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Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland confirms new Covid variant with strange symptoms that's spreading fast
A new Covid variant with unusual symptoms has been confirmed in Ireland, with experts warning it is spreading rapidly across the globe. Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre has reported 14 cases of the strain, named NB.1.8.1, in the last five weeks. While numbers here remain low, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm as the variant now accounts for more than 10% of global Covid infections. NB.1.8.1 has been officially designated a 'variant under monitoring' by the WHO due to its rapid rise and the potential to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China, and has been detected in Australia, the US and across popular holiday destinations including Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives. According to WHO data, the strain has jumped from 2.5% to 10.7% of submitted global sequences in just four weeks, which has prompted growing international concern. A WHO spokesperson said: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. "In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected." Experts say NB.1.8.1 carries multiple mutations that "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains". Dr Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, explained: "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." While we are all familiar with the classic Covid signs like fever, cough and fatigue, the new variant is reported to trigger gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients - a strange shift from the typical respiratory focus of earlier strains. Dr Herrero added: "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." Gastrointestinal symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. This comes as the HSE has reminded the Irish public to be aware of the wide range of Covid symptoms, which it says now include: If you have any symptoms of Covid, Ireland's current advice is to 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 WHO has urged countries to stay alert but has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions at this stage, stating: "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
Irish Daily Mirror
4 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.
Irish Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Urgent warning as bloodsucking creatures 'everywhere' in Ireland this summer
With Ireland enjoying an early taste of summer weather, many people will be making the most of it by spending time outdoors. However, health officials have sounded the alarm about a hidden danger lurking in the grass. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has issued an urgent warning about ticks, stressing that they are "everywhere in Ireland" - and "are more numerous and more active" in the summer months. Ticks are known to thrive in grassy and wooded areas, which are popular for outdoor activities, and the public is urged to be vigilant, particularly in woodlands, parklands and heathlands. Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of humans, animals and birds. These pests live in both urban and rural areas of Ireland, with their activity peaking from spring through autumn, making this the time when the risk of Lyme disease is highest. Lyme disease, which ticks can transmit through their bites, is caused by a bacterial infection that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. While many cases of Lyme disease are mild, some people may develop severe symptoms including neurological problems, joint pain and heart issues. One of the key indicators of Lyme disease is a distinctive "bullseye" rash, which usually appears in the area surrounding the tick bite. The HPSC explained: "Ticks will bite adult humans most commonly on the legs and arms. But they can bite any part of the body, especially warm and sweaty parts of the body not covered by clothing. In children, ticks are most likely to bite around the head and neck. These are the areas to cover up and protect. These are also the areas to check following time spent outdoors. You can check yourself and your children during the day." The HPSC has issued advice to protect against tick bites and prevent the disease. The experts recommend doing the following: If you find a tick attached to your skin, it's important to remove it as soon as possible. The longer a tick remains attached, the higher the chance of transmitting Lyme disease. The correct way to remove a tick is by using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling gently and steadily without twisting. After removing the tick, wash the area with soap and water and monitor for signs of redness or swelling in the following weeks. The HPSC said: "A minority of ticks can carry Lyme disease. If a tick is removed within the first number of hours, the risk of infection is very low. The entire tick, including its mouthparts which might break off, should be removed with a tweezers by gripping it close to the skin. The skin where the tick was found should then be washed with soap and water and the area checked over the next few weeks for swelling or redness." If you experience any symptoms such as a rash, fever or fatigue, or if you suspect you've contracted Lyme disease, it's important to see a doctor. In many cases, Lyme disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics, especially if detected early. The HPSC added: "HPSC marked Tick Awareness Day on May 1, offering practical advice on how to protect against ticks, whose bite can cause a bacterial infection called Lyme disease. People are more likely to spend time outdoors in the spring and summer months. Anyone who spends time outdoors should protect themselves against tick bites. This includes ramblers, campers, mountain bikers, people who work or walk in woodland, parkland and heathland, especially in grassy areas. Preventing tick bites prevents Lyme disease. "Ticks are present everywhere in Ireland, including both urban and rural areas and are active from spring to autumn. They are tiny spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of humans, animals and birds, and are more numerous and more active in the summer months. From April onwards is the time when we expect to see cases of Lyme disease most frequently in Ireland, because this is when ticks are most plentiful."
Irish Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Number of measles cases 50 times higher last year than in 2023, data shows
The number of measles cases notified in the State last year was more than 50 times higher than in 2023, official figures show. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) this week published data on infectious disease notifications in Ireland from 2020 to last year. There were 207 cases of measles last year, up from four in 2023 and five in 2020, the report shows. Measles is a highly contagious disease, with a single infection capable of being spread to 12 to 18 unvaccinated people. Symptoms of measles vary and include a runny nose, sneezing and a cough, as well as sore red eyes, a temperature of 38 degrees or above and a rash, initially in the head and neck area. READ MORE The highest number of measles cases notified last year were among children aged four and under (54 cases), followed by children aged five to nine (37) and 10- to 14-year-olds (35). Boys and men accounted for 55 per cent of cases. There was also one death from measles in Ireland last year. European and other countries around the world experienced a surge in measles cases last year. As a result, the HSE offered a catch-up programme for the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. The campaign focused on delivering the vaccine to more than 300,000 people in key at-risk groups who may not have had it in the past, including children, young adults and healthcare workers. According to the most recent immunisation figures, from the second quarter of last year, a total of 89.9 per cent of children aged two had received the first dose of the MMR vaccine. This is lower than the 95 per cent threshold needed to ensure herd immunity against the disease. The two-dose vaccine is normally given at 12 months and at age four to five. [ Record number of whooping cough cases reported last year Opens in new window ] The HPSC data also highlight a stabilisation in the number of sexually transmitted infections being notified. There was a significant uptick in STIs reported in 2023, with the overall rate increasing by 36 per cent that year. Some common STIs decreased in prevalence last year, however, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The number of cases of genital herpes increased from 1,686 in 2023 to 1,837 last year, while the number of cases of syphilis was also up, from 910 to 1,019. The prevalence of other infectious diseases also increased last year. Cases of Dengue fever, a severe, flu-like viral illness transmitted by mosquitos, rose from three to 49. The increase is likely connected to the number of people travelling rising after the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic years. The prevalence of influenza, or the flu, also increased, from 11,751 cases in 2023 to 21,298 last year.
The Irish Sun
24-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Irish travellers warned of ‘life-threatening' illness that's on rise – six key symptoms to watch out for
IRISH travellers are being warned about a "life-threatening" fever that is on the rise in a number of countries. Typhoid Fever is a serious illness that spreads through contaminated 1 Typhoid cases are on the rise in a number of countries Credit: Getty - Contributor And the Health Protection Surveillance Centre issued a warning to travellers flying to India, Pakistan or They said: "Travellers to Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries where typhoid is endemic should be encouraged to avail of vaccination before travel and take precautions. "All healthcare services caring for those presenting with suspected typhoid should be aware of potentially high levels of resistance to key antimicrobial agents particularly for cases acquired in the Indian sub-continent." The illness has life-threatening symptoms which include prolonged fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea and a rash. READ MORE IN HEALTH While Typhoid Fever isn't common in Ireland or And in recent years, Ireland has seen a rise in typhoid cases - particularly among travellers returning from These cases are often resistant to antibiotics, making the illness deadly if not treated quickly. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre is now advising that all Irish travellers to high-risk areas should get vaccinated against Typhoid Fever. MOST READ IN HEALTH HSE share urgent warning over emergency department wait times Along with vaccines, the HPSC said practising good hand hygiene is crucial. Irish travellers in affected countries should wash their hands thoroughly before eating or drinking and after using the toilet. Travellers should also be cautious with food and water - avoid raw or undercooked foods, unpeeled fruits and tap water unless it's been boiled or treated. If you develop a high fever or other symptoms of infection during or after your trip, seek Meanwhile, Irish people are being alerted to a killer condition that may be sparked when According to the HSE, there are 4,000 thrombosis-related deaths per year in Ireland. Travel can increase the risk of blood clots, mainly due to prolonged immobility. It applies to all forms of travel, including flights, trains, buses, or cars. SIX KEY SYMPTOMS HERE is the six key Typhoid Fever symptoms to watch out for: Prolonged fever Headache Nausea Abdominal pain Diarrhoea Rash A blood clot, also known as thrombosis, is a clump of blood that forms in a blood vessel - and you may not show any symptoms. The HSE took to social media to advise holidaymakers of four vital steps to reduce the risk of getting a blood clot on a plane. They said: 'If you plan to spend six hours or more traveling by 'Hydrate by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your journey. Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills or long rest periods. Wear loose clothing, avoid crossing your legs.'
