This Week in Virology TWiV 1174: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Dec 14, 2024
Dr. Daniel Griffin, an expert in infectious diseases, unpacks the mysterious respiratory illness in the Congo, questioning if it could be malaria. He discusses the setbacks facing poliovirus eradication in Europe, stressing disease control over mere virus tracking. The conversation also touches on avian influenza linked to raw milk and the halted use of the mpox antiviral, Tecovirimat. Griffin reviews the latest SARS-CoV-2 statistics, vaccine efficacy comparisons, and resources for long COVID treatment at Columbia University.
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Tanzania Trip
- Daniel Griffin recently returned from Tanzania, where he observed the contrast between modernizing African life and traditional tribal life.
- He visited remote areas and worked with the Maasai and Hadza tribes.
Congo Illness
- A mysterious illness in the Congo is affecting over 400 people, with dozens of deaths, primarily children under 14.
- While some samples tested positive for malaria, experts suspect other factors may be involved due to the severity and symptoms like fever, headache, cough, and anemia.
Polio Update
- Wild poliovirus types 2 and 3 are considered eradicated, but type 1 remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Cases have increased significantly in 2024 compared to 2023, despite vaccination efforts.