Disease

Plague Ship Docks At Southampton

About 400 people on board the P & O cruise ship Oriana were struck down by the novovirus winter vomiting bug. It is believed that 6 people boarded the ship with active symptoms. Most of the infected people were taken to hospitals immediately when the ship docked.

Fungus responsible for 5 deaths in the wake of massive tornado

A fast growing, flesh-eating fungus killed 5 people following a massive tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri, USA in 2011, according to new studies by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The common fungus Apophysomyces, which lives in soil, wood or water — usually has no effect on people. But once it is introduced deep into the body through a blunt trauma puncture wound, it can grow quickly if the proper medical response is not immediate. Five of the 13 people infected through injuries suffered during the Joplin tornado died within two weeks.