Latest news with #Anukool
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
WHO warns of 'more infectious' Covid variant as travellers urged to mask up and get jags
The Government in a popular global holiday destination has issued a plea for people to follow Covid safety measures as a new variant sends cases skyrocketing. The World Health Organisation has raised the alarm over the new variant, NB.1.8. 1, which has caused a surge in cases in countries including Egypt, the Maldives and Thailand. This new strain, believed to be more infectious than previous variants, has also been detected in the US and the UK. Now, the Thai Government has sounded a warning after recording 257,280 cases of Covid and 52 fatalities. The latest outbreak has hit hardest in the capital, Bangkok, and in Chonburi Province. Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak warned that international travel and the upcoming rainy season could exacerbate the outbreaks, with the Ministry of Public Health set to closely monitor the situation. Anukool advised people to 'limit activities that increase the risk of infection, wash their hands regularly, wear masks in crowded places, get booster vaccinations when due, and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms', reports the Mirror. Cases of the virus have been on the rise since mid-February and are now at their highest rate since last June. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports higher levels of Covid in 73 countries - including the Caribbean. The WHO has raised the alarm over the new NB. 1.8.1 strain, now under scrutiny as cases spike globally. By late April 2025, it accounted for approximately 10.7 percent of all sequenced cases, a significant jump from 2.5 percent just four weeks earlier, and has become the prevalent variant in Hong Kong and China. Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease at Griffith University, highlighted that due to numerous mutations, this strain "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains". "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants. "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." NB. 1.8.1 is surging in numbers across the Eastern Mediterranean, including Egypt, a popular holiday spot, and is also spreading through South East Asia, with cases reported in Thailand and the Maldives. The WHO has noted recent upticks in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The report states: "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Holidaymakers told to wear masks and get jabs as cases of 'new Covid' soar
The virus has been detected at a number of holiday destinations and one government has issued an alert The government in a UK holkiday hotspot has urged people to wear masks, wash their hands, get vaccinated and avoid activity that could spread Covid as a new variant sends cases rocketing, The World Health Organisation has issued a warning over the new variant, NB.1.8.1, which has seen cases soar in countries including Egypt, the Maldives and Thailand. The new strain, which is said to be more infectious than previous variants, has also been found in the US and the UK. Now the government in Thailand has issued a warning after 257,280 cases of Covid and 52 deaths. The latest outbreak has been worst in the capital Bangkok and in Chonburi Province. Deputy government spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak said international travel and the oncoming rainy season, could accelerate the outbreaks and the Ministry of Public Health will monitor the situation closely. Anukool said people should 'limit activities that increase the risk of infection, wash their hands regularly, wear masks in crowded places, get booster vaccinations when due, and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms' Cases of the virus have been surging since mid-February and are now at their highest rate since last June. The WHO says there are higher levels of Covid in 73 countries - including the Caribbean. The WHO has designated the new strain NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring' amid concern about the sharp rise in cases. By late April 2025, NB.1.8.1 comprised roughly 10.7% of all submitted sequences – up from just 2.5% four weeks before. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China. Lara Herrero Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, at Griffith University said thanks to multiple mutations the new strain ' may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains'. "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants. "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." The new strain is being found in large numbers in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area including the tourist destination of Egypt. It is also being found in South East Asia - including in Thailand and the Maldives. The WHO said recent increases have also been observed in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. The report reads: "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
UK holidaymakers urged to wear masks as new Covid variant surges
UK holidaymakers urged to wear masks as new Covid variant surges People are also being urged to make sure they have the latest vaccine You may need a mask when you head for a holiday this year The government in a UK holkiday hotspot has urged people to wear masks, wash their hands, get vaccinated and avoid activity that could spread Covid as a new variant sends cases rocketing, The World Health Organisation has issued a warning over the new variant, NB.1.8.1, which has seen cases soar in countries including Egypt, the Maldives and Thailand. The new strain, which is said to be more infectious than previous variants, has also been found in the US and the UK. Now the government in Thailand has issued a warning after 257,280 cases of Covid and 52 deaths. The latest outbreak has been worst in the capital Bangkok and in Chonburi Province. Deputy government spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak said international travel and the oncoming rainy season, could accelerate the outbreaks and the Ministry of Public Health will monitor the situation closely. Anukool said people should 'limit activities that increase the risk of infection, wash their hands regularly, wear masks in crowded places, get booster vaccinations when due, and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms' Cases of the virus have been surging since mid-February and are now at their highest rate since last June. The WHO says there are higher levels of Covid in 73 countries - including the Caribbean. The WHO has designated the new strain NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring' amid concern about the sharp rise in cases. By late April 2025, NB.1.8.1 comprised roughly 10.7% of all submitted sequences – up from just 2.5% four weeks before. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China. Lara Herrero Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, at Griffith University said thanks to multiple mutations the new strain ' may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains'. Article continues below Professor Herrero said: "It's possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else, compared to earlier variants. The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data. "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants. "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." The new strain is being found in large numbers in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area including the tourist destination of Egypt. It is also being found in South East Asia - including in Thailand and the Maldives. The WHO said recent increases have also been observed in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. The report reads: "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. Article continues below "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
The Star
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
'We're just so sweet': Thai ice cream exports surge, leading Asia and climbing global ranks
Image from The Nation Thailand/ANN BANGKOK (The Nation Thailand/ANN): Thai ice cream is booming—No.1 in Asia, No. 4 globally. Exports averaged $106 million annually over 5 years, up 11%, driven largely by FTA benefits boosting market access. Anukool Pruksanusak, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that Thai ice cream has emerged as a standout product on the global stage, gaining popularity among consumers of all ages, especially during the summer months. Despite global trade challenges, Thailand's ice cream exports have shown consistent growth and strong adaptability, securing the country's position as Asia's No. 1 ice cream exporter and No. 4 globally, behind the EU, the US, and the UK. Between 2020 and 2024, Thailand exported an average of US$106 million worth of ice cream annually, with an average growth rate of 11% per year. In the first two months of 2025 (January–February), exports reached US$22 million, up 3% from the same period last year. A key driver of this export success is Thailand's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which help eliminate tariff barriers and expand market access. Thailand currently has 14 FTAs with 18 countries, including ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Peru, Chile, and Hong Kong. Of these, 17 countries now offer tariff-free access for Thai ice cream products, with Japan being the only exception, maintaining an import tax of 21–29.8%. In the first two months of 2025, ice cream exports to FTA partner countries totaled US$20 million, accounting for 87% of all Thai ice cream exports—an increase of 4%. Notably, Asean remains the largest export market, growing 9%, with specific surges in: Malaysia: +9%, Philippines: +70%, Vietnam: +41%, South Korea: +9%, Australia: +32%, Hong Kong: +116%, Japan: +827% Looking ahead, Anukool expressed confidence in the long-term growth of Thailand's ice cream industry, citing the country's strong production capacity, access to quality raw materials, and competitive advantages from FTA benefits. These factors position Thailand to become Asia's regional hub for ice cream production and exports. Many of the world's leading ice cream manufacturers have already invested in Thailand for this purpose. - The Nation Thailand/ANN
