Did you know that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States? Earning much more attention over the last decade, that may not come as a surprise anymore.

What may still seem staggering are the current HPV statistics in the U.S.

Over one decade after the HPV vaccine was introduced, almost 80 million Americans still have the disease. That includes the 14 million people newly-diagnosed with the virus every year. The virus is even on the rise for women over the age of 40.

For a disease that’s been shown many times to be a contributing factor to cervical cancer, those are some dangerous statistics.

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Since the first case of measles in the New World-era United States 250 years ago, the country has had a rocky time with the disease.

It once killed thousands of people annually, but was eliminated due to a successful vaccine. The virus has since risen up to infect again as vaccination rates dropped. Recently measles has made a startling comeback with over 1,000 cases in the U.S. this year from January to June alone.

But how did we get here?

Let’s follow the virus’s journey and walk through the history of measles in the U.S., starting with the first “American” measles outbreak reported in 1765.

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Before you embark on your next adventure, it is extremely important that you take the necessary steps to keep yourself safe. What many travelers might not realize is every region of the world offers new health risks. That can come from different animals, insects, bacteria or a lack of medical help within the area.

Before that trip, one of the most important steps is to make sure that you have received the proper vaccines to protect from those illnesses.

This can seem like an intimidating and time-sucking process that deters some people from even traveling in the first place. But, it doesn’t have to be!

Here’s how you can get the vaccines you need in an easy and safe way.

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We already know one key thing that the rotavirus vaccine brings to the table: it prevents rotavirus.

The illness causes gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu. While a dangerous bout with the stomach flu can cause problems for anyone, children are at the greatest risk. That’s because gastroenteritis is most harmful for infants and young children. The virus can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. With bodies that are less resilient, children may also need hospitalization.

So, any vaccine that prevents such a virus already offers on helpful perk.

But, the rotavirus vaccine may also offer some help with diabetes.

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Last August, the Democratic Republic of Congo saw the second largest outbreak of Ebola in history. To date, the outbreak has infected over 2,100 people and killed over 1,300.

But, even with those jarring numbers, the most dangerous development could be its recent spread to Uganda. The country’s fears of the virus spreading came true when the virus took the life of a 5-year-old boy.

The outbreak has not stopped or slowed down since it began in the DRC last year. So long as this continues, officials say the chances of it spreading to other neighboring countries will increase.

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In the past, doctors have largely believed that bacteria has been the cause of most pneumonia cases. While the flu has often been linked to the disease, bacteria within the environment was long considered the root of pneumonia. Although, new research shows that viruses are actually the cause of most cases.

Pneumonia often resembles bronchitis with its symptoms, causing a lung infection, cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. But, without treatment, these symptoms can become life-threatening. People of all ages are susceptible to the infection, but it can be treated with medication and prevented with a vaccine.

Every year, pneumonia kills almost 1 million children. This new research could be vital in understanding what causes pneumonia and how to prevent these deaths from occurring.

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In recent years, hepatitis A has been increasing across the United States. After an initial outbreak in San Diego, other parts of the country found increased cases of the disease.

As cases increased, so did recommendations to receive the vaccine. Recent changes to the hepatitis A vaccine appear to coincide with that same dangerous rise in the disease.

The changes come after the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on June 28. The new hepatitis A recommendations isn’t the only change. The ACIP also agreed on new recommendations for the meningitis B vaccine.

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It’s been in the news over recent years, and even months, but Nipah virus is still a pretty new disease.

The ailment was only discovered 21 years ago thanks to an outbreak in Malaysia. After that initial outbreak claimed over 100 lives, researchers learned the severe dangers of the virus. With 300 confirmed infections, they knew only 25 to 60% of those who get sick with the virus survive.

Which takes us to the modern day. A much larger country, India, is now worried about their own Nipah virus outbreak.

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Chronic Wasting Disease or Zombie Deer Virus, one infection has earned attention across the United States.

The Zombie Deer Virus first caused a bit of panic earlier in 2019. Although first discovered in 1967, the virus that causes a rabies or “zombie”-like affect on animals was found in almost half in 24 states.

After the initial reactions from the news and public, Zombie Deer Virus didn’t stop spreading. The illness recently reached even more regions in the US. While many are concerned about the nation’s deer population, others worry about what it could mean if CWD is transmitted to humans.

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Tourism is an important component for many economies.

While the United States ranks number one in tourism, pulling $210.7 billion per year, it did not have the most international visitors according to HowMuch.net. That title goes to the home of the Eiffel Tower and some of the world’s best cooking. France earned about 86.9 million visitors compared to the U.S. which had only 74.7 million. It is important to note that these numbers do not count for intercountry tourism.

France has held the title as “most visited” for years, but the European country may see its reign come to an end soon. By 2030 experts foresee China becoming the world’s most visited country.

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