| Cutting edge |  One of today's articles tells us the someone dies of rabies in Africa every 20 minutes - usually a child. Down here, on the toe of the continent, this figure is almost unbelievable.
However, I grew up in what is now Zambia. We used to have rabies tie-ups - periods where any dog that was not tied up was summarily shot. I knew all about this because my father was in the police and was responsible for overseeing these regular events. He took me to see a rabid dog one day, so that I could identify one if I came across one. He did not take me to see a child dying of rabies, although he could have done - he had seen it himself.
But the problem is that not all dogs with rabies looked like the animal I still vividly remember. The disease can be present in animals that are simply rather secretive and whose behaviour is a bit 'odd'. Children are, of course, particularly vulnerable - they are small and are likely to pet any animal they come across. And dogs with rabies won't run away.
Rabies is regarded as a neglected disease. One of those diseases that only affects the developing world and, within the developing world, the very poor. So it is good to see that there is, at last, some effort being made to eradicate the disease. Other viral diseases, such as small pox, have been eradicated through vaccination programmes. Let's hope that rabies can be another success story.
Bridget Farham Editor
https://www.bizcommunity.com
| | Today's headlines
Food crisisKenya: Food shortages threaten adherence to antiretroviralsMakueni District Hospital in eastern Kenya has recorded a significant drop in the weight of several of its HIV-positive patients in the past three months, which nutritionists ascribe to severe food shortages across much of the country.
Infectious diseasesNew hope for eradication of rabies in AfricaMost of the rabies virus circulating in dogs in western and central Africa comes from a common ancestor introduced to the continent around 200 years ago, probably by European colonialists.
Medical ResearchJust one cell can hold memoriesJust one brain cell is capable of holding fleeting memories vital for our everyday life, according to US scientists.
PaediatricsSchool exercise programmes improve children's healthSchool sports and activities promote better health in children even if they do not lead to weight loss. Body weight affects a child's self esteemIt's well known that body weight and self esteem are related in adults.
Public healthSeat belts and air bags reduce spinal injuries in car crashesCombining seat belts with air bags reduces the risk for spine fracture in car crashes, report researchers. Consumers are looking to enjoy alcohol in moderation[Matthew Taylor] A new report* from independent market analyst Datamonitor identifies that the majority of consumers enjoy alcohol in a responsible and relaxing fashion. | | |
| | News for medical professionals | | Newer antipsychotics no better than older ones
| Eli-Lilly pays record amount for promoting off label use of olanzapine
| Drug eluting stents may be associated with long-term adverse events
| | More... | | |
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