disease surveillance

Mizoram finds itself grappling with a troubling surge in Covid-19 cases, as all 32 reported infections are confined to Aizawl. The latest tests show an alarming positivity rate, leading health officials to issue a public safety advisory.

India's Health Ministry has activated surveillance following hantavirus cases on the MV Hondius cruise ship, with eight probable infections and three deaths reported. While the WHO assesses the global risk as low, two asymptomatic Indian nationals are onboard. Travelers to South America are advised to take precautions against rodent exposure.

Move to tackle potential outbreaks in view of excess pre-monsoon rain & humidity

A hantavirus outbreak is under investigation on the cruise ship MV Hondius after passengers fell ill. Transmitted by rodents, the virus can cause severe respiratory illness. While rare globally, recent cases, including a celebrity's death, highlight the risks. Health officials are probing the ship's infection source and stressing rodent control for prevention.

Two Indian nationals aboard a cruise ship have tested positive for hantavirus, but health officials assure there's no immediate threat to India. The virus, primarily spread by rodents, does not transmit easily between humans. Global health authorities are monitoring the situation, with the public risk deemed very low.

Karnataka's Tumakuru district is on high alert after over 44 peacocks died, confirming H5N1 avian influenza. While human infections are rare, the virus can cross over from birds, causing severe respiratory illness. Authorities have established containment zones and are monitoring bird populations closely. Residents are urged to avoid sick birds and practice good hygiene.

Laboratory reports have confirmed that H5N1 avian influenza caused the deaths of 44 peacocks in Tumakuru between April 16 and April 24. Authorities have sounded a high alert in 33 villages within a 10-km radius and are implementing disinfectant spraying and enhanced surveillance to prevent further spread.

A tigress and her last cub have died at Kanha Tiger Reserve, bringing the state's tiger death toll to 30 this year. Officials suspect canine distemper virus (CDV) as the cause, potentially spread from domestic dogs. A large-scale sanitization and vaccination operation is underway to prevent further transmission.

Western Australia has detected vaccine-derived poliovirus in Perth's wastewater, a strain seen globally. Health officials emphasize the risk to the public is extremely low due to a high vaccination rate of 92% among children. This discovery, while not a public health emergency, serves as a crucial reminder of polio's presence elsewhere and the vital importance of ongoing vaccination efforts.

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease affecting over 350,000 women globally each year. In India, it is the second most common cancer among women. The human papillomavirus, or HPV, causes nearly all cases. Vaccination before sexual exposure is highly effective. Regular screening tests like Pap smears and HPV tests are crucial for early detection. Smoking also increases risk.