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| PRESS CONTACT: James Sejvar, M.D. CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases (404) 639鈥?887 |
Adventure travel and eco-tourism represent the fastest growing segment of leisure travel; with this increase goes the increasing likelihood of
contact with unusual infectious agents. The Eco-Challenge leptospirosis outbreak serves as one reminder that diseases endemic to remote areas can
lead to infection in travelers and athletes from developed nations. Increasingly, travelers to remote areas need to be aware of infectious disease
risks, and take precautionary measures to prevent infection. In addition, physicians in developed countries need to consider infection with
uncommon agents, such as leptospires, in their patients with appropriate travel and exposure histories. This study suggests that individuals at
high risk for leptospirosis, such as those participating in water sports in epidemic areas, may benefit from pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis with
doxycycline to prevent or limit illness.
Healthcare providers and policymakers should work with the public to de-stigmatize epilepsy and improve access to care.
| PRESS CONTACT: Rosemarie Kobau, M.P.H. CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (770) 488鈥?432 |
Epilepsy, a chronic, neurological disorder that affects long-term physical, psychological and social functioning, is also a stigmatizing social
label. Epilepsy substantially impacts health because of seizures, side effects of medicines, lifestyle restrictions, and social stigma; therefore,
this research sought to examine how persons with epilepsy rate their physical and mental health. Adults with epilepsy reported twice as many days
per month when mental and physical health were not good than persons without epilepsy (12.1 days for people with epilepsy compared to 5.7 days for
people without), and 5 more days of depression and anxiety and almost 7 more days of pain. For health-related quality of life to improve for
people with epilepsy, routine medical care that focuses on controlling seizures and their effects is needed.
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CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z This page last reviewed Friday, January 19, 2001 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
