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Irish Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
New Covid variant turning classic symptoms upside down amid summer surge fears
A new Covid variant has been confirmed in Ireland and experts say it could be changing how symptoms show up. The strain, named NB.1.8.1, has seen a rapid rise in Ireland in recent weeks. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the proportion of sequenced Covid samples linked to NB.1.8.1 has jumped from just 3.7% to 33.3% in the last five weeks. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified NB.1.8.1 as a "variant under monitoring" due to its fast global spread. It now accounts for more than 10% of sequenced Covid infections worldwide and is already the dominant strain in China and Hong Kong. It has also been detected in the UK, US and Australia, as well as a number of popular holiday destinations like Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives. But it's the way this variant may alter the typical symptom profile that has caught doctors' attention. While previous strains mainly triggered respiratory issues, NB.1.8.1 is now being linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients - which can include nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and heartburn. Dr Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, explained: "Common symptoms [of NB.1.8.1] include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." Health officials are closely watching NB.1.8.1's rise ahead of the peak summer season. Dr 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." She added that there's no indication so far that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness, stating: "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." According to Dr Scott Roberts, an infectious disease specialist at Yale, Covid typically surges twice a year - in winter and summer - regardless of the variant. He told NBC news last week: "I'm going to go ahead and guess that it's going to lead to an uptick in the summer - probably a mild to moderate one". Meanwhile, Dr Thomas Russo, head of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo, told the publication of his concern that a relaxed approach to the virus could backfire. He warned: "It may unfortunately come back with a little bit of vengeance on us. Let's hope that doesn't happen, but I am concerned that we may be setting ourselves up for that with this combination of factors." The WHO has not recommended any new travel or trade restrictions, but urged countries to remain alert, saying: "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions." Ireland's public health advice remains the same: If you have any symptoms of Covid, stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. The HSE has reminded the public of the wide range of Covid symptoms to look out for. These include:
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Urgent warning as nasty bug ‘circulating at high levels' in community – the three signs to watch out for
AN urgent warning is in place for the Irish public as a nasty bug spreads at high speeds. Advertisement 2 The norovirus is spreading rapidly throughout Ireland Credit: Getty Images - Getty 2 There are key signs to watch out for Credit: Getty Images - Getty Ireland is currently facing an off-season surge in cases. Numbers of cases of the As the name suggests, it usually surges in winter months, though right now it is spreading rapidly through the community. Health experts are warning that it could continue to spread at high levels for "the next number of weeks." Advertisement READ MORE IN HEALTH The latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) revealed that 62 cases were reported over the last week. This is a jump of 28 cases, up from 34 the previous week. It is a rise of 82.4 per cent - suggesting the virus is spreading rapidly. Some 44 of these cases were reported in those aged 65 and older. Advertisement Most read in Health There were four cases in each of the 45-64 and 25-44 age ranges, one case in those aged between 19 and 24, and nine cases in children aged 0 to 4. There were no cases reported in the 5 to 18 age group. SYMPTOMS The illness is very infectious, and causes sudden vomiting and diarrhoea. Signs of the illness usually appear one to two days after exposure and last for two to three days. Advertisement There are three key symptoms to keep an eye out for. The Other people see symptoms including a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. In an update this week, the HPSC said: "Norovirus, in most people, is an unpleasant but mild illness that passes off quickly without any treatment. Advertisement "It can usually be managed at home - drinking plenty of fluids is usually all that is needed." But anyone with symptoms should stay off work, STOP THE SPREAD There is no cure for the virus as antibiotics don't help - though it usually only lasts a few days. Rest and fluids can help with recovery. Advertisement It's important to stay home as it can spread easily through close contact, touching contaminated surfaces and airborne droplets. The HPSC urged people to follow these steps to prevent further spread: Stay off work or school for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have passed If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, try to avoid visiting Emergency Departments - talk to your pharmacist or GP by phone instead. However, if you think you are really unwell, you should not delay in going to the Emergency Department. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Alcohol hand gels do not kill noroviruses. According to the HSE, norovirus can infect people more than once as it keeps mutating, so your body cannot build lasting immunity.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
'If you've got these 3 symptoms, stay home' warns HSE amid baffling bug surge
Health officials are urging people to stay at home if they have three key symptoms, as Ireland is seeing an unusual off-season surge of a highly contagious bug. Confirmed cases of Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, have nearly doubled in a week and it's spreading rapidly through the community - despite it being nearly June. Norovirus usually surges in winter months, but health experts have warned that it is "currently circulating at high levels in the community", and could continue to do so for "the next number of weeks". In the latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), 62 cases were reported in the last week - a jump of 28 cases (82.4%) from 34 cases the previous week. The majority of cases (44) were among those aged 65 and older. The rest were spread across age groups with four cases each in the 45-64 and 25-44 brackets, one case in 19-24 year olds, and nine cases among children aged 0-4. No cases were reported in the 5-18 age group. The illness, which causes a sudden vomiting and diarrhoea, is extremely infectious and can be caught through close contact, contaminated surfaces and airborne droplets. Symptoms usually appear one to two days after exposure and last for two to three days. There's no cure or treatment for norovirus, and as it's a virus, antibiotics don't help. Most people recover at home with rest and plenty of fluids. In an update issued this week, the HPSC said: "Norovirus, in most people, is an unpleasant but mild illness that passes off quickly without any treatment. It can usually be managed at home - drinking plenty of fluids is usually all that is needed." The health officials advised anyone with symptoms to stay off work, school or social activities for at least 48 hours after symptoms have passed. According to the HSE, you're likely to have norovirus if you: Some people also have: While the virus typically only lasts a few days, it spreads rapidly and can be especially dangerous in settings like hospitals, nursing homes and schools. In a key public message this week, the HPSC urged people to follow these steps to help prevent further spread: The HSE also reminded the public that norovirus can infect you more than once because it constantly mutates, meaning your body cannot build lasting immunity.
Scroll.in
6 days ago
- Business
- Scroll.in
HPSC recruitment 2025: Last date to apply for various posts today, here's apply link
The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) will soon close the registration window for recruitment to various posts of Assistant General Manager (Accounts), Deputy General Manager (Accounts), Senior System Analyst, Project Manager, and other under Advt. No. 02 of 2025. Eligible candidates can apply for the posts on the official website up to 5.00 pm today, May 28. The recruitment drive aims to fill 16 vacancies, of which 1 vacancies are for Assistant General Manager (Accounts), 1 for Deputy General Manager (Accounts), 1 for Senior System Analyst, 2 for Project Manager, 1 for Assistant General Manager (Administration), 1 for Senior Engineer (Electronics), 1 for Manager (Accounts), 2 for Programmer, 5 for Assistant Engineer (Electronics), and 1 for Company Secretary. Candidates can check the eligibility criteria, age limit, pay scale, and other details available in the notification below: Here's the official notification. Application Fee The male applicants from unreserved, OBC category and the male candidates of all other states are required to pay a fee of Rs 1000, whereas Female candidates from unreserved category, female candidates of all other States, male/ female candidates of SC/ BC-A/ BC-B/ ESM category of Haryana will have to pay the fee of Rs 250. The PWD category candidates of Haryana are exempted from payment of the fee. Steps to apply for various posts 2025
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gurugram cancels leaves for govt employees, outlines protocols for public safety amid India-Pakistan tensions
In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, authorities in Gurugram have moved swiftly to tighten preparedness measures and issue key advisories to the public. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar held a crucial meeting with Resident Welfare Association (RWA) representatives today to coordinate community-level awareness and action. Residents have been asked to follow instructions related to air strike warning sirens and blackout protocols. Large sirens with a 5-kilometre range and smaller sirens covering up to 2 kms are being installed across the district to ensure maximum coverage. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Would you like to know more? Undo Also Read: India-Pakistan tensions continue: Blasts, sirens heard in Jammu, Punjab again, Indian air defence system intercepts drones 'No one should circulate or believe in unverified information,' said Deputy Commissioner Kumar. 'Residents must rely solely on updates shared by DC Gurugram and DIPRO Gurugram through verified handles on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.' Live Events As part of the emergency response, all official leaves have been cancelled to maintain full administrative readiness. In addition, a ban has been enforced on drones and firecrackers across Gurugram to prevent public panic and security breaches. Earlier yesterday, the Delhi administration had cancelled leaves of all officials to amp up security measures in the national capital. Gujarat, too, has taken steps in similar manner. Also Read: All leaves at AIIMS Delhi cancelled as tensions with Pakistan rise In a related development, the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has postponed the Assistant Professor examinations scheduled for May 11. These exams, originally planned for chemistry and physics subjects under the college cadre, were to be held in morning and evening sessions. A commission spokesperson confirmed the decision and said, 'The new dates for the postponed examinations will be announced later. Candidates are advised to keep checking the official HPSC website for updates.'
