Sep 23

#IDFridays Week 31: Scabies

Scabies, also known as the seven-year itch, is caused by a parasite that buries itself in your skin Name Scabies aka the seven-year itch (this nickname comes from the fact that it can be hard to get rid of) Transmission An infestation of the skin by itch mites (microscopic bugs)... read more →
Sep 20

To Prepare, or Not to Prepare? That Is the Question

We’ve already defined “preparedness” for infectious disease outbreaks so now that we know what it is, the question is should countries prepare? And if so, how? Let’s start with some reasons why countries should prepare for potential outbreaks: OLD AND NEW INFECTIONS: There are so many new/emerging and reemerging infectious diseases all... read more →
Sep 19

Global Health Champion: Dr. Ernest Madu

On Thursday we attended a lecture and award presentation for Dr. Ernest Madu, a Nigerian clinician and leader in global health. Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s newly launched Center for Global Health (DRASA is collaborating with the Center for our infectious diseases simulation training), the event was held in Philadelphia,... read more →
Sep 16

#IDFridays Week 30: Brucellosis

This disease has more than six names and comes from animals Photo Credits: City News Canada, International Business Times Nigeria Name Brucellosis, also known as Malta fever, Bang’s disease, Crimean fever, Gibraltar fever, Mediterranean fever, and rock fever Transmission A bacterial infection that mainly affects sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, and... read more →
Sep 09
Sep 02

#IDFridays Week 28: Schistosomiasis

Have you ever heard of snail fever? This disease is second to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease Photo Credits: Stanford, End.org Name Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia and snail fever Transmission A disease caused by parasitic flatworms known as schistosomes These worms live in freshwater snails and leave... read more →
Sep 01

What is Preparedness?

You may have noticed that we talk a lot about infectious diseases and outbreak preparedness. So what does the word “preparedness” actually mean? The Oxford dictionary definition: pre·par·ed·ness /prəˈper(ə)dnəs/ noun a state of readiness, especially for war Infectious disease outbreaks are not the same as war, but you get the... read more →
Aug 25

#IDFridays Week 27: Cholera

This serious intestinal infection can kill within hours if not treated Photo Credits: CBC.ca, Britannica Name Cholera Transmission An infection caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae The bacteria enter the body when people eat food or drink water contaminated with the bacteria Though possible, the disease usually does not spread from... read more →
Aug 19

#IDFridays Week 26: Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is most commonly found in rodent urine and can cause a range of issues from mild flu-like symptoms to severe organ failure Photo Credits: CDC, Scientific American Name Leptospirosis Transmission A disease caused by the spiral/corkscrew-shaped bacteria Leptospira Humans get infected through direct contact with urine from infected animals or... read more →
Aug 12