The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that 2020 is the start of the decade for disease elimination.

That’s not to take away from the many medical and health accomplishments in the past 10 years. But, as we enter a new decade, the WHO hopes to achieve even more in the coming years.

The organization attributes the previous successes to new commitments to health worldwide. And with those improvements, millions of lives have been saved.

But, there remains many ongoing health risks throughout the world, some of which are only getting worse. So, we enter the decade with challenges, including, “the 2020 and 2030 global elimination targets for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).”

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After only a few decades with the vaccine, chickenpox cases have plummeted in the United States. But, that doesn’t mean the virus is completely gone. And with the virus still active, there’s a chance your child could come down with chickenpox.

Chickenpox is highly uncomfortable and when your child has it, you want to make sure that they’re as comfortable as possible.

Although, you need to be careful when treating chickenpox symptoms. Despite trying to help, you may make the situation worse and even life-threatening.

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Cholera outbreaks were unfortunately common in the previous decade.

The situation in Haiti lasted for nearly 10 years, with rising temperatures causing more cases in many other countries. An epidemic in Yemen even set the mark as the world’s worst cholera epidemic in history.

But, as we enter a new decade, the world’s cholera problem looks to be improving. Cholera cases dropped by 60% globally in 2018, according to the World Health Organization. The drop in cases not only shows an end to many of those previous outbreaks, but further progress in fighting the disease.

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Norovirus, more commonly known as the stomach flu, has caused many recent outbreaks across the United States.

The “stomach flu”, where individuals experience vomiting and diarrhea, is usually associated with influenza. Although, according to the CDC, the symptoms of influenza are not the same and are mainly respiratory. The “stomach flu” can be caused by other various viruses and bacteria.

The stomach flu can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach pain and projectile vomiting. Anyone who’s had a bout with both norovirus and the flu will note the much-worse stomach symptoms with the former.

And if you’re worried about catching the stomach flu this year, your blood type could make a big difference in infection. That’s because a new study has shown that your blood type may increase your chances of getting sick.

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Over 500 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in China’s current outbreak. Of those cases, it has now been reported that 17 people have died from the virus.

With such a severe strain of the virus infecting China and neighboring countries, travelers might wonder how safe it is to visit China. And if you do visit, can you take any steps to avoid Wuhan’s coronavirus?

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The first case of the new coronavirus was confirmed in the United States on January 20 by the CDC.

There is currently an outbreak of this new coronavirus in Wuhan, China causing about 300 cases and six deaths. Chinese officials also confirm that seven patients with the virus are critically ill.

While officials do know the illness is a coronavirus and it is not SARS, they are still looking into more details about this strain. And as the virus reaches new regions, neighboring countries are taking precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak of their own.

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Only a few weeks into the new year, the world already has a new viral outbreak scare.

A coronavirus, which started with almost 60 cases in Wuhan, China, was recently confirmed by officials in Washington. The virus has also been found in other countries like Japan and South Korea.

While officials in China confirmed the virus isn’t SARS, they do know it’s a coronavirus. A coronavirus can be mild, like the common cold, but this mysterious strain has already caused six deaths in China.

But, as the illness appears in the United States, many are probably asking what is a coronavirus? Could it cause an outbreak in the US? Should I be worried about catching this virus?

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In 2018 alone, there were an estimated 228 million cases of malaria, with 405,000 of those resulting in death.

At the moment there is no malaria vaccine that’s approved worldwide, although there’s been some progress in countries like Kenya. Without a vaccine to rely on, we are left with other prevention methods. Travelers must use antimalarials, insect repellent and insecticide-treated bed nets to keep the mosquitoes away.

In recent years, those bed nets have become an increasingly-popular prevention method worldwide. When combined with insecticides, they greatly reduce contact between infected mosquitoes and people.

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Right in the heart of the flu season, many people may still be wondering if they should get the 2019-2020 flu shot.

But, before this season even ends, researchers are looking to improve the vaccine in the coming years. A new study, conducted by Georgia State has promising new outcomes in preventing six trains of the flu in mice.

This new vaccine is a combination vaccine, using nanoparticles, and two different influenza proteins. The success of this vaccine in preventing strains in mice could lead us closer to developing a universal flu vaccine in the future.

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The world achieved a milestone in 2019 in the fight against polio.

With the world’s most effective polio vaccine used worldwide, hopes for eradication increased. Nigeria, once riddled by the disease, is now on the brink of eliminating polio.

And yet, even with all the optimistic news, outbreaks are still occurring throughout the world. Most recently, there has been a resurgence of polio cases in Pakistan.

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