What is leptospirosis and why is it emerging in Puerto Rico? Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis, a disease that affects both humans and animals. Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment

WiRED International celebrated its 20th year of operation last week at a reception at San Francisco State University. At the event, WiRED Board member Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States, delivered a powerful and motivating keynote speech that framed the importance of health education in establishing bonds and uniting people throughout the world.

One in 20 pregnant women develops gestational diabetes, most commonly between 24-28 weeks. This type of diabetes typically goes away after the mother gives birth; however, type 2 diabetes can still develop in the mother’s and child’s future.

It’s a custom in many countries for religious leaders to bless new facilities, such as new offices, schools and community programs. In Nicaragua, a predominantly Catholic country, a priest will generally perform the ritual, which involves a prayer and maybe a brief homily before a gathering of well-wishers.

Flu season is here. WiRED International urges everyone to get vaccinated. Influenza or flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by several viruses. Flu resembles the common cold because it infects the same organs (nose, throat, lungs) and has similar symptoms. However, the flu can develop additional symptoms and become much more severe than most common colds.

WiRED International is pleased to announce that WiRED-Armenia conducted its first ever televised health training session in Gavar, Armenia.

Double the number, multiply the benefit for community health! This year WiRED International celebrated a 130-member class that graduated from its Certificate Program in Kenya — double the number of graduates from last year.

September is Sepsis Awareness Month. Sepsis is a complication of infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. The condition constitutes a global healthcare problem and is the primary cause of death from infection, especially in underserved countries, despite advances in modern medicine such as vaccines, antibiotics and intensive care.

WiRED provided medical and health education programs in Iraq from spring 2003 to late 2009. As the two prior stories in this history series describe, we worked initially from the relative safety of the Green Zone, then from Baghdad hotels and safe houses while providing Iraqi hospitals and universities throughout the country with equipment and training software.

Cholera in Yemen today … and in Texas tomorrow? The catastrophic flooding in Texas from Hurricane Harvey has caused death, destruction and displacement. The storm’s aftershock has produced contaminated and stagnant water and poor sanitation, conditions ideally suited to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery and typhoid fever — all caused by pathogenic microbes.