logo
Road traffic injuries leading cause of death among youth in South-East Asia: WHO

Road traffic injuries leading cause of death among youth in South-East Asia: WHO

NEW DELHI: Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people aged five to 29 years, and they continue to be a pressing public health concern in the South-East Asia Region, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday.
On the eighth UN Global Road Safety Week marked biennially, starting on the third Monday of May, WHO said, in 2021 alone, the WHO South-East Asia Region, which includes India, accounted for more than 3,30,000 deaths from road crashes, representing 28% of the global total.
Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and operators of two-and three-wheelers, account for up to 66% of these fatalities, said Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia (WHO-SEARO) region.
Globally, each year, road traffic crashes take a devastating toll on our communities, claiming the lives of nearly 1.2 million people and leaving up to 50 million more with non-fatal injuries, she said.
'These tragedies are not mere statistics. They are the loss of children, parents, and loved ones, and are largely preventable,' she added.
This year, the theme urges the world to make walking and cycling safe for everyone.
'Walking and cycling are an integral part of the multimodal transport systems in the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2020-2030. They also promote healthy and sustainable cities and lifestyles," she added.
'This year's theme is a timely call to action. Pedestrians and cyclists already account for more than one in four road traffic deaths. Ensuring their safety is not only a matter of saving lives,' she said.
Prioritising walking and cycling supports physical activity, which is a key modifiable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers, she said.
She added that the two activities also support mental well-being, helping to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

India reports 7,151 active Covid-19 cases; six new deaths in last 24 hrs
India reports 7,151 active Covid-19 cases; six new deaths in last 24 hrs

United News of India

time3 hours ago

  • United News of India

India reports 7,151 active Covid-19 cases; six new deaths in last 24 hrs

New Delhi, June 12 (UNI) India's total number of Covid-19 cases has reached 7,151 as of 8 AM on Thursday, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In the past 24 hours, 33 new infections have been confirmed, though case data from West Bengal is still awaited. Additionally, six new deaths linked to Covid-19 were reported in the last 24 hours: three from Kerala, two from Karnataka, and one from Maharashtra. These bring the total number of Covid-related deaths in 2025 to 74. On a positive note, more than 8,000 individuals have recovered from the virus so far this year. While several states have reported modest increases in active cases, Kerala remains the worst affected, with 2,223 active infections as of Thursday. Other states with relatively high caseloads include Gujarat, West Bengal, Delhi, and Maharashtra, based on data from the national COVID-19 dashboard. Health authorities attribute the current rise in infections to new Omicron sub-variants including JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC. These strains are noted for their high transmissibility but are causing milder illness compared to earlier variants. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified them as "Variants Under Monitoring", indicating that while they are not currently a serious threat, their progress should be observed closely. Covid-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has now transitioned into a seasonal pattern similar to the flu. Though no longer considered an emergency, the virus continues to circulate and may pose risks, especially to vulnerable populations. UNI AJ ARN

New COVID variant, NB.1.8.1 is causing painful ‘razor blade throat' symptom; Know what it is and how to remedy it
New COVID variant, NB.1.8.1 is causing painful ‘razor blade throat' symptom; Know what it is and how to remedy it

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

New COVID variant, NB.1.8.1 is causing painful ‘razor blade throat' symptom; Know what it is and how to remedy it

There's a new COVID variant around the block, already causing a surge, and hence – the panic associated with the same. The new variant has already spread in Asia, and its signature symptom is a severe sore throat that feels like 'razor blades'. Read on to know more about this particular variant. What is the new COVID variant? A new COVID-19 variant, designated NB.1.8.1 and informally known as 'Nimbus', has been causing a notable increase in cases across Asia and prompting monitoring from the World Health Organization (WHO). This variant is characterized by a particularly severe sore throat symptom described as feeling like 'razor blades', alongside traditional flu-like symptoms such as congestion, fatigue, mild cough, fever, and muscle aches. Less common symptoms include diarrhea and nausea. Already comprising over 10% of cases in Asia, the variant has also been detected in the United States of America, Canada, and Europe. A preprint study indicates that Nimbus has high immune evasion, suggesting potential for widespread transmission. Despite this, WHO maintains that the current global risk is low and existing vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Τι είναι το ChatGPT για το οποίο μιλάνε όλοι; courses AI Undo What is the 'razor blade throat' symptom? Patients infected with the Nimbus variant have reported an intense sore throat, often described as feeling like swallowing shards of glass, reports have said citing doctors. This pain can be so severe that it hinders speaking, eating, or staying hydrated. While sore throat has always varied in intensity among COVID-19 patients, the Nimbus variant has brought this symptom to the forefront due to its severity. Remedies for throat pain relief For those experiencing the painful throat associated with the Nimbus variant, several remedies may provide relief: Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen can help alleviate throat pain and reduce inflammation. Warm saltwater gargle: Gargling with warm saltwater can soothe the throat and may help reduce viral load. Throat lozenges and sprays: Products containing menthol or benzocaine can numb the throat and provide temporary relief. Hydration: drinking warm liquids like herbal teas or broths can keep the throat moist and alleviate discomfort. Humidifiers: Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, preventing the throat from becoming dry and irritated. However, apart from these convenient remedies, it's essential to monitor symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if throat pain persists or worsens. When to seek medical attention? While the Nimbus variant presents a new challenge with its painful throat symptoms, understanding the condition and taking appropriate measures can help manage and alleviate discomfort. Although most cases of the Nimbus variant result in mild illness, certain signs indicate the need for medical evaluation: Persistent or worsening symptoms: If throat pain or other symptoms do not improve or worsen over time. Difficulty breathing: Experiencing shortness of breath or chest tightness. High fever: A fever that remains above 100°F (37.8°C) for several days. Dehydration: Inability to drink fluids due to throat pain, leading to signs of dehydration. Individuals with underlying health conditions, the elderly, or those who are pregnant should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms arise. Preventive measures Preventing infection with the Nimbus variant involves standard COVID-19 precautions: Mask-wearing: Wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces to minimize exposure. Hand hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Social distancing: Maintain physical distance from individuals showing symptoms of illness. Vaccination: Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce the risk of severe illness. Watch! Former AIIMS Chief Dr. Randeep Guleria reveals shocking truth about COVID-19 JN.1 variant One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change

New Covid-19 variant causes sore throat that feels like 'razor blades': Everything to know about NB.1.8.1 aka Nimbus
New Covid-19 variant causes sore throat that feels like 'razor blades': Everything to know about NB.1.8.1 aka Nimbus

Hindustan Times

time5 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

New Covid-19 variant causes sore throat that feels like 'razor blades': Everything to know about NB.1.8.1 aka Nimbus

The variant, NB.1.8.1, has been informally dubbed 'Nimbus' and causes a severe sore throat that's been likened to 'razor blades'. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is monitoring it, as this latest mutation of the contagious virus already makes up over 10 percent of cases in Asia, Salon said in a June 11 report. The portal added that NB.1.8.1 has now been detected in multiple countries, including the US and Canada. Also read | Covid-19 comeback: Here's why coronavirus is spreading again and new symptoms you should watch out for The Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1, also known as Nimbus, is a descendant of the Omicron family and has been classified as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) by the WHO. To mitigate the spread of NB. 1.8.1, it's essential to practice good respiratory hygiene, maintain social distancing, and follow public health guidelines. Salon reported that this strain causes 'razor blade throat' or a severe sore throat. Other symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as congestion, fatigue, a mild cough, fever, and muscle aches, and more infrequently diarrhoea and nausea, The Independent said in a June 10 report. Per that portal, WHO says global risk is 'currently low, and existing Covid-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe disease'. Salon said that Nimbus has recombined genetic material from other strains three times – although the process of recombination is a natural process of viruses trying to evolve to survive among the population, recombination events are concerning because each time a virus does so, it has the potential to evolve into something that is more infectious or causes more severe disease. The portal quoted Dr Rajendram Rajnarayanan of the New York Institute of Technology campus in Jonesboro, Arkansas, as having said that one of these mutations in Nimbus allows it to evade the immunity we have built against the virus from prior infections, so transmissibility might be slightly higher. Dr Rajnarayanan also said: 'We haven't seen a big surge in emergency departments due to Covid-related conditions and respiratory things in this term yet. We have to wait and watch.' Dr T Ryan Gregory, an evolutionary and genome biologist at the University of Guelph in Canada, added, 'We learned from Omicron that high transmissibility can cause as much damage as high per infection virulence, and at this point it is not just acute severity that is of concern, but longer-term impacts of repeated infection.' Such impacts include conditions like 'long Covid', in which the symptoms of Covid-19 last for months or years, often disabling patients, the report added. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store