Direct from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 April 2010:
Schistosomiasis Disease among Recreational Users of the Upper Nile River
White-water adventure travelers, beware! Travelers who go rafting or kayaking in some foreign countries may think they're safe from a parasite disease that causes a disease called schistosomiasis or
Bilharzia, but an outbreak in Uganda proved they're not. Some rafting company operators in Uganda believe that risk for getting this disease in fast-moving white water is low, but researchers found otherwise. Although there is medicine that can be taken to prevent this disease, researchers also found that many travelers take it too soon for it to work. Rather than waiting four to six weeks as they should, travelers often take the medication right after their trip. Medication timing is more important for travelers who have never been exposed to the worms than for locals who are continually exposed. Travelers should therefore seek prevention advice from their own countries.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Tuberculosis (TB) Progression
The association between vitamin D and tuberculosis (TB) has long been known. Specifically, in TB patients, low levels of vitamin D are associated with the activation of the disease. But what about in those
who are healthy? A study of people in Pakistan who were healthy but in close contact with TB patients found a similar association. Those with low levels of vitamin D, especially women, were five times more likely to get tuberculosis. Thus, low levels of vitamin D may be a risk factor for TB tuberculosis. However, the value of vitamin D supplements for preventing tuberculosis infection is still unknown.
Further information is available @ www.cdc.gov
Comments