Infectious diseases, such as influenza and tuberculosis, kill millions every year. But an infectious disease can kill in another way: by causing cancer. The good news is that many of these infections are preventable or treatable.
hepatitis B
Florida recently declared a statewide emergency because of outbreaks of hepatitis A. The viral infection has hit many other states as well. Here's a little info about the virus, and perhaps some clarification of its name. There are five different hepatitis viruses (A to E) that affect humans. How does one keep track? Maybe this will help.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its annual Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report, which reflects record highs in primary and secondary syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
There's been a sharp uptick in the number of hepatitis B cases in the U.S. This isn't unexpected, because since 2010 heroin use has skyrocketed, and with that use, needles are shared more frequently. We're recently seen HIV and Hep C outbreaks from needle sharing. Is this any different? Very unlikely.