Disease

Chikungunya Outbreak In Americas

Chikungunya virus is similar to Dengue fever but can cause severe and debilitating joint pains that can last for months. It infected more than one million people and killed 155 since it started to spread in the Americas last year.

The name of this disease means "bending over in pain" as characterised by its hallmark wherein the patients infected with the virus will manifest symptoms of severe body and joint pains that can last from weeks to months.

The disease is not new for people in Central America because it has long been diagnosed in travellers returning from countries in Asia and Africa. However, exactly a year ago, the outbreak started in the Caribbean Islands and has spread to neighbouring countries. In fact, it is the first ever outbreak in the western hemisphere as confirmed by health officials.

Based on the latest data, all countries in Central America have reported cases of the disease. United States have reported a total of 11 confirmed cases of local infection this year.

Listeria - Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are responsible for a listeria outbreak that has already cost the lives of at least four people around the United States.

Listeria from commercially-prepared caramel apples has been diagnosed in 28 patients, living in 10 different states. Five people have died, so far, after being hospitalized with listeria infections, and the disease contributed to at least four of the fatalities.