Malaria and Influenza Outbreaks Arise Nationwide

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), America has reached its highest peak of malaria cases since 1971, and over 300,000 citizens nationwide are currently receiving treatment for influenza.
The World Health Organization has discovered a new resistance to anti-malaria medications. Many malaria outbreaks have recently occurred in only Southeast Asia. However, the Global Malaria Program is concerned that without the effective preventive medication and medical attention, malaria outbreaks will quickly spread worldwide, especially through the United States where many citizens travel to and migrate from the affected areas. Influenza epidemics are rising across America as well, mainly in the northern states due to the increasingly cold weather.
Of the several different types of influenza, the most common are Type A and Type B, which infect about 20% of the population annually. Influenza epidemics are rising nationwide as well, mainly in the northern states due to the increasingly cold weather. The influenza viruses have spread across schools nationwide, including University High School (UHS). The UHS health office recently reported that the number of UHS students who are currently sick is higher than the numbers reported from the flu seasons of recent years. Nurses have sent out an email alerting students and parents about the flu outbreak and the precautions that should be followed to prevent its spread. Ms. Amita Mande (Health Dept.) advises, “Students should get a flu shot and wash their hands as frequently as possible, especially after touching animals, using the restroom and coughing or sneezing.” For students who are currently sick, the school encourages that they stay at home, take antihistamines and get plenty of rest.
Written by MONICA LAFERLA
Staff Writer