Knowledge Hub

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    Typhoid Fever

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    Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is a potentially fatal illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. For centuries, typhoid fever was a widely feared disease that caused frequent outbreaks with high death rates. While typhoid has become rare in industrialized nations, it continues to be a serious public health issue in developing countries. An estimated 11-20 million cases still occur worldwide each year. Understanding the symptoms, causes, risk factors and advances in diagnosis and treatment of typhoid is key for proper prevention and care.

  • Leptospirosis

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    Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. It is contracted when the bacteria enter the body through mucous membranes, abrasions in the skin, or when contaminated food or water comes into contact with eyes, nose or mouth. Leptospirosis spreads through the contact with urine from infected animals – most commonly rats, mice, cows, pigs, horses and dogs. The disease occurs worldwide but is most common in tropical and sub-tropical areas with high rainfall.

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    Crohn’s Disease

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    Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly occurs in the end of the small intestine (the ileum) or the beginning of the colon. Crohn’s is a chronic condition, meaning it is lifelong, though patients may experience long periods of remission where symptoms disappear. Understanding the symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment options for Crohn’s can help patients better manage this difficult condition. 

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    Ulcerative Colitis

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    Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Specifically, UC affects the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. The symptoms typically come and go, with periods where the disease flares up and active symptoms alternate with periods of remission where the person feels better. Getting an accurate diagnosis and following an effective treatment plan to manage flares is key for those living with ulcerative colitis.

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    Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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    Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and bowel pattern issues—either frequent diarrhea, constipation or fluctuating between both. It affects over 10% of people globally, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal conditions. The unpleasant IBS symptoms often disrupt daily life and take an emotional toll. Getting accurate information is essential to finding the right treatment plan. This guide covers the basics of irritable bowel syndrome: common signs, underlying causes, risk factors for developing IBS, related complications, how it’s diagnosed, plus the most effective diet strategies, medications and lifestyle changes to manage irritable bowel.

  • Hemochromatosis

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    Hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States, affecting around 1 million Americans. It is an inherited condition that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron from foods that are eaten. This buildup of excess iron then gets deposited into tissues and organs, leading to possible damage over time. There are a few different types of hemochromatosis which are caused by specific genetic mutations. If unmanaged, this iron overload can lead to serious health complications. However, learning about what causes hemochromatosis, how it is diagnosed, the latest treatment methods, and how to best manage living with this disorder can help patients stay healthy.

  • WHO’s annual malaria report.

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    The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that malaria cases have increased globally, with an estimated 249 million cases in 2023, a 16 million increase from the pre-pandemic level of 233 million in 2019. The pandemic has also led to challenges such as drug and insecticide resistance, humanitarian crises, resource constraints, climate change impacts, and delays in program implementation. Climate change, which affects temperature, humidity, and rainfall, can directly impact malaria transmission and disease burden. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and flooding, can directly impact transmission. The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the need for sustainable and resilient malaria responses, coupled with urgent actions to slow global warming and reduce its effects. Climate variability is expected to indirectly affect malaria trends, such as reduced access to essential services and disruptions in the supply chain of insecticide-treated nets, medicines, and vaccines.