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Infectious Diseases Are Rising in America

(Close up macro of small sand fly gnat on green leaf - Getty Images/Ezumelmages)

While no one was looking
after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic a host of other infectious diseases have been spreading through the states.

Especially in Florida and Texas.

A new report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) described an endemic in Texas where parasitic flesh-eating sand flies are spreading a disease - leishmaniasis - in the state.

Although relatively common in other parts of the world it didn't show up in the United States until the last few years. A form of the disease is now "native" or endemic to parts of Texas.

According to the World Health Organization, there are three forms of leishmaniases: "visceral (the most serious form because it is almost always fatal without treatment); cutaneous (the most common, usually causing skin ulcers); and mucocutaneous (affecting mouth, nose, and throat)."

Next.

For the first time in 20 years, the U.S. has recorded homegrown malaria cases.

Cases have been discovered in Florida, Texas, and Maryland. There's a concern that if Malaria and other diseases are re-emerging, or emerging in places where they haven't previously been it's going to become a larger health issue in the future.

With the climatic changes the conditions are becoming more favorable for malaria transmission.

Reemerging diseases include malaria, tuberculous, cholera, pertussis, influenza, pneumococcal disease, and gonorrhea.

New strains of known disease-causing organisms are also appearing. For example, the overuse of antibiotics has led to disease causing organisms that are resistant to medicines.

Researchers say the increased number of global travelers is contributing to recent renewal of many infectious diseases in America. 

The CDC has made it clear there are a number of factors causing these outbreaks. The challenge now is to stay ahead of the curve by educating the public on safety measures and developing new vaccines. 

As it stands, we can't do anything about the bad effects of climate change, or travelers bringing diseases, but we can stay informed on them, especially where we live in order to protect ourselves.



This post first appeared on AS IT STANDS, please read the originial post: here

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Infectious Diseases Are Rising in America

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