Wed, Oct 2, 2002
Health officials in Albuquerque, New Mexico face an outbreak of a rare and fatal blood disorder. Patients suffer sharp muscular pain, fatigue, fever and rashes. Twenty-one people die from the illness. Five other states report similar cases. The epidemic is spreading. The Center for Disease Control assists federal and state health officials in their hunt for the cause.
Sun, Oct 13, 2002
A hospital in Walkerton, Ontario is flooded with patients with the same alarming symptoms. All suffer from fever, nausea and gastrointestinal problems. Health officials suspect water contamination, but the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reports that the water is safe. The next day, 20 more patients are admitted with the same symptoms.
Sun, Nov 10, 2002
The Discovery Health Channel's program Diagnosis Unknown features an episode entitled "Island Fever" highlighting the details of the Dengue Fever outbreak that occurred in the Hawaiian Islands in the spring of 2001. The Pacific Disaster Center's field data collection capability enabled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to pin-point Dengue outbreak locations, and work toward eradication of this mosquito-borne virus in the islands.
Thu, Nov 14, 2002
A Minnesota mother takes her son to the hospital with signs of food poisoning. While he is being treated, she comes down with the same symptoms. Soon, the Minnesota Department of Health is flooded with calls of food poisoning and launches an investigation. They pinpoint the source to a single restaurant and unwashed and unrefrigerated parsley.
Sun, Nov 24, 2002
In late August of 1999, an infectious disease specialist in Queens, New York reports that she has two elderly patients with neurological disorders. More cases crop up in the following days, several patients die. Initial tests confirm that New York has been hit by an outbreak of the mosquito-borne illness, St. Louis encephalitis. Nearly a month later, exotic birds begin to die at the Bronx Zoo.
Thu, Dec 5, 2002
In December of 1979, a young girl passes out on a bus in Wisconsin. She is taken to the hospital complaining of a sore throat, fever and aching muscles. Doctors believe she has the flu, until her blood pressure drops and her kidneys begin to fail. When additional women begin exhibiting similar symptoms, which bring them close to death, doctors fear an outbreak of toxic shock syndrome.
Sun, Dec 15, 2002
During December of 1999, public health authorities in Alberta, Canada are notified of two cases of a rare form of bacterial meningitis. A third reported case claims the life of a seventeen-year-old. Soon after, six more cases are reported and another young life is taken. Health officials think a new strain of the bacteria may be invading the population.