Infectious Disease Alert – October 15, 2002
October 15, 2002
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Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Although Japanese encephalitis rarely occurs in travelers, certain groups and subsets of individuals have a risk of infection that can reach 1 in 5000 travelers per week. It is crucial to recognize those with increased risk, and to seriously consider immunizing them in order to prevent the potentially devastating sequelae of Japanese encephalitis. -
Macrophage Apoptosis by Anthrax Lethal Factor Through p38 MAP Kinase Inhibition
The bacterium Bacillus anthracis causes the death of macrophages, which may allow it to avoid detection by the innate immune system. -
Widening the Meningitis Belt
Careful evaluation of epidemiologic data from recent African outbreaks of meningococcal disease suggests that significant risks now extend beyond the sub-Saharan belt through the Rift Valley and Great Lakes regions into Mozambique, then into Namibia and Angola. -
Chronic Infection May Contribute to Stroke Risk
The association between H pylori and acute cerebrovascular disease seems to be due to a higher prevalence of more virulent H pylori strains in patients with atherosclerotic stroke. -
Updates
Polio-Like Paralysis: What Next from West Nile Virus?; Cat Scratch Disease: Not Just for Kids