Tuberculosis Surpasses COVID-19 as the Top Infectious Disease Killer
Tuberculosis (TB) is now the world’s leading cause of death among infectious diseases. Prior to COVID-19, TB killed more people than any other infectious disease, and in 2023, the bacterial infection once again became the top killer among contagious diseases. According to the WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, 8.2 million people globally were diagnosed with TB in 2023, the most confirmed TB cases since the WHO started tracking the disease in 1995.
Full Story: CIDRAP
Iowa Resident Dies From Lassa Fever After Visiting West Africa
After visiting West Africa, an Iowa resident died from Lassa Fever infection. Lassa fever, an infection rarely seen in the United States, is caused by a virus similar to Ebola. Deaths from the virus are also uncommon, as the disease kills only 1% of individuals infected. About 4 out of 5 individuals who contract Lass Fever don’t experience any symptoms. If health officials confirm the case, it would be just the ninth one reported since 1969.
Full Story: HealthDay
