China is experiencing a significant increase in HMPV cases, particularly among children under 14 years old. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV):A respiratory virus causing mild cold-like symptoms, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Discovered in 2001, it belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, alongside respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Transmission:Spreads through person-to-person contact and via surfaces. Treatment:Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine for HMPV.Read More

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have developed an affordable device to diagnose and manage tinnitus.  Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source, commonly described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears. It is often caused by underlying conditions such as age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, or circulatory system issues. Symptoms can include sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, irritability, and significant impacts on mental health and social life. Treatment options may include hearing aids, sound-masking devices, medications, and strategies to cope with the noise.Read More

Current Context :  Rwanda has officially declared the end of its first Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak as of December 20, 2024, followed a 42-day monitoring period with no new cases reported. The outbreak, was started on September 27, 2024, with 66 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities, mainly among health workers. About Marburg Virus Disease Cause: Caused by the Marburg virus, transmitted from fruit bats to humans. Transmission: Through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or materials. Fatality Rate: High, averaging around 50%. Symptoms: Includes fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.Read More

Current Context : According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Yemen is the most affected country globally by cholera. About Cholera Cause:Acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae Transmission:Consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms:Severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration; mild or asymptomatic in most cases. Treatment:Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for mild cases; IV fluids and antibiotics for severe cases. Prevention:Access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV). Cholera in Yemen Most Affected Country:Yemen faces the largest outbreak globally, with over 2.5 million suspected cases since 2016. Factors:Conflict, poor healthcare, lack of clean water, and food insecurity.Read More

Current Context :A mysterious illness called “Dinga Dinga” has emerged in Uganda, primarily affecting women and girls. About Dinga Disease:  It is locally called 'Dinga Dinga', meaning 'shaking like dancing'. It predominantly impacts women and girls, is characterized by fever and excessive body shaking. Symptoms: Uncontrollable body shaking resembling dancing. High fever and extreme weakness. Paralysis-like immobility in severe cases. Cause: The exact cause remains unidentified despite investigations. Treatment: Currently managed with antibiotics, though its effectiveness is unclear.Read More

Current Context : India’s first indigenous antibiotic launched by the Ministry of Science & Technology to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). About Nafithromycin Created with support from BIRAC under its Biotechnology Industry Partnership Program (BIPP). Market Name: Commercially introduced as "Miqnaf" by Wolkardt Pharma. Purpose: Targets Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP)caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Specifically benefits vulnerable populations (e.g., children and elderly). Advantages: Ten times more effective than existing treatments. Provides faster, safer, and more tolerable results for patients. About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to antimicrobial drugs (e.g., antibiotics,....Read More

Current Context : Recently, Health officials in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, are taking precautions to prevent Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as Monkey Fever.  About the Disease: KFD is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), part of the Flavivirus It was first identified in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka in 1957. The virus is primarily transmitted by ticks(notably Haemaphysalis spinigera). Small animals like rodents and monkeys act as carriers. Transmission: Humans get infected through tick bites or contact with infected monkeys. There is no person-to-person transmission. Peak infection occurs between January and April, with cases declining by May or June. Symptoms: Sudden fever,....Read More

Current Context : Recently, Doctors have reported cases of "walking pneumonia," a mild yet persistent lung infection that can mimic symptoms of a common cold. About Walking Pneumonia: Walking pneumonia is a type of atypical, mild pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniaebacteria, though other bacteria or viruses can also trigger it. It is less severe than typical bacterial pneumonia but may persist for longer periods​ Symptoms: Presents with cold-like symptoms, including persistent cough, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue, runny nose, and chest pain from coughing. Transmission : Spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It is....Read More

Current Context : Recently, ZyVac TCV, a typhoid vaccine developed by Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., has received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO), making it eligible for United Nations procurement programs. About ZyVac TCV Purpose: ZyVac TCV is a Typhoid Vi conjugate vaccine designed to provide immunity against Salmonella typhi, the bacterium responsible for typhoid fever. How It Works: As a conjugate vaccine, it links bacterial antigens to polysaccharides (from the bacterial coat) to effectively trigger the body’s immune response. Type: ZyVac TCV is a subunit vaccine, meaning it contains only specific bacterial components to stimulate immunity, minimizing side effects compared....Read More

Current Context : CDC reported an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter hamburger across 10 states​in U.S. About E. coli: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a rod-shaped bacterium in the Enterobacteriaceae family, commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains are harmless, but some, like Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), cause severe illness. Transmission: Spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected individuals or animals. Symptoms and Treatment: Common symptoms include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Most infections are self-limiting but require proper hydration​Read More