Disease

Viral Winds

Scientists have for the first time determined that astounding numbers of viruses are being swept up from the Earth’s surface and blown around the world in the planet’s atmospheric circulation.

Researchers from Spain, Canada and the United States believe there are at least 800 million viruses per square meter from just above the surface to the stratosphere.

The global winds are spreading them, as well as bacteria, for thousands of miles, possibly from one continent to another.

The scientists say the bacteria and viruses become airborne after winds pick them up in dust and sea spray.

South Sudan declares end to cholera outbreak

A cholera outbreak was declared in South Sudan in June 2016 and resulted in 20,000 suspected cases and 436 deaths through Dec. 2017–the longest and largest cholera outbreak the country has seen. After not reporting any cholera cases in more than seven weeks, South Sudan declared the end of the outbreak this week.

Listeriosis: South Africa

The listeriosis outbreak in South Africa, of which the source still remains elusive, grew by 32 cases since last reported one week ago – the total is now 852 laboratory-confirmed listeriosis cases through Feb. 5 with 107 deaths.