Health

WHO says Ebola outbreak risk now at highest level with 82 confirmed cases

The outbreak, which experts suspect was circulating under the radar for some time, was caused by the less common Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments

Why your favourite namkeens, biscuits, and sodas could soon feature prominent warning labels

India may soon introduce strong front-of-package warning labels on processed foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. The Supreme Court has called the measure essential to safeguard citizens’ right to health. Here is why this is a big deal

Why Ebola vaccines won’t stop the latest outbreak: The Bundibugyo problem explained

The Ebola outbreak in Central Africa has left hundreds dead. Though there are vaccines for the virus, the problem is that this latest flare-up is being driven by the little-seen Bundibugyo strain. Experts say there are two potential vaccine candidates, but neither of them has undergone clinical trials

Why are diphtheria, measles and whooping cough making a dangerous comeback in Australia?

Australia is facing its biggest diphtheria outbreak on record, while measles, whooping cough and syphilis cases are also rising sharply. Falling vaccination rates, overcrowded housing, weakened public health systems, and post-pandemic immunity gaps are helping once-controlled infectious diseases return across the country

Sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonorrhoea surge in Europe. Here’s why

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis and gonorrhoea, have reached record high levels across Europe, according to the ECDC data. Gonorrhoea hit 106,331 cases, with a 303 per cent increase since 2015, while syphilis reported more than double in the same period to 45,557. Experts point to wide gaps in testing and prevention

600 suspected cases & counting: Why is Ebola spreading so fast? Is India prepared?

Bundibugyo, a rare type of the Ebola virus, has caused 600 suspected cases and more than 130 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in neighbouring Uganda, according to WHO. After the UN health agency sounded its second-highest alarm about the disease this week, India has stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures across the country

Ebola outbreak: Delhi Airport issues advisory for passengers coming from African countries

The advisory has urged passengers who suffer from symptoms like fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat, or unusual bleeding to contact the airport's health desk immediately

A thin strip of plastic: Inside the ill-equipped epicentre of Congo’s new Ebola outbreak

A fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC has exposed severe gaps in emergency response, with hospitals lacking basic protection as the rare Bundibugyo strain spreads into neighbouring Uganda

Ebola outbreak not a pandemic emergency, but a high-risk regional health concern: WHO

WHO says the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda is a high regional health risk but not a pandemic emergency, as cases rise and fears grow over the rare Bundibugyo virus strain.

How 'office air' might be silently affecting your skin, hair and overall health

Long hours spent inside offices may be doing more than causing fatigue. Experts warn that dry, poorly ventilated indoor air can silently damage your skin and hair, trigger dehydration and worsen respiratory issues. Here’s what 'office air' really means, the hidden health effects linked to it, and how you can protect yourself at work

Heatwave vs heatstroke: What's the difference?

India is currently facing extreme heatwaves across various parts due to which several cases of heatstroke are headlining in the news. But what's really the difference between the two? Let's find out

Why are infectious disease outbreaks such as hantavirus and Ebola becoming more frequent?

First, a hantavirus infection broke out aboard a cruise ship, leaving three dead and around a dozen infected. Then, the norovirus began spreading on a British vessel in France. Now, a spike in Ebola cases in central Africa has killed hundreds of people. But why are these infectious disease outbreaks increasing?

From brain to gut, what 45 degrees Celsius temperature does to your body

Delhi and parts of north India are scorching in extreme heat. The weatherman announced that the temperatures would rise beyond 45 degrees Celsius. With the mercury rising, the entire body is forced to work much harder than normal, which can affect one’s overall health

WHO declares Ebola emergency: Why Ebola is deadly, how it attacks you

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global health emergency. As rare Bundibugyo strain drives high fatality risk, experts warn of rapid spread and weak health systems