Latest news with #ChristopherWilliams
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Two new Covid-19 variants are spreading through Wales with cases multiplying week on week
Two new Covid-19 variants are spreading through Wales with cases multiplying week on week Public Health Wales has issued advice as two new Covid variants circulate Public Health Wales has urged for all eligible people to continue to receive Covid-19 vaccinations after data released by them has shown two new variants sweep through Wales within the past five weeks. This news comes after a variant named NB.1.8.1 made headlines more than five years after the initial outbreak of the virus that put the world on pause. The new strain now accounts for just over 10% of global infections with cases now confirmed in Northern Ireland and Wales. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. While there is no evidence that the new strain causes more severe symptoms, experts have said that it can infect cells more efficiently and can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea. Only four cases of the NB.1.8.1 have identified in Wales so it is not necessarily the variant anyone should worry about. Data shows that variants XFB and XFG are the ones sweeping through our nation as confirmed cases of this strain have grown by 52.5% within a timeframe of 28 days. Article continues below Variants XFB and XFG made up 60% of all Covid-19 cases in Wales on May 19. Just five weeks earlier, on April 21, they accounted for only 7.5% of infections. Healthcare professionals say this acts as a reminder that the virus has not gone away and that those considered vulnerable will continue to be seriously affected by these variants if necessary precautions are not taken. Dr Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist for Public Health Wales, said: 'The emergence of the XFB and XFG variants are a reminder that Covid-19 has not gone away and it is still important to take precautions if you develop symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, or loss of smell or taste, in particular to avoid spreading the virus to vulnerable people who can be severely affected. Article continues below 'There is no evidence to suggest that these new variants are any more or less severe than other previous variants and the vaccine is effective against them. 'If you are in an eligible group and have received an invitation for a Covid vaccination please take it up as it remains the most effective way to avoid serious symptoms from Covid.'
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Wales farm visit health warning ahead of Open Farm Sunday
They have issued a warning about the potential health risks associated with farm visits ahead of the national day on Sunday, June 8. Animals, even healthy ones, can harbour diseases capable of causing illness in humans, including diarrhoeal diseases such as Cryptosporidium and E. coli. These infections can trigger symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps, with some strains of E. coli potentially leading to serious complications, such as kidney damage. Certain groups of people – pregnant women, children, elderly people, and those with health conditions affecting their immune system – are at a higher risk of becoming unwell or facing complications from these infections. A recent Cryptosporidium outbreak linked to farm visits resulted in more than 80 confirmed cases. Although most victims made a full recovery within two weeks, some required hospital treatment. Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist for Public Health Wales, said: "Infection can be caught from direct contact with animals or touching things that have animal faeces (poo) on them. "The risk of infection can be reduced by strictly following safety advice." He urged visitors to wash their hands with hot water and soap immediately after contact with animals and before leaving the farm. He also advised avoiding close contact with animals, such as cuddling or holding them, and refraining from eating or drinking near animals or while walking through the farm. Mr Williams added: "The bugs can survive on clothes, shoes, and pram wheels after leaving the farm. "So, continue hand hygiene after touching items which could be contaminated until the item has been cleaned. "Any soiled clothes, shoes or other items should be cleaned promptly. "Prepare for visits by wearing sensible footwear, avoiding open toe shoes. "If you get ill after visiting a farm, contact your GP or 111. "Ensure good hygiene to avoid passing infection to others." To further lessen the risk of infection, visitors are encouraged to supervise children closely, ensure they wash their hands correctly, and refrain from eating or drinking near animals or while walking around the farm. Pregnant women should be particularly vigilant and avoid contact with lambing sheep, other animals giving birth, and newborn or baby animals. Individuals who become unwell with a diarrhoeal illness following a farm visit should not return to work, school, or nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Wales farm visit health warning ahead of Open Farm Sunday
They have issued a warning about the potential health risks associated with farm visits ahead of the national day on Sunday, June 8. Animals, even healthy ones, can harbour diseases capable of causing illness in humans, including diarrhoeal diseases such as Cryptosporidium and E. coli. These infections can trigger symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps, with some strains of E. coli potentially leading to serious complications, such as kidney damage. Certain groups of people – pregnant women, children, elderly people, and those with health conditions affecting their immune system – are at a higher risk of becoming unwell or facing complications from these infections. A recent Cryptosporidium outbreak linked to farm visits resulted in more than 80 confirmed cases. Although most victims made a full recovery within two weeks, some required hospital treatment. Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist for Public Health Wales, said: "Infection can be caught from direct contact with animals or touching things that have animal faeces (poo) on them. "The risk of infection can be reduced by strictly following safety advice." He urged visitors to wash their hands with hot water and soap immediately after contact with animals and before leaving the farm. He also advised avoiding close contact with animals, such as cuddling or holding them, and refraining from eating or drinking near animals or while walking through the farm. Mr Williams added: "The bugs can survive on clothes, shoes, and pram wheels after leaving the farm. "So, continue hand hygiene after touching items which could be contaminated until the item has been cleaned. "Any soiled clothes, shoes or other items should be cleaned promptly. "Prepare for visits by wearing sensible footwear, avoiding open toe shoes. "If you get ill after visiting a farm, contact your GP or 111. "Ensure good hygiene to avoid passing infection to others." To further lessen the risk of infection, visitors are encouraged to supervise children closely, ensure they wash their hands correctly, and refrain from eating or drinking near animals or while walking around the farm. Pregnant women should be particularly vigilant and avoid contact with lambing sheep, other animals giving birth, and newborn or baby animals. Individuals who become unwell with a diarrhoeal illness following a farm visit should not return to work, school, or nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Open Farm Sunday: Public Health Wales guidance
Public Health Wales has issued the reminder to reduce the risk of illness during visits to open farms. It comes after a recent outbreak of cryptosporidium was linked to visiting a farm and resulted in more than 80 confirmed cases. Although most people made a full recovery within two weeks, some cases attended or were admitted to hospital. Even healthy farm animals can carry bugs that cause diarrhoeal illnesses in humans, such as Cryptosporidium and Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist at Public Health Wales, said: "Infection can be caught from direct contact with animals or touching things that have animal faeces (poo) on them. "The risk of infection can be reduced by strictly following safety advice. "Wash your hands with hot water and soap immediately after contact with animals and before leaving the farm. "Reduce the risk by avoiding close contact with animals such as cuddling, kissing or holding animals. "Do not eat or drink near animals or walking through the farm. Wash your hands with hot soapy water before eating or drinking. "The bugs can survive on clothes, shoes, and pram wheels after leaving the farm. So, continue hand hygiene after touching items which could be contaminated until the item has been cleaned. "Any soiled clothes, shoes or other items should be cleaned promptly. Prepare for visits by wearing sensible footwear, avoiding open toe shoes. "If you get ill after visiting a farm, contact your GP or 111. Ensure good hygiene to avoid passing infection to others." Alcohol-based hand gels do not provide sufficient cleaning, and pregnant women are advised to take particular care to avoid contact with lambing sheep and other animals giving birth, as well as newborn or baby animals. Those who have been unwell with diarrhoeal illness following a visit to a farm should not return to work, school, or nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. They are also advised to avoid using a swimming pools for two weeks after their symptoms have stopped.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State College's Alpha Fire Company hosts open house to recruit volunteers and raise awareness
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — Community members had the chance to get a firsthand look at life inside the fire service Friday as Alpha Fire Company opened its doors for an interactive open house aimed at recruiting volunteers and raising awareness about the growing costs of emergency response. The event invited attendees to explore fire trucks, try on gear, and even operate fire hoses, offering a hands-on experience for those curious about firefighting. Organizers say the outreach effort is part of a push to attract new members amid ongoing volunteer shortages. Alpha Fire Company emphasized that volunteers do not need prior experience, training is provided. But for those unable to commit to the physical demands of firefighting, financial contributions are another vital form of support. President Christopher Williams said the costs associated with fire service have surged in recent years. A single set of turnout gear now runs about $5,000, while a fire truck can cost close to $1 million. To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
