Pandemic News - Latest Updates & Headlines
H5N1 mutation in US dairy herds prompts caution on pandemic potential
Sacramento, March 13: Scientists are sounding the alarm about a concerning genetic mutation of the H5N1 bird flu virus, recently identified in four dairy cow herds, as this mutation could increase the risk of mammal-to-mammal transmission and disease severity.
India is now a vaccine superpower: Dr. Balram Bhargava
Thiruvananthapuram, March 11: Former Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr. Balram Bhargava on Tuesday stated India has established itself as a vaccine superpower when it developed Covaxin and the country now produces 60 per cent of the world’s vaccine.
India to strengthen R&D, industrial ecosystem to prepare for future pandemic: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, March 10: Amid the looming threat of zoonotic spillovers, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday said that India will strengthen its research and development capacities as well as industrial ecosystem to prepare for future pandemics.
Twin studies show neurological, respiratory disorders linger up to three years post-Covid
New Delhi, Feb 28: While the Covid-19 pandemic is over, its effects continue to haunt a large majority of people infected by the infectious disease. Two separate studies have shown that several neurological and respiratory disorders as well as other health complications continue to affect people who were hospitalised with the disease.
Prior infection with seasonal flu may guard against severe bird flu: Study
New Delhi, Feb 27: Previous infections with seasonal H1N1 flu may boost immunity and reduce the severity of H5N1 bird flu, according to a study.
Stay optimistic and remain healthy in diverse situations, say researchers
New Delhi, Feb 23: Developing optimism and learning how to flexibly cope can help maintain and improve mental health in diverse situations, according to a new study.
Newly discovered bat coronavirus can spread to humans like Covid-19: Experts
New Delhi, Feb 22: The newly discovered bat coronavirus -- HKU5-CoV-2 -- can spread to humans like Covid-19, said experts on Saturday, raising fresh health concerns.
New bat coronavirus with human transmission potential discovered in China
Beijing, Feb 22: A team of Chinese virologists has identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, that could potentially infect humans. Led by Shi Zhengli, a renowned scientist known as "Batwoman" for her extensive research on coronaviruses, the discovery raises concerns about the possibility of another zoonotic spillover.
WHO allocates additional two million USD to support Uganda's Ebola response
Kampala, Feb 14: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced the release of additional $2 million to support Uganda's effort to fight the ongoing Ebola outbreak, bringing the total funding to $3 million in three weeks.
WHO faces communication challenges on bird flu after US withdrawal
Geneva, Feb 12: Communication with the US regarding the ongoing bird flu outbreak has become increasingly difficult because of the country's withdrawal from the UN health agency, said the World Health Organization (WHO).
Some species are susceptible to broad range of viruses: Study
England, February 6: A study on fruit flies revealed that certain species are extremely vulnerable to a variety of viruses.
Antibody treatment helps prevent severe bird flu in monkeys: Study
Washington DC, January 31: The antibodies target a stable part of the bird flu virus, ensuring that the immune protection can resist new variants and offer long-term protection against the globally spreading airborne infection. It helps in preventing severe bird flu in monkeys.
5 years after Wuhan's lockdown, China's recovery still faces challenges
Beijing, January 25: China is still grappling with the aftermath of its strict COVID-19 lockdowns, which began in Wuhan and surrounding areas five years ago, according to Radio Free Asia.
Was literally almost turned off: Robert Pattinson recalls challenges post-pandemic
Washington, January 22: Actor Robert Pattinson shared that he started worrying about cinema after the Covid-19 pandemic and then the strikes as people started saying that cinema is dying.
WHO regrets Trump's decision to withdraw; hopes US will reconsider
New Delhi, Jan 21: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday expressed regret over the decision of US President Donald Trump to walk out of the global health body, and hoped the administration will reconsider it.
PM Cares Fund: Rs 346 Cr used for over 4,500 kids orphaned during Covid-19, says report
New Delhi, Jan 21: The PM CARES for Children Scheme, launched in 2021 to support children orphaned during the Covid-19 pandemic, has reportedly spent Rs 346 crore on the welfare of 4,543 children, according to the latest audited statement of the fund for 2022-23.
Ex US President Obama expresses gratitude to Biden for his leadership
Washington DC, January 16: Former US President Barack Obama on Thursday expressed his gratitude and admiration for US President Joe Biden's administration.
Air passenger traffic surges nearly 20 pc in South Korea on overseas travel
Seoul, Jan 12: South Korea's air passenger traffic jumped sharply from a year earlier in 2024, nearly reaching the pre-pandemic level on increased overseas travel, data showed on Sunday.
Urgent need to bolster veterinary infra to effectively address future pandemics: Dr VK Paul
New Delhi, Jan 11: There is an urgent need to bolster veterinary infrastructure to effectively address future pandemics, which includes enhancing diagnostic facilities to ensure early detection and rapid response to emerging diseases, Dr Vinod K Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog, has said.
Japan reports record-high flu cases since 1999
Tokyo, Jan 11: The number of influenza patients reported at designated medical institutions across Japan in the final week of December hit the highest level since the current record-keeping began in 1999, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
US reports first bird flu related human death in Louisiana
Louisiana, January 7: The US has recorded its first human death from bird flu, according to Louisiana's Department of Health. The patient was aged above 65 years and was reported to have underlying medical conditions.
South Korea reports season's 20th avian influenza case
Seoul, Jan 6: South Korea has confirmed its 20th case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) for this winter season at an egg farm in Gyeonggi Province, authorities said on Monday.