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Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Officials sound alarm over the spread of deadly insect-borne disease after first person dies
Health experts are sounding the alarm over the rise of a deadly insect-borne disease following America's first death from the virus this year. An unnamed individual in Maricopa County, Arizona, was diagnosed with West Nile Virus, which is becoming more prevalent in the US due to a warming climate. They were among the one percent of patients who develop a severe form of the virus, which causes dangerous swelling of the brain. This occurs when the virus crosses the blood-brain barrier and infects the brain and/or spinal cord, leading to conditions like encephalitis, meningitis, or paralysis. Officials revealed the victim was an older adult with underlying health conditions. They were the 17th human case of the West Nile virus in the Maricopa County area and among the 51 human cases nationwide. While West Nile virus typically causes mild symptoms, individuals with certain medical conditions - such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants - are at greater risk of serious health complications. Currently West Nile virus activity appears to be at a relatively stable level, but the presence of the virus in places it typically doesn't appear is raising concerns among experts. This is because higher temperatures shorten the time it takes for the virus to incubate within the mosquito and become infectious. Additionally, warmer temperatures can enhance mosquito survival and reproduction rates, further amplifying the spread of the virus. Maricopa County's chief medical officer Dr Nick Staab said: 'This tragic loss is a reminder that West Nile virus can be serious, especially for older adults and those with existing health conditions. 'Monsoon season brings much-needed rain, but it also creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.' The most cases have been recorded in Arizona (17 cases), followed by Louisiana (seven), Oklahoma and Texas (five) and Tennessee (three). Other states with human cases of West Nile virus are California, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. So far this year, there have been 51 human cases of West Nile virus in the US, including 24 severe or 'neuroinvasive' cases. Last year, there were 748 human cases of the virus recorded, including 515 neuroinvasive cases. The worry among experts is that West Nile virus is spreading to new areas, and mosquitoes carrying the virus are being found in previously unaffected regions. This is partly due to climate change, which is expanding the range of mosquito-borne diseases. It is currently the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the US. Recently, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in New York City, but no human cases have been reported. Once a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, It generally takes between three and 14 days for the disease to develop. Around 80 percent of infected people are asymptomatic (no symptoms), but 20 percent will develop fever, headache, and body aches. In rare cases - about 1 in 150 - the virus can cause severe complications as it spreads to the brain - like encephalitis or meningitis - which may lead to paralysis, long-term disability, or death. People over the age of 60 are at greater risk for severe illness if they are infected, as are those with with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. There is no specific treatment for the virus or vaccine, but 80 percent of cases are mild, where sufferers may experience flu-like symptoms or rashes. In more severe cases, patients have reported paralysis and memory loss. Prospero Rangel, 78, beat cancer but was left relearning how to walk after contracting West Nile virus last year. He was outside his home in Brazos County, Texas, when he was bitten and immediately began feeling 'so itchy '. Over the following days he began suffering body aches, joint pain, weakness and a fever before being admitted to hospital a week later. Rangel's daughter, Sara Salzer, said following his diagnosis: 'We've been told that there are going to be some symptoms that are going to stay with him for a while. 'We were even told that he may have to do outpatient therapy for the next year.' The CDC states that the best way to prevent West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Bite prevention tips include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and using mosquito repellent devices outside and around the home. Following the first human death, residents in Maricopa County are being encouraged to remove standing water while ensuring that lawn irrigation and onsite sewage systems are properly maintained. Larvicide can also be used to treat any areas where mosquitoes could lay eggs. WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS West Nile virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes, which carry it from birds. It was first isolated in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937 and spread to New York State in 1999. It generally takes between three and 14 days for the disease to develop. The West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-spread disease in the continental US, with a median of over 2,200 cases being reported every year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. About 1,000 people are hospitalized each year with the most severe form of the disease, which if it spreads to the brain and nervous system, can cause brain swelling, brain damage and death with a 3-15 percent mortality rate. There is no specific treatment for the virus or vaccine, but 80 percent of cases are mild, where sufferers may experience flu-like symptoms or rashes.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Beloved Indian snacks to soon carry health warnings
The Indian government is implementing health warnings for popular snacks like samosas and jalebis to be displayed as cautionary notices in public venues. These warnings are intended to make people aware of hidden oil, sugar and trans-fat content in food products, rather than being placed directly on the snack items themselves. The initiative stems from growing concerns over India 's escalating burden of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. Health experts largely support the move, drawing parallels between the health risks of sugar and trans fats and those of tobacco. However, the policy has drawn criticism from nutritionists and public figures who argue it unfairly targets traditional Indian foods while neglecting ultra-processed Western alternatives.
The Independent
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Key symptom of the Covid stratus variant as UK cases rise
A new Covid strain, named Stratus, is circulating in the UK, with its XFG.3 variant accounting for 30 per cent of cases in England. Some experts suggest the Stratus variant is uniquely associated with giving people a hoarse voice, unlike other strains. Despite its prevalence, health experts from the UKHSA and the World Health Organisation are not concerned, stating it is normal for viruses to mutate. The World Health Organisation has designated XFG as a "variant under monitoring" and assesses its additional public health risk as low globally. Current data indicates that the Stratus variant does not lead to more severe illness or deaths, nor is it expected to reduce the effectiveness of existing vaccines.
Khaleej Times
03-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Excessive screen time in summer causing rise in childhood obesity, warn doctors
As summer temperatures soar across the UAE and schools remain closed, doctors are warning that excessive screen time is contributing to a noticeable spike in childhood obesity. With many working parents struggling to monitor their children's activities during the long break, health experts emphasized that sedentary routines are becoming more prevalent in the country leading to increased health risks. Dr Ana Maria Velasco, Specialist Paediatrics & Paediatric Intensivist at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, noted a clear pattern during the summer months. She said, "There is a clear rise in childhood obesity during summer breaks both globally and in the UAE. Obesity cases are strongly tied to: increase of screen time, less physical activity and unstructured days." "In the UAE, approximately 75 per cent of children exceed two hours per day of recreational screen time, and among those, physical activity plummets — 68.8 per cent report no physical activity. That same high screen group shows a strong BMI correlation, with screen time linked to higher overweight and obesity rates," she continued. "Expat adolescent data from Al-Ain indicated that each extra hour of screen raised metabolic syndrome risk by 21 per cent; more than or equivalent to two hours per day doubled the risk, compared to under two hours," Velasco added. Reduced outdoor activities, increased screen time With temperatures reaching extremes, outdoor activity becomes nearly impossible for much of the day, prompting families to turn to indoor pastimes. However, doctors say this often leads to increased reliance on digital devices like television, tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles. Dr Amr El Zawahry, Consultant Pediatrician and Head of Pediatrics at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, echoed similar concerns. 'There is a documented pattern of increased childhood obesity risk during the school breaks. The combination of unstructured time, increased access to screens, irregular meal patterns, and reduced physical activity is the cause for weight gain and childhood obesity during the summer holidays,' he explained. Zawahry added, 'Childhood obesity is the most prominent long-term health concern of excessive screen time. This, in turn, causes issues like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal problems, vision issues, and mental health challenges for children. With the summer holidays (and the heat) in full swing, working parents here are finding it challenging to control screen time for their children." Short-term consequences of excessive screen time Specialists warn that the short-term consequences of excessive screen exposure are also concerning. These include eye strain, headaches, neck and back pain from poor posture, disrupted sleep, and loss of appetite control. "Children can also have behavioural issues when they are exposed to excessive screen time which include heightened levels of aggression, anxiety, irritability, reduced social interaction and trouble concentrating, which can manifest within days of increased exposure. In very rare cases, some children could even depict withdrawal symptoms, too,' added Zawahry. To counter these issues, health professionals urge families to establish consistent routines and offer creative indoor alternatives to screens. Other tips include scheduling short video check-ins during work breaks to monitor children's activities, assigning playful "missions" like creating dance routines or building LEGO structures, and ensuring daily movement is part of the plan. Dr Ayman Fahmy, Specialist Pediatrics at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, suggested simple, structured strategies to keep children active and healthy. "Maintaining a routine is key. Set consistent wake-up and sleep times. Limit screen use as much as possible. Keep healthy snacks readily available at home. Encourage physical activity through indoor games or local summer camps. Most importantly, children follow by example, stay active, and involve them whenever you can," he said.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
7 easy food swaps that could help improve your health
Losing weight is often associated with radical diet overhauls and cutting out whole food groups, but experts say just one small change could make a difference. If those who are overweight cut their calorie intake by just 216 calories a day – the equivalent of a single bottle of fizzy drink – it could help halve obesity in the UK, public health experts said. The statement came as the government laid out plans to tackle the UK's "obesity epidemic" and reduce pressure on the NHS as part of its 10-Year Health Plan. Obesity is one of the root causes of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, and rates have doubled since the 1990s, with the UK now holding the third highest obesity rate in Europe. The forthcoming plan will see the government joining forces with the food industry to help make the average basket of supermarket goods slightly healthier. This could involve measures such as tweaking recipes, changing shop layouts and offering discounts on healthy foods. But there are also some simple swaps you can make yourself. Similar to a small bottle of fizzy drink, these common snacks all come in at around the 200-calorie mark. And while there's nothing wrong with enjoying them occasionally as part of a balanced diet, most are low in nutritional value. Reducing the amount you eat or swapping them for a more nutrient-rich alternative could help reduce your overall calorie, sugar, salt and saturated fat intake, and may give you some added health boosts, too. As a reminder the NHS daily recommended calorie intake for the average person is 2,500kcals for men and 2,000kcals for women. As well as containing around 200kcals per single bottle, fizzy drinks are notoriously high in sugar. Just one 500ml bottle could take you way over the recommended daily amount (RDA). A single bottle of Coca-Cola contains a whopping 53g of sugar – around 13 teaspoons. Others, such as Sprite (22g) and Dr Pepper (22g), have less but are still high-sugar options. While diet versions are lower in calories and sugars, they can also have their downsides. Fizzy diet drinks can still contribute towards dental erosion and some studies have linked them with weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Swap for: When it comes to hydration, one of the best choices is good old H20. If you find the taste of water boring, jazz it up by adding cucumber, mint, ginger, frozen lemon and lime slices or any other herb, spice or fruit that takes your fancy. Racking up around 230kcals, one grab bag of ready salted crisps can contain around 14g of fat – nearly half the recommended daily amount (RDA) for men (30g) and 70% of women's (20g). Swap for: For a lower-calorie, lower-fat alternative, Diabetes UK recommends trying plain popcorn instead. A 30g homemade serving contains around half the calories (116kcals) and just 1.4g of fat. Look for unflavoured, low-sugar, low-salt options. As a general rule, the fewer ingredients listed on the label, the better. A standard 51g Mars bar has 228 calories and 30.5g of sugars – higher than the total RDA of 30g. While a Cadbury's Dairy Milk weighs in at 240kcals and 25g of sugars. That doesn't mean you have to forgo chocolate altogether, though. Diabetes UK recommends choosing good-quality dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa and only having a couple of squares. As dark chocolate has a stronger taste, you're likely to want less of it. Swap for: For a nutrient-rich alternative, try half an apple topped with a tablespoon of nut butter – look for those with no added sugar or salt. At around 150kcals or less, the protein in the nut butter and fibre in the apple will help you feel satisfied and fuller for longer, and you'll get the added benefit of vitamins and antioxidants, too. They might taste great with your mid-morning cuppa, but cutting back on chocolate digestive-style biscuits can help reduce your overall calorie and sugar intake. Two biscuits typically contain around 170kcals, just under 8g of fat and 9-10g of sugars. The RDA of free sugars – those added to foods or found naturally in honey and syrups – is 30g, so those two biscuits account for around a third of your daily quota. Swap for: For a lower-sugar, lower-calorie alternative that still hits that sweet spot, the NHS suggests swapping biccies for a slice of malt loaf (around 80kcals). Malt loaf is a bread rather than a cake, meaning it's lower in sugar, too – one slice contains around 4g of sugars with most occurring naturally in the dried fruit. Whether it's as a snack, part of a sandwich or toasted at breakfast, many of us eat bread each day – but swapping the white sliced for wholemeal or wholegrain alternatives could have a number of health benefits. Swap for: While the calorie count is similar (around 200kcals for two medium slices), wholemeal also offers around three times more fibre, which is important for gut health, and is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. Fibre also helps you feel fuller for longer, meaning you'll be less tempted to snack throughout the rest of the day. There's no getting away from the fact that pastries are delicious, but they also have very little nutritional value. Depending on the size, type and whether or not they're filled, a croissant can range from around 170kcals to nearly 400kcals. They're often high in saturated fat, too, which can lead to high cholesterol. The total amount of fat, which is usually labelled red on the nutritional labels, can range from around 8-18g of which 5-11g can be saturated. Swap for: For a healthier morning snack, try half a toasted wholemeal bagel with half a mashed banana. Coming in at around 150-170kcals, you'll still be getting that sweetness but with less fat (typically under 2g in total), added fibre to keep you feeling full, and vitamins including B and C6 from the banana. There's nothing better on a warm day than a frozen treat but ice creams and some ice lollies can be high in sugar, fat and calories. A standard Magnum, the UK's ice cream of choice, contains around 230kcals, 14g of fat and 20g of sugar, for example. Homemade ice lollies, using 100% fruit juice or frozen fruit, can be a healthier option, or – if you're opting for shop bought – choose those with sugar listed further down the ingredients list. Swap for: Spoon frozen berries with 150g of low-fat Greek yoghurt and you'll be getting a whole range of vitamins, antioxidants, calcium and protein for around half the calories. For extra sweetness add a sprinkle of cinnamon or small drizzle of maple syrup. This is how much sugar is in your favourite baked bean brands (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read) 9 no-cook meal ideas that don't require the hob or oven (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) 4 ultra-processed picnic foods to limit and the healthy swaps to make instead (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
