Latest from Diseases

Scientists sacked amid fears over flu virus lab research

Senior American scientists have been abruptly dismissed from a US Government advisory board on dangerous biological agents.

Lab mixes up potent flu strain

A US government laboratory mistakenly mixed a common flu strain with a dangerous and deadly type of bird flu and shipped it to another lab.

Chickenpox: The parties to avoid

Scientist blasted over superflu

Senior scientists have criticised an American university for allowing research on a pandemic strain of flu virus that escapes the human immune system.

Scientist creates deadly flu

A controversial scientist has deliberately created a pandemic strain of flu that can evade the human immune system.

The shortest route to God

If you're in a hurry to meet your maker, a religious pilgrimage may be the most direct route.

Husky a diabetic's best friend

When Vicki Parry's highly trained Siberian husky nudges forcefully into her leg, she knows it's time to do a diabetes test of her blood-sugar level.

Students banned after measles outbreak

Measles outbreaks have forced two large Hamilton schools to quarantine students and cancel or postpone all sporting, cultural and academic trips for the rest of the term. One has postponed its school ball.

Swine flu outbreak hits Hawke's Bay

A swine flu outbreak has struck in Hawke's Bay. Eight patients have been infected, including three who are in intensive care and one who is in a coma.

Ebola outbreak death toll rises to 60

An ebola outbreak has killed almost 60 people in Guinea, and may have spread to neighbouring Sierra Leone.

Dr Net gives answers to ailing Kiwis

More New Zealanders are using the internet to research their medical woes - and some are using their findings to treat themselves rather than visit a doctor.

Polio-like disease hits US children

At least 20 people in California, most of them children, have been infected by a rare polio-like disease, which doctors have yet to identify conclusively.

40 Aucklanders sick with measles

School fights to curb measles cases

Public health authorities are working to prevent a measles outbreak after 19 students from an Auckland high school contracted the disease.

Parkinson's human trial suspended

An Auckland biotech company has suspended a human trial of an experiment Parkinson's disease treatment following the retraction of previous animal research.

Brave boy's basketball wish

When Louis Corbett's parents were told their young son was losing his sight they asked him what he'd like to do before his vision was completely gone.