University of São Paulo; Michel Geovanni Santiago-Martínez of the University of Connecticut; and Volker Loeschcke and Jesper Givskov Sørensen of Aarhus University in Denmark. More information: Mitzy F. Porras et al, Extreme heat alters the performance of hosts and pathogen, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1186452 Provided by Pennsylvania State University Citation: Bee populations at risk of one-two punch from heat waves, pathogen infection (2023, August 16) retrieved 17 August 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-08-bee-populations-one-two-pathogen-infection.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

A study found that almost one in three men worldwide is infected with at least one genital human papillomavirus (HPV), further evidencing the importance of including men in vaccination strategies. The study, published in the leading scientific journal The Lancet on Tuesday (15 August), estimated that the global pooled prevalence for genital HPV infection among men is 31% for any HPV and 21% for high-risk HPV, on the basis of data from 65 studies conducted between Jan 1 1995, and June 1 2022. “Sexually active men, regardless of age, are an important reservoir of HPV genital infection,” the study said. The findings underline the need for men to be incorporated into comprehensive HPV prevention strategies to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality and ultimately achieve the elimination of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection worldwide, with most sexually active men and women acquiring at least one genital HPV infection during their lives. Over 200 HPV types can be transmitted sexually, while at least 12 types are carcinogenic, or cancer-causing. While the majority of HPV infections in men and women are asymptomatic, they can lead to further serious health issues, such as cervical cancer as well as penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. In the EU, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer after breast cancer to affect women aged 15–44 years. Each year, there are around 33,000 cases of cervical cancer in the EU and 15,000 deaths. The primary cause of cervical cancer is a persistent infection of the genital tract by some specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Importance of vaccination HPV vaccines have been available in the EU since 2006, and have become increasingly accessible over time in Europe and worldwide. At the moment three prophylactic HPV vaccines have been granted a license for use in Europe, a bivalent, a quadrivalent and a nine-valent vaccine according to the number of types of HPV they contain. The Eurosurveillance report praised EU/EEA countries’ overall move towards a gender-neutral HPV vaccination strategy which also vaccinates men, though some countries still only vaccinate women. “The indirect protection from vaccination of girls with suboptimal uptake” is not “sufficient to adequately protect males”, the report said. Furthermore, that strategy fails to account for men who have sex with men. Vaccinating both sexes helps protect “against sudden drops in vaccine uptake” and would be more effective in reducing virus circulation in the general public, the authors urge. The EU’s push to eliminate cancer, including vaccine-preventable cancers, continues. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, launched in 2021 and considered “a key pillar of the European Health Union”, set a target of vaccinating at least 90% of girls for HPV by the age of 15 and increasing the vaccination of boys by 2030. In the third quarter of 2023, it is expected that the Commission will present an EU Council recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers, which touch on HPV as well as other cancers, such as hepatitis B virus. These actions will include reducing physical obstacles to vaccination, targeted communication, and fighting mis- and disinformation. According to the implementation roadmap, the vaccination plan is already in place and being distributed, and the roadmap will be updated in the next months. [Edited by Nathalie Weatherald] Read more with EURACTIV