Author: Justin Goldberg

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Trump’s Second Presidency: Withdrawal From WHO and More

Donald Trump.

President Donald J. Trump was recently inaugurated for his second term as the President of the United States. His previous term was from 2017 to 2021, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, the global health crisis that shook the world. In just the first days of his second term in office, President Trump has expressed his intention to reform, develop, or modify policies that would directly influence America’s position in global health and the current state of Americans’ health. Trump’s announcements and executive orders have made the American public wonder what can be expected in the next four years he will be in the Oval Office.

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New NASA Technology Aims to Increase Disaster Preparedness and Response

NASA satellite.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is working to empower disaster risk reduction by employing technology that detects potential weather disasters, analyzes them, and informs communities and governments. The advancement made by the NASA Disasters Program will allow for more informed decision-making for disaster preparedness while illustrating patterns in disasters and how communities prepare for them. The NASA Disasters Program aims to support governments and policymakers, ensuring the safety of individuals during times of vulnerability.

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CDC Warns about E.coli Outbreak Among Large Distributors

McDonald's meal.

The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued multiple warnings since October regarding an E. coli contamination of multiple food products and produce. The CDC has sent out notices for specific farmers and corporations to stay clear of certain products. In addition, the largest fast food chain in the U.S., McDonalds, has been found to have E. coli contaminants in specific burgers. With the severity of the E. coli outbreak being at record levels in recent years, the CDC urges consumers to stay cautious until further notice.

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South Korean Halloween Disaster – What Will the Government Do in the Future?

Crowded back alleys of Itaewon.

In October 2022, approximately 159 people lost their lives in South Korea during Halloween festivities due to a crowd surge, with thousands more injured. Disaster experts have been analyzing the factors that contributed to this tragic incident to ensure the public stays safe during such settings, and to understand how South Korea plans to protect citizens during such busy events in the future.

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Attacks Toward Healthcare Workers Emphasize Need for Protection

Healthcare worker.

During the first three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 255 healthcare workers were attacked, 18 were killed, 147 were injured, and more than 80 healthcare facilities were severely damaged. These attacks stemmed from various factors, including disgruntled patients and their families, conflicts related to vaccinations, and relevant past patient history. 

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Study Highlights Access to Information and the Impact on Behaviors During COVID-19

Workers shift protective gear.

A recent study published in the Journal of Emergency Management and Disaster Communication studied the impact of access to information regarding emergency behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study examined disease knowledge, dynamic news, government measures, and media in the context of how guidelines and information were communicated to the general public. The researchers analyzed preventative behaviors and their correlation with perceived risk among the general public, highlighting the profound effects media, misinformation, and public perception have on adhering to guidelines. The study notes that past research excluded the effects of information access during large-scale health crises, instead focusing on common infectious diseases.

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Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan, Millions Forced to Evacuate

Typhoon Shanshan hits Japan.

On August 30, Japan was struck by Typhoon Shanshan, prompting emergency warnings across the nation. Japanese authorities reported that over one million individuals were advised to evacuate due to extensive damage caused by the typhoon. Japan was hit with record-breaking rainfall and flooding, which particularly damaged structures along the southern coastline.

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WHO Report Reveals Life Expectancy Decreases Since COVID-19 Pandemic

population concentration across the globe.

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed its latest World Health Statistics through May 2024, showing that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a reversal in the upward trend in life expectancy. The organization’s data shows that the pandemic “wiped out nearly a decade of progress in improving life expectancy” within only two years—from 2019 to 2021. Global life expectancy is now at 71.4 years, a decrease of 1.8 years since the start of the pandemic.

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Dengue Fever Cases Spike in the Americas

Mosquito on a human.

Earlier this year, federal health officials expressed concern about an increase in the number of individuals contracting dengue in 2024. Through just the first half of 2024, countries in the Americas reported more than twice the number of cases compared to the entirety of 2023. So far, over 10 million cases have been reported this year, with significant outbreaks in Brazil and Argentina. While the United States has experienced minimal cases, Puerto Rico recently declared a public health emergency following a reported 1,500 cases through March 2024. 

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