“World's first human case of rat disease discovered - Health24” plus 1 more
“World's first human case of rat disease discovered - Health24” plus 1 more |
| World's first human case of rat disease discovered - Health24 Posted: 28 Sep 2018 12:00 AM PDT  Hong Kong - A Hong Kong man has developed the world's first ever human case of the rat version of the hepatitis E virus, according to new research from one of the city's leading universities. There had previously been no evidence the disease could jump from rats to humans, the University of Hong Kong said Friday, warning the discovery had "major public health significance". "This study conclusively proves for the first time in the world that rat HEV can infect humans to cause clinical infection," the university added. Rat hepatitis E virus is very distantly related to human hepatitis E virus variants, HKU said. The disease was found in a 56-year-old man who persistently produced abnormal liver function tests following a liver transplant. He could have contracted the illness through food infected by rat droppings, researchers said, according to details of the findings reported in the South China Morning Post. The man lived in a housing estate where there were signs of rat infestation outside his home. He is now recovering after being treated for the virus, the SCMP added. The human version of hepatitis E is a liver disease that affects 20 million people globally each year, according to the World Health Organization. It is usually spread through contaminated drinking water. Symptoms include fever, vomiting and jaundice, and in rare cases liver failure. Rodent problems in Hong Kong have escalated in recent months because of a sustained spell of hot and humid weather. Hong Kong has been hit hard by disease outbreaks in the past. In 2003, almost 300 people died from SARS - severe acute respiratory syndrome. The bubonic plague, carried by rats, swept through mainland China and Hong Kong in the late 19th century killing thousands. NEXT ON HEALTH24X |
| When the flu turns deadly - Health24 Posted: 06 Apr 2018 12:00 AM PDT  After an incubation period of one to four days, a bout of influenza typically resolves after three to seven days. Each flu season, however, claims its victims, and for those of us who recover it seems unbelievable that something seemingly no worse than a bad cold can actually be a killer. Influenza is a highly contagious viral illness that occurs predominantly in the winter months. Similar to the common cold, flu affects the respiratory tract, but symptoms tend to be more severe. Two weeks max According to the Harvard Special Report Viruses and Disease, the flu is caused by one of three different virus types: influenza A, B or C. It spreads rapidly through airborne droplets of saliva, personal contact and by sharing utensils or items like clothing and other personal effects. Although you'll probably feel a lot better after a week, you might be stuck with a lingering cough and general malaise for approximately another week. Four ways the flu can kill you The following are four examples of conditions that can turn a run of the mill bout of flu into a killer: 1. A weak immune system Both the very young and old have weaker immune systems. Infants and young children have not yet built up an effective immune system, and in the case of senior citizens immunity may not be as strong as it used to be. This doesn't mean that people in their thirties don't die from the flu. A hundred years ago, for example, the Spanish flu killed indiscriminately. In 2008, researchers discovered what made the 1918 flu so deadly: The virus was able to weaken victims' bronchial tubes and lungs, which led to bacterial pneumonia (secondary infection). According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with HIV and Aids are at high risk for influenza-related complications because of a weakened immune system. Other factors that can weaken your immunity are:
2. Respiratory failure The influenza virus causes infection of the upper respiratory tract (nasal passages, throat) and lower respiratory tract (lungs). This leads to inflammation, an immune reaction that causes swelling in these organs. When lung tissue becomes swollen with immune cells, it becomes harder or impossible for oxygen to reach the blood vessels. This is called respiratory failure, which is one of the most common and fastest ways the flu can kill you. Death can occur quickly and with little warning. 3. Sepsis Infection of the respiratory tract caused by the flu virus can trigger an inflammatory response, not only in the lungs, but in the entire body. Like inflammation in the lungs, the rest of your organs may also develop severe swelling as part of the immune reaction. This triggers sepsis, which is when the inflammation overwhelms your organs, causing multiple shutdown and rapid death. 4. A secondary infection When your immune system is struggling with a viral infection, other bacteria that are present in the body, but are normally under control, can attack the lungs and cause a secondary infection. This is called pneumonia. Secondary pneumonia can develop slowly as the bacteria multiply inside your lungs and overwhelm your exhausted immune system. Antibiotics may help, but may not be able to kill the bacteria fast enough. If anyone with influenza suddenly appears to take a turn for the worse, it might be pneumonia, in which case one needs to get medical help as soon as possible. Image credit: iStock |
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