Infectious Diseases

New coronavirus cases in China falls as death toll passes 2,000

The latest figures bring the total number of cases in China to over 74,000 with 2,004 deaths, three quarters of which have occurred in the Hubei provincial capital of Wuhan.

Fake news makes disease outbreaks worse, study finds

In an analysis of how the spread of misinformation affects the spread of disease, scientists at Britain's East Anglia University (UEA) said any successful efforts to stop people sharing fake news could help save lives.

China virus cases increase as more preventive measures taken

The death toll from the deadly virus has risen to 722 and a total of 34,866 cases have been reported worldwide.

Poorer countries expected to see 81 percent increase in cancer

WHO report, timed to coincide with World Cancer Day, says investment of $25 billion over the next decade could save seven million lives from cancer.

Do masks offer protection from new virus? It depends

Although viruses are small enough to get through a typical strap-on medical mask, masks can block large droplets that viruses can latch onto.

Australia scientists claim first re-creation of coronavirus outside China

Lab-grown virus sample to be used to generate an antibody test, to allow detection of the virus in patients who had not shown symptoms, as well as contributing to the creation of a vaccine, the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity says.

At least 50 children killed by measles in Samoa as outbreak worsens

In all, 53 people have died since late October. Most of those who have died have been babies and young infants, including 23 babies aged under 12 months and another 25 children aged between 1 and 4 years.

Measles epidemic leaves at least 25 dead in Samoa

Officials declared a state of emergency and said a compulsory immunisation programme was making progress, with more than 17,000 people vaccinated in the past five days.

Bacteria-infected mosquitoes take bite out of deadly dengue

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease. But new research shows that the bacteria Wolbachia can turn mosquitoes against themselves.

China's Inner Mongolia reports fresh bubonic plague case

A man that ate wild rabbit meat in the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia has been diagnosed with bubonic plague. Health officials say 28 people who had close contact with the patient have been quarantined.

Congolese anti-Ebola fighter killed as new vaccine arrives

The motive for the murder in the town of Lwemba in the troubled Ituri region was unknown, but it came as health authorities were set to introduce a new vaccine against the disease in unaffected areas.

Pakistani officials say outbreak of dengue fever kills 20

The mosquito-borne viral infection, that is found in tropical countries worldwide, kills dozens of people every year in Pakistan.