Latest news with #Aedes
Newsweek
15 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Health Officials Confirm Virus in Popular Vacation Destination
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a travel-related case of Zika virus on Oahu and identified two others who may have been exposed, prompting a public warning to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate breeding grounds. Newsweek has reached out to the Hawaii DOH and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for comment via email. Why It Matters Zika is predominantly spread by an infected Aedes species mosquito, although the CDC notes that it can also spread through sex or to a fetus during pregnancy. There is no vaccine to prevent or treat Zika virus at this time. An infection known to cause birth defects, Zika gained national attention in 2015 when a cluster of cases in Brazil produced an uptick in babies born with abnormally small heads. Oahu is a popular tourist destination that is home to numerous beaches, volcanos, and Peal Harbor, among other attractions. What To Know In a May 27 press release, Hawaii's DOH confirmed that an individual on the Oahu Island has Zika virus. The department is calling upon residents, visitors, and businesses to prevent the virus by taking certain precautions such as: Applying insect repellent (Use products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency that contain 20–30% DEET) Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants Keep mosquitos out of homes and businesses by ensuring screens are intact and doors are kept closed Remove standing water around home and buildings Zika virus symptoms are typically mild and may include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes and muscle pain. Most people don't know if they contract Zika and about one in five people with Zika have mild symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, the virus is most concerning for pregnant woman as it can prevent the "fetus's brain from developing properly" the CDC states. Health officials recommend using protection during sexual activity to limit the potential spread of the virus. The most recent travel-related case in Hawaii was reported in 2019, the Hawaii DOH said in the press release. Zika outbreaks were much more common years ago, with an epidemic between 2014 and 2017 in the Americas. A mosquito feeds at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District on July 26, 2023, in Salt Lake City. A mosquito feeds at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District on July 26, 2023, in Salt Lake City. AP Photo/Rick Bowmer What People Are Saying The official Nobel Prize X, formerly Twitter, account wrote on May 13: "There are now new opportunities for the development of future vaccines against influenza, Zika, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), thanks to the work of two Nobel Prize laureates who developed mRNA technology to produce COVID-19 vaccines in a remarkably short timeframe." What Happens Next "Vector control teams" have been dispatched to the area around where the individual was, including Haleiwa. While there is currently no specific treatment for Zika virus, multiple vaccine candidates are currently in development.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: State targets to reduce dengue cases by 90% this year, says Dr Balbir
As part of the on-going 'Har Shukarwar Dengue Te Vaar' campaign, Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday morning sensitised city residents about the importance of cleaning and drying water storage containers every Friday to prevent mosquito breeding. Dr Singh accompained by civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur and health teams visited New Kailash Nagar to conduct a thorough inspection of houses in Street number 1. During his visit, Dr Singh identified dengue larvae in desert coolers, flowerpots, water containers, fridge trays, tank water and water storage containers. Dr Singh said, 'These are critical breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito and regular cleaning is essential to stop dengue in its tracks.' He also urged residents to wear full-sleeve shirts as an additional protective measure against mosquito bites. Dr Singh highlighted the state-wide efforts under the state government campaign, noting that 20,000 Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers are actively inspecting homes across Punjab every Friday. 'These workers are tasked with identifying dengue larvae and educating communities on preventive steps, such as eliminating stagnant water and maintaining hygiene in and around households,' he added. The health minister stated that this concerted effort is part of a broader goal to reduce dengue cases by 90 per cent this year, following a 50 per cent reduction achieved last year compared to previous years. To further strengthen the campaign, Dr Singh also mentioned that schoolteachers across Punjab are being trained to educate students about dengue prevention. 'This initiative aims to mobilise 20 lakh school students to spread awareness and assist in controlling the disease. Additionally, every village in Punjab has established a health committee with 15 members each, who are receiving training on identifying and eliminating dengue larvae, ensuring a grassroots-level response to the public health challenge,' he added. Meets family of COVID victim Dr Singh also visited the family of the man who died of COVID-19 on Wednesday. He offered his condolences, encouraged the family to adhere to isolation guidelines and assured them of government's unwavering support. Addressing the current COVID-19 situation, the health minister reported that only three cases have been recorded in Punjab to date, stressing that there is no cause for concern. He added that the situation is completely normal and Punjab is fully equipped with adequate infrastructure, including oxygen, medicines, beds, and all necessary resources. Dr Singh also advised immune compromised individuals such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with conditions like kidney disease, high BP, cancer, or respiratory issues to wear masks when stepping outside as a precautionary measure. He underscored the importance of vigilance while affirming the state's preparedness to handle any health challenges. Dr Singh said, 'Through collective action and adherence to preventive measures, we can protect our communities from both dengue and COVID-19.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Zika Virus Is Back After 6 Years in One of the Most Popular U.S. Tourist Destinations
The Hawaii Department of Health is warning about a case of Zika virus on the island of Oahu — the first case since 2019 Typical symptoms include rash, fever, headache, joint pain, and pink eye; the virus is more dangerous for pregnant women because it can be transmitted to the fetus Residents are warned to use insect repellent and remove standingThe Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed at least one case of Zika on the island of Oahu, with two other suspected exposures to the virus. Zika is spread when a mosquito bites someone who is infected — but it can also spread through sex, the Cleveland Clinic explains. One in five people infected with Zika will develop symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms may include an itchy rash, fever, headache, joint pain, and pink eye. This year, Hawaii's first case of Zika was travel-related — meaning, it was not acquired on the island — the HDOH said in a May 27 statement, where it asked for help in controlling the mosquito population and reducing the risk of bites. Zika is especially dangerous for pregnant women because it can be transmitted to the fetus, causing microcephaly (a smaller head), improper brain development, and cerebral palsy. There is also risk of the fetus developing a condition called Congenital Zika Syndrome, which is a combination of severe conditions including a collapsed skull, severe microcephaly, a reduction in brain tissue, as well as problems with eyes, joints, and muscles. Hawaiians and visitors are urged to use insect repellent — specifically, 'products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency that contain 20–30% DEET' or picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535.' Property owners are urged to make sure screens are intact, doors are left closed and to remove standing water that may encourage mosquitoes to breed. This is Hawaii's first case of Zika since 2019, the statement says, noting that the state has Aedes species of mosquitos that carry the Zika virus. The HDOH said they've dispatched "vector control teams" to the areas of most concern, which include including Waialua and the popular surfer destination of Haleʻiwa on the North Shore of Oʻahu. The island is home to nearly 1 million residents, and is the location of popular destinations like Honolulu, Waikiki and Pearl Harbor — and most recently is where the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie was filmed. Read the original article on People
Scoop
3 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Experts Examine Climate Impacts On Pacific Health
Press Release – University of Auckland Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the universitys Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions. The devastating impacts of climate change on health in the Pacific Islands will be discussed at a symposium at the University of Auckland on 5 June. Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the university's Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions. Climate change is driving up temperatures in the islands – and heat is a 'silent killer', says Ng Shiu, a key speaker at the symposium. 'More than 2000 people died of heat-related conditions in the Pacific Islands between 2000 and 2022. Heat stroke is the main cause of death,' she says. While health services can advise people to stay cool and hydrated, poor access to clean drinking water in many Pacific Islands makes that more difficult, Ng Shiu says. 'What we really need is a better international commitment to reducing greenhouse gases. 'Pacific people are resilient. We've been adapting for years, but our adaptation measures can't keep up with the rate the climate is changing,' she says. Increasingly hot, wet weather is causing spikes of diseases, such as dengue fever, zika, chikungunya, which are spread throughout the Pacific by Aedes mosquitos. In Papua New Guinea, malaria is also a growing risk. 'Two young people have died from dengue fever in Fiji and Samoa over the past few weeks – one was a 12-year-old boy – and there's an outbreak in Tonga too.' Ng Shiu says one solution to infectious diseases rising as the climate warms is to better integrate health and meteorological surveillance systems. She says more funding is needed so weather services can provide warnings to Pacific health services about upcoming periods of wet, hot weather, enabling agencies to fumigate areas where mosquitos breed. Funding is also required for research into the mental health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, Ng Shiu says. 'We're hearing about children in Fiji who have been traumatised by cyclones destroying their villages, so as soon as they hear strong winds, they run away from school in terror.' New Zealand government policies are exacerbating climate change, rather than turning the tide, she says. 'New Zealand is supposed to be the heart of the Pacific, so they should be doing more to protect it.' Speakers at the symposium will include Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Te Whatu Ora Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey, University of Auckland Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu, and Fred Hollows Foundation NZ chief executive Dr Audrey Aumua. Pacific Islands experts travelling to Aotearoa to speak at the event include director of the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research at Fiji National University Associate Professor Donald Wilson and Samoa's Director General of Health Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma. Te Poutoko council chair and former New Zealand Director-General of Health Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield will facilitate a panel discussion at the symposium, featuring University of Auckland Professors Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and Dame Teuila Percival, and Ekeroma, Wilson and Grey. Tagata Pasifika director and reporter John Pulu will be MC and Reverend Igasiatama Mokele will offer opening and closing prayers. The symposium on Vulnerability to Vitality – Pacific and Global Health responses in a changing climate is on 5 June from 9am to 4pm at Fale Pasifika, 22 Wynyard Street, Auckland. The public and media are welcome to attend. Register here.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Experts Examine Climate Impacts On Pacific Health
Press Release – University of Auckland The devastating impacts of climate change on health in the Pacific Islands will be discussed at a symposium at the University of Auckland on 5 June. Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the university's Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions. Climate change is driving up temperatures in the islands – and heat is a 'silent killer', says Ng Shiu, a key speaker at the symposium. 'More than 2000 people died of heat-related conditions in the Pacific Islands between 2000 and 2022. Heat stroke is the main cause of death,' she says. While health services can advise people to stay cool and hydrated, poor access to clean drinking water in many Pacific Islands makes that more difficult, Ng Shiu says. 'What we really need is a better international commitment to reducing greenhouse gases. 'Pacific people are resilient. We've been adapting for years, but our adaptation measures can't keep up with the rate the climate is changing,' she says. Increasingly hot, wet weather is causing spikes of diseases, such as dengue fever, zika, chikungunya, which are spread throughout the Pacific by Aedes mosquitos. In Papua New Guinea, malaria is also a growing risk. 'Two young people have died from dengue fever in Fiji and Samoa over the past few weeks – one was a 12-year-old boy – and there's an outbreak in Tonga too.' Ng Shiu says one solution to infectious diseases rising as the climate warms is to better integrate health and meteorological surveillance systems. She says more funding is needed so weather services can provide warnings to Pacific health services about upcoming periods of wet, hot weather, enabling agencies to fumigate areas where mosquitos breed. Funding is also required for research into the mental health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, Ng Shiu says. 'We're hearing about children in Fiji who have been traumatised by cyclones destroying their villages, so as soon as they hear strong winds, they run away from school in terror.' New Zealand government policies are exacerbating climate change, rather than turning the tide, she says. 'New Zealand is supposed to be the heart of the Pacific, so they should be doing more to protect it.' Speakers at the symposium will include Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Te Whatu Ora Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey, University of Auckland Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu, and Fred Hollows Foundation NZ chief executive Dr Audrey Aumua. Pacific Islands experts travelling to Aotearoa to speak at the event include director of the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research at Fiji National University Associate Professor Donald Wilson and Samoa's Director General of Health Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma. Te Poutoko council chair and former New Zealand Director-General of Health Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield will facilitate a panel discussion at the symposium, featuring University of Auckland Professors Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and Dame Teuila Percival, and Ekeroma, Wilson and Grey. Tagata Pasifika director and reporter John Pulu will be MC and Reverend Igasiatama Mokele will offer opening and closing prayers. The symposium on Vulnerability to Vitality – Pacific and Global Health responses in a changing climate is on 5 June from 9am to 4pm at Fale Pasifika, 22 Wynyard Street, Auckland. The public and media are welcome to attend. Register here.
