On Chickenpox Worldwide

Chickenpox was once considered a rite of passage for most children, but since the establishment of routine vaccination programs, complications from the virus have seriously decreased. While the condition very seldom leads to secondary infections or other issues, it is highly contagious and can be problematic in some individuals. It is important that parents ensure their children receive vaccinations for chickenpox and other common childhood illnesses, and remain mindful when interacting with infected individuals.

In the 16^th century, the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the virus that causes chickenpox was identified, but it was not until the end of the 19^th century that physicians were able to reliably distinguish chickenpox from smallpox. VZV is a member of the herpes virus group, and like other herpes viruses, it has the capacity to persist in the body after the first infection as a latent infection and can reappear as shingles. Shingles, which manifests as a painful rash on one side of the body, occurs in approximately one in 10 adults. It is the result of re-activation of the VZV virus which persists as a latent infection in sensory nerve ganglia and can occur in any individual who has recovered from chickenpox, but it is most common in individuals over 60.

Spread through direct contact with the rash or droplets dispersed into the air by coughing or sneezing, chickenpox manifests as a red, itchy rash which first appears on the face, trunk, or scalp. The rash usually appears 10 to 21 days after infection, and may be accompanied by a fever, abdominal pain, headache, and a general feeling of unease and discomfort. If scratching the rash is not discouraged through the use of oatmeal or baking soda baths, the application of calamine lotion, or antihistamines, individuals may contract a bacterial infection of the skin. Other complications that can result from chickenpox include viral pneumonia, bleeding problems, and infection of the brain (encephalitis).

Before the introduction of a vaccine, approximately 10,600 people were hospitalized and 100 to 150 died as a result of chickenpox in the U.S. every year. Vaccination became routine practice in the U.S. in 1995, and there are now two live, attenuated VZV-containing vaccines available for use. Recent studies have shown that in children, two doses of the chickenpox vaccine is 98 percent effective in preventing infection, compared with 86 percent effectiveness for a single dose. Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate that children should receive their first shot at 12 to 15 months, and the second at four to six years to ensure the maximum benefit. While a reported 15 to 20 percent of vaccinated individuals do still become infected with chickenpox if they are exposed to it, their condition is significantly milder and lasts for a shorter period of time.

By increasing awareness about the importance of vaccination, it may be possible to further decrease rates of infection and complications associated with chickenpox. Vaccination against chickenpox and other childhood illnesses can not only protect the individual receiving the vaccination, but can help to protect individuals who may not be able to receive vaccinations due to health conditions by contributing to the herd immunity of their community



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On the Importance of Blood Donation

According to World Health Organization estimates, a country’s basic requirements for safe blood could be met if one percent of that nation’s population donated blood. The WHO reports that 65 percent of all blood donations are made in developed countries, home to just 25 percent of the world’s population, and in some regions access to safe blood is limited. By ensuring that individuals have an understanding of the blood donation process and the importance of donating, it may be possible to ensure that blood supplies are available able to meet the need.

Blood donation has advanced significantly since the first blood transfusion involving a human being was performed in 1667, however the need remains. A reported one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood, and just one pint of blood – the amount obtained during a standard donation procedure – can save up to three lives. Each year, nearly 5 million people in the United States receive life-saving blood transfusions. During surgery, following an accident, or due to a disease or medical condition, individuals may require whole blood or blood components. Whole blood is the most common type of blood donation, during which approximately a pint of blood is given and the blood is then separated into its components. Both platelets and plasma are collected using a process called apheresis, during which the donor is hooked up to a machine that collects the desired blood component and then returns the rest of the blood to the donor. A double red blood cell donation in which only the red blood cells are collected also utilizes apheresis.

In order to be eligible to donate blood an individual must be in good health, at least 17 years old, at least 110 pounds, and able to pass the physical and health history assessment. In addition, before accepting the full donation, the level of iron is tested in a small sample of blood. All donated blood and blood components are subjected to a number of tests to ensure that they are free of bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis. Blood is also tested to determine the blood type (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factor (either positive or negative) to ensure that it will be provided to compatible donors. Anyone in need of blood can receive type O red blood cells, and individuals with type AB blood can receive any blood type – thus individuals with type O blood are called “universal donors” and those with type AB blood are “universal recipients.”

Despite the need to maintain an adequate blood supply and the simplicity and safety of the blood donation process, reports indicate that younger individuals say they are “too busy” or “too scared” to give blood, and one in five donors under 30 have stopped donating. An estimated 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, less than 10 percent donate annually.

Though blood components can be stored – red blood cells for 42 hours refrigerated or up to 10 years frozen, platelets at room temperature for five days, and plasma for up to a year frozen – researchers continue to work to develop a viable synthetic alternative to donated blood. By encouraging people to donate blood and working to find a synthetic blood alternative, it may be possible to ensure that the available blood supply meets the need.

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Malnutrition Worldwide

Estimates indicate that 925 million people – more than one in every seven worldwide – are undernourished, and 98 percent live in the developing world. Malnutrition develops when the body does not have the correct amounts of certain key vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to maintain organ function and healthy tissues. In areas affected by drought or other natural disasters, food supplies may be extremely limited, and increases in the number of malnourished individuals may be seen. By exploring new farming techniques and working to ensure that aid is provided in the affected nations, it may be possible to reduce rates of malnutrition.

Two-thirds of malnourished individuals are concentrated in seven countries: Bangladesh, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Other nations, particularly those in regions affected by drought, are also facing massive food shortages and increasing rates of malnutrition. In the Horn of Africa, a reported 10 million people including children and people with disabilities have been affected by the recent drought in this region – the most severe drought in the area in the past 60 years, which has interrupted food production. UN reports show that those who currently do not have access to a reliable source of food include an estimated 3.2 million people in Ethiopia, 3.5 million in Kenya, 2.5 million in Somalia, 600,000 residents of north-eastern Uganda, and 120,000 individuals in Djibouti.

Children are at a particularly high risk of becoming malnourished. World Health Organization estimates indicate that malnutrition contributes to more than one-third of all child deaths worldwide and the United Nations Children’s Fund approximates that 480,000 children in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia will be severely malnourished this year – a 50 percent increase over last year’s figure. Mark Bowden, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, notes that the nation is currently facing “the highest rate of malnutrition in the whole of Africa, [and] more than 30 percent of children are suffering from global acute malnutrition.” Many malnourished children can be treated through the administration of calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods including Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). Though RUTF is still not available in some regions, it based on peanut butter and dried skimmed milk and provides sufficient nutrient intake for complete recovery from malnutrition, and can be stored for three to four months without refrigeration, even at tropical temperatures.

According to UN reports, world food production will need to increase by up to 100 percent by 2050 in order to sustain 9 billion people, the expected global population. In addition to utilizing sustainable farming techniques, some experts have suggested the introduction of “super wheat” – a crop that is more resistant to some types of fungus that can destroy crops. Further exploration of crop options and sustainable farming techniques could help to expand the food supply and help to reduce global rates of malnutrition.

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