NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters
A student-led journal driven by the latest research in public health disaster preparedness and management.
Data recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that more than 4,000 people died from cholera in 2023, representing a 71% increase in reported deaths compared to the prior year. Reported cholera cases rose by 13% during that period, according to the WHO’s global cholera statistics.
Continue reading “New WHO Data Shows Surging Global Cholera Deaths”
In July 2024, Boar’s Head, a prominent deli meat producer, became the center of a serious Listeria outbreak linked to its liverwurst and other deli products. The contamination was traced back to a facility in Virginia, prompting the recall of millions of pounds of deli meats. Affected products were distributed across 19 states, resulting in at least 34 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This outbreak is one of the largest food-related Listeria incidents in the U.S. in recent years, with cases particularly concentrated in New York, Illinois, and New Jersey. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) played a pivotal role in identifying Boar’s Head liverwurst as a primary source after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Continue reading “Listeria Outbreak in Boar’s Head Products Kills 10”
As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, the internet emerged as a primary source of information, allowing people to become aware of the virus and how to prepare effectively. One study found information accessed during the COVID-19 pandemic changed the preparedness of Chinese netizens—active internet users—regarding the virus. According to the study, variable access to information influences how people perceive disastrous events, shaping their views on susceptibility and severity.
Continue reading “How Access to Online Information Reshaped COVID-19 Preparedness”
When Gaza reported its first case of polio in a quarter century in late August, there was a swift effort taken by health officials to provide polio vaccines to the region and prevent further spread. The effort was led by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a group of national governments and partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the vaccine alliance. So far, the effort has been successful, with nearly 560,000 children vaccinated.
Continue reading “560,000 Children Vaccinated Against Polio in Gaza”
There have been growing concerns among health experts about the recent surge in Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in the Northeast, a rare mosquito-borne virus with severe health risks. Health officials have reported infections in New York, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Massachusetts, and one death in New Hampshire, prompting warnings and curfews in certain areas.
Continue reading “Mosquito-Borne Virus, EEE, Health Raising Concerns in Northeast”
An extreme flooding event in Detroit in 2014 exposed the outdated stormwater infrastructure in much of the United States. Since the event, various studies have shown that instead of mitigating flooding and its costly consequences, the antiquated sewer systems are actually worsening flooding events.
Continue reading “Research Finds Stormwater System Ineffective, Even Deadly”
The UK-led initiative, “Smart’ Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project,” aiming to improve critical healthcare facilities’ infrastructure and environmental impact in the Caribbean, has proven to be a resounding success in Jamaica as Category 4 Hurricane Beryl caused extensive damage to the island.
Continue reading “Jamaica’s ‘Smart Health Centers’ Withstand Category 4 Beryl”
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.
Continue reading “Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan, Millions Forced to Evacuate”
A life-saving HIV preventative drug with nearly 100% efficacy passed its latest round of trials, providing hope to millions worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, which has one of the highest HIV rates in the world. Although advocates celebrate the arrival of this new drug, many are skeptical that the twice-a-year injection will be made affordable to people in the low-income countries that need it most.
Continue reading “New Study Reveals HIV Preventative Drug With 99% Efficacy”
A recent study found critical issues within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities, particularly focusing on the inadequate medical care provided to detainees. The research references a report written by three advocacy groups, the American Civil Liberties Union, American Oversight, and Physicians for Human Rights, which highlights numerous systemic failures.
Continue reading “Recent Report Finds ICE Detainees Suffer Preventable Deaths”