Disease

Foot and Mouth Disease in China

A small outbreak of the highly contagious viral disease of cattle and swine, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), has been reported by authorities in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

New Strain of Norovirus Spreads Around the World

A new strain of the winter vomiting disease norovirus has spread to France, New Zealand and Japan from Australia and is overtaking all others to become the dominant strain in Britain.

The norovirus variant, known as Sydney 2012, was identified in a scientific paper last week and Britain's Health Protection Agency (HPA) said genetic testing showed it was now causing more cases in England and Wales than other strains.

Sydney 2012 does not carry worse symptoms than others but, like other norovirus strains, it can cause violent and projectile vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes fevers, headaches and stomach cramps.

Norovirus cases have risen earlier than expected this winter in Britain, across Europe, Japan and other parts of the world.

Although norovirus mostly causes just a few days of sickness, it is responsible for millions of infections every year and is notorious for its ability to evade control.

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.