Latest news with #CentreforDiseaseControlandPrevention
Metro
25-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
Warning over new Covid strain spreading to US after cases surge in China
A new and apparently more infectious variant of Covid-19 has been detected in the US after cases surged in China. The strain called NB.1.8.1 has been found in international travellers at a number of US airports, data from the country's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows. New reports of the strain have now also been picked up separate to the airport cases, indicating it could now be spreading locally. NB.1.8.1 has contributed to a new wave of Covid cases in parts of Asia. The number of severely ill respiratory patients with Covid in China has risen from 3.3 to 6.3% in the last month. The proportion of A&E patients testing positive for Covid in Chinese hospitals has also spiked from 7.5 to 16.2%. There has also been a 78% surge in Covid hospital admissions in Taiwan. After Covid hospitalisations in Hong Kong reached a 12 month high, people are now being urged there to wear face masks again on public transport or in crowded places. There is no evidence that the virus is more severe, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the variant is not better at evading the immune system compared to other strains. However NB.1.8.1 does have a greater ability to bind to human cells. This suggests the strain could be more transmissible. The new Covid cases picked up in the US originated from people coming from nine countries: China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, France, the Netherlands and Spain. They were tested between April 22 and May 12 through a scheme whereby travellers at airports can volunteer to have nasal swabs taken. More Trending Health authorities have now reported unrelated cases of the variant in Ohio, Rhode Island and Hawaii. There are also cases in California and Washington states which date back as early as late March and early April. Despite the new cases there is no surge in positive testing in the US. The number of test swabs detecting the Covid actually fell 12% in the latest week data is available. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Graduate, 22, who lost part of both legs in freak boat accident 'still doesn't know' MORE: Here's how the US's new Golden Dome will work – and tackle its greatest threats MORE: Couple lost arms holding on to each other as tornado hit their home
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Business Standard
19-05-2025
- Business Standard
Covid cases rising in Southeast Asia: What Indian travellers need to know
If you're planning a holiday to Singapore, Thailand, China or Hong Kong this summer, there's no official advisory against travel yet—but you may want to stay alert. 'Currently, there are no travel restrictions or lockdowns in place, so travel can continue as planned. However, it's always wise for individuals to stay informed about local developments and take appropriate precautions to safeguard their health,' Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys told Business Standard. Countries across Southeast Asia are seeing a rise in Covid-19 cases, with new subvariants circulating and hospital admissions climbing in some regions. What's happening in these countries? Singapore: Weekly infections have surged to 14,200 as of May 3, 2025, with daily hospitalisations rising by around 30 per cent. The dominant variants are 'LF.7' and 'NB.1.8', both part of the JN.1 family. Thailand: Covid cases jumped after the Songkran festival in April. The country reported two major cluster outbreaks, but officials have not yet imposed any movement curbs. Hong Kong: Positivity rates for respiratory samples rose from 1.7 per cent in March to 11.4 per cent. So far, 81 infections and 30 deaths have been reported—mostly among older adults with pre-existing health conditions. China: Cases have doubled in recent weeks and are approaching last summer's peak levels, according to China's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Should you reconsider your trip? There's no formal advisory or ban from the Indian government or the affected countries at the moment. But travellers should evaluate their own health risks and monitor updates before deciding. For instance: Are you travelling for leisure or something essential? Do you have a pre-existing health condition? Are there any local restrictions or healthcare advisories at your destination? It's best to avoid or delay trips if they aren't urgent, especially if you fall in a vulnerable category. Who should avoid travelling? Elderly individuals Children People with chronic illnesses like cancer or diabetes Basic precautions while travelling Wear a well-fitted mask, especially in crowded areas Wash hands frequently or use sanitiser Consider getting a booster dose before flying Avoid close contact with sick individuals The good news, according to health officials in the region, is that most current infections appear to be mild, with many recovering without hospital care. Even so, keeping a close eye on local developments remains essential before booking your tickets
Observer
12-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
MoH launches EBS project, public health empowerment programme
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Health (MoH), represented by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, on Monday launched the Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) project, along with the graduation of two new cohorts of national professionals from Frontline Public Health Empowerment Programme in Field Epidemiology Training Programme - (Frontline FETP). The event was held under the auspices of Dr Said bin Harib al Lamki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs. Dr Amal al Ma'ani, MoH's Director-General of Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasised that this achievement comes as part of a national initiative aimed at strengthening the early warning system and rapid response to health events, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040, which places human health and safety at the core of its priorities. She stated that Event-Based Surveillance is not just a system — it rather represents a qualitative leap towards smart and early detection of unconventional health signals, through integration among the health, environmental and animal sectors, and by activating the 'One Health' approach. Dr Heather Burke, the Regional Director of the Middle East and North Africa for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gave a presentation in which she stated: 'We are proud to see this system now being implemented across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman to support the already well-established Indicator-Based Surveillance system. We are confident that this system will further enhance Oman's position as a model for early warning and response systems, thereby strengthening epidemic intelligence in the country.' Dr Adel al Wahaibi, Director of Epidemiological Surveillance in the Ministry of Health, highlighted the Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) project. He discussed its concept, the differences between it and the Indicator-Based Surveillance system and its components. He highlighted Oman's efforts to develop this system, which include the creation of a national electronic platform, the preparation of operational manuals and standardised forms, conducting a pilot study in Al Sharqiyah North and Al Dakhiliyah governorates, and training personnel, following the 'One Health' approach. Dr Abdullah al Manji, Epidemiologist at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, explained that the programme serves as an applied educational platform that combines both theoretical and field-based learning. This programme has resulted in the graduation of four cohorts of national competencies so far, serving as a successful model for enhancing the national readiness to tackle health challenges. These initiatives aim to enhance early warning capabilities for health threats, particularly in light of growing epidemiological and health challenges at both local and global levels. The Event-Based Surveillance project represents a strategic transformation in Oman's epidemiological monitoring system. It is designed to enhance the health system's capacity for early detection of health threats and effective response. This project complements the Indicator-Based Surveillance (IBS) programme, reinforcing the concept of 'epidemiological vigilance' across Oman. EBS works by collecting and analysing data from a wide range of sources, including health centres, schools and local communities, while leveraging modern technology to improve operational efficiency and the overall effectiveness of the system. The Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP) is designed to strengthen the skills of professionals working in the health sector and related fields by developing their capabilities in disease surveillance, health data analysis and outbreak investigation.
Times of Oman
28-04-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Indian School Darsait conducts online classes due to chicken pox outbreak
Muscat: Indian School Darsait is conducting online classes for all grades after instructions from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health, due to the outbreak of chickenpox According to a circular issued by the school authorities, online classes are being held from April 27, 2025, and will continue till Thursday, May 1, 2025. Students from Grades I to XII will follow their regular class timetable through their teachers' Google Classrooms. Balvatika and Kindergarten classes will also be conducted online, with timetables to be shared by their respective teachers. The school has advised parents to monitor their children for any symptoms of chickenpox and to refrain from sending them back to school once offline classes resume, if they are still unwell. A medical fitness certificate will be mandatory for any student returning to campus after recovery.
Observer
27-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
Online classes at Indian School Darsait till May 1
Online classes at Indian School Darsait (ISD) began on April 23 in the wake of many children reporting chickenpox, will continue till next week, and the school will resume regular classes once the cases are zeroed down, according to the school authorities. In accordance with the instructions from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health, after it reported cases of chickenpox mostly among middle school students, the school authorities decided to go online until the cases are reduced. In a circular, the principal of the school has informed parents that classes were shifted online from last Wednesday after students were reported to have contracted chickenpox, and this is applicable to all classes from kindergarten to 12 and will continue to be online till May 1. The circular reads, 'In view of the continuing spread of chickenpox cases among students, and as per the instructions received from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention at the Ministry of Health, we would like to inform you that online classes for Grades I to XII will continue till Thursday May 1.' Students can attend online classes through their respective teachers' Google Classrooms, following the regular class timetable.
