Experts predict perfect conditions for disease-carrying insects to thrive: 'Major driver'
Serious health challenges face communities, as our overheating planet creates perfect conditions for disease-carrying insects to thrive, according to market research of the vector control market by Prophecy Market Insights (and reported by OpenPR).
This comes as health agencies worldwide have reported significant increases in mosquito, tick, and other vector-borne illnesses that once rarely appeared in many regions.
Vector control, or the strategies used to manage disease-carrying insects and animals that transmit dangerous pathogens, protects millions of people worldwide from potentially deadly illnesses that thrive in warming climates. Vector-borne diseases are surging globally, with the World Health Organization reporting these illnesses now account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing over 700,000 deaths annually.
This health crisis has sparked massive growth in the vector control industry, which market researchers project will reach $41 billion by 2035.
The changing climate directly contributes to this trend by expanding the geographic range of disease-carrying insects. Warmer temperatures allow mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors to survive in previously inhospitable areas and extend their active season.
"The rising incidence of vector-borne diseases, particularly in developing countries, is a major driver of the vector control market," noted the report from Prophecy Market Insights.
These illnesses pose serious risks to community health, especially in areas with limited healthcare resources. Many regions now face threats from diseases they've never encountered before, leaving populations without natural immunity or established treatment protocols.
Vector-borne diseases disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems. The health impacts range from mild fevers to life-threatening conditions affecting the brain, heart, and other vital organs.
Urban environments face particular challenges as crowded living conditions and poor infrastructure create ideal breeding grounds for vectors. The CDC has documented worrying examples such as locally-acquired malaria cases in Florida for the first time in 20 years and the continued spread of West Nile virus across the United States.
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Per the article in OpenPR, "The future of the vector control market lies in the integration of technology, sustainability, and community engagement." While pesticide use may increase as communities battle these threats, many experts emphasize more sustainable approaches that balance immediate protection with long-term environmental health.
Emerging biological controls and genetically modified techniques offer promising alternatives that target disease vectors without harming beneficial insects or contaminating water supplies.
People can also make a difference through simple actions in their own homes and neighborhoods. Regularly emptying standing water from containers, installing window screens, and using EPA-approved repellents effectively reduce exposure to disease-carrying vectors.
Community-led initiatives to monitor local mosquito populations and advocate for climate-resilient infrastructure have shown success in reducing disease transmission rates in high-risk areas.
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12 hours ago
What to know about COVID variant NB.1.8.1 causing 'razor blade throat'
A newer COVID-19 variant may be causing a severe sore throat in some people who contract the infection. The variant, known as NB.1.8.1, has been nicknamed by some as "razor blade throat" due to the painful symptom. Data from the open global genome sequencing database GISAID shows the new variant has been detected in several states, including New York, Illinois, Texas and California. Public health experts told ABC News there is no cause for serious concern yet because the virus does not appear to be more severe than previous variants and there are steps that can be taken to protect yourself. What is NB 1.8.1? NB.1.8.1 derives from the recombinant variant XVD.1.5.1, which is a descendant of the omicron variant. The first sample of NB.1.8.1 was collected on Jan. 22, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It was first detected in China and other parts of Asia before spreading to Europe. It was designated as a "variant under monitoring" by the WHO, meaning it may require prioritized attention and monitoring but is not as serious as a "variant of interest" or a "variant of concern." As of the week ending June 7, NB.1.8.1 is the second most dominant variant in the U.S., accounting for an estimated 37% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus appears to be more transmissible because there appear to be changes to the spike protein, which is what the virus uses to attach to and infect cells, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine and infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. It also seems to attach more easily to ACE2 receptors, which are proteins found on the surface of cells and how the virus that causes COVID enters cells, he told ABC News. NB.1.8.1 doesn't yet appear to be causing increases in cases or in hospitalizations with rates remaining "stable" so far, according to Chin-Hong. The variant has also been called "Nimbus," which appears to have been coined on X by T. Ryan Gregory, a Canadian professor of evolutionary biology. "Nimbus is a catchy, quick name, and it also includes an 'N' and a 'B' from the lineage, which is NB.1.8.1. So it's easier for people to be able to say these monikers for COVID, rather than remember the actual lineage," said Dr. Alok Potel, a pediatrician at Stanford Children's Health and an ABC News contributor. "But I think it's important also because it keeps people paying attention to new COVID variants that can be different in terms of infectivity and in terms of spread," he added. What are the symptoms? Experts said they are not sure if the painful sore throat is just a symptom that people are talking about or a distinctive symptom of this variant. It's also unclear if the "razor blade throat" is more common in those who are more up to date on vaccination compared to those who are not up to date. "I think it's certainly amongst the spectrum of symptoms that you can get, and we know that sore throat is reported by about 70% of patients now with COVID, so it's not unusual, and like with everything in medicine, there's always a spectrum," Chin-Hong said. There is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1. causes more severe disease or is more likely to cause hospitalization, according to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, "But of course, there are people in high-risk groups that are still at risk of being hospitalized should they become infected," he told ABC News. There are no other symptoms outlined that are specific to NB.1.8.1 by the CDC. Symptoms listed by the health agency still include sore throat, cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, congestion, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle aches, body aches, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. How to protect yourself The experts recommend that high-risk Americans receive a vaccine twice a year as recommended by the CDC. The CDC also currently recommends most adults aged 18 and older receive an updated 2024-2025 vaccine and that parents of children between ages 6 months to 17 years discuss the benefits of vaccination with a health care provider. COVID-19 also tends to spike in the late summer and early fall, so people should consider opening windows to increase ventilation, wearing a mask in certain situations and avoiding crowded areas, Schaffner said. "Time to stream a movie, as I like to say, rather than going to the movies," he added. Patel said it's important to practice good hygiene such as proper hand-washing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. He also recommended that people test if they are symptomatic and said over-the-counter rapid at-home tests work. "Getting infected with COVID and other infectious diseases is not necessarily life or death, but it can still be very debilitating." Patel said. "It can cause people to miss work, to spread the virus, to get people who are higher risk sick and there's still an untold amount of people who have long COVID." He added, "So, we don't want to look at COVID as just another common cold, because there's still so much we're learning about it, and there's still so many possibilities with this virus continuing to mutate, if we let it."


Time Business News
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- Time Business News
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Pediatric cases continue to climb, while adult diagnoses are also increasing as awareness and diagnostic capabilities improve. Urbanization and lifestyle factors are further contributing to the surge in cases across both developed and developing economies. Recent years have seen a paradigm shift in treatment approaches, thanks to the approval and adoption of innovative biologics such as Dupixent (dupilumab) by Sanofi and Regeneron and Abrocitinib , a selective JAK1 inhibitor by Pfizer. These advanced therapies have proven especially effective for patients with moderate to severe eczema who do not respond well to conventional treatments like corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Barriers to Access Despite the progress, the eczema therapeutics landscape faces notable challenges. Chief among them is the high cost of biologic therapies, which can limit access, particularly in low- and middle-income regions. Additionally, traditional treatments, though widely used, often carry risks such as skin thinning and hormonal imbalances, which can deter long-term adherence and physician recommendations. Opportunities in Innovation and Emerging Regions The future of eczema care lies in personalized and targeted treatments. Innovations in genomics, microbiome research, and drug delivery are paving the way for more precise therapies with fewer side effects. Emerging economies present significant untapped potential, with expanding healthcare infrastructure, government support, and rising consumer awareness around dermatological conditions. Sector Segmentation The eczema therapeutics industry is segmented based on multiple parameters: By Drug Class: Including corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors, and biologics. Including corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors, and biologics. By Treatment Type: Prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) products, alternative therapies, and home-based remedies. Prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) products, alternative therapies, and home-based remedies. By Eczema Type: Atopic, contact, seborrheic, dyshidrotic, and nummular eczema. Atopic, contact, seborrheic, dyshidrotic, and nummular eczema. By Route of Administration: Topical applications dominate, followed by oral and injectable options. Topical applications dominate, followed by oral and injectable options. By Distribution Channel: Hospital pharmacies, retail outlets, and increasingly, online platforms. Hospital pharmacies, retail outlets, and increasingly, online platforms. By Patient Demographic: Infants, children, and adults form the primary treatment groups. Regional Outlook North America remains the global leader, benefiting from advanced healthcare systems, strong R&D activity, and favorable insurance reimbursement models. Europe also demonstrates strong momentum, especially in nations such as Germany, France, and the UK. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing geography, driven by urbanization, increased healthcare spending, and rising patient volumes in countries like India and China. Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, while currently smaller in scale, are poised for steady progress as investments in healthcare infrastructure and dermatological services increase. Competitive Landscape The eczema therapeutics field is highly dynamic, with a blend of pharmaceutical giants and emerging biotech innovators. Key players include: Sanofi S.A. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Pfizer Inc. AbbVie Inc. Novartis AG LEO Pharma A/S GlaxoSmithKline plc AstraZeneca plc Galderma SA Incyte Corporation These companies are actively developing new therapies aimed at improving efficacy, reducing side effects, and expanding access across age groups and severity levels. 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Health Line
20 hours ago
- Health Line
New COVID Variant Nimbus May Cause Painful ‘Razor Blade Throat' Symptom
The Nimbus variant of COVID-19 is on the rise, as many have reported a painful symptom they're calling 'razor blade throat.' If you have a severe sore throat, it's important to get tested to rule out strep throat to avoid severe complications. COVID-19 precautions like masking and vaccination remain important. A newly identified COVID-19 variant called 'Nimbus' is rapidly spreading in the United States and making headlines with a common symptom that's turning heads in exam rooms. People contracting a COVID-19 infection are reporting an unusually intense sore throat, described as feeling like swallowing razor blades. Some think this symptom, dubbed 'razor blade throat,' may set this variant apart from earlier ones. However, experts aren't so sure. Sore throat has long been recognized as a COVID-19 symptom. Early data suggest Nimbus may not cause more severe illness overall, but reports of severe sore throats are raising questions about how this variant might differ from its predecessors. Here's what experts told Healthline about the Nimbus variant — and what you should know. Nimbus is more transmissible, but not as severe According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nimbus, also known as NB.1.8.1, is a subvariant of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Yale School of Medicine Assistant Professor Scott Roberts, MD, explained that Nimbus currently accounts for about one-third of COVID-19 cases in the United States. 'It is more transmissible than the current circulating variants because of several mutations in the spike protein that make it distinct from the others,' he told Healthline. 'But, it is still an omicron subvariant related to some variants that were circulating previously, so I suspect there will be an increase in cases, but not a wave to the degree we have had previously.' Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FIDSA, Chief Hospital Epidemiology Officer at Tampa General Hospital, noted that while Nimbus is currently surging around the world, the public health risk is still low compared to other Omicron lineages. 'Early and limited laboratory data do not show a significant capability to evade the immune system or increased resistance to antiviral treatment,' he told Healthline. Cherabuddi added that no reported studies are currently available on the impact of Nimbus on clinical outcomes. However, '[r]outine surveillance, so far, does not reveal an increase in hospitalization or death,' he said. 'Razor blade throat' may not be a new COVID symptom Roberts said the symptoms of the Nimbus variant are the same as those of prior COVID-19 variants, including fever, cough, and sore throat. 'The 'razor blade throat' is anecdotal and there is no evidence to suggest that this variant leads to more severe sore throat than other variants,' he added. Roberts advised, however, if you do have a sore throat, it would be a good idea to test for COVID-19 to make sure it is not the cause. If your sore throat is severe, he also recommends checking in with your doctor to rule out strep throat. Other common symptoms of COVID-19 include loss of taste or smell and fatigue. Less frequently, individuals may experience: sore throat headaches body aches diarrhea skin rash discoloration of fingers or toes red, irritated eyes Symptoms of strep throat may include: sudden fever sore throat with white patches headache chills loss of appetite swollen lymph nodes problems with swallowing Experts say it's important to distinguish strep throat from COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19, which is caused by a virus, strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. Strep throat often requires antibiotic treatment to prevent potentially serious complications. These may include peritonsillar abscesses (pus-filled infections behind the tonsils), rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart, joints, and skin), post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney inflammation), and, in rare cases, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome or meningitis. How to protect yourself from the Nimbus variant The first thing to know about protecting yourself from the Nimbus variant is that nothing has really changed in this department. 'The same tools that worked before will still work: handwashing, avoiding people who are sick, good ventilation, getting vaccinated, and masking in high risk settings,' said Roberts. The CDC recommends the vaccine for most adults ages 18 and older to maintain protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Older adults, high risk individuals, and those who've never been vaccinated are especially encouraged to get it. Parents should consult a healthcare professional for kids under 18. The CDC additionally notes that immunity from previous vaccines wanes over time, making updated vaccination important. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations may also change soon, making it more difficult for healthy adults, children, and pregnant people to get one. Cherabuddi added there are certain symptoms that would indicate you need to consult with a physician, such as: severe throat pain throat pain that lasts longer than a week weight loss food sticking in your throat new or worsened shortness of breath 'If any of these red flags occur, have it checked out,' he said.