Here is a look at some interesting infectious disease and health news, opinion and research reported across the globe:

CDC Flu Update: Activity Remains Elevated in Most of the U.S.

3D print of influenza virus. The virus surface (yellow) is covered with proteins called hemagglutinin (blue) and neuraminidase (red). NIH
3D print of influenza virus. The virus surface (yellow) is covered with proteins called hemagglutinin (blue) and neuraminidase (red). NIH

According to this week’s FluView report, seasonal influenza activity remains elevated in the United States and flu is widespread in most of the country. CDC also reported another three flu-associated pediatric deaths.

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Dozens of British troops caught Q fever after contact with goats and sheep

At least 90 British military personnel have been diagnosed with confirmed cases of Q fever after serving in Helmand, Afghanistan, a court has heard.

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More measles cases reported in HCM City as parents delay vaccines for children

Parents have delayed taking their nine-month-old children to healthcare facilities for measles vaccinations because of insufficient counselling from hospitals and doctors at vaccination centres.

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Brain-Eating Amoeba Infections Are Rare, but Deadly—Research Is Working on a Cure

The rate of incidence of infection by Naegleria fowleri in the U.S. is very, very low. But there’s something about picking up an incurable, brain-eating amoeba by swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers that understandably freaks people out.

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New drug for treating liver parasites in vivax malaria

Vivax malaria is a serious illness with high fever that, if untreated, can keep people bed-ridden for weeks or even months. But even after successful treatment, it’s tricky: although the current, commonly-used drugs successfully treat the blood stage of vivax malaria, they are unable to prevent malaria parasites from invading the liver (liver stage) and causing the disease to recur repeatedly over many years.

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