Latest news with #infection
The Sun
12 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Woman, 71, dies from brain-eating infection days after rinsing her nose with tap water
A PREVIOUSLY healthy woman died after contracting a brain-eating infection - believed to have been caused by tap water. The 71-year-old from Texas, whose identity hasn't been disclosed, is thought to have fallen victim to an amoeba, a single-celled organism. After she died last year, it was suggested she'd contracted the infection after using tap water from an RV's system at a campground to rinse her sinuses. The amoeba she was infected by is Naegleria fowleri, known as the brain-eating amoeba, which thrives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs, according to a report in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Texas investigators said the woman developed severe neurological symptoms, including fever, headache, and an altered mental state, within four days of using a nasal irrigation device filled with the tap water. Despite medical treatment for suspected primary amoebic meningoencephalitis - a rare but severe and usually fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri - she developed seizures and later died eight days after her symptoms first appeared. A follow-up epidemiologic investigation conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services found the woman had no recreational exposure to fresh water, such as swimming. But she had reportedly performed nasal irrigation several times using non-boiled water from the RV water faucet during the four days before she fell ill. Two potential water sources for the N. fowleri infection were suggested. The first was the RV's water tank for drinking, which flowed directly to the faucets and shower. The tank had been filled with water collected on an unknown date before the patient bought the RV three months earlier. The second possible source of contamination was the municipal water system, which was connected by a hose and water filter to the RV's potable water system. To explore these potential sources further, investigators collected 12 environmental samples. These included samples from the squirt bottle that the woman used for nasal rinsing, water from the RV water heater, swabs from the shower head and bathroom and kitchen sink faucets, water from the RV's potable water tank, and water from the campsite's municipal water supply. The scientists didn't find N. fowleri DNA or viable amoeba in the samples, but they found the water supply wasn't adequately disinfected. The authors wrote: "This case reinforces the potential for serious health risks associated with improper use of nasal irrigation devices, as well as the importance of maintaining RV water quality and ensuring that municipal water systems adhere to regulatory standards." Despite the alarming incident, The Texas Department of State Health Services reassured the public the area's tap water remains safe to drink. They emphasised infections from amoebas are extremely rare and can only infect humans through the nose. 2 Sinus rinsing, also known as nasal irrigation or sinus flushing, is popular for relieving sinus congestion and other respiratory issues. It's generally recommended to use boiled and cooled water for sinus rinsing, along with distilled or sterile water. Boiling water kills bacteria and other microorganisms that may be present in tap water, reducing the risk of infection. It's also advised to avoid water entering your nasal passages in general, especially when swimming or engaging in water activities. Are you at risk of Naegleria fowleri? Naegleria fowleri infections, leading to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), typically present with symptoms like severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. These initial symptoms, which can resemble those of bacterial or viral meningitis, progress rapidly to confusion, hallucinations, lack of attention, and seizures. The disease progresses to coma and death within one to 18 days after symptoms appear, with the median being five days. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the rarity of the infection and the difficulty in initial detection. Rapid identification through laboratory tests is crucial for effective treatment. While PAM is rare, exposure to warm freshwater is a risk factor. Avoiding swimming in warm, stagnant water and practising safe water practices can help reduce the risk of infection.
Health Line
27-05-2025
- General
- Health Line
Causes of a Wet Cough and How to Treat It
A wet cough, also known as a productive cough, is any cough that produces mucus. It is often a sign of a bacterial or viral infection. Not all treatments are suitable for children, so it is best to contact a doctor. If you have a wet cough, it may feel like you have something stuck in your chest or the back of your throat. Sometimes a wet cough will bring mucus into your mouth. Treatment for a wet cough is not always necessary. If doctors do recommend treatments, they can include a combination of medications and lifestyle changes, though not all are suitable for children. Read on to learn more about the causes of a wet cough. This article also looks at treatment options, when to contact a doctor, and more. Causes of a wet cough Wet coughs most often result from infections by microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. This includes the microorganisms that cause a cold or the flu. Your entire respiratory system is lined with mucous membranes. Mucus performs many beneficial functions in your body, like keeping your airways moist and protecting your lungs from irritants. When you have an infection like the flu, your body produces more mucus than usual. This helps trap and expel the organisms causing infection. Coughing helps you get rid of all the excess mucus that gets stuck in your lungs and chest. There are other reasons why your body may produce more mucus than usual, causing you to develop a wet cough. These include: Bronchitis: Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the tubes that carry air into your lungs. Acute bronchitis is typically brought on by a variety of viruses. Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing condition, often caused by smoking. Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a lung infection that's caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It's a condition that ranges in severity from mild to life threatening. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a group of conditions that damage both your lungs and bronchial tubes. Smoking is the number one cause of COPD. Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition of the respiratory system. It usually develops in early childhood. It causes the production of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and other organs. Asthma: Although people with asthma are more likely to have a dry cough, a small subset of people produce ongoing excess mucus and experience a chronic wet cough. Pulmonary edema: Pulmonary edema is fluid buildup in the lungs. It's usually caused by heart failure and is a very common cause of wet cough. If you have pulmonary edema, you may cough up pink, frothy phlegm. Wet cough in a child In children, coughs are caused by a viral infection most of the time. Asthma may also result in a cough. All other causes of wet cough in children, such as the following, can include: Whooping cough: Whooping cough presents in violent attacks of uncontrollable coughing. Children make a 'whoop' sound as they gasp for air. Inhalation: Cough in children is sometimes caused by inhaling a foreign body, cigarette smoke, or other environmental irritants. Pneumonia: Pneumonia can be dangerous in newborns and young children. Diagnosing a wet cough To diagnose your cough, your doctor will first need to know how long it's been going on and how severe the symptoms are. Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of a wet cough based on a physical examination and the symptoms you are experiencing. If your cough is long lasting or severe, or you have other symptoms, a doctor may want to order additional tests. Additional testing may include: chest X-rays lung function tests blood tests sputum analysis pulse oximetry test How to treat a wet cough Treatments for a wet cough depend on what's causing it. For the majority of wet coughs caused by a virus, such as a cold or the flu, medical treatment is not usually necessary. Bacterial causes require antibiotics. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help manage symptoms of a wet cough. However, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that children younger than 2 years should not be given OTC cough and cold medications. Speak with a pharmacist or doctor for recommendations on other remedies that may help, based on the cause of the cough and the age of the individual. When to contact a doctor Consult a doctor if your cough has been going on for more than 2 weeks. Seek immediate medical treatment if you're having trouble breathing or coughing up blood, or notice a bluish skin tone. Mucus with a foul smell can also be a sign of a more serious infection. Call the doctor immediately if a child: is younger than 3 months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is younger than 2 years and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher for more than 1 day is older than 2 years and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher for more than 3 days has a fever over 104°F (40°C) has wheezing without a history of asthma is crying and can't be comforted is difficult to wake has a seizure has a fever and rash
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shakira Concertgoers Get Warning About Measles Exposure
Reports about a potential measles exposure at a Shakira concert have been circulating on the internet following the singer's performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, last Thursday. Now fans are curious to know more about the illness. The New Jersey Department of Health declared on Tuesday that a non-New Jersey resident attendee of the May 15 concert had measles. The officials urged those who have attended the concert or believe that they have been exposed to the disease to reach out to healthcare providers before visiting any medical office or emergency department. They insisted that people must not go to a medical facility without notifying the staff of the said facility beforehand (via NBC News). According to Mayo Clinic, Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the virus Morbillivirus hominis. Early symptoms of it include high fever, dry cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes. Given that the concert took place last Thursday, these symptoms of the disease can show up as late as June 6. Further, a rash often appears on the face about three to five days after the initial symptoms. It then spreads rapidly across the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. Small, white marks known as Koplik spots also appear inside the mouth of the patient. Someone who has measles can develop pneumonia, diarrhea, and other complications. In some rare cases, blindness, seizures, and inflammation of the brain can also happen. An airborne disease, measles generally spreads through direct contact with the mouth or nasal secretions. Vaccination and other preventive measures for measles exist, though once the disease develops, there is no specific treatment. What health professionals do instead is treat superinfections and ensure that the patient is hydrated. Those who are not fully vaccinated or have not have measles before are at risk of infection. In 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that measles had been eradicated in the US due to widespread vaccination. However, in recent years, there has reportedly been a resurgence of the disease due to a variety of factors. Originally reported by Tamal Kundu on ComingSoon. The post Shakira Concertgoers Get Warning About Measles Exposure appeared first on Mandatory.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I got a cute flower tattoo but people say it looks so ‘horribly done & blown out' they tell me to ‘amputate my leg'
A WOMAN has revealed that she wanted a cute flower tattoo, but has been left with an ink that is 'mega infected'. Jimmy, a self-proclaimed 'emo girl', recently got the small flower tattoo which has a sad face inside, on the bottom of her leg. 2 2 But just seven days after getting the tattoo, Jimmy noticed the edges of the flower appeared very crusty and sore. Eager for advice, Jimmy took to social media to ask for 'help', leaving many totally stunned. Not only did people say her inking looked 'horribly done and blown out', but others told her to get her leg 'amputated' to deal with the blunder. Alongside her short clip showing off her new inking, Jimmy wrote: 'I got this tattoo over a week ago, now idk what to do?' She then added: 'I'm not sure if it's infected or what. 'It's real red and hurts and just doesn't seem to be healing.' This inking isn't Jimmy's first inking - in fact, she confessed to being 'covered in a lot of silly tattoos'. After getting her latest ink, Jimmy claimed that she has been ' cleaning and moisturising it quite regularly' with Cocoa butter, so isn't sure why it has had an adverse reaction. The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 185,800 views. Not only this, but it's also amassed 2,532 likes and 326 comments. I never have to buy clothes as I've got them tattooed on & love it but trolls totally disagree Social media users were left horrified by Jimmy's tattoo fail and many eagerly raced to the comments to share their thoughts on the 'blown out' ink. One person said: 'This is seriously badly done, majorly blown out and 100% infected. For the fact you've said you got this a week ago go to your GP and get antibiotics. Also don't go back to the artist who did this.' Advice from a Celebrity Tattoo Artist CELEBRITY Tattoo Artist Matt Roe has revealed his top tips on getting inked to Fabulous... WHAT TATTOOS LOOK BEST? Matt says: "Tattoos are a highly personal choice, and my preference leans towards black and grey over colour. This is a style I've specialised in for over decade of my career, after exploring a variety of styles during my initial six years in tattooing. "This choice evolved from a deep appreciation for the timeless aesthetic that black and grey tattoos offer. Beyond colour preferences, it can be rewarding to choose a design that holds personal significance or matches your aesthetic tastes, although it isn't strictly necessary. "From an artistic standpoint, well-balanced designs that harmonise with the body's natural contours and enhance your features will invariably stand the test of time. "I often draw inspiration from classic pieces of art or nature for my designs, as these themes are more enduring and less influenced by trends. Whether opting for a bold statement piece or a delicate fine line design, the right tattoo should always feel like it's meant to be a part of you." WHICH STYLE IS RIGHT FOR ME? Matt shares: "Identifying the right style for your tattoo starts with some initial research. It's worth dedicating time to explore different tattoo styles - traditional, realism, and geometric are just a few examples. "Pay attention to what visually appeals to you the most. Reflect on the types of art that resonate with you in other areas of your life and consider how these preferences might translate onto your skin. "Before choosing a tattoo artist, have a clear idea of your preferred style, as most artists have their specialisations. Requesting a style outside their expertise is like asking an oil painter to create a pencil drawing—they might manage it and could do well, but it won't showcase their tried-and-tested skills to the best of their ability. "Once you've narrowed down your preferences, a skilled tattoo artist should be able to suggest designs that complement your skin tone, body type, and the intended scale of your tattoo. "The key is to blend your personal taste with professional guidance to find a style that truly suits you." TATTOOS TO AVOID? Matt recommends: "It's wise to steer clear of designs that are overly trendy, or based on jokes and fads, as these can quickly become outdated. "Some might recommend opting for heavy bold tattoos as they have been known to age better, but from my experience, a well-tattooed fine line piece can outlast a poorly tattooed bold-lined tattoo this isn't to say one is better than the other but my advice would be to choose someone experienced and skilled in the type of tattoo you are looking for. "Also, consider the long-term implications of getting tattoos with names of partners or overtly aggressive motifs, as these might limit your personal and professional opportunities in the future. "Additionally, think carefully about the placement of your tattoo, especially if it may need to be covered for professional reasons. These might not be concerns you need to consider, given your lifestyle, but having them in mind before proceeding with a tattoo is advisable. "Ultimately, a tattoo should be something that you are confident and comfortable with for a lifetime, reflecting your true self without reservation. "When looking for an artist, it's best to find ones with good reviews and healed photos of their work. Try to find someone with whom you feel comfortable and who will listen to any concerns you may have about design and placement. You don't want to feel rushed into a decision that will be with you forever." Another added: 'That looks so blown out. Perhaps they didn't use the right ink and you might be allergic, definitely went in too deep regardless.' A third commented: 'To me it unfortunately looks like a horribly done tattoo that you're now paying the price for. It's very blown out leading to scar tissue which pulls on and irritates your skin majorly.' Meanwhile, someone else remarked: 'Whoever did that to you needs their licence taken away!' Not only this, but another user questioned: 'Looks like a child did this.' Which tattoos hurt the most? Depending on what part of your body you choose to ink, tattoos can range significantly in terms of pain levels. Some of the most painful areas are those where the skin tends to be thinner or closer to the bone. Each area has specific factors which contribute to the level of pain. Ribcage: Thin skin, little muscle, and many nerve endings. Feet and ankles: Many bones, tendons, and nerve endings close to the surface. Hands and fingers: Many bones, tendons, and nerve endings, resulting in increased pain during tattooing. Knuckles can be especially painful. Spine: Proximity of the spinal cord and nerve endings makes it sensitive. Tattooing directly over the vertebrae can be especially painful. Knees and elbows: Thin skin and little padding between the skin and the underlying bones. Armpits and groin: High concentration of nerve endings and lymph nodes. Neck and throat: Thin and sensitive skin, with many nerve endings and blood vessels close to the surface. Source: Tatt2Away At the same time, one user claimed: 'I'm afraid it'll need to be amputated.' But following the barrage of negative comments, in a follow-up clip, Jimmy was eager to clap back at the haters and show off her healed tattoo. She said: 'To everyone who thought I should admit myself into the emergency room (or even amputate my leg) because of my mega infected tattoo, well here's me doing good now so chill out.'
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
In Thailand, Covid-19 cases nearly seven times more widespread than influenza, say health experts
BANGKOK, May 20 — Several health experts have highlighted that the current Covid-19 outbreak is nearly seven times more widespread than influenza, according to Associate Professor Dr Thira Woratanarat of Chulalongkorn University. The Nation reported Dr Thira as saying Covid-19 has been the most common infectious disease causing illness in the past week, remaining the leading cause of infection across all age groups — from young children and adolescents to working-age adults and the elderly. Statistics from the past week showed 43,213 patients received hospital care, both inpatients and outpatients — a 35.5% increase compared to the previous week. There were three reported deaths from Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai, and Bangkok Noi district in Bangkok. Comparing Covid-19 to influenza, the overall infection rate for Covid-19 was nearly seven times higher, with an age group ratio of 7:1. For children aged 0–4 years, the ratio was 4:1; for those aged 5–19 years, 3:1; and for university-age and working adults (20–59 years) as well as the elderly (60 years and above), the ratio rose to 10:1. Lertluck Leelaruangsang, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Medical Service Department, said the new school term has seen a rise in Covid-19 cases, especially among children aged 0–4 years. The report further stated that from April until May 8, BMA hospitals treated 1,974 patients, including 11 inpatients and 1,963 outpatients. Lertluck added that the Medical Service Department is prepared to manage the situation, ensuring sufficient medical staff, hospital beds, vaccines, medicines, and supplies. Proactive measures are also being implemented in schools and early childhood centres. In the event of cluster outbreaks, efficient control and prevention plans will be activated, she said. The department is actively raising awareness among students, parents, teachers, and school staff on the importance of monitoring symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose. She urged those showing symptoms to take an ATK test, and if positive, to isolate, wear a face mask, and seek medical attention promptly to prevent further transmission.
