The article highlights the resilience of Flint’s youth despite experiencing the Flint water crisis. Young activists like Cruz Duhart, Sima Gutierrez, and Asia Donald have dedicated themselves to bringing awareness to the ongoing struggles of their city, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for positive change.
Growing up amidst the Flint water crisis, young activists have faced challenges and trauma. Despite ongoing struggles, they are determined to make a difference and change perceptions of their city. Through community involvement, advocacy, and support organizations, they are working to address systemic inequalities and improve the lives of Flint residents.
A 72-year-old immunocompromised man in Amsterdam battled COVID for 613 days, allowing the virus to mutate into a highly evolved and deadly variant. The case highlights the risks of persistent infection in immunocompromised individuals and the importance of genomic surveillance.
From the decline of the shrimping industry to the struggles of wildland firefighters, environmental and social crises are hitting American communities hard. Drought, heat waves, and industrial pollution are exacerbating these problems.
The number of children admitted to hospitals in England with vaping-related disorders has surged in recent years, with a significant increase in teenagers admitted. In 2023, 50 children were admitted, including 11 preschoolers aged four or under. The rise in child vaping is attributed partly to child-friendly flavors, and experts warn that young vapers are more likely to transition to smoking. Health advocacy groups urge the government to take action to prevent the vaping industry from targeting children.
West Virginia has reported its first known case of measles since 2009, with an adult patient testing positive for the viral infection. The health department is working to identify and notify those who came into contact with the patient, who had partially vaccinated against measles and developed symptoms after recent international travel. Officials are concerned about the potential spread of the highly contagious disease, which can lead to serious complications. Nationwide, measles cases this year have nearly doubled compared to 2023, prompting health experts to emphasize the importance of vaccination and quarantine measures to prevent its spread.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have collaborated to develop a suite of resources to protect individuals in the United States from the escalating dangers of extreme heat. These resources include color-coded heat forecasts, a public dashboard displaying local heat risks and air quality levels, and guidelines for healthcare professionals on educating patients about heat-related illnesses. The initiative aims to raise awareness among vulnerable populations and provide them with tools to prepare for and cope with heat waves.
Social isolation and loneliness are prevalent social determinants of health that affect people of all ages. Research has linked these issues to increased risk for various health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, dementia, and type 2 diabetes. Factors contributing to social isolation and loneliness include low income, mental health concerns, chronic diseases, life transitions, and caregiver roles. Individuals experiencing these issues may benefit from seeking professional help, improving nutrition, and increasing social connectedness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report introducing updated terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air. These pathogens include those that cause respiratory infections, such as COVID-19, influenza, measles, MERS, SARS, and tuberculosis. The new terminology was developed through an extensive consultation process involving WHO experts and major public health agencies. This agreement underlines the collective commitment of public health agencies to move forward together on this matter.
A 13-year-old girl in the Philippines died of rabies two months after being bitten by a stray dog. The girl, Jamaica Star Seraspe, initially hid the incident from her parents and sought medical attention only after developing serious symptoms. Her tragic story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for animal bites and the devastating consequences of rabies.
