Latest news with #Mpox
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
AIIMS Nagpur is Maharashtra's first medical college to get BSL-3 lab
Nagpur: In a significant step forward for public health in Vidarbha and surrounding areas, AIIMS Nagpur will soon be home to Maharashtra's first Bio-Safety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory in a medical college, thanks to a tie-up with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi. This cutting-edge lab will help doctors quickly detect and respond to deadly infections like Nipah, Zika, bird flu, and even viruses used in bioterrorism. For common people, this means faster diagnosis, better protection during disease outbreaks, and stronger health systems in our region. "This BSL-3 lab will make AIIMS Nagpur a hub for detecting dangerous infections early, which is crucial to stop them from spreading," said Dr Prashant P Joshi, executive director of AIIMS Nagpur. Currently, the only BSL-3 lab in Maharashtra is at the National Institute of Virology, Pune. Once operational, the Nagpur lab will not only serve patients but will also train microbiologists and technicians from across the state to fight infectious diseases better. Dr Meena Mishra, who heads the department of microbiology and is the project in charge, explained, "BSL-3 labs are highly secure and are built to handle very dangerous germs. These germs can cause severe disease and can spread from animals to humans, like Japanese Encephalitis, Mpox, or Nipah virus. With this lab, we'll be able to test and research them safely right here in Nagpur." Unlike the existing BSL-2 lab at AIIMS, which handles common infections like dengue and Covid-19, the BSL-3 lab will work with much riskier pathogens. It will have features like airtight rooms, HEPA filters to clean the air, and specially trained staff in full protective gear. The lab is being set up under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. The NCDC has allotted Rs30 crore for it — Rs25 crore for infrastructure and Rs5 crore for equipment and testing kits. Experts from Delhi, including Sunil Bharadwaj (additional director, NCDC), Dr Ankur Garg (joint director), and Dr Aradhana Bhargava (nodal officer for the lab), recently signed the MoU with AIIMS authorities during their visit to Nagpur. Once ready, this BSL-3 lab will become a crucial defence system against any future epidemic or bio-emergency, ensuring that people in Central India don't have to wait or travel far for testing and treatment. "This initiative strengthens India's ability to deal with public health emergencies. We're proud to bring such a facility to Nagpur," Dr Joshi added.
GMA Network
15 hours ago
- Health
- GMA Network
DOH 7 heightens alert for Mpox
The Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH Central Visayas CHD), in an official statement, has emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and strict adherence to health protocols to prevent the spread of Mpox (known formerly as Monkeypox), in light of cases reported recently. DOH Central Visayas CHD said that Mpox is a contagious disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, primarily transmitted through close, intimate contact with an infectious person. This includes talking, breathing in close proximity, kissing, touching, hugging, or engaging in sexual activity. It may also spread via contact with contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing, or linens. Common symptoms of Mpox include skin rash or mucosal lesions that typically last between two (2) to four (4) weeks, often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. "To help prevent infection, the public is advised to practice frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, observe proper respiratory etiquette by covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ensure good airflow in indoor spaces, and avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of Mpox," DOH Central Visayas CHD said. In response to the current situation, the DOH Central Visayas CHD has "heightened its surveillance efforts and urges the public to remain proactive in observing recommended health measures." "We emphasize that only accurate and verified health information should be followed, as misinformation can undermine public safety. The consistent implementation of proper hygiene practices, especially in public spaces, remains essential. We reassure the community that we are committed to safeguarding public health and are closely monitoring for any potential developments," the statement added. 'We want to reassure the people of Central Visayas that the health system is on alert and prepared to respond. Our priority is early detection, clear communication, and protection of every individual, especially those who may be more vulnerable. We ask everyone to be kind and understanding. Let us avoid fear and discrimination, as Mpox can affect anyone, and what we need most right now is compassion, accurate information, and community cooperation,' said Regional Director Joshua Brillantes. In addition, DOH Central Visayas CHD has urged individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of Mpox to seek medical consultation at the nearest health center or contact the DOH Central Visayas CHD Regional Emergency Operations Center through the following numbers: #0711, 0945-157-6004, and 0943-568-3298.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
Card claiming Luzon lockdown over Mpox fake, says GMA
GMA Integrated News has labeled as fake an art card that has circulated online that has mimicked its branding. The card claimed that Luzon may be placed under 'total lockdown' because of Mpox. The fabricated image also attributed the claim falsely to the Department of Health (DOH). GMA said it did not produce nor publish such a report and warned the public against sharing unverified content online. DOH: Mpox CASES WENT DOWN IN MAY DOH said the Mpox situation in the country is not alarming and does not warrant lockdowns. In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said there were less than 50 Mpox cases recorded in May. This is lower than the over 50 cases logged in April. 'Kapag tumingin kasi sa total, ang impression parang dami-dami nang kaso,' Domingo said. He added that the agency is focusing on month-to-month monitoring rather than cumulative totals, which can create a misleading impression. ONLY MILD Mpox VARIANT IN PH Domingo also clarified that the Mpox cases in the Philippines involve only the Clade II variant, which is known to be milder and less transmissible than Clade 1b — a variant that has not been detected in the country. 'Hindi natin kailangang mabahala dahil ang variant [ng Mpox] dito sa Pilipinas ay Clade II,' Domingo said. DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa likewise assured the public that most patients recover within 2 to 3 weeks, and that deaths linked to Mpox in the Philippines were primarily due to underlying complications from advanced HIV, not the virus itself. NOT AIRBORNE Domingo further explained that Mpox is spread through close, skin-to-skin contact, not through the air. While some local government units have imposed face mask requirements, he said such measures may not directly prevent Mpox transmission. 'Ang Mpox ay hindi airborne... Depende sa mode of transmission ang dapat na ginagawa na precaution,' he said. He urged LGUs to coordinate with the DOH for science-based response measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes Mpox as a viral disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, with most cases being mild and self-resolving. The global health body continues to monitor Mpox cases worldwide but maintains that proper hygiene, awareness, and early reporting are key to managing outbreaks. PANATA KONTRA FAKE NEWS The incident is the latest in a string of online disinformation attempts using the GMA Integrated News brand falsely. The organization continues to monitor, report, and request the takedown of fake content that misleads the public. GMA Integrated News reminds the public to verify the source of information before sharing, and to trust only official channels for news updates.
GMA Network
7 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
Iloilo City logs 1 case of Monkeypox
The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) confirmed of a case of Monkeypox (Mpox) in the city. In a press conference on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Dr. Mary Ann Poli-Diaz, CHO head, said that the patient is under isolation while undergoing medication. She said that the patient is in stable condition. She emphasized that the patient has no travel history. However, Diaz has not disclosed any information on the gender, address, age, and occupation of the confirmed patient. Investigation is on to determine other four suspected cases in Iloilo City. Diaz said, as of posting time, she cannot tell conclusively whether there was local transmission of Mpox. Earlier, 15 cases of Mpox have been recorded in three provinces in Mindanao, according to a GMA News Online report. Based on a report in '24 Oras' on May 23, 2025, South Cotabato confirmed 10 cases, Sultan Kudarat had three patients, and Maguindanao del Norte detected two cases. The Mpox virus can be transmitted through intimate, skin-to-skin contact. One can also be infected through contact with contaminated objects. Health experts highly advise proper hygiene, which includes hand washing with soap and water, to avoid infection. Among the symptoms to watch out for include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks, the report added. The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. (via Sevein Hope Gegantoca/dySI Super Radyo Iloilo and GMA Integrated News)
News18
27-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
No Country Too Small: Why India's Anti-Terror Outreach Team Is Visiting Sierre Leone, Liberia
Last Updated: These countries are significant because of their impending membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India has dispatched seven delegations worldwide to convey the message that its fight is against terrorism and terrorists, not against humanity or citizens. These delegations are traveling across various countries to build global consensus on this issue. Among these delegations, one is on a particularly challenging mission. After a promising start in the UAE, this delegation, led by Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde, the youngest leader among the envoys, is currently visiting the Republic of Congo. On Tuesday, the Indian delegation met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, the Foreign Minister, the Speaker, and several other dignitaries. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen India's strategic partnerships and build people-to-people connections with key African nations while rallying against terrorism. The delegation had a series of meetings with notable figures, including Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, Berthold Ulungu Ekunda Lukata, President of the Foreign Affairs Commission, National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi, Speaker of the National Assembly, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, President of the Senate, and Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport. A source informed CNN-News18 that the meetings in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were productive, allowing the delegation to clearly communicate India's stance on terrorism. The delegation emphasised the importance of countries like the DRC highlighting the dangers of supporting nations like Pakistan that sponsor terrorism. The DRC has assured the Indian delegation that it will attempt to raise this issue in their parliament and other platforms. The delegation plans to visit two more nations before returning to India: Sierra Leone and Liberia. These countries, although small and often unnoticed on the world map, have been strategically chosen by the Indian government. Both countries face significant internal challenges. The Republic of Congo is grappling with internal conflict and crime, including the recent killing of an Indian businessman, making it a dangerous destination. Sierra Leone is dealing with a national crisis, with a 50 per cent rise in Mpox cases reported in the last 10 days since the disease's outbreak earlier this year. There are fears that this outbreak could spread to neighbouring Liberia, prompting the Health Department of Liberia to issue an advisory urging people to avoid physical contact, wash their hands, and report suspected cases to health authorities. Some political parties in India have questioned the government's decision to send delegations to these locations. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate expressed concern, questioning the need to justify India's actions to the world. Despite these concerns, the Indian delegation is committed to its mission. A source told News18 that India aims to garner as much international support as possible. India has empowered the voice of the global South, including their introduction in the G20 during its meeting in New Delhi last year. These countries are significant because of their impending membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Sierra Leone is already a non-permanent member of the UNSC and a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), making it a crucial nation for India's outreach. Strong voices within the OIC, such as Kuwait and Bahrain, have supported India's stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Additionally, countries like the UAE have declared their support for India's fight against terrorism. With the support of the Indian population, the delegation is tackling tough conditions under the mission 'Operation Sindoor." Despite the challenges, having members as young as Shrikant Shinde, 38, and as old as Mohammed Basheer, 78, the delegation remains dedicated to serving their motherland, India. First Published:
