Leptospirosis Hits Puerto Rico in the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria

As expected, the news of rising numbers of leptospirosis cases are trickling in from Puerto Rico. Since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, there have been areas which have experienced over 30 inches of rain, which, subsequently, led to flooding. As has been often observed, following the exposure to potentially contaminated water, the reported number of … Continue reading Leptospirosis Hits Puerto Rico in the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria

Hepatitis Outbreak in Syrian IDP Camp Follows Cholera Case Detection

In a matter of hours since I wrote about the diagnosis of a child suffering from cholera in the camp for housing the displaced population from Homs, I received yet another ProMED missive, informing us about the diagnosis of a hepatitis outbreak in the same settings. In fact, in addition to the information, there is … Continue reading Hepatitis Outbreak in Syrian IDP Camp Follows Cholera Case Detection

Cholera Case in Syrian Refugee Camp: Ominous Signals

According to a report disseminated by the ProMED mail service, a case of cholera has been detected in a refugee camp housing displaced people from Homs. The translated report reads as below: The 1st case of cholera has been recorded in Zogra camp near Jarabulus city (125 km or 78 mi north of Aleppo) at … Continue reading Cholera Case in Syrian Refugee Camp: Ominous Signals

Clinical Research in Times of Ebola… and other Epidemics

As the news trickles in about the raging cholera outbreak in Yemen, and an emerging outbreak is being dealt with urgently in North-Eastern Nigeria, we are more frequently being confronted with the uncomfortable question of leveraging these situations to conduct clinical research activities. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) have come out … Continue reading Clinical Research in Times of Ebola… and other Epidemics