/For Mississippi doctor, yellow fever is still a hot topic

For Mississippi doctor, yellow fever is still a hot topic

According to Dr. Luke Lampton of the state Board of Health, yellow fever is making a comeback across the globe. His study of the disease was published in the 2018 edition of Conn’s Current Therapy, a top family medicine textbook. Lampton stated that modern medicine is a stronger opponent to the disease. 99% of people who are immunized receive it. Lampton stated that yellow fever is a long-standing disease that caused epidemics in Mississippi prior to 1905. Lampton stated that yellow fever has been a rising threat since 2015 when it was ravaged by the poor management of mosquitoes and the inability to immunize people traveling to endemic areas. Although this could lead to outbreaks in Mississippi, Lampton said they are unlikely. “Medical professionals should be prepared for yellow fever cases related to travel. There is still the possibility of sporadic transmission in the Gulf of Mexico where the vector, Aedes Aegypti mosquito can be found. Although it is unlikely, the public health community needs to be more aware of the disease. Lampton was chairman of the Board of Health from 2007 to 2017. Lampton is also an associate professor of Family and community medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine and an instructor in Family Medicine University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He is also an Adjunct clinical professor of family medicine at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine Hattiesburg. In a press release, Dr. Mary Currier, the state health officer said that the Mississippi State Department of Health was very lucky to have Dr. Lampton, who is as dedicated to the advancement of medicine and health in Mississippi. She added, “His dedication to serving and improving the people of Mississippi is evident in his long-term efforts as a chairman and board member for many years.” Recent accolades have also been given to other members of the Board of Health. The American College of Cardiology has named Dr. Thad WAITES, the current vice-chairman of the Board of Health, a Hattiesburg-based cardiologist, a Master of American College of Cardiology. Dr. Dwalia South of Ripley was reappointed Chair of the Committee on Publications of the Mississippi State Medical Association. This committee oversees the publication of the Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association. It is a monthly periodical which has been the official publication of the MSMA’s since 1959. Currier stated, “We are blessed to have these professionals on our board, dedicated to supporting the agency mission to improve the lives of all Mississippians.”