chikungunya and mosquitoes courtesy of nytimes-com

Chikungunya virus spreading in South America

Chikungunya, a virus known for decades in parts of Africa and Asia, is sweeping across the Caribbean, Central and South America. According to the Pan American Health Organization, there have been 118 confirmed deaths to the disease and an estimated 700,000 people who are suspected of being infected with illness. CCTV America’s Michelle Begue reports. … Continue reading Chikungunya virus spreading in South America

chikungunya and mosquitoes courtesy of outlookindia-com

Chikungunya issue, in Jamaica, causes abrupt end to Senate meeting

KINGSTON, Jamaica--Friday’s sitting of the Senate ended abruptly, after the President, Senator Floyd Morris, refused to allow the Opposition to debate the current chikungunya health crisis. Senator Morris explained that he had rejected the basis on which Leader of Opposition Business, Senator Tom Tavares-Finson, sought his permission to raise the matter of the chikungunya epidemic … Continue reading Chikungunya issue, in Jamaica, causes abrupt end to Senate meeting

Fears of global Ebola outbreak spread across continents – Telegraph

Fears of a global Ebola outbreak spread yesterday as French officials sealed off a building with 60 people inside, an Australian nurse was tested for the disease and airplane cleaners went on strike in New York. In France, police imposed a lock-down on a social services centre in a town near Paris after four people … Continue reading Fears of global Ebola outbreak spread across continents – Telegraph

Additional funds released in Jamaica to fight Chikungunya outbreak

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has announced the release of additional funds to tackle the outbreak of the Chikungunya Virus. At a press conference on Thursday, Simpson Miller revealed that the Government has approved a further J$350 million to provide resources. She noted that although more money will be allocated, this will … Continue reading Additional funds released in Jamaica to fight Chikungunya outbreak

Jamaicans Are Now So Familiar with Chikungunya Virus They’re Calling It Chik-V

As cases of the dreaded Chikungunya virus increase throughout the Caribbean, Jamaica continues to grapple with containing the spread of the disease across the island. The virus, which causes high fever and severe joint pain, is spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Thus far, the government's approach has been to ask citizens to be vigilant about ensuring that … Continue reading Jamaicans Are Now So Familiar with Chikungunya Virus They’re Calling It Chik-V

major ebola outbreaks courtesy of bloomberg-com

The ominous math of the Ebola epidemic – The Washington Post

When the experts describe the Ebola disaster, they do so with numbers. The statistics include not just the obvious ones such as caseloads, deaths and the rate of infection, but also the ones that describe the speed of the global response. Right now, the math still favors the virus. Global health officials are looking closely at … Continue reading The ominous math of the Ebola epidemic – The Washington Post

chikungunya - joint pain and fever

Jamaican Health: Jamaica, The Chikungunya virus FAQ

Jamaica is facing an epidemic, the  Chikungunya virus, like it has never seen before in its history. Contrary to reports, there are thousands of people in Jamaica with the chikungunya virus; not the measly 37 that's been officially report. Our hospitals, medical centers and clinics are filled with ailing people, walking around like patients with … Continue reading Jamaican Health: Jamaica, The Chikungunya virus FAQ

Baby Resting atop Sleeping Mother

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – Genetics and parental influence on a child’s behaviour

I am my mother's child, and my father's as well. The older I get the more I learn and the more stories I hear of my parent's past that makes me go, "OH! I see where I get that from." Like my mother. Not until her golden years, have I realized how much of a … Continue reading The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – Genetics and parental influence on a child’s behaviour

chikungunya virus outbreak in Jamaica

Jamaican Health: Chikungunya havoc in Jamaica by Delano Seiveright

The end of August is a stressful time for many parents. Getting children ready for the new school year is a daunting task for many: booklists, school bags, uniforms, shoes, the whole nine yards, is an expensive operation, especially so for the people of St Thomas, inarguably one of Jamaica's most underdeveloped parishes and, without … Continue reading Jamaican Health: Chikungunya havoc in Jamaica by Delano Seiveright