Thailand’s DDC Warns of Deadly Bacterial Infections During Rainy Season

The United States has recorded its highest number of measles cases in 35 years, with infections already surpassing last year’s record, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has reported at least 2,318 cases so far in 2026, exceeding the total recorded in 2025 with more than five months still remaining in the year. Health officials say more than 90% of cases are among people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Speaking to CNN, Dr Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said: “This essentially is a public health failure, and it’s avoidable.” Several outbreaks that began in 2025 have continued into this year, while dozens of new outbreaks have also been identified. South Carolina has reported the highest number of cases, with an outbreak that began in October growing to nearly 1,000 cases before ending in April. The resurgence of measles, a highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, has been linked to declining vaccination rates in some communities. Misinformation about vaccine safety, coupled with vaccine hesitancy, has contributed to the resurgence of the disease, which can cause severe complications, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Health officials have urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella, emphasizing that the MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective. The CDC has recommended that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Vaccination rates have declined in some states, leading to pockets of vulnerability where outbreaks can take hold. The rise in measles cases has prompted public health campaigns to increase vaccination coverage and address misinformation. Health officials have stressed the importance of community immunity, noting that high vaccination rates are essential to prevent outbreaks and protect those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. The current outbreak has put a strain on healthcare systems, with hospitals reporting an increase in measles-related hospitalizations. Public health experts have called for renewed efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy and improve access to vaccines. The CDC has advised healthcare providers to be vigilant for measles symptoms, particularly in patients who have recently traveled to areas where the disease is endemic or have been in contact with infected individuals. The agency has also emphasized the importance of rapid identification and isolation of cases to prevent further spread. The measles outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases. As the US continues to grapple with the resurgence of measles, the focus will be on ensuring that all communities have access to vaccines and accurate information about their safety and effectiveness. The coming months will be critical in determining whether public health efforts can curb the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease. The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and provide guidance to healthcare providers and the public. With the number of cases expected to rise, the need for action has never been more urgent. Public health officials are calling on parents and caregivers to ensure their children are up to date on all recommended vaccinations to protect themselves and their communities from preventable diseases. The measles outbreak highlights the ongoing challenges posed by vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of maintaining high immunization rates to safeguard public health.

MEXICO CITY: A dangerous flesh-eating parasite known as the New World screwworm is spreading through parts of Mexico and Central America, with hundreds of human infections reported and growing concern over its potential impact on livestock and animal health. The parasite is the larval stage of a particular fly. Unlike ordinary flies, the female screwworm fly can lay eggs in open wounds or vulnerable areas of living animals and humans. The eggs can hatch within about a day, after which the larvae enter the wound and feed on living tissue. The infection, known as myiasis, can become severe if treatment is delayed. In serious cases, the larvae can damage muscles and even reach deeper tissues and bones. A study published in a medical journal linked to US health authorities examined 202 confirmed human cases recorded in Mexico between April 2025 and March 2026. Researchers found that reported infections increased sharply, rising from roughly three cases a week in 2025 to more than nine cases a week during 2026. More than half of the patients examined had infections involving their legs. Other cases affected the head, neck, nose, mouth and eyes, highlighting the parasite’s ability to invade different parts of the body through wounds or vulnerable tissue. The study reported six deaths among the patients examined, although researchers directly linked only one of those deaths to screwworm infection. The average age of patients was about 61, while 72 per cent were men. Researchers also found that 77 per cent of those infected had at least one pre-existing medical condition, potentially increasing their vulnerability to complications. The parasite is considered particularly dangerous for livestock because its larvae feed on living tissue. Untreated infections can cause serious wounds, weaken animals and, in severe cases, prove fatal. The resurgence has also raised concerns in the United States. The country had previously eliminated the New World screwworm after decades of control efforts, achieving eradication in 1966. However, the parasite returned to the spotlight after an infected calf was confirmed in Texas’s Zavala County in June 2026, according to international reports. The development has heightened fears that the parasite could spread further north, particularly through livestock movement and other routes. Health and agricultural authorities face the difficult task of controlling the parasite while detecting infections early. For people, experts generally stress the importance of seeking medical attention for unusual or worsening wounds, particularly after exposure in areas where screwworm is circulating. The outbreak serves as a reminder that a tiny insect can create a major public-health and agricultural challenge when conditions allow a dangerous parasite to spread.