In recent years, hepatitis A has been increasing across the United States. After an initial outbreak in San Diego, other parts of the country found increased cases of the disease.

As cases increased, so did recommendations to receive the vaccine. Recent changes to the hepatitis A vaccine appear to coincide with that same dangerous rise in the disease.

The changes come after the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on June 28. The new hepatitis A recommendations isn’t the only change. The ACIP also agreed on new recommendations for the meningitis B vaccine.

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It’s been in the news over recent years, and even months, but Nipah virus is still a pretty new disease.

The ailment was only discovered 21 years ago thanks to an outbreak in Malaysia. After that initial outbreak claimed over 100 lives, researchers learned the severe dangers of the virus. With 300 confirmed infections, they knew only 25 to 60% of those who get sick with the virus survive.

Which takes us to the modern day. A much larger country, India, is now worried about their own Nipah virus outbreak.

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Chronic Wasting Disease or Zombie Deer Virus, one infection has earned attention across the United States.

The Zombie Deer Virus first caused a bit of panic earlier in 2019. Although first discovered in 1967, the virus that causes a rabies or “zombie”-like affect on animals was found in 24 states.

After the initial reactions from the news and public, Zombie Deer Virus didn’t stop spreading. The illness recently reached even more regions in the US. While many are concerned about the nation’s deer population, others worry about what it could mean if CWD is transmitted to humans.

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Tourism is an important component for many economies.

While the United States ranks number one in tourism, pulling $210.7 billion per year, it did not have the most international visitors according to HowMuch.net. That title goes to the home of the Eiffel Tower and some of the world’s best cooking. France earned about 86.9 million visitors compared to the U.S. which had only 74.7 million. It is important to note that these numbers do not count for intercountry tourism.

France has held the title as “most visited” for years, but the European country may see its reign come to an end soon. By 2030 experts foresee China becoming the world’s most visited country.

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As of March 2019, an outbreak of Ebola had caused confirmed infections in almost 2,000 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. During the same timeframe as this Ebola outbreak, India has begun a battle against the Nipah virus.

The CDC and other organizations have since helped the DRC and neighboring countries with relief efforts. They have aided with infection control, health screenings and education, and giving vaccinations.

The Ebola outbreak has prompted new research into vaccines and treatments. A recent breakthrough has resulted in a seemingly two-for-one vaccine; this vaccine has scientists hopeful they may now have a way to also prevent the Nipah virus.

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