Outbreak News Radio

Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe since 1980, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa.

From 1978-1980, Rhodesia experienced one of the largest anthrax epidemics in recorded history. This led to the deaths of hundreds and caused significant economic devastation.

The epidemic happened during the Rhodesian Bush War.

To this day, the origins of this devastating outbreak remain highly controversial- was it the result of an endemic outbreak or a case of biological warfare?

Today I'm going to look at the history of the epidemic and the possible causes with Matthew Turner, MD. Dr Turner is with the Department of Emergency Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey Pennsylvania. He is also the author of an article on the topic published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.

The Rhodesian Anthrax Epidemic: A Case of Biological Warfare?

Chagas disease is a dangerous tropical illness caused by single-cell parasites known as Trypanosoma cruzi. In most cases, if not treated immediately, the infection becomes chronic: the immune system of the host greatly reduces the number of parasites present in the body yet fails to fully eradicate them. Current diagnostic approaches often fail to detect these low numbers of parasites.

A research team from the University of Georgia and others aimed to develop a test for cure.

Joining me today is Rick Tarleton, PhD. Dr Tarleton ia a Regents' Professor at the University of Georgia and a Distinguished Professor in Biological Sciences in the Department of Cellular Biology.

Serial 'deep-sampling' PCR of fragmented DNA reveals the wide range of Trypanosoma cruzi burden among chronically infected human, macaque, and canine hosts, and allows accurate monitoring of parasite load following treatment

Rat lungworm disease is on the rise in eastern Australia in dogs – and there have even been recorded cases in humans, including two known lethal incidents.

Research by veterinary scientists at the University of Sydney has unveiled insights into what is behind the growth in the disease, also known as neural angiostrongyliasis. Their study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, highlights how climatic factors act as drivers for this potential public health issue.

Joining me to discuss this is Professor Jan Slapeta, Dr Slapeta is a Professor of Veterinary and Molecular Parasitology at the University of Sydney and senior author of the paper.

Rainfall- and Temperature-Driven Emergence of Neural Angiostrongyliasis in Eastern Australia, 2020–2024

In this newscast, I look at a new report of a rare case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Greece. I look at the disease, geography and measures and recommendations put in place by Greek authoroties.

In this podcast, I look at Bacillus anthracis as a bioterror agent. This includes history, geography, the three forms of anthrax and what is expected of the clinical laboratory.

In today's newscast, I'll be looking at two serious infectious disease situations in Vietnam- the rise of dengue fever in Ho Chi Minh City and with a little good news, the measles outbreak in the southern region of the country.

In this newscast, I look at the recent arrest and charges against two Chinese nationals for attempting to smuggle a fungal plant pathogen into the United States.

In this newscast, I look at the recent locally acquired malaria cases reported in North Queensland, Australia.

In this newscast, I look at the measles situation in Ontario, Canada, including the recent death. I also review the situation in the other Canadian provinces.

On today's program we're going to look at a drug that America's Poison Centers are warning about–its called pink cocaine or Tusi.

Since January 2024, America's Poison Centers National Poison Data System® has documented 18 pink cocaine exposures reported by U.S. Poison Centers in four states. Nearly all patients (83%) received medical treatment. Seven were hospitalized, three with life-threatening symptoms. Additionally, one unconfirmed death has been reported associated with pink cocaine use.

Joining me to talk about pink cocaine is Diane Calello MD, Dr Calello is the executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.