Latest news with #UKHSA
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
'Quick' results for West Nile virus mosquito tests
An expert has said there will be a "quick-turnaround" in finding out whether mosquitoes in Nottinghamshire have West Nile UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) previously said fragments of the virus - which can sometimes make people seriously ill - had been found in wetland in Retford, summer, Gamston near Retford will be among a number of locations to undergo mosquito surveillance as part of a national project to understand mosquito activity across UKHSA said to date there had been no cases of people catching West Nile virus in the UK. The UKHSA is working with Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to increase surveillance on land along the River Idle, where nuisance biting from mosquitoes has taken place in previous agency added the risk to the public is "low". 'Detect the virus' Jolyon Medlock, head of medical entomology at UKHSA, told the BBC that the agency had set up traps for the Medlock said "As the number of mosquitoes start to pick up, we start to detect them in our traps, we'll then identify them."We'll separate out the ones that we are more concerned about and then they will go to the animal and plant health agency for testing."So within a quite quick turnaround, we'll have some results on whether we can detect the virus or not." Work has been undertaken in Gamston since 2018 to reshape the wetland and reduce the flood has minimised habitats for the mosquitoes and has curbed the issue of biting, said Nottinghamshire County Robbins, the county's director of public health and communities, said: "This type of mosquito is native to the UK."Mosquitoes in the UK are also commonly found in wet woodland areas, ponds, ditches, marshes, and even garden water butts."To avoid being bitten by a mosquito, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers to cover your arms and legs, use insect repellent on your arms and legs, or use blinds or screens to help keep mosquitoes out of homes."
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Experts warn of 'growing concern' over fungus which is a 'threat to humanity'
Experts warn of 'growing concern' over fungus which is a 'threat to humanity' 'The reality is already scary enough', one expert has shared Candidozyma auris has been identified in the UK - but it's not widespread (Image: Getty ) Experts have issued a warning about a deadly fungus dubbed a "threat to humanity" which is now rapidly spreading. Originally discovered in Japan in 2009, Candidozyma (formerly known as Candida) auris (C. auris) has appeared in over 40 countries across six continents since it was identified in a patient's ear canal. It poses a significant threat according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) due to its extraordinary tenacity and ability to last for extensive periods on surfaces. The fungus's survival skills are not limited to persistence on surfaces: it often also shows resistance to everyday disinfectants and many antifungal medications. Infections can occur through various anatomical pathways, including invasion into the bloodstream, central nervous system (encompassing the brain and spinal cord), bones, abdominal cavity, wounds, ears, respiratory tract, or urinary system, reports the Mirror. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here People with existing medical conditions are at heightened danger, faced with potential mortality rates ranging from 30% to 60%, an alarming statistic highlighted by the Express. The UKHSA emphasised the public health issue, stating: "C. auris represents a growing global health concern, particularly in healthcare settings where it can spread rapidly and resist treatment and some disinfectants." "While not yet widespread in England, it is important that we remain aware that C. auris may spread in hospital environments. "Through effective infection prevention and control measures, rigorous hygiene practices, ongoing monitoring and continued research, its spread can be minimised. "C. auris primarily spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment, or via direct contact with individuals who are colonised. People can carry the fungus on their skin without developing an infection (called colonisation). However, someone who has C. auris on their skin may become infected if it enters their body, for example through a wound, or if they have had an invasive medical device inserted, for example a catheter or drip." The World Health Organisation (WHO) has spotlighted this fungus among 19 deadly fungi that represent a "serious threat to humanity", according to its recent report. The WHO highlighted how fungal infections "receive very little attention and resources, leading to a scarcity of quality data on fungal disease distribution and antifungal resistance patterns." Article continues below The organisation added: "As a result, the exact burden of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance, are unknown, and the response is therefore undermined." Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Assistant Director-General, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) said: "Emerging from the shadows of the bacterial antimicrobial resistance pandemic, fungal infections are growing, and are ever more resistant to treatments, becoming a public health concern worldwide."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Killer fungus warning as pathogen dubbed 'threat to humanity' spreading in UK
Candidozyma auris is 'particularly concerning' due to its 'remarkable resilience' which means it can survive on surfaces for a long time, said the UK Health Security Agency An urgent warning has been issued as a fungus described as a "threat to humanity" is now spreading across the UK. Candidozyma (formerly Candida) auris (C. auris) was first identified in the external ear canal of a patient in Japan in 2009, but has since been found in more than 40 countries across six continents. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the fungus is "particularly concerning" because of its "remarkable resilience" which allows it to survive on surfaces for long periods of time. The yeast species is often resistant to disinfectants and common antifungal drugs too. A person can contract it through a fungal infection into the blood, brain and spinal cord, bones, abdomen, wounds, ears, respiratory tract, and urinary system. People who already have existing health issues are particularly at risk, as in extreme cases the fungus can be fatal in between 30% and 60% of patients, reports the Express. UKHSA said in a statement released yesterday: "C. auris represents a growing global health concern, particularly in healthcare settings where it can spread rapidly and resist treatment and some disinfectants. "While not yet widespread in England, it is important that we remain aware that C. auris may spread in hospital environments. Through effective infection prevention and control measures, rigorous hygiene practices, ongoing monitoring and continued research, its spread can be minimised. "C. auris primarily spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment, or via direct contact with individuals who are colonised. People can carry the fungus on their skin without developing an infection (called colonisation). However, someone who has C. auris on their skin may become infected if it enters their body, for example through a wound, or if they have had an invasive medical device inserted, for example a catheter or drip." The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed the fungus among 19 lethal fungi that pose a "serious threat to humanity" in a recent report. The health organisation said fungal infections "receive very little attention and resources, leading to a scarcity of quality data on fungal disease distribution and antifungal resistance patterns." It added: "As a result, the exact burden of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance, are unknown, and the response is therefore undermined." Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Assistant Director-General, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), said: "Emerging from the shadows of the bacterial antimicrobial resistance pandemic, fungal infections are growing, and are ever more resistant to treatments, becoming a public health concern worldwide." Earlier this month, a new climate change study warned that a deadly fungus that already infects millions of people in warmer parts of the world could soon spread across Europe and reach the UK. The Aspergillus fungus - already a known threat in tropical and subtropical climates - causes serious brain infections in humans, kills livestock, and renders crops unsafe to eat. Now, with global temperatures rising, researchers say its reach is expanding rapidly, and the UK could be next. Viewers of The Last of Us might recognise the fictional version of this threat, but "the reality is already scary enough," said lead author Dr Norman van Rhijn from the University of Manchester, speaking to Sky News. Dr van Rhijn warned that infections like invasive aspergillosis - which spreads from the lungs to other organs - currently kill 1.8million people globally each year. 'Most fungi live in the environment,' he said. 'Because that environment is rapidly changing, we will definitely see different kinds of diseases and infections popping up over the next 50 years or so.' The new research shows that species such as Aspergillus fumigatus, flavus, and niger are set to move northward from their current hotspots in Africa and South America, reaching parts of Europe, the UK, and even Scandinavia. In an optimistic climate scenario where warming is limited to around 2C, Aspergillus fungi would still expand significantly - while likely retreating from southern Europe, which may become too hot even for these heat-loving pathogens.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Terrifying alert over rise in lethal fungus experts say is a 'threat to humanity'
Health officials have sounded the alarm over a killer fungus that poses a 'serious threat to humanity' and is spreading in UK hospitals. Candidozyma auris (C. auris) can survive on surfaces in hospitals, as well as the skin, for a long period of time and is often resistant to disinfectants and anti-fungal medication. But, if spores enter the body, either through wounds or via a needle during medical treatment, it can cause serious and life-threatening infections. The infection can spread to the blood, brain, spinal cord, bones, abdomen, ears, respiratory tract and urinary system, and kill. It is so deadly that the World Health Organisation has identified it as one of 19 lethal fungi that pose a 'serious threat to humanity'. Now, a new alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised the alarm over a rise in infections caused by fungus, including candidozyma auris, reaching 2,247 reports last year. While there were 637 cases of C auris over the last decade, nearly 200 of these were detected last year alone. Invasive fungal infections are already estimated to cause at least 2.5million deaths globally each year. According to the Professor Andy Borman, Head of the Mycology Reference Laboratory, UKHSA, the reason for the rise may be an increase in people who are immunocompromised, as well as rising numbers of people undergoing complex surgeries. 'The rise of drug-resistant C. auris means we must remain vigilant to protect patient safety', he added. C. auris, which is predominantly found in healthcare settings, was first identified in 2009 in the ear of a Japanese patient and since then has been found in more than 40 countries across 6 continents. While most people don't get sick from coming into contact with the fungus—which is predominantly found in hospitals, on radiators, windowsills, sinks, and medical equipment such as blood pressure cuffs—infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat once they take hold. People with weakened immune systems—especially those who received healthcare abroad last year, who have spent a lot of time in hospital, are in intensive care, or have been treated with certain antibiotics—are at a significantly higher risk. Patients who require medical devices which go into their body, such as catheters, are also at an increased risk. The fungus spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, or via direct contact with individuals who carry the fungus on their skin, without developing an infection—known as colonisation. Experts are particularly concerned that the fungus, which reproduced far quicker than humans, is becoming more resistant to drug treatments. This means, the more these organisms come into contact with antifungal drugs, the more likely it is that resistant strains—or super-fungi—will emerge. To tackle this threat, the health and safety watchdog has increased surveillance, and has flagged C. auris as a notifiable infection, meaning that hospitals must report all cases, to help control outbreaks. The government is urging healthcare providers to identify colonised or infected patients early, including patients who had stayed overnight in a healthcare facility outside the UK last year. They have also suggested that single-use equipment should be used where possible—making sure that reusable items, such as blood pressure cuffs, undergo effective decontamination. The UKHSA has also sounded the alarm over Candida albicans, Nakaseomyces glabratus, and Candida parapsilosis—fungi that can enter the bloodstream and cause infection. The warning follows the outbreak of another killer fungus that infects millions of people a year earlier this month. Aspergillus, a type of mould, is all around us—in the air, soil, food and in decaying organic matter. But if spores enter the lungs, the fungi can grow into a lumps the size of tennis balls, causing severe breathing issues—a condition called aspergillosis. The infection can then spread to the skin, brain, heart or kidneys, and kill. Researchers say a rise in global temperatures is fueling the growth and spread of aspergillus across Europe, increasing the risk of the deadly illness.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning as deadly fungal infections that enter the bloodstream on the rise – and scientists identify those most at risk
'Our surveillance shows that serious fungal infections are having an increasing impact on public health,' Professor Andy Borman from the UKHSA says 'REMAIN VIGILANT' Warning as deadly fungal infections that enter the bloodstream on the rise – and scientists identify those most at risk Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEVERAL deadly fungal infections are on the rise in England, health chiefs warn - including one labeled a 'huge threat to humanity'. In 2024, cases of fungi entering the bloodstream rose slightly from 3.8 to 3.9 per 100,000 people, new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Experts think the rise in infections may be linked to more complex surgeries, longer hospital stays, and increased antibiotic use Credit: Getty Most were found in vulnerable patients in hospitals, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Bloodstream infections caused by a type of fungus called yeast usually happen in hospitals, from yeasts that naturally live on our skin or inside our bodies. The main culprits behind these new infections are yeast species like Candida albicans, Nakaseomyces glabratus, and Candida parapsilosis. Candida albicans, or C. albicans as it is sometimes called, has already been named by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of 19 deadly fungi posing a serious threat to humanity. It's branded a superbug because it's becoming harder and harder to treat due to growing drug resistance. But UKHSA chiefs are most concerned about Candidozyma auris - a tougher, drug-resistant fungus that has also been reported and can be deadly and spreads easily in hospitals. Between 2013 and 2024, there were 637 reported cases of in England, with 178 just last year alone, data suggests. Once rare, it's been steadily rising, especially since the Covid pandemic restrictions ended. Experts say the rise may be linked to more complex surgeries, longer hospital stays, and increased antibiotic use – all of which can weaken the body's defenses. 'Our surveillance shows that serious fungal infections are having an increasing impact on public health," Professor Andy Borman from the UKHSA said. Are fungal infections a serious threat? "The rise of drug-resistant C. auris means we must remain vigilant to protect patient safety.' To tackle this threat, UKHSA has stepped up surveillance and made C. auris a notifiable infection. This means hospitals must report cases quickly to help control outbreaks. 2 The WHO have ranked 19 fungal priority pathogensbased on threat to humanity
