Latest news with #UKHealthSecurityAgency
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Warning as virus that 'kills 40 per cent of people' found in Spanish holiday hotspot
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info UK nationals considering a trip to Spain are being alerted to a serious health threat, as a confirmed case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been identified in the popular tourist destination of Salamanca. Travel Health Pro, a website managed by the Foreign Office, has verified the presence of the virus, which triggers a wide array of symptoms. At the milder end, this may involve experiencing fever and headaches, whereas at the more severe end, it can escalate to bruising, bleeding, shock and multi-organ failure. Some outbreaks of CCHF can prove incredibly deadly, hitting a mortality rate of up to 40 per cent, as indicated by the information available on Travel Health Pro. An official bulletin on 28 May 2025 declared: "On 28 May 2025, local health officials have reported a confirmed case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Salamanca. The case was exposed via a tick bite." READ MORE - Spain left red-faced as protests against UK tourists 'backfire spectacularly' READ MORE - TUI customer fumes as all-inclusive Corfu holiday 'has no English food' At the start of this year, the UK Health Security Agency pinpointed CCHF as a notable threat to public health. It is reported that approximately 10-15,000 individuals contract CCHF around the world every year, leading to roughly 500 fatalities, even though the actual incidence may be much higher as certain instances may pass undiagnosed. Primarily found across various locations, including Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, and western and south-central Asia, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever first surfaced in Spain during 2013 and in Portugal last year. Travel Health Pro has highlighted the severe outcomes of certain infections, with "In fatal cases, death occurs from haemorrhage, multi-organ failure and shock. It is possible that many people who are infected do not have symptoms, making it difficult to know the true number of cases.", reports the Express. Aiming to direct scientific resources towards pertinent health threats, the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) list of "priority pathogen" families guides research and expedites vaccine development. This pivotal directory includes 24 pathogen families, chosen not only for global impact but also for their relevance to the UK population. Dr Isabel Oliver, the chief scientific officer at UKHSA, commented on the modern challenges with infectious diseases: "We live at the time of increasing challenges and increasing risks from infectious diseases." Highlighting the balance between existing technology and ongoing needs, she added: "However, thanks to scientific advancements, we have better tools than ever to protect health against these threats. That being said, there are areas where we still need more or better diagnostics, vaccines, and medicines, and this tool has been designed to inform the work of government research funders, as well as our partners in industry and academia who are crucial to the development of these tools that we desperately need." The development of this essential instrument involved expert assessment of the potential pandemics and epidemics presented by each virus family, taking into account factors such as disease severity, ways of transmission, and the history of pandemics caused by known pathogens in each lineage. Every category received a designation of high, medium or low risk based on evaluations by scientists at UKHSA. The tool also explores whether risks are heightened by climate change, availability of vaccines, and the likelihood of transmission between humans. The register does not suggest that UKHSA views these pathogens as most probable to spark the next pandemic; rather, it highlights regions in need of intensified scientific research and increased funding. Dr Oliver remarked: "We haven't ranked because the situation is constantly evolving, as you can imagine, and one of the things that we do in the UKHSA is undertake surveillance and monitor threats." UKHSA's worries include shifting disease-spreading mosquito and tick distribution patterns owing to climatic and environmental alterations, noted Dr Oliver. She underlined that this involves observing variations in the presence of mosquitoes and ticks that carry viruses harmful to human and animal wellbeing. "The UKHSA maintains surveillance of mosquitoes and ticks, and we work with partners in local government and animal health and other sectors to really understand any changes that might potentially affect our health in the UK." The list referred to as UKHSA's "priority pathogen".
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits heading to Spain on alert as '40 per cent deadly' virus found
The Foreign Office-run website Travel Health Pro reported a case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been discovered in Spain's most populous region Brits planning to jet off to Spain are warned as a potentially fatal disease causing multi-organ failure has been detected in the tourist haven of Salamanca. The Foreign Office-run website Travel Health Pro flagged up a case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), sparking fears for holidaymakers' health. The disease can manifest with no symptoms, or progressively worse conditions such as fever, headaches, diarrhoea and vomiting, eye soreness, confusion, bleeding, bruising, and ultimately, multi-organ failure and shock. Alarmingly, for those unlucky enough to catch the illness, the fatality rate can soar to a stunning 40%, as observed by Travel Health Pro. In a critical update, Travel Health Pro announced: "On 28 May 2025, local health officials have reported a confirmed case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Salamanca. The case was exposed via a tick bite." Earlier this year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) classified CCHF as a significant hazard to public wellness. Globally, an estimated 10-15,000 human cases occur each year, with around 500 fatalities, and experts believe these figures are underreported, as numerous instances likely remain unidentified. This disease is predominantly present in Africa, southern regions of Europe, the Middle East, and certain parts of Asia. The first reported case was in Spain in 2013, followed by Portugal in 2024. According to Travel Health Pro, "In fatal cases, death occurs from haemorrhage, multi-organ failure and shock. It is possible that many people who are infected do not have symptoms, making it difficult to know the true number of cases." The UK Health Security Agency has created a "priority pathogen" list designed to guide scientists and researchers in focusing their efforts and accelerate vaccine development when necessary. This list encompasses 24 pathogen families and is the first to address global health risks alongside those specific to the UK populace. Chief Scientific Officer for UKHSA, Dr Isabel Oliver, stated: "We live at the time of increasing challenges and increasing risks from infectious diseases. "But at the same time we have got, thanks to scientific advancement, better tools than we've ever had to protect health against these threats. Having said that there are areas where we still need more or better diagnostics, vaccines and medicines and therapeutics, and this tool has been designed to help inform the work of government research funders, but also our partners in industry and academia who are critical to the development of these tools that we so desperately need." Experts have developed a new tool to assess the pandemic and epidemic potential of viral families, considering factors like disease severity, transmission routes, and historical pandemics. Each viral group has been assigned a risk level of high, medium, or low by UKHSA scientists, with additional details on climate change sensitivity, vaccine availability, and human-to-human transmission likelihood included in the assessment. The list isn't an indicator of the most probable cause for the next pandemic but highlights areas needing more research and investment, as explained by Dr Oliver: "We haven't ranked because the situation is constantly evolving, as you can imagine, and one of the things that we do in the UKHSA is undertake surveillance and monitor threats." Dr Oliver also expressed concern over the shifting distribution of disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks due to climate and environmental changes. She elaborated on the risks posed by vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, which are being closely monitored by the UKHSA for their potential impact on both human and animal health. "The UKHSA maintains surveillance of mosquitoes and ticks, and we work with partners in local government and animal health and other sectors to really understand any changes that might potentially affect our health in the UK." The UKHSA has released a "priority pathogen" list. VIRUSES Adenoviruses Arenaviruses (Lassa fever) Calciviruses (norovirus) Coronaviruses (Covid-19) Filoviruses (Ebola, Marburg, Sudan virus) Flaviviruses (Dengue, zika, hepatitis C) Hantaviruses Nairoviruses (Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever) Orthomyxoviruses (flu) Paramyxoviruses (Nipah virus) Peribunyaviruses (Oropouche fever) Phenuviruses (Rift Valley fever) Picornaviruses (Polio) Pneumoviruses (human metapneumovirus/hMPV) Poxviruses (mpox) Togaviruses (Chikungunya) BACTERIA Bacillaceae (anthrax) Coxiellaceae (Q fever) Enterobacteria (plague) Francisellacae (tularaemia) Moraxellaceae (pneumonia and UTIs) Neisseriaceae (gonorrhoea) Staphylococcaceae (cellulitis, pneumonia) Streptococcaceae (meningitis, scarlet fever, septicaemia)
Daily Mirror
4 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.
Scottish Sun
5 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
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Brits told they must keep their curtains shut 'from Saturday'
The UK is set to bask in hot temperatures once again this weekend with the mercury set to top 26C in parts of the country, according to the latest Met Office forecast After several weeks of splendid sunshine, the UK weather predictably reverted to rain and grey skies just in time for the Bank Holiday. However, this coming weekend, the Met Office forecasts indicate that hot conditions are set to make a comeback across much of the country, prompting households to be given advice on how to stay cool in the warmer weather. On Saturday, May 31, temperatures are expected to climb back up to 26C in London and various other parts of the UK, as a warmer front sweeps away the dreary rain. The weather will gradually heat up throughout the week, with 24C predicted for Friday, followed by 25C on Saturday. The forecaster has then predicted a drop in temperatures down to 20C on Sunday and Monday. Given the typical British architecture designed to retain heat due to our generally mild climate and cold winters, our homes are ill-equipped for extreme heat, rapidly turning into uncomfortably hot and humid environments. Official guidelines warn that excessively high indoor temperatures can pose serious health risks, including the danger of heat stroke, reports the Express. Now, Brits are once again being advised to draw their curtains and blinds and shut their windows during the hottest parts of the day, from Wednesday until at least Saturday, May 31, as a measure to combat the sweltering heat engulfing homes across the nation. In the face of concerning heatwaves, the UK Health Security Agency has dispensed top advice for keeping your abode cooler. Their key recommendation is to draw curtains and lower blinds during times of strong sunlight, particularly when it comes to windows that catch the sun's rays. In a set of essential guidelines for coping with heatwaves, the government has detailed tactics for maintaining a cooler home environment, focusing primarily on the comfort of living quarters. Echoing the need to stave off overheating in homes, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) insists on the significance of keeping windows, curtains or blinds closed "in rooms that face the sun". The 'greenhouse effect', similar to that which affects the Earth's Ozone layer, can cause a swift rise in temperature inside houses, much like it heightens warmth within greenhouses, due to direct sun hitting windows. When confronted by sunlight pouring through a window, promptly drawing the drapes could be the simplest countermeasure. Bolstering their comprehensive guidance, the UKHSA counsel includes avoiding exposure to sunlight at peak temperatures between 11am to 3pm. They further recommend: "If you're planning on physical activities like exercising or walking the dog, it's advised to arrange them during cooler parts of the day like the morning or evening. "Keep your home cool by shutting windows and drawing curtains in rooms that are exposed to the sun. "As well as this, when stepping outside, make sure to dress properly with adequate headwear and sunglasses, pursue shaded areas whenever feasible, and don't forget to apply sunscreen. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and try to limit your alcohol consumption. "Check up on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. If you fall into this category, ask them to do the same for you. "Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and know what actions to take if you or someone else exhibits these signs." The Met Office UK's forecast for Friday into Saturday reads: "Unsettled conditions continue Friday with rain spreading across the country, though some areas may stay dry and bright. Sunny spells and scattered showers follow into the weekend. Warm Saturday."
