by admin | Aug 25, 2025 | healthcare and medicine, illness, infectious diseases, news, public health
Released on, Aug. 19 – August 19, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The first confirmed case at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Attock was brought to Islamabad from Dubai on August 15, 2025, according to official reports.
Health officials mentioned that the individual showed signs of monkeypox when he arrived at the airport, leading basic health staff to immediately send him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for additional assessment.
On August 18, the National Institutes of Health formally verified that the individual had been infected with monkeypox, and he is now undergoing home quarantine with medical oversight to avoid additional transmission.
Monkeypox is an uncommon virus that was first identified in monkeys and subsequently emerged in West Africa following the 1970s. In the past, the majority of infections were reported within Africa, although instances have also been recorded in Europe and the United States.
Specialists explained that monkeypox transmits through direct interaction and is less infectious than COVID-19. It can spread through damaged skin, airborne particles, or exposure to the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Common signs generally emerge between 7 and 14 days after exposure, featuring symptoms such as fever, head discomfort, joint soreness, tiredness, enlarged glands, and skin eruptions that often begin on the facial area before spreading throughout the body.
The virus may also spread via unguarded sexual activity, although not every individual acquires it in this manner. Officials recommend practicing physical separation and good sanitation to reduce the chances of getting infected.
by admin | Aug 13, 2025 | celebrity and music, illness, infectious diseases, news, popular culture
Justin Timberlake
has recently joined the ranks of top stars affected by Lyme disease, with many believing they have identified the vacation spot where celebrities are contracting the illness.
Lyme disease is an illness transmitted through tick bites, leading to symptoms such as muscle discomfort, mental confusion, inflamed joints, and tiredness.
It may continue for several weeks, although certain individuals might experience issues over many years.
Deer ticks are typically encountered in high grass regions and forested locations.
The singer, 44,
revealed to his followers about his ‘severe’ health struggle through an Instagram update at the start of the month
signaling the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
He is not the first celebrity to face the illness.
Star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Yolanda Hadid
and her daughter, model
Bella Hadid
were also previously diagnosed.
Singer
Justin Bieber
, actor
Ben Stiller
and comic
Amy Schumer
include other stars who have likewise encountered the issue.
Individuals have observed an upward trend in the number of celebrities affected by the illness, and they’ve discovered a location that many appear to share.
A user from Reddit, as reported
Tyla
, described their belief that all the celebrities have visited the Hamptons.
The Hamptons consist of several coastal communities and serve as a favored getaway for affluent New Yorkers and celebrities.
Situated on the South Fork of eastern Long Island, this region offers numerous beaches where celebrities can escape, along with high-end dining establishments and lounges.
A user on Reddit mentioned: “It’s from the Hamptons. All celebrities who have it have been there.”
I’m fairly certain it’s near the place where he received his DUI.”
“I’m quite confident it’s not far from where he was caught with alcohol.”
“It’s likely close to the location where he had his drunk driving incident.”
“I believe it’s situated near the spot where he got into trouble for drinking and driving.”
“Most probably, it’s around where he faced charges for a DWI.
Another person commented: “They all spent their holidays in the Hamptons, an area known for having many ticks that carry Lyme disease.”
Another confirmed: “This. I have been repeating this to people again and again.”
They often spend much time in the Hamptons, particularly JT, an area recognized for its Lyme disease-carrying ticks.
If you examine areas in the U.S. where Lyme disease is prevalent, the Hamptons appears as if colored in a coloring book.
The idea of the Hamptons might not be entirely far-fetched, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a map illustrating how the illness has progressed across the United States in recent years.
The CDC stated, ‘Since 1995, the number of Lyme disease cases in the United States has increased considerably.’
An image published by health authorities illustrates how the virus was concentrated around the South Fork region, home to the Hamptons, as far back as 1995.
An example from 2010 depicts its spread into New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Massachusetts, along with Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Vermont.
Although the latest map, from 2023, indicates that Lyme disease has become even more prevalent in the New York region.
The Regional Tick-Borne Disease Resource Center, located in Hampton Bays, came into existence in 2014.
It provides advice from experts specializing in Lyme disease and includes various services such as tick extraction and medical care.
They also offer complimentary tick removal kits along with Tick-Borne Disease Reference Handbooks, as stated on the website.
The hotline has gotten over 7,000 calls since it was established.
Read more
by admin | Apr 15, 2025 | children, health, health advice, infectious diseases, medicine and healthcare
Child
health experts have warned parents against using harmful practices to treat ear infections in children, cautioning that these actions could worsen the condition, leading to permanent hearing loss or other severe complications.
Otitis media, frequently observed in youngsters, may lead to discomfort, drainage, and diminished auditory function.
If not properly treated or controlled, these infections may result in severe complications including meningitis, sepsis, and irreversible hearing damage.
Speaking exclusively with
PUNCH Healthwise
Pediatricians emphasized that methods like applying traditional remedies, cotton swabs, or even fingertips to address ear infections can worsen the condition and lead to considerable harm.
These unverified treatments frequently comprising herbs, spices, and various ingredients can be ineffectual and might drive the infection further into the ear, potentially leading to a ruptured eardrum and exacerbating the spread of the infection.
Even with these dangers, numerous parents still depend on such methods, potentially leading to severe consequences like irreversible hearing damage, meningitis, or worse, fatalities.
The specialists emphasized the crucial need for prompt medical care to avoid complications and foster recovery.
A professor of paediatrics from the University of Ilorin, Professor Omotoyo Adesiyun, stated that ear infections happen when bacteria or viruses get into the ear via the ear canal or the Eustachian tube, which links the middle ear to the throat.
She pointed out that children are more prone to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and positioned more horizontally, making it simpler for germs like bacteria and viruses to reach the ears.
Moreover, kids who go to daycare centers or schools have a higher chance of getting ear infections due to greater contact with pathogens.
Adesiyun highlighted that ear infections can lead to significant discomfort, especially when the eardrum ruptures.
She recommended that parents avoid trying to treat ear infections at home because this approach might contribute to antibiotic resistance and cause additional health issues.
Prompt medical care is essential for ear infections to avoid complications,” warned Adesiyun. “Parents should refrain from attempting to treat them using antibiotics or other drugs at home.
She likewise cautioned against putting items such as cotton swabs or fingers inside the ear, since doing so might drive the infection deeper into the ear, leading to greater harm.
Adesiyun suggested that parents should consult a doctor for their children if they exhibit signs like earache, high temperature, or fluid leakage.
Prompt intervention can aid in avoiding complications and promote recovery, she highlighted.
“Healthcare professionals should handle ear discharges. This is particularly crucial when dealing with children because their ear structures are more fragile. If a child has an ear discharge, they should be brought to a hospital for antibiotic treatment. For more serious cases, an otolaryngologist might be required,” Adesiyun noted.
The Paediatric Surgeon and President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Professor Aminu Mohammad, emphasized the significance of timely medical consultation.
He mentioned that ear infections may stem from bacterial, viral, or fungal sources, along with injuries to the ear.
As he stated, if not treated, these infections could result in issues like meningitis, sepsis, and irreversible hearing damage.
“The consequences of ignoring ear discharge are serious. Ongoing infections may lead to irreversible hearing damage, excruciating pain, and issues with equilibrium if they impact the inner ear. In the most severe scenarios, should the infection spread to the brain, it could result in sepsis and potentially be fatal,” cautioned Mohammad.
He emphasized again that parents should avoid trying to treat ear infections themselves at home and must go for prompt professional care instead.
Mohammad likewise highlighted the significance of adhering to proper hygiene routines, like frequent hand washing, to aid in preventing infections.
He suggested that parents should consult a healthcare provider for their kids if they exhibit signs of ear infections.
“Prompt treatment is essential to avoid additional complications and promote healing,” emphasized the pediatric surgeon.
Concerning treatment methods, Mohammad clarified that antibiotics are generally prescribed for bacterial infections, whereas antifungal drugs might be required for cases involving fungi.
He mentioned that for issues such as swimmer’s ear, which is medically referred to as otitis externa, using ear drops can alleviate symptoms and eliminate the infection. In more serious instances, however, surgical intervention might be necessary to mend the eardrum or address problems including cholesteatoma and mastoiditis.
Mohammad additionally pointed out that specialized attention from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor might be required for more complicated situations.
In the meantime, Dr. Leo Odudu, who serves as both a Consultant Paediatrician and the Medical Director at Emel Hospital, cautioned that failing to treat ear infections might result in severe complications.
He mentioned that the most frequent reason for ear discharge is an infection, typically occurring after a respiratory tract infection.
Odudu pointed out that poor nutrition and compromised immune systems, like those found in children with sickle cell disease or HIV, can elevate the chances of developing ear infections.
“Poor hygiene and viral infections like measles can also make children more vulnerable to ear problems,” Odudu said. He cautioned against using unverified home remedies, such as native concoctions or inserting cotton into the ear, which can lead to serious complications.
“When foreign items such as cotton are introduced into the ear, they may obstruct the ear canal and drive the infection further inward, resulting in more serious outcomes,” he clarified.
Odudu stressed the importance of seeking professional medical care for ear infections, adding, “Ear infections should always be treated by trained healthcare professionals. Whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, a healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the issue and prescribe the right treatment.”
He finished his talk by encouraging parents to promptly consult a doctor when their children show symptoms such as earache or fluid drainage. He stressed that early treatment helps avoid serious issues including potential hearing impairment or persistent infections that could necessitate surgical procedures.
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by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | infectious diseases, news, public health, viral diseases, viruses
-
EXPLORE FURTHER: Britain needs immediate action to combat fatal Disease X
Top health authorities have cautioned
bird flu
might ignite the next pandemic, after a recent ‘development in the tale’.
Richard Peobody, who leads the work on epidemic and emerging infections at The UK Health Security Agency, warned that the strain of the virus under scrutiny, H5N1, could potentially trigger a worldwide crisis akin to COVID-19.
He stated in Manchester today that ‘H5N1 has the capability to turn into a pandemic, potentially a future one.’
His remarks follow the detection of the virus in a sheep in Northern England yesterday.
the first known case
unique of its kind globally.
Regarding that transition across species, Mr Peabody mentioned it was a key aspect of how birds evolve.
flu
has undergone changes since it initially appeared in the 1990s.
As he mentioned, ‘Its characteristics have evolved over the last three or four years,’
We’re observing this phenomenon in the United States among dairy cows and various other animal species. Similarly, we’re noticing it here in the UK as well. Therefore, we are collaborating closely with our peers specializing in animal health to ensure that public health remains safeguarded.
When asked about whether UKHSA’s evaluation of avian influenza had shifted due to the latest incident, Mr. Peabody stated it introduced “a new turn in the narrative,” yet he also noted with relief that additional cases among sheep have not been detected.
He stated: “As usual, it enters this continuous, ongoing risk evaluation,” he explained. “Currently, that has not really altered.”
His remarks follow the UK Health Security Agency’s serious warning regarding 24 lethal viruses that have the potential to cause the next ‘Disease X,’ a term frequently used for the possible agent behind the future pandemic.
The body has narrowed the list down to four pathogens deemed to pose a significant pandemic threat, with bird flu being one of them.
The virus, exhibiting a worrying capability to leap across species, has already been identified in a single UK farmer who was reported to have come into contact with contaminated poultry.
In the meantime, the disease took its initial human life in the United States way back in January, resulting in the death of a 65-year-old individual with pre-existing medical issues after being exposed to their own group of wild birds.
A measles-like virus that could potentially be ‘significantly more hazardous than Covid’ has been added to the list, as per expert opinions.
A prominent scientist cautioned that the UKHSA list encompasses viruses which might prove ‘infeasible to contain with even the most rigorous measures.’
lockdown
’.
This prompted the government to unveil a new reference manual that will undergo constant updates, ensuring that scientists and researchers remain current regarding emerging risks.
One concerning pathogen belongs to the Picornaviridae family, known for causing viruses that lead to illnesses similar to polio.
For instance, consider the illness known as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare ailment that causes muscle weakness and paralysis.
In January, a 15-year-old lad from Rochdale ended up paralyzed following an AFM infection.
BBC
reported.
Health authorities have likewise cautioned that viruses from the Paramyxoviridae family could potentially lead to pandemics.
These encompass illnesses such as measles, mumps, and certain respiratory tract infections, along with the Nipah virus — known for transmitting from bats or pigs to humans — leading to encephalitis and fatalities.
Significant measles outbreaks have already been documented globally due to falling immunization rates.
In last year, 2,911 instances of measles were confirmed in England, marking the highest annual tally recorded since 2012.
The severe disease, which predominantly impacts children, may lead to complications such as pneumonia, inflamed eyes and potential blindness along with swelling in the brain causing seizures, hearing impairment, and harm to the brain.
Other viruses that authorities are monitoring closely include coronaviruses like Covid-19 and
MERS, which has thus far claimed over 900 lives, predominantly in the Middle Eastern region.
Mark Woolhouse, who is a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh, stated
The Mirror
Scientists are primarily worried about a virus similar to measles.
‘A virus similar to measles could present a much greater danger than COVID-19,’ he stated.
‘A such virus would possess a significantly higher reproduction rate compared to the initial strains of COVID, rendering it uncontrollable through even the most stringent lockdown measures.’
The R number indicates the average number of individuals that an infected person will transmit the virus to.
‘This is precisely the type of pandemic that global public health organizations worry about,’ he mentioned additionally.
Measles has demonstrated an ability to erase our immune memories, which suggests that a significant epidemic might lead to an increase in various other infections across the country.
According to a study conducted at Harvard Medical School in 2019, the measles virus can eliminate up to 75 percent of the antibodies that defend against various viruses or bacteria which a child had been previously protected from.
Dr Isabel Oliver, the Chief Scientific Officer for UKHSA, stated that the updated virus list serves as a means to showcase how scientific investigations can be directed towards enhancing the UK’s readiness against potential health risks.
‘We are employing this tool during our discussions with the scientific community to assist in directing investments towards areas that will yield the most significant outcomes.’
‘We trust this initiative will accelerate the development of vaccines and diagnostic tools precisely where they are critically required, ensuring we are thoroughly equipped for combating potential lethal pathogens.’
In September 2019, the now-disbanded Public Health England warned that growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics might contribute to what is known as Disease X.
Read more
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | europe, infectious diseases, medicine and healthcare, news, public health
The measles outbreak in Romania persisted for almost three years until Dr. Claudia Cojocaru contracted the virus from a patient she treated in the infectious disease ward of a Bucharest hospital back in 2019.
The illness—one of the most highly infectious globally—struck her severely, even resulting in her admission to the very hospital where she was employed.
It was not until after Cojocaru made a recovery and gave birth to her second daughter nearly a year later that she came to understand how her illness would alter the course of her career. She transformed into an outspoken advocate for vaccinations in a nation plagued by widespread health misinformation, antiscience political tendencies, and a beleaguered healthcare sector.
“I got to know measles very intimately,” Cojocaru, a neonatologist who is also training in family medicine, told SANGGRALOKAHealth. “[Now] I’m the one [parents] call when they have mixed messages”.
Romania reports the lowest measles vaccination rate within the European Union, where only 62 percent of individuals were fully vaccinated as of 2023.
That’s well beneath the 95 percent threshold required to stop measles outbreaks among infants and individuals with compromised immune systems who can’t receive vaccinations.
The outcomes include further lethal outbreaks. Romania’s previous measles epidemic concluded in 2020, however, the government announced yet another one.
December 2023
.
Approximately 31,000 individuals were affected, resulting in 22 fatalities last year, with 44 percent of those cases being unvaccinated children under five years old. No particular cure exists for this condition.
However, even though Romania’s outbreak is the biggest one in Europe, it isn’t the sole nation dealing with measles.
In the last year, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and France have individually documented numerous cases, with infections continuing to rise.
expected to rise
in the coming months.
This suggests that Romania’s recent measles outbreak might serve as an early warning of similar epidemics that could occur in other parts of Europe.
“The challenge spans across the entire region,” Dr Dragan Jankovic, who heads up efforts towards measles elimination at the WHO’s European office, told SANGGRALOKAHealth.
2024 turned out to be the absolute worst year for measles in Europe.
since the 1990s
, he added. “This is precisely why nations must step up once more and begin vaccinating individuals who have yet to receive their shots.”
Why vaccination rates plummeted
By 2013, Romania’s measles vaccination rates were comparable to or exceeded those of numerous other European Union nations.
However, vaccinations declined during the 2010s because of an “uptick” in vaccine reluctance, postponements in immunisation schedules, kids dropping out of follow-up visits as their families relocated, insufficient vaccine supplies, and a significant exodus of medical professionals from the nation.
according to a study
headed by the country’s main public health institution.
“It’s akin to a perfectly mixed cocktail being prepared before an outbreak,” said Dr. Stefan Dascalu, an immunologist at Oxford University from Romania, who wasn’t part of the study, to SANGGRALOKA Health.
If you neglect one of these issues, it will spread.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided ample opportunity for such sentiments to flourish. Similar to what occurred in numerous other nations, false information about vaccines along with conspiracy theories resulted in widespread doubt towards public health measures, sparking an upsurge in anti-scientific discourse that aided in
raise three conservative political parties
to the Romanian parliament, where they currently have control over approximately
third of seats
.
“God has not been vaccinated,” Diana Sosoacă, the leader of the SOS Romania party, stated during a speech last year.
barred from running
In the latest presidential election, following a court ruling that found some of her remarks “at odds with democratic principles.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, public trust in standard childhood vaccinations has
plummeted
in Romania.
For Cojocaru and other vaccination supporters in Romania, combating online conspiracy theories and anti-scientific political stances is just part of the challenge. They must also confront healthcare professionals who oppose vaccines—sometimes even facing resistance from within the medical community itself.
Romania’s healthcare system lacks adequate resources; the nation allocates insufficient funds for its medical needs.
5.8 per cent
In terms of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it allocates approximately half of what the European Union spends on healthcare. The country continues to face challenges stemming from past corruption during the Communist period.
“You’ll still encounter this widespread belief that if I visit a doctor, I must offer a little bribe… as otherwise, they might not attend to my needs,” Dascalu explained.
Many people think doctors are “corrupt or earning substantial profits or influenced by pharmaceutical companies,” which is quite a complicated issue to tackle, he mentioned.
Moreover, the measles vaccine is provided at no cost and advised for young children, though it isn’t compulsory. Additionally, although medical students study the historical background of vaccines, they do not
always trained
On how to provide them to patients.
In the meantime, certain healthcare providers offer patients inaccurate details regarding vaccinations and their possible adverse reactions. Additionally, these professionals frequently fail to inform individuals about which vaccine corresponds to which illness or when they ought to come back for subsequent visits, as reported.
a 2019 study
those following vaccination discussions at clinics throughout Romania.
Officials from Romania’s National Institute of Public Health did not reply to SANGGRALOKAHealth’s queries for information.
When patients express worries or even conspiracy theories regarding vaccines, Cojocaru mentioned that she aims to remain composed and unbiased, clarifying that vaccinations such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are among the most thoroughly researched and safest medications available.
Cojocaru also informs her patients that she has vaccinated her two children, aged 5 and 7, who are both healthy.
I avoid pushing or teasing them,” she stated. “I inform them that there’s no rush for making decisions; my channel remains open. Should they have questions or worries, they can reach out to me anytime.
Implications for Europe
Regardless of how many households Cojocaru convinces to get vaccinated, it won’t suffice if there remain clusters of unimmunized individuals since the illness spreads so easily.
In Romania’s previous measles outbreak, individuals lacking health insurance, people experiencing poverty, single-parent households, and the Roma ethnic group were notably more susceptible, as indicated by the national public health institute’s research.
However, “no individual nation can be immune to the introduction of the virus,” Jankovic stated. “Once this virus enters a country and comes into contact with susceptible individuals, it will lead to cases, and regrettably possibly even outbreaks.”
Only four European Union nations — Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia — boast measles immunization rates at 95 percent or above.
In numerous nations, the number of susceptible individuals seems to be increasing. Since the pandemic began, routine childhood vaccination rates have declined globally, leading international health organizations to initiate a promotional drive known as the
“big catch-up”
in 2023.
Jankovic stated that typically, nations that performed well throughout the pandemic—such as those boasting robust healthcare systems, effective public health communication, and consistent approaches to managing the crisis—seem to be progressing smoothly with regular childhood vaccinations.
However, some nations with inadequately coordinated efforts, contradictory advice, and overburdened medical facilities now appear to be in a worse situation, he mentioned.
“If you experience confusion… this will inherently impact not just that particular vaccine, but also other vaccines already within the system,” Jankovic stated.
Experts warned that without a sustained effort to enhance trust in public health initiatives and increase vaccination rates for measles and other illnesses, similar issues facing Romania might emerge across other parts of Europe.
“We are now facing the danger of losing all these investments,” Jankovic stated. “Should those skeptical attitudes towards vaccinations turn into a worldwide trend, we will be in serious trouble.”
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | animals, infectious diseases, news, poultry, public health and safety
London, March 24 (PA Media/dpa/GNA) — The Chief Veterinary Officer of the United Kingdom announced that avian influenza has been detected in sheep at a British farm previously affected by the virus among poultry.
A solitary sheep exhibited a recurring positive result during repeated milk tests after standard monitoring of animals at a location in Yorkshire, northeast England. This area had previously reported cases of avian influenza H5N1 among confined birds.
During the surveillance of animals on affected farms following the outbreak of the illness among dairy cattle in the United States, this discovery was made.
The sick sheep was euthanized out of compassion, and subsequent tests did not reveal any additional infections among the rest of the herd, according to authorities.
This marks the initial instance of the virus being detected in a sheep; however, authorities stated that this isn’t the first occurrence of avian influenza appearing in non-avian livestock elsewhere. They also noted that this doesn’t pose an elevated threat to the United Kingdom’s herd animals.
However, they urged all farmers and animal owners to remain watchful and implement strong biosecurity practices to safeguard their livestock and stop any potential spread should an outbreak occur.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, stated: “We have verified the presence of avian-origin influenza (H5N1) in one sheep at a farm located in Yorkshire.”
Stringent biosafety protocols have been put in place to halt the continued dissemination of the illness.
Although the threat to farm animals is minimal, I strongly advise all pet and livestock caretakers to maintain impeccable hygiene standards and to promptly inform the Animal Plant Health Agency about any indications of illness.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) emphasized that the situation was limited to a single small farm and posed no threat to food safety.
The NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker, stated: “There isn’t a danger to consumer food safety, and it’s crucial to emphasize this point.”
What this demonstrates, however, is the significance of biosecurity and grasping the true meaning of biosecurity.
In the realm of sheep farming, we typically associate the phrase with merely acquiring livestock. However, in this case, sheep and poultry shared the same farmland, leading to the spread of avian influenza.
He mentioned that the blending of stocks should be prevented when certain areas of England were implementing compulsory accommodation for birds because of avian influenza outbreaks.
Professor Ian Brown, who leads a team at the Pirbright Institute—a premier facility focused on researching animal diseases—commented that discovering avian influenza in a sheep that had been near infected birds wasn’t surprising.
It’s premature to assess if the virus can propagate further among sheep, as this case involved a single small farm with only a few birds and sheep.
However, he noted: “This underscores the significance of isolating different species and upholding proper agricultural sanitation.”
GNA
PDC
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