Latest news with #healthwarning
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Urgent health warning as most contagious disease on Earth is detected at Mall of America
An urgent warning has been issued following the discovery of world's most infectious disease at America's largest shopping mall. Health officials have revealed that a child who visited the Mall of America - which is about the size of 78 football fields - in Minnesota on May 24 has tested positive for measles. The unvaccinated child from Dakota County, who has not traveled outside of Minnesota in the last month, visited the mall's theme park and they were infectious at the time. People who were at the mall on May 24 between 5pm and 9pm may have been exposed as a result. The state's health department warned symptoms of measles - including a blotchy rash, fever and cough - could develop as late as June 14 in those who were exposed. They highlight that unvaccinated people are most at risk and should watch for signs of the viral disease. Another case of measles has also been confirmed in Minnesota but it is not said to be related. This case involves a Washington County adult whose vaccination status is unverified. The individual was exposed to the virus during domestic air travel outside of Minnesota and is currently recovering at home, as is the child who was infected. These incidents bring Minnesota's confirmed measles cases up to four in 2025. The Minnesota Department of Health is now working with local health departments and other Twin Cities locations to contact those who were exposed to either case. Jessica Hancock-Allen, the infectious disease division director at MDH, says the case detected at the Mall of America is particularly concerning as there is currently 'no known source'. She explained: 'Anytime we confirm a case of measles unrelated to travel that has no known source it is worrying. 'This is because it could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected by public health and healthcare systems. 'It is uncertain where the child was exposed and whether others may have been exposed.' The Minnesota cases come as measles cases in the US continue to spike. Currently there have been 1,088 confirmed measles cases and at least three deaths reported by 33 states. Of these cases, three-quarters are in children under the age of 19. In an updated advisory, the CDC is warning that people can get infected with measles during travel or at crowded events, unless they are fully vaccinated or have had the disease. The notice reads: 'Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings, including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events. 'Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune.' The government agency recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to an international destination. The last time measles was this rife in the US was in 2019, when there were 1,274 cases reported for the entire year. Prior to that, the biggest outbreak was in 1990, with numbers spiking to more than 27,000. Measles was officially eradicated in the US in 2000 amid a successful vaccination campaign. At the time, the CDC described achieving measles elimination status in the US as a 'historic public health achievement'. However, a recent study found uptake of the vaccine among children declined in eight in 10 US counties last year, which is being signaled as the cause of the measles resurgence. Overall, vaccine rates fell three percent across the country. It means that merely 91 percent of children are vaccinated against measles, which is well below the 95 percent need to prevent the disease from spreading and causing death. The Johns Hopkins University researchers warned that if vaccination rates continue to fall, measles is likely to completely return and become a common infection among Americans. A majority of those infected as well as the all of the deceased had not received their MMR vaccine - primarily due to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, experts say. Without the MMR vaccine, which is 97 percent effective at stopping infections, measles is thought to be the most infectious disease in the world. It causes tiny white spots inside the mouth, flat red spots on the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet, ear infections and an intense fever. In terms of when to get vaccinated, experts say children need two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at age 12-15 months, and the second dose at age 4-6 years. Babies ages 6-11 months should get an early dose if traveling internationally. Adults should also check to see if they are immune to measles.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor issues warning over spicy food after influencer dies of stomach cancer
A doctor has issued a warning about eating too much spicy food after a young woman died of stomach cancer. Chinese content creator Qianqian, 25, died from the disease last month and listed her love of chili as a potential reason for developing the deadly cancer. Talking to local media on what may have triggered her diagnosis, she said: 'I don't like to eat breakfast for a long time. I eat irregularly. I like spicy food.' Qianqian's online title was 'I love crab pot,' referencing her love of a Chinese seafood hot pot dish containing large quantities of dried chilies and Sichuan pepper. Now, Taiwanese oncologist and haematologist Dr Li Sijin said it was possible the influencer's love of spicy food could have increased her cancer risk. She explained excessive consumption of chili peppers could aggravate the stimulation of the gastric mucosa-the innermost lining of the stomach. Dr Li, who works at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, said this irritation could potentially trigger changes in the cells of the stomach which may develop into cancer. She advised that although chilies can form part of a balanced diet, they must be eaten in moderation. However, there is no conclusive evidence that eating spicy food increases the risk of stomach cancer, with studies exploring the topic delivering mixed results. Dr Li added that an irregular eating schedule wouldn't carry the same level of risk to the stomach. Qianqian previously explained that before her diagnosis in 2024 she had been suffering from stomach pains for more than six months. However, she dismissed these potential early warning signs as a consequence of her poor and inconsistent dietary habits. When her cancer was eventually uncovered medics performed a total gastrectomy, where the entire stomach is surgically removed in a bid to save her life. However, the disease was found to have returned just a month later, having spread to other tissues in her body. In her final days she shared a post with her followers: 'Still alive, lingering, vomiting all the time, the tumour in my stomach is getting bigger and bigger, the time I am awake is getting less and less. 'I don't want to pick up my phone, the hospital is very noisy and I'm in a bad mood.' While the evidence that spicy food can contribute to cancer risk is inconclusive some foods are known to increase the chances of developing the disease. Charity, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) cites evidence that people who eat high levels of pickled foods have between a 28 to 56 per cent higher chance of developing stomach cancer compared to those who eat the fewest. People with high salt intake in their diet are also at increased risk of stomach cancer with a 68 per cent higher chance of developing the disease, according to CRUK. While these increases risk sound dramatic the odds that a person will develop stomach cancer is quite low. CRUK estimates that one in every 92 men and one in 170 women in Britain will develop stomach cancer in their lifetime. And there is also some evidence that spicy food can in fact be good for your health. A 2024 study by the British Journal of Nutrition suggested that eating a spicy dish once a week reduced the risk of stroke by 13 percent. Additionally, in 2020, the American Heart Association found people who ate moderate quantities of chili were 26 percent less likely to die from heart disease than those who never eat them. Though it does not mention chili specifically the NHS warns that stomach cancers can be linked to lifestyle factors. The health service advises eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day and cut down on salt and alcohol to reduce the risk of the disease. About 6,500 patients in Britain and 30,000 in the US are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year. The disease kills about 4,000 Britons and 11,000 Americans per annum. If caught in its earliest stages, the majority of stomach cancer patients (65 per cent) will survive a decade after their diagnosis according to charity Cancer Research UK. However, for stage four patients, 10-year survival drops to just one in five. The main symptoms of stomach cancer include heartburn or acid reflux, physical problems swallowing, nausea, indigestion-like burping a lot-and feeling very full after eating. Anyone with these symptoms for three weeks or more, or who find they suddenly get worse, should contact their GP.
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- Climate
- News.com.au
Sydney choked by dust storm as air quality hits ‘extremely poor'
A thick cloud of dust and dangerous airborne particles has descended on Greater Sydney, prompting urgent health warnings from authorities advising residents to stay indoors and monitor for symptoms. Landmarks usually visible from across the city, including the iconic harbour, skyline and the Blue Mountains, were completely obscured on Tuesday morning as the dust storm blanketed the region. NSW Health issued a warning for residents, particularly those with asthma or respiratory conditions, to avoid outdoor activity, keep windows closed, and use damp cloths to cover their noses and mouths if necessary. The state government measures air quality using PM10, particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, and on Tuesday morning, Sydney's readings spiked dramatically. 'PM10 are particles in air with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less,' NSW Health explains online. 'PM itself is short for 'particulate matter', another term for particles. They can include dust or sea salt, as well as smaller particles generated from combustion processes such as vegetation fires, motor vehicles and industrial sources. 'These particles can pass into the lungs. 'Short term impacts include difficulty in breathing and worsening of asthma or chronic bronchitis symptoms. They can also cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat.' Between 8am and 9am, several areas in Sydney recorded PM10 levels above 600μg/m3, with Prospect reaching a staggering 693.3μg/m3. For comparison, Delhi, frequently ranked among the world's most polluted cities, was sitting at 107µg/m3. Even more alarming were readings in the Illawarra region, where levels spiked to 903.2μg/m3. The NSW Rural Fire Service said the dust is being carried into the state by strong winds linked to extreme weather and drought conditions elsewhere. 'Dust and airborne particles, caused by severe drought in other states are currently being blown across south-east Australia by intense storms,' the RFS said in a statement. 'A dust storm originating in South Australia has moved into NSW overnight, significantly impacting air quality in several regions including the Greater Sydney area. 'Those with asthma or other respiratory issues are advised to minimise their exposure to the dust particles by avoiding outdoor activity, stay inside with your windows closed and cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.' Air quality across parts of Sydney had been classified as 'extremely poor' by 8am Tuesday, however that had been downgraded to 'very poor' by 10am. NSW Health uses five categories to measure air quality: good, fair, poor, very poor, and extremely poor. In 'good' conditions, daily life continues as normal. But in 'extremely poor' conditions, people are told to stay inside, move to safer locations if needed, and watch for respiratory symptoms. If symptoms develop, residents are encouraged to contact the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or consult their doctor. In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Provincetown restaurant customers potentially exposed to hepatitis A, health officials warn
Health officials are warning customers who dined at The Red Inn in Provincetown to get checked for hepatitis A due to a potential exposure from a worker at the restaurant. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said that anyone who ate at the restaurant between April 30 and May 15 should talk to their doctor as soon as possible. The employee, who tested positive, could've exposed customers between those dates. If you think you were exposed to hepatitis A, your doctor may be able to provide a preventative treatment if you are within two weeks of being exposed and haven't developed symptoms. Preventive treatment includes the hepatitis A immune globulin and vaccine. Anyone aged 34 years or younger may have been vaccinated for the disease. Symptoms of hepatitis A These are the symptoms to look out for, according to health officials: Fever Fatigue Nausea and loss of appetite Vomiting Diarrhea Jaundice Symptoms typically can clear within two weeks, but severe cases can last anywhere from four to six weeks or longer. Anyone who is infected is highly contagious and can easily spread through food and drinks as well as close contact. It is recommended that if you have hepatitis A, you should vigorously wash your hands, wrists, between fingers, and under fingernails before handling any food and after using the bathroom.
CTV News
24-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Measles exposure reported at health clinic west of Edmonton
Alberta Health Services is warning the public of a potential measles exposure in Spruce Grove on May 16.
