Latest news with #SARS-CoV-2
The Star
6 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
From pandemic to endemic: Do you know what these terms mean?
For many of us, the year 2020 might have been the first time we were introduced to epidemiological terms such as 'pandemic', 'epidemic', and even 'endemic', as Covid-19 began to spread its devastating effect around the world. You may vaguely understand that these terms refer to infectious illnesses, but what do they really mean and what differentiates these terms? Key terms defined 'Pandemics', 'epidemics' and 'endemic diseases' are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on the rate of disease spread. What makes an epidemic and a pandemic different is not the severity of the disease, but the scale of its spread. Hence, a pandemic is not necessarily worse than an epidemic or an endemic disease. Pandemics do have the largest potential to cause worldwide disruption, but this depends on the specific disease and how we manage it collectively. Here are the definitions of these terms: An endemic disease is consistently present in a specific region or population with a fairly stable prevalence or frequency. This makes the spread of the disease predictable. For example, malaria is endemic to some parts of Africa due to the continent's higher average temperature, while dengue fever is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions like Malaysia. Another example is hepatitis B, which is endemic worldwide, with higher endemicity in Africa and Asia. An epidemic is a sudden and rapid increase in the number of disease cases above what is normally expected in a specific region or population. It can happen when a new disease appears in the population or when an endemic disease becomes more prevalent or widespread. An epidemic disease is not necessarily contagious and may refer to other diseases or health issues with a prevalence higher than the projected occurrence in a population. Examples include the Zika virus epidemic in Brazil (2015-2016), the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa (2014-2016), and the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States due to the increasing use of opioids and overdose cases in the past decades. A pandemic happens when a disease spreads across multiple countries or continents, impacting a large number of people. A disease may be declared as a pandemic if it spreads at a very fast rate, with more new cases reported every day. An ongoing epidemic may turn into a pandemic if it spreads beyond the originating region or population. Properties of the pathogen, population immunity or severity of the disease are not factors in determining whether or not a disease is a pandemic. Examples include the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (2020-2022), and the swine flu (2009) and 1918 influenza pandemics (also known as the Spanish flu pandemic, 1918-1920), both caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. Other important terms There are also other terms that may be used to describe the spread of disease in a population, such as: This is when a disease happens rarely or occasionally. Examples include tetanus, which tends to happen only in unvaccinated individuals, or foodborne illnesses such salmonella or Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) infections. This is when there is a persistent presence of a disease at a higher level in a population compared to other populations. For example, in parts of Africa, as many as one in five adults has HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hence the disease is considered hyperendemic in those places. This is when a disease occurs at a higher rate in a specific geographical area or time period, but the exact cause may be uncertain. For example, a cluster of cancer cases that arises after a chemical contamination event or a nuclear plant accident. This has the same meaning as an epidemic, but is typically used to describe a disease spread that is more limited geographically. Is Covid-19 endemic? This is a question that has been asked many times since the world started reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic. To answer this, we need to understand what it means for Covid-19 to be endemic. For Covid-19 to be considered endemic, its continued presence in the population must be at a certain predictable level or trend. The closest example is influenza, which is typically present at an expected level throughout the year in Malaysia. Yet, being endemic is not necessarily a good thing as the disease can still have severe effects on patients. Plus, it is possible for an endemic disease to turn into a pandemic again. Covid-19 is no longer categorised as a pandemic and was officially considered as having become endemic in Malaysia on May 1 (2025) after a three-year transition period that began on April 1, 2022. Regardless, continued surveillance and vigilance are necessary to prevent another pandemic from happening. Other than practising personal hygiene, taking Covid-19 vaccine booster doses is also part of the preventive measures recommended to everyone, especially high-risk groups such as the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Whether it's endemic or an epidemic or pandemic, let's continue to prioritise our health and safety! Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin is a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, and Dr Husna Musa is a paediatrician. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association's Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Montreal Gazette
11 hours ago
- Health
- Montreal Gazette
New COVID strain found in Montreal wastewater: health ministry
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 has mutated into two new variants that are circulating across Asia, Europe and North America, and Quebec's public health authority warns one of the strains was detected in Montreal wastewater data. The variant found in Quebec, XFG, has also been detected in wastewater in other parts of Canada, the United States, and Europe. Another new strain, NB.1.8.1, is associated with a rise in COVID cases and hospitalizations in China, Hong Kong, India, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore, according to Marie-Pierre Blier, a spokesperson from the health ministry. Although XFG has made its way to Quebec, public health authorities assure there is no need to panic. Blier wrote in an email that it hasn't markedly impacted public health, adding that the ministry continues to monitor the situation closely. The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring SARS-CoV-2 levels through public wastewater data, saying infection levels were not rising in North America and Europe as of May 11, 2025. It rates the overall public health risk of COVID-19 as low. Despite the increase in cases and hospitalizations in Asia, Blier suggested there is no evidence that the new strains are more serious or have caused more deaths than other circulating variants. She added that the current COVID-19 vaccines seem to be effective in protecting against severe forms of the disease. Blier wrote the current situation is very similar to the same time last year, when the new variant KP.2 was circulating. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the health ministry recommends staying home if you have a fever, wearing a mask if you have a cough or sore throat, and avoiding contact with immunocompromised or elderly people until symptoms disappear. This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 4:51 PM.
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
New Covid subvariant NB.1.8.1 hits three popular holiday spots and these are the symptoms
New Covid subvariant NB.1.8.1 hits three popular holiday spots and these are the symptoms The highly-infectious new Covid strain - officially named NB.1.8.1 - has been detected in multiple countries, including Australia, the US and possibly the UK Some travellers may be affected The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning over a surge in Covid cases, with a new variant now accounting for more than 10% of all infections. But is says that no travel or trade restrictions are needed. The WHO has labelled the new strain NB. 1.8. 1 as a 'variant under monitoring' due to concerns about the sharp increase in cases. By the end of April, 2025, NB.1.8.1 made up approximately 10.7% of all submitted sequences – a significant rise from just 2.5% four weeks previously. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China. Lara Herrero, associate professor and research leader in virology and infectious disease at Griffith University, said that thanks to multiple mutations, the new strain 'may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains', reports the Mirror. The strain has been identified in several countries, including Australia, the US and potentially the UK. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. "However, importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants," Lara Herroro said. "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." A WHO report explains: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May, 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. "At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected." The update also highlighted that the emerging strain is finding traction especially in the eastern Mediterranean, covering popular holiday spots such as Egypt. It's gaining ground too in South East Asia, hitting destinations like Thailand and the Maldives. The WHO pointed out upward trends in other regions including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. Article continues below "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
Irish Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland confirms new Covid variant with strange symptoms that's spreading fast
A new Covid variant with unusual symptoms has been confirmed in Ireland, with experts warning it is spreading rapidly across the globe. Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre has reported 14 cases of the strain, named NB.1.8.1, in the last five weeks. While numbers here remain low, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm as the variant now accounts for more than 10% of global Covid infections. NB.1.8.1 has been officially designated a 'variant under monitoring' by the WHO due to its rapid rise and the potential to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China, and has been detected in Australia, the US and across popular holiday destinations including Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives. According to WHO data, the strain has jumped from 2.5% to 10.7% of submitted global sequences in just four weeks, which has prompted growing international concern. A WHO spokesperson said: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. "In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected." Experts say NB.1.8.1 carries multiple mutations that "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains". Dr Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, explained: "It's possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else, compared to earlier variants. The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data. "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants." While we are all familiar with the classic Covid signs like fever, cough and fatigue, the new variant is reported to trigger gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients - a strange shift from the typical respiratory focus of earlier strains. Dr Herrero added: "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." Gastrointestinal symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. This comes as the HSE has reminded the Irish public to be aware of the wide range of Covid symptoms, which it says now include: If you have any symptoms of Covid, Ireland's current advice is to stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. The WHO has urged countries to stay alert but has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions at this stage, stating: "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Warning to Brits as new Covid strain spreads in three popular holiday destinations
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the new variant has been detected in multiple countries. A warning has been issued to British tourists after a new strain of Coronavirus hit multiple countries. The contagious virus has been detected in holiday destinations which are popular with UK holidaymakers. The new strain is being found in large numbers in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area including the popular holiday destination of Egypt. It is also being detected in South East Asia - including in Thailand and the Maldives. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the symptoms of this particular Covid strain appears to be spreading quicker and easier than previous variants. In their recent alert, the WHO said the new strain has been responsible for more than 10 percent of all infections with cases now surging. The variant has been labelled as NB.1.8.1 by the WHO and said they are currently monitoring the spike in cases. NB.1.8.1 is reportedly already the dominant strain of Covid in Hong Kong and China, according to the Mirror. Lara Herrero Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, at Griffith University said thanks to multiple mutations the new strain 'may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains'. The strain has been detected in multiple countries, including Australia, the US and possibly the UK. Professor Herrero said: "It's possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else, compared to earlier variants. The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. "These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data. "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants. "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." A WHO report reads: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. The WHO said recent increases have also been observed in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. The report reads: " WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
