Kenya has eliminated sleeping sickness, says WHO
The vector-borne disease, formally called human African trypanosomiasis, is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Without treatment, HAT is generally fatal, the WHO says.
Sleeping sickness is transmitted to humans through the bites of tsetse flies that have acquired the the blood parasite Trypanosoma brucei from infected humans or animals.
Rural populations dependent on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry or hunting are deemed most at risk of exposure.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
New COVID-19 Variant Spreading In US: All You Need To Know About XFG Variant
COVID-19 Cases In the US: The United States has lately seen an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases linked to a new variant, which has become the third-most common strain of the summer. The new XFG variant, colloquially known as "Stratus," is rapidly spreading across the US. This variant has also been found in many European countries. Variant XFG was first detected in Southeast Asia in January. According to a report by USA Today, the strain accounted for less than 0 per cent of cases in the US until May. But the cases saw a surge in June. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the variant was estimated to account for up to 14 per cent of cases by late June. In the US, XFG accounted for 0% of cases through March. But it started to increase. In April, it reached 2%. It was 6% in late May, 11% in early June and 14% in late June. The CDC found that high or very high levels of cases are found in states like Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas. The cases are also rising in other states, including Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Another starin, called NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, is also a common variant in the US, as per the CDC. This variant leads to an extreme sore throat. What Do We Know About The XFG Variant According to the World Health Organization (WHO), XFG is a variant that is a recombinant of the lineages LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The earliest sample was collected on 27 January 2025. In its June report, the WHO stated that XFG has been designated a variant under monitoring (VUM) with "increasing proportions globally". Experts have said that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is constantly changing. It is accumulating mutations in its genetic code over time; hence, new variants are expected to continue to emerge. Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, told USA TODAY that the variant's mutations may enhance XFG's ability to evade immune responses. However, the world body has evaluated the additional public health risk posed by XFG as low at the global level, considering the available evidence. "There is currently no clear evidence that XFG causes more severe disease or significantly different symptoms than earlier Omicron variants," Verma said. "Importantly, there are no immediate public health concerns associated with this variant." WHO said that the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease. What Are The Symptoms Of XFG? According to the CDC, the following are the common COVID-19 symptoms:
Hans India
6 hours ago
- Hans India
Stay strong this monsoon - Why adults need a yearly shot too!
This summer, the month of May brought a surprise downpour—India saw its heaviest rainfall since 1901. Monsoon weather can be a real rollercoaster—one moment it's overcast with cloudy skies and cool breezes, and the next, the sun is blazing. These sudden shifts in temperature, along with rising humidity, can take a toll on your immune system, making it easier for seasonal bugs like the flu to spread. Tropical countries like India experience a high frequency of flu (or influenza) cases during this time. Flu viruses like A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and Influenza B don't take a break—they circulate all year long. That's why getting your annual flu shot is one of the best ways to stay protected, no matter the season. According to Dr Vishnun Rao Veerapaneni, Consultant Allergy, Asthma & Child Diseases, SWASA Hospital, Hyderabad, 'A lot of people mix up the flu with a regular cold—but the flu is much more serious. While both can cause symptoms like a sore throat or cough, the flu often comes with a high fever, body aches, headaches and nausea4. Spotting these symptoms early can help you recover faster and avoid complications. And since flu viruses keep changing every year, the vaccine is updated regularly—so getting your flu shot annually is the best way to stay protected.5' To protect against the flu this monsoon, here are 3 steps you can take: 1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer when you're on the go. Try not to touch your face—especially your eyes, nose, or mouth—and don't forget to clean things you touch a lot, like your phone or doorknobs 2. Try to keep your distance from anyone who's feeling under the weather. Let fresh air in by opening windows when you can, and don't forget to wear a mask in crowded places 3. Make sure you and your family follow all the steps to be protected—keep up with your child's vaccination schedule along with your own and any adults living in your household. Since flu viruses keep changing, the vaccine is updated every year based on the latest strains identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). That's why getting vaccinated every year is so important Dr Jejoe Karankumar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India said, 'Vaccines aren't just for kids—adults need protection too, especially from infections like the flu. Getting a flu shot every year doesn't just lower your chances of getting sick, it also helps reduce the severity of symptoms if you do catch it. It's a simple step in preventive care that can make a big difference, especially for elderly or people with comorbidities.' Even if you're healthy, the flu can still slow you down—with missed work, doctor visits, and sudden health expenses. That's why the World Health Organization recommends getting a flu shot every year. It works well for all age groups—including pregnant women and people with health conditions—and helps protect you from serious illness.6 While we can't control the weather, we can take charge of our health. An annual flu shot is a simple, science-backed step that protects not just you, but those around you—especially the elderly, young children, and people with chronic conditions. So this monsoon, don't wait for symptoms to strike. Talk to your doctor about getting your flu vaccine. Because staying healthy isn't just about reacting to illness—it's about preventing it.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
1m-long creature stirs Guinea worm fear
Ponda: The sighting of a species similar to the Guinea worm has stoked panic at Khandepar village of Ponda taluka. Although the World Health Organization declared dracunculiasis, also known as the Guinea worm disease, eradicated in India in 2000, something resembling the worm was spotted in the garden of Sandeep Parker, a resident of Kadsal at Khandepar. Sources said dracunculiasis was prevalent in many parts of India, including Maharashtra, 25 to 30 years ago. Dracunculiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the worm Dracunculus medinensis. The infection is transmitted through contaminated water. Among the first symptoms to emerge is a blister, accompanied by pain, usually in the lower limbs. Ponda health officer Dr Smita Parsekar said that she would send an epidemiologist to ascertain whether the worms exist in the village or whether something akin to them were spotted at the Kadsal garden. Parker said rainwater had carried the worm to his garden. When his wife saw it, he said, she thought it was a thread but when she reached for it, it started moving. 'It was a 1-metre-long worm,' Parker said, adding that it disappeared when the rainfall resumed. However, he traced a photo of the species and posted a video of the worm, which garnered substantial views on Friday. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
