Emerging & Infectious Diseases – Page 2 – UC Irvine Wen Public Health

Los Angeles Times, July 12, 2024

Antibiotics wreak havoc on the gut. Can we kill the bad bugs and spare the good ones?

"Increasingly, researchers are recognizing the benefits of protecting the human gut microbiome, particularly because its integrity and diversity is linked to metabolic influences on mental health and physical health conditions. " (Oladele Ogunseitan)

Medscape, July 9, 2024

US, Mexican Border Restrictions Did Not Reduce HIV Infection

"Our analysis showed that the HIV epidemics in Tijuana and San Diego are intertwined and that border closure did not impact frequent viral mixing between the two municipalities." (Tetyana Vasylyeva)

Verywell Health, July 2, 2024

What to Know About the LB.1 COVID-19 Variant

"There is no evidence today that the LB.1 variant is causing different or more severe symptoms compared to past variants. The real difference is on an individual’s immunity either built up by maintaining adherence with booster vaccines or a combination of past COVID-19 infections. " (Bernadette Boden-Albala)

The Los Angeles Times, June 12, 2024

Antibiotics wreak havoc on the gut. Can we kill the bad bugs and spare the good ones?

The Washington Post, June 4, 2024

How hardcore mosquito experts fight summer’s most annoying pest

"Small fish such as guppies and dragonfly larvae are natural predators to mosquito larva. Adding some to the water will help with population control. Varieties such as bromeliads, pitcher plants and certain types of hollow bamboo can hold small bodies of water on their leaves or in crevices and are therefore a favorite home for mosquito larvae." (Daniel M. Parker)

India Education Diary, May 21, 2024

UC Irvine Global Health Researcher Awarded $4.3 Million To Study Urban Malaria And Invasive Vector In Africa

"Current surveillance methods for invasive An. stephensi are not very effective. There’s a lack of knowledge regarding the factors that facilitate or limit the spread of An. stephensi in Africa. This center grant provides us an exciting opportunity to develop new tools and methods to effectively address these gaps," (Guiyun Yan)

VerywellHealth, May 21, 2024

MIP-C Is a New COVID-Related Syndrome That Can Cause Severe Lung Scarring

"It is important for syndromes or patterns like MIP-C to be identified because it is crucial for medical recognition and treatment options. Future research targeting MIP-C can better understand mechanisms involved and ultimately develop appropriate treatment and management strategies to reduce the impact of scarring on lung tissue. " (Bernadette Boden-Albala)

El Pais, May 15, 2024

Closure of US-Mexico border during Covid pandemic increased HIV transmission

"According to the results, the increase in transmission occurred just when the border was closed. Restricting passage without other measures to stop clandestine activities did not work as a public health strategy. Efforts to build a higher wall or policies to stop immigration do not mitigate the spread of HIV." (Tetyana Vasylyeva)

Parade, May 10, 2024

These Are the 2 Most Common Symptoms of the New FLiRT COVID Variant Doctors Are Seeing Right Now

"We are not in flu season, so if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it may be a sign that you have been exposed to COVID-19. You must test as soon as you experience symptoms for two reasons. First, if you test early, you can receive antiviral treatment earlier and reduce the chance of severe symptoms. Second, vulnerable communities like the elderly, pregnant people and the unvaccinated are highly susceptible, so testing early helps you make the informed decision to stay home and take care of yourself and your community." (Bernadette Boden-Albala)

Verywell Health, May 3, 2024

How Does Bird Flu Spread to Humans?

"Given that the virus can be present in chicken and cows, there’s a potential—albeit unlikely potential—for exposure to bird flu through raw milk or eggs. It’s not responsible to say absolutely that bird flu cannot be transmitted through food. All foods from bird sources should be cooked properly." (Dele Ogunseitan)