Ohio University Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute

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Ohio University Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute ITDI at Ohio University seeks to improve the health status of underserved populations through sustai cruzi blood screening programs in Ecuador.

The Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute was founded in 1987 by a group of visionary scientists that wanted to pull in their combined expertise and resources towards the improvement of the life of the people in disease endemic areas. Training of students:
Since its initiation, ITDI faculty have provided training to students from the USA and developing countries at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Institute's education abroad programs were initiated in 1995. Ever since then, more than 180 students from more than 20 universities in the USA, Europe, New Zealand and other countries have participated in the workshops and research training programs carried out in Ecuador. Research projects:
ITDI's research projects have included immunoparasitological studies in experimental mouse models of Chagas disease, vectorial competence of mosquitoes to transmit Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis and Rift Valley Fever virus, safety of the blood supply, Chagas disease epidemiology in Ecuador and in the USA, among others. The contributions of ITDI:
Faculty and students have been instrumental in the initiation of a Chagas disease control and T. The blood bank initiative has lead to a major improvement of the safety of the blood supply in Ecuador. These endeavors have had a major impact on the lives of the Ecuadorian people. Our partnerships:
Ecuador has been the focus of ITDIs international activities. A close network of collaborators has been established with governmental and non-governmental organizations in the country. A cooperation agreement with Catholic University of Ecuador, one of the most prestigious universities in Ecuador, has allowed for the creation of tangible research infrastructure in the country and the implementation of ambitious and successful research, service and education programs.

🌧️🦟 The rain may stop, but the mosquito risk can stick around.After heavy rain or flooding, standing water can create br...
10/17/2026

🌧️🦟 The rain may stop, but the mosquito risk can stick around.

After heavy rain or flooding, standing water can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. While most bites cause only itching and mild swelling, some mosquitoes can spread illnesses such as West Nile, dengue, Zika, and malaria. 🚨

💧 Empty standing water, use EPA-registered repellent, wear protective clothing, and keep screens in good condition.

After the rain, check your surroundings. Protect yourself before the next bite. 🦟💚

🤧🦠 “The flu” is not just one virus. Influenza comes in different types, and they do not all behave the same way.Knowing ...
10/14/2026

🤧🦠 “The flu” is not just one virus. Influenza comes in different types, and they do not all behave the same way.

Knowing the difference can help us better understand why some flu viruses drive seasonal outbreaks while others usually cause milder illness or mainly affect animals. 👇

🅰️🅱️ Influenza A and B
These are the influenza types most commonly associated with seasonal flu outbreaks. They can cause significant illness, and flu activity often increases during the colder months. Influenza A can circulate in humans and animals, while both A and B contribute to seasonal flu in people.

🤒 Symptoms can range from mild to severe
Flu may bring fever or chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some people, including young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with certain health conditions, may be at greater risk for complications.

🅲 Influenza C is different
Influenza C generally causes milder respiratory illness and is not typically associated with the large seasonal outbreaks we see with influenza A and B.

🐄 And then there is Influenza D
Influenza D primarily affects animals, particularly cattle, making it different from the influenza viruses most people encounter during flu season.

🧪 Testing can help identify influenza
Because flu symptoms can resemble those of other respiratory infections, testing may help healthcare providers determine what is causing your illness and guide next steps when appropriate.

💉 Protection still matters
Staying up to date with your seasonal flu vaccination, washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick can help reduce the spread of influenza.

💡 Understanding the different flu types is one more way to stay informed and prepared as flu season gets underway.

Save this post for flu season and share it with someone who still thinks all flu viruses are the same. 🤧📲💚

10/12/2026

STDs are common, and many people who have one may not notice any symptoms. That means feeling fine does not always mean you are infection-free. 🩺💬

STDs can spread through vaginal, a**l, or oral s*x, but there are simple ways to lower your risk. Use condoms correctly, stay up to date on recommended vaccines such as HPV and hepatitis B, and make routine testing part of your s*xual health care. 🛡️💉✅

Protecting your health also means protecting your partner. Talk openly, get tested, and know your status. ❤️
*xualhealth *xualhealthclinic

🤧🌿 Feel like your allergies are hitting harder than usual? You may not be imagining it.Seasonal allergy symptoms can cha...
10/09/2026

🤧🌿 Feel like your allergies are hitting harder than usual? You may not be imagining it.
Seasonal allergy symptoms can change over time, and several factors may explain why your sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, or runny nose suddenly feel worse. 👇

🧬 Your body changes with age
Seasonal allergies often become noticeable during adolescence or young adulthood, but symptoms do not always follow the same pattern throughout life. Changes in immune health, sensitivity, hydration, and other health conditions can affect how strongly your body reacts to allergens.

🌸 Pollen seasons may be lasting longer
Longer periods of warm weather can give trees, grasses, and weeds more time to grow and release pollen. That can mean a longer stretch of allergy symptoms for some people.

🌦️ Weather matters
Temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity can all influence how much pollen is in the air. This is one reason one allergy season may feel completely different from the next.

🏭 Air quality can make symptoms feel worse
Smoke, vehicle exhaust, and other air pollutants can irritate your nose and airways. When your respiratory system is already irritated, exposure to pollen and other allergens may feel even more uncomfortable.

📍 A new location can mean new allergens
Moved recently? Traveling? Started college somewhere new? Different regions have different plants, pollen seasons, and environmental triggers, so your body may be reacting to allergens you were not exposed to before.

💡 If allergy symptoms are persistent, severe, or interfering with daily life, consider talking with a healthcare professional about identifying your triggers and finding the right treatment.

Save this for allergy season and share it with someone who has been sneezing nonstop lately. 🤧🌾💚

🤧📚 Your first college cold doesn’t have to knock out your whole week.Late nights, packed schedules, shared spaces, and c...
10/07/2026

🤧📚 Your first college cold doesn’t have to knock out your whole week.

Late nights, packed schedules, shared spaces, and changing weather can make getting sick feel inevitable. Knowing the early signs and having a simple sick-day kit ready can make things a little easier. 🫖🩺

Rest, stay hydrated, keep the basics on hand, and don’t rely on random online advice when you’re feeling worse. Your Student Health Center is there when you need real support.

College is tough enough. Take care of yourself, ask for help when you need it, and give your body time to recover. 💚

💜🧠 Meningitis can move fast. Awareness has to move faster.Today, on World Meningitis Day, we join the global call to rai...
10/05/2026

💜🧠 Meningitis can move fast. Awareness has to move faster.

Today, on World Meningitis Day, we join the global call to raise awareness, recognize the warning signs, and encourage timely care.

Meningitis can have different causes, but one message remains the same: knowing the signs and acting quickly matters. 🚨 Symptoms such as severe headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, light sensitivity, and confusion should never be ignored.

💉 Prevention, early recognition, and access to appropriate care can make a difference.

Know the signs. Share the message. Take action.
Because when it comes to meningitis, NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION. 💜

Meet Miguel A. Calle, ITDI’s newest Graduate Assistant.Originally from Ecuador, Miguel is pursuing an M.A. in Communicat...
10/03/2026

Meet Miguel A. Calle, ITDI’s newest Graduate Assistant.

Originally from Ecuador, Miguel is pursuing an M.A. in Communication and Development Studies at Ohio University. With experience working with UNICEF, UNHCR, and Scouts Ecuador, his interests include migration, human rights, community participation, and using communication to support social change. 🌍💬

At ITDI, Miguel will support content creation and communication efforts, bringing his international experience and passion for community-focused work to the team.

Welcome to ITDI, Miguel. 💚

🤧 Flu or COVID-19? The symptoms can look very similar, but they are not the same.Both can cause respiratory illness, and...
10/03/2026

🤧 Flu or COVID-19? The symptoms can look very similar, but they are not the same.

Both can cause respiratory illness, and guessing based on symptoms alone may not be enough. 🦠 If you feel sick, consider getting tested, ask about treatment early, stay home when needed, and keep your vaccines up to date. 💉🏠

When in doubt, talk with a healthcare provider. Knowing what you’re dealing with can help you take the right next step. ✅

🐾 Rabies prevention starts with awareness at home.Children may not always recognize when an animal is sick or unsafe, so...
09/30/2026

🐾 Rabies prevention starts with awareness at home.

Children may not always recognize when an animal is sick or unsafe, so parents and caregivers play an important role in keeping them protected. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💚

Keep pets vaccinated, teach children to avoid wild or unfamiliar animals, and seek medical care immediately after any possible rabies exposure. 💉⚠️

Rabies is preventable. Knowing what to do can save a life.

🐾 Today is World Rabies Day 2026.This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” reminds us that eliminating rabies takes coordi...
09/28/2026

🐾 Today is World Rabies Day 2026.

This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” reminds us that eliminating rabies takes coordinated action. Communities, veterinary professionals, healthcare workers, governments, educators, and global partners all have a role to play. 🤝🌍💉

Through vaccination, education, surveillance, timely treatment, and strong One Health partnerships, we can move closer to a world free from rabies.

Stronger partnerships. Stronger systems. Stronger outcomes. 💚

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