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IOL News
4 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Chikungunya virus: symptoms, treatments and how to protect yourself from the mosquito-borne threat
Southern China is experiencing a chikungunya outbreak, reviving memories of COVID-19 controls. Image: Jimmy Chan/pexels In what feels eerily like a return to 2020, southern China is facing an outbreak that's reviving memories of the pandemic, but this time, it's not Covid-19. It's chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquito bites that causes sudden fever and severe joint pain, often lingering for months or even years. According to Bloomberg, the outbreak's epicentre is Foshan, a city in Guangdong province in South China, where over 6500 cases have been reported in just a few weeks. The local government is acting swiftly: hospitals are keeping patients under mosquito nets, drug purchases are being monitored, and communities are undergoing mass testing and disinfection campaigns. What is chikungunya Pronounced chik-un-GUN-yuh, the virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952, but only arrived in China in 2008. Today, it's known to circulate in over 110 countries, mostly in Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and now, more prominently, southern China. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), symptoms usually appear 3–7 days after a mosquito bite and include: Sudden high fever. Intense joint and muscle pain. Skin rashes. Headaches. Swelling of the joints. While most people recover within a week, some may suffer from chronic joint pain for months, sometimes even years. Fortunately, deaths are rare, and the virus is not spread person-to-person, only through mosquito bites. Still, in vulnerable groups like newborns, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, the illness can hit harder. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ With over 7,000 cases reported, authorities are implementing measures reminiscent of the pandemic. Image: Saeed Saeed/pexels Not another lockdown, but a wake-up call. Though the virus itself isn't new, the scale of the response in China is catching attention worldwide. Authorities are now tracking people buying over-the-counter fever or pain relief medication, a tactic used during the Zero-Covid strategy, reports "Bloomberg". Rather than lockdowns or digital tracking, outbreak control should focus on vector management and reducing human mosquito contact, Dr Donal Bisanzio, a senior epidemiologist at RTI International, a nonprofit research group, told BBC News. According to Kang Min, Director of Guangdong CDC's Institute of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, new cases are slowing down, but challenges remain due to international travel and the flood season, which fuels mosquito breeding. Here's what local authorities are doing: Mass disinfection drives and stagnant water removal. Encouraging window screens and mosquito nets. Fines of up to 1,000 yuan (R2 600) for businesses not cleaning up mosquito habitats. Seven-day health campaigns in high-risk towns like Lecong. Communities light mosquito coils at the same time daily to maximise the repellent effect. What does this mean for travellers and locals alike? With the outbreak spreading to 12 cities in Guangdong province and a first imported case in Hong Kong, a 12-year-old boy who had visited Foshan, global attention is growing. The US State Department has even advised travellers to China to exercise increased caution. In an interview with eNCA, Professor Tulio de Oliveira from the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation at Stellenbosch University discussed the chikungunya virus. He noted that in South Africa, the NICD has recorded ten travel-related cases of this virus from December to July. During the winter months, there are no immediate concerns about widespread outbreaks in South Africa. However, emphasised that the real concern for South Africa will arise in the summer when mosquito populations increase. "The variant causing concern originated in Réunion Island in March, leading to a significant outbreak with nearly 50 000 infections. While it also spread to Mauritius, effective measures helped control it there." He added, 'This variant has mutations that allow it to spread more easily through certain mosquito species.' 'Climate change and rising temperatures are expanding the areas where mosquitoes thrive, which could lead to more chikungunya cases. ' He urged vigilance as the situation evolves, especially with the potential for more introductions of the virus into South Africa as the seasons change. How to protect yourself Use mosquito repellent daily, especially in humid, rainy seasons. Install mosquito screens on windows and doors. Sleep under mosquito nets, especially if you live near standing water. Wear long sleeves and pants if you're outside at dawn or dusk. Eliminate stagnant water in plant pots, buckets, or outdoor containers. If you've travelled to affected areas and develop fever, joint pain, or rash, see a doctor and mention your travel history. Early detection helps avoid complications and stops the spread.
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nightfood to acquire two California hotels for $80m
Nightfood Holdings, a hospitality technology and asset acquisition company, is set to acquire two hotel properties in California, US, enhancing its AI-driven hospitality model. This move is a significant step in the company's strategy to combine hotel asset ownership with advanced robotics-as-a-service (RaaS). The acquisitions, valued at approximately $80m, are expected to close by the end of the current quarter. Located in Victorville and Rancho Mirage, the properties will serve as key sites for the company to demonstrate and refine its AI-driven service robotics, further cementing its position in the AI and hospitality robotics markets. Nightfood's strategic acquisitions are timely, as US hotel labour costs have increased by about 22% since 2019, according to CBRE Hotels Research. The company is currently finalising due diligence on the Victorville property and will proceed with the Rancho Mirage asset shortly thereafter. Both properties will integrate into Nightfood's AI automation platform, facilitating robotic deployments, data analytics, and revenue enhancement strategies. The company's RaaS platform allows hospitality operators to implement AI solutions on a subscription basis, thereby reducing capital expenses while enhancing guest experiences, staff productivity, and overall profitability. Nightfood CEO Jimmy Chan said: "These properties are more than high-value assets, they are strategic launchpads. "By embedding next-gen automation directly into hotel operations, we're executing on a model that delivers efficiency, solves labour challenges, and creates scalable recurring revenue streams. This is how we build a dominant platform in tech-powered hospitality." The company said that by owning the hotels and deploying AI-driven solutions, it can monetise the resulting efficiencies and data, expanding its recurring revenue streams. "Nightfood to acquire two California hotels for $80m" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
University of Cape Town leads regional action plan against drug-resistant malaria in East Africa
UCT is part of a research consortium that has played a pivotal role in developing the first regional action plan to combat drug-resistant malaria in East Africa. Image: Pexels/Jimmy Chan A research consortium led by the University of Cape Town (UCT) has played a pivotal role in developing the first regional action plan to combat drug-resistant malaria in East Africa. Endorsed by health ministers from across the region, the plan represents a major step forward in preserving the efficacy of life-saving antimalarial treatments. The Regional Detailed Action Plan for Responding to Antimalarial Drug Resistance in East Africa was officially endorsed in May 2025 at the 25th Ordinary Meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health. Developed through a partnership between UCT's Mitigating Antimalarial Resistance Consortium in South-East Africa (MARC SE-Africa) and the EAC Roll Back Malaria Secretariat, the plan unites national malaria programmes and global health stakeholders behind a common goal: safeguarding effective malaria treatment amid growing resistance and tightening global funding. Senior researcher at UCT and technical advisor within the consortium, Dr Stephanie van Wyk, said: 'This is a landmark achievement. This endorsement reflects the potential realised when scientific evidence, political will and regional solidarity converge. UCT remains committed to fostering solutions that not only assist our East African neighbours but also provide a template for responses to drug resistant malaria in other African regions. By enhancing case management and proactively addressing resistance challenges through regional collaboration, we contribute to safeguarding the effectiveness of antimalarial treatments throughout the endemic regions of Southern Africa.' The action plan targets drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum, especially resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) – the frontline treatment for malaria.– the frontline treatment for malaria. The plan outlines a roadmap for optimised treatment protocols, improved supply chain management and strengthened regional cooperation by integrating the latest research and surveillance data. It also identifies evidence-based short- and medium-term interventions to address resistance before it undermines decades of progress in malaria control. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The plan's development involved intensive collaboration with leading national and international health partners, including the Global Fund, the President's Malaria Initiative, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance and Medicines for Malaria Venture. The EAC Roll Back Malaria Secretariat, led by Dr Michael Katende, played a central coordinating role in aligning partner countries and institutions behind a shared vision. 'Malaria knows no borders, and neither should our response. This consensus-based regional action plan demonstrates the power of multinational collaboration in tackling drug-resistant malaria. Now is the critical moment for East African nations and international partners to commit to sustained action and ensure effective malaria treatment remains available for millions at risk,' said Professor Karen Barnes, lead of MARC SE-Africa and coordinator of the initiative at UCT. With more than 300 million people – over 80% of the EAC population – living at risk of malaria, the plan arrives at a critical juncture. Resistance is rising, and funding shortfalls threaten to reverse hard-won gains. The coordinated approach signals a shift toward African-led, research-driven and politically unified responses to one of the continent's most pressing public health threats. Through this regional initiative, East Africa sets a new precedent for protecting the impact of ACTs, reinforcing its commitment to collective action, and demonstrating leadership in global health innovation.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Lenovo AI Now Revolutionizes Learning and Teaching Experience at Hong Kong School, Ignites Education Landscape Transformation
Chong Gene Hang College implements Lenovo's on-premises AI solution to create a whole new learning and teaching experiences, setting new standards for AI integration in Hong Kong's education sector Jimmy Chan, Vice-Principal, Chong Gene Hang College: 'By implementing Lenovo AI Now across select subjects, we're providing our students with tools that not only enhance their learning experience but also prepare them for a future where AI literacy will be essential.' By using the materials aligning school's teaching strategy and policy, the application eliminates concerns about inaccurate information and saving time from fact check. The application can accelerate learning path in self-study or self-reflection by generating key points, questions and answers analysis, customized exercises based on past papers and previous teaching materials HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 May 2025 - Lenovo today announced the successful deployment of its on-device large language model (LLM) solution, Lenovo AI Now, at Chong Gene Hang College in Hong Kong. It represents a significant milestone in the modernization of education in Hong Kong and the region, allowing students to access personalized learning resources generated from their own curriculum materials, and enabling teachers to focus on enhancing teaching experience through easing their administrative workload."Lenovo AI Now is fundamentally changing how we approach education technology," said Serena Cheung, General Manager, Lenovo Hong Kong and Macau. "Unlike generic AI platforms that rely on internet-sourced information, our on-device solution ensures students access only verified, curriculum-aligned content. Streamlining the operational work allows teachers to focus more on enhancing their lessons and engaging with students. Schools can implement the system in minutes rather than months, making advanced AI accessible to educational institutions of all sizes."With Lenovo AI Now, Chong Gene Hang College allows students to instantly build a knowledge base using its existing digital resources, including textbooks, syllabus materials, notes, and past examination papers from the last three years. By leveraging this data, Lenovo AI Now delivers several key advantages for students:Lenovo AI Now's personalized approach to facilitating self-paced learning for students also improves students' independent learning teachers, the application can reduce administrative work from them on managing on-going announcement, guidelines and changes from government. It allows school to quickly react and to stay close communications with students and their parents. As a results, teachers can focus more on "education" including enhancing course design, broadening the students' knowledge through in-depth academic discussion, which is more than "teaching".During the trial period, several dozen students and teachers are using the solution, and they generally find the platform easy to navigate. Teachers reported a 40% reduction in time spent on supporting and individual tutoring, as students have more source to get assistance in learning. This self-directed approach motivates students to learn and they even requesting more supplementary materials, resulting in improved learning ease of use has significantly boosted student engagement and interest in learning while enhancing teaching convenience. Many students have shared that the Lenovo AI Now platform has transformed their learning especially in exam preparation. They appreciate the ability to generate practice questions on topics they find challenging, receive immediate feedback, and focus their study time more effectively. It feels like having a personal tutor available whenever they need assistance."This collaboration with Lenovo represents a significant advancement in our digital transformation journey," said Jimmy Chan, Vice-Principal, Chong Gene Hang College. "By implementing AI Now across select subjects, we're providing our students with tools that not only enhance their learning experience but also prepare them for a future where AI literacy will be essential. This demonstrates our commitment to educational innovation."Chong Gene Hang College is currently utilizing Lenovo AI Now for English, Mathematics, and Science, while establishing a dedicated AI-powered self-study facility. This initiative sets a new benchmark for educational technology integration in Hong Kong schools. In the future, the school plans to explore using AI Now to develop personalized teaching plans for individual students by analyzing their school reports, attendance, and extracurricular activities. To ensure the security of personal information, a highly secure platform will be essential for this implementation, making a local LLM like AI Now #Lenovo The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Lenovo Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo's continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nightfood Signs LOI to Acquire Hilton Garden Inn in Rancho Mirage, California, Adjacent to Disney's Cotino Development
Strategic acquisition strengthens NGTF's real estate footprint and positions the Company for institutional-grade hospitality automation deployment TARRYTOWN, N.Y., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN – Nightfood Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF) ('Nightfood' and the 'Company'), a hospitality automation company pioneering artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotics and strategic hotel ownership, today announces the execution of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire the Hilton Garden Inn located in Rancho Mirage, California. This 120-room property, with plans for a five room expansion to 125 rooms, is strategically located adjacent to Cotino™, a Storyliving by Disney community—a first-of-its-kind, 618-acre residential resort development. The total transaction is valued at $36.93 million, making it one of the largest acquisitions in the Company's history to date. The Hilton Garden Inn will continue to operate under the Hilton flag and serve as a flagship property for Nightfood's expanding Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform—designed to reduce labor costs, address staffing challenges, and enhance operational efficiency across the hospitality industry. This acquisition is expected to be the second of many as Nightfood actively pursues similar high-value assets, including some at even higher price points. The Company's strategic focus remains on acquiring real estate that complements its automation platform, driving long-term growth and shareholder value. 'This acquisition reflects our commitment to building a high-impact, asset-backed platform that merges real estate and automation,' said Jimmy Chan, CEO of Nightfood Holdings. 'The proximity to Disney's Cotino project offers significant long-term upside, and this Hilton property gives us a high-visibility location to showcase our robotic automation technologies in a live, revenue-generating environment.' Strategic Location and Long-Term Value The Hilton Garden Inn is positioned to benefit from Cotino's transformative impact, which is expected to attract significant year-round foot traffic, affluent residents, and both domestic and international visitors. Nightfood anticipates long-term gains in both occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADR), driven by the Cotino effect and the operational cost savings delivered by its automation suite. Key Transaction Terms Purchase Price: $36.93 million (including planned expansion to 125 rooms). Equity Consideration: Net $26.43 million in Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (tax-free share exchange, Section 368). Earn-Out: Additional of $3 million Series C shares upon completion of five new guest rooms. Exclusivity: 180-day No-Shop period. Closing Conditions: Delivery of two years of audited financials. Nightfood's uplisting to NASDAQ or NYSE American. Satisfaction of outstanding mortgage (not to exceed $10.5 million). Flagship Location for Automation Showcase Nightfood plans to leverage the Hilton Garden Inn as its second live testing ground for its AI-powered Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform, following the successful deployment at its first test property, a Holiday Inn. By operating under a different flagship brand, Nightfood can refine and expand its automation solutions across diverse hospitality environments. This aligns with the Company's broader strategy of combining advanced automation with prime real estate assets, further establishing its leadership in technology-driven hospitality solutions. Looking Ahead As part of its disciplined growth strategy, Nightfood will continue pursuing strategic acquisitions and expanding its automation capabilities. Investors can expect further updates as the Company advances through closing steps and uplisting preparations. About Nightfood Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF) Nightfood Holdings, Inc. is revolutionizing the hospitality industry by combining AI-powered robotics with strategic hotel acquisitions. The Company's innovative approach uses advanced automation technology to significantly improve hotel efficiency, reduce operating costs, and address labor challenges. As automation rapidly becomes the standard rather than a trend in hospitality, Nightfood is committed to setting that standard — delivering intelligent solutions that enhance guest experiences and streamline operations. With its dual focus on owning hotel properties and offering Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS), NGTF is strategically positioned to capitalize on the rapidly growing global service robotics market, which is expected to surpass $170 billion by 2030. This integrated business model provides scalable revenue streams and positions NGTF as a leader in technology-driven hospitality solutions. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and Nightfood Holdings' expected performance. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from expectations. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's SEC filings for additional information. For more information on Nightfood Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF), please visit Investor & Media Contacts Investor Relations Contact: Nightfood Holdings, Inc. Email: ir@ Media Relations Contact: Email: media@ Phone: (866) 261-7778 Corporate Communications IBN Austin, Texas 512.354.7000 Office Editor@
