H5N1 Flu Virus Kills One In North America

I have just received word that the H5N1 Flu virus has killed one individual in North America.  This was published in Time.  The link is at: http://healthland.time.com/2014/01/08/north-american-bird-flu/?hpt=hp_t3

U.S. Geological Survey Informs Dr. Carvalho That There Were Low Levels Of Fallout From Fukushima Daichi

A few days ago, I contacted the United States Geological Survey, the White House, and the Huffington Post and asked each of them to investigate recent reports of a possible meltdown of the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan.  The plant was damaged from the Japanese Earthquake/Tsunami in recent years.  This morning, I received word from the U.S. Geological Survey that the nuclear fallout from the Fukushima plant was "below any public health concern."  Though it is clear that the longterm effects of Fukushima on the Japanese population and the world's oceanic wildlife remain to be determined, the scientific evidence at least reveals that the fallout will not cause immediate illness in the U.S., contrary to some recent reports on the internet.  A temporary evacuation of the West Coast is unwarranted, contrary to some speculation.  Nevertheless, it must be remembered that reports from the Environmental Protection Agency and USGS were in 2011 and 2012, and I strongly encourage all relevant national and international agencies to continue to monitor the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Plant and continue to gather scientific data on the effects of the fallout on the Japanese population and world's oceanic wildlife.  Monitoring of the plant should be continual.  Understanding the longterm public health effects and environmental effects will take a number of years.  For further reading on this issue please visit:

http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3111#.UszPks1Qono

Dr. John Carvalho's Mini-Review Of "Introduction To Global Health" By Kathryn H. Jacobsen:  I wanted to take a few moments to endorse the "Introduction to Global Health" textbook by Kathryn H. Jacobsen.  Jacobsen has been a global health expert for many years.  The chapters in her introductory book are perfect for beginning undergraduate or graduate students in the field of global health.  She covers a wide array of topics including the kinds of statistics used, the infectious disease causing organisms around the world, nutrition deficiencies, economics and health financing, and the status of national disease burden.  Jacobsen's book is reminiscent of my various virology courses that I have taught at both Harvard University and California State University, Dominguez Hills (Medical and Molecular Virology: Virus Diseases and World Health; Virology; Advanced Virology).  I applaud her for linking the ideas of how poverty exacerbates and feeds off of infectious diseases/national health and how education also plays a critical role.  These concepts have been talked about in my own scholarly writings and have been taught in my courses.  Similarly, I acknowledge her excellent chapters on the Millennium Development Goals, the UNHCR, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  These ideas are inseparable from virology on the global level and are critical for understanding public health and truly gauging "outcomes" of public health policy.  In conclusion, Jacobsen's book is a MUST READ for any beginning global health student.

Help Donate To Typhoon Victims Relief Effort

The problems of climate change are real, as is evidenced by the recent typhoon in the Philippines.  To donate to the relief effort, please go to the attached link.  Doctors Without Boarders has been a stalwart, Nobel Peace Prize winning organization on the front lines of world crises.https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/truenorth/onetime_philippines.cfm?source=AZD131101D01&q=general_C_US_Haiyan&source=AZD131101D01&gclid=CIbFwpWc4LoCFe1xQgodcwsAgw&mpch=ads

Mosquito That Carries Dengue Virus And Yellow Fever Virus Discovered In California

I teach Virology and Advanced Virology courses at the University and I found this news article interesting.  The mosquito that carries various viruses including Dengue virus and Yellow Fever virus has been discovered in California.  Presently, we have a vaccine for Yellow Fever (17D), but none for Dengue virus.  http://www.ibtimes.com/yellow-fever-mosquito-aedes-aegypti-found-california-very-difficult-control-1433136

The 2013 Nobel Prizes are now being announced.  Congratulations to all of the Nobel winners.http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/nobel-2013/

UNITED NATIONS Report On The Status Of The Millennium Development Goals For 2013

As stated earlier in my previous posts, I would keep my readers up to date on where the millennium development goals presently stand around the world.  Some of my philosophical and scientific work has direct relation to these goals.  Here is the latest report by the United Nations on where these goals stand.  Please also consult economist Jeffrey Sachs' book entitled "The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities of Our Time" and Nobelist Amartya Sen's work "Development as Freedom" and The United Nations "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" for background reading to this topic.http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/report-2013/mdg-report-2013-english.pdf