Health
see moreWHO reassures public: bird flu risk remains low after first U.S. death
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the risk to the general population from H5N1 bird flu remains low, despite the first reported death from the virus in the United States.
Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan monitor respiratory viruses, urge precautions
Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are actively monitoring respiratory viruses, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), as part of their efforts to control severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Health officials in both nations are urging preventative measures to curb the spread of illnesses.
First case of new Mpox variant reported in France
France has reported its first case of the new mpox clade 1b variant, linked to a global health emergency declared by the WHO, with health authorities investigating the source and tracing contacts in the Brittany region.
Kazakhstan reports 30 cases of metapneumovirus amid regional health concerns
Kazakhstan's health ministry has confirmed 30 cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) amid a surge in respiratory illnesses in Central Asia. The virus, which causes flu-like symptoms, represents 1.6% of over 8,000 samples tested this season. Nearby Kyrgyzstan and China have also reported cases.
Louisiana reports first bird flu-related death in US
U.S. reports first human death from H5N1 bird flu in Louisiana. Experts urge caution for those in contact with birds as the virus spreads among poultry and wildlife.
US surgeon general urges cancer warnings for alcoholic drinks
The U.S. Surgeon General calls for cancer risk warnings on alcohol labels, highlighting links to seven cancers and urging updated consumption guidelines.
WHO declares cholera "major emergency" as cases surge globally
Cholera's global resurgence sparks alarm as WHO calls for urgent action: vaccines, clean water, and sanitation are vital to combat the deadly outbreaks spreading worldwide.
Bird flu virus shows mutations in first severe human case in US, CDC says
CDC finds rare mutations in U.S. bird flu case; risk to the public remains low.
Sri Lanka reports nearly 50,000 dengue cases in 2024
Sri Lanka reported nearly 50,000 dengue cases in 2024, with 24 fatalities and a case fatality rate of 0.05%. The Western Province accounted for 44.1% of cases. In January 2025 alone, 2,045 cases have already been recorded, highlighting ongoing public health challenges.
Bootleg alcohol claims 19 lives in Istanbul
Counterfeit alcohol poisoning in Istanbul has claimed 19 lives in 72 hours, hospitalizing 65, including 26 foreigners. Authorities closed 63 illegal vendors as the crackdown on toxic methyl alcohol continues.
WHO warns Marbrug virus outbreak in Tanzania
An outbreak of suspected Marburg disease in Tanzania has claimed eight lives, with nine cases reported in the Kagera region, according to the World Health Organization. The high-fatality virus, spread through close contact, poses a regional risk as surveillance efforts continue.
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AnewZ Exclusive: Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia expected to resume soon, government sources say
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard Divers Repair Leaking Ship in Antarctic Waters
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan temporarily suspends natural gas supply to Bulgaria due to technical issues
Azerbaijan has temporarily halted its contracted natural gas supply to Bulgaria following a technical issue at BP's Alpha platform in the Shah Deniz gas field.
Top 10 Endangered Species to Look Out For in 2025
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
La Lettre: Paris Olympic Games athletes return medals over quality issues
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
Rwanda declares that Marburg virus outbreak is over
Rwanda declares an end to the Marburg virus outbreak after 42 days with no new cases, reporting 66 cases, 15 deaths, and 51 recoveries, says Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana.
Lenacapavir HIV drug could reach low-income nations by 2025-2026
A new long-acting preventive HIV drug, lenacapavir, could be available in the world’s poorest countries by late 2025 or early 2026, according to Hui Yang, head of supply operations at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
UK Pledges $63 Million Aid Package for Vulnerable Syrians
Britain has pledged a £50 million ($63 million) aid package to support vulnerable Syrians following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, addressing urgent humanitarian needs both within Syria and in neighboring countries.
WHO Chief confident pandemic pact possible by May 2025
WHO aims to finalise a pandemic pact by May 2025, despite uncertainty under Trump’s leadership, as nations negotiate global collaboration amid ongoing health crises.
Malaria progress stalls amid growing challenges
Malaria cases soared to 263 million in 2023, with deaths steady at 597,000, highlighting stalled progress, WHO reports.
WHO confident pandemic agreement will be finalized despite challenges
The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed confidence that a global pandemic agreement will be finalized by May 2025, despite concerns over US participation under President-elect Donald Trump.
Undiagnosed disease in Congo puts children, malnourished at risk, WHO says
A mystery disease is spreading in Congo’s remote Panzi health zone, mainly affecting malnourished children under five. With 406 cases and 31 deaths reported, WHO experts are investigating as limited resources and severe conditions hinder efforts.
Biden to propose expanded Medicare, Medicaid coverage of obesity drugs, official says
U.S. President Joe Biden has proposed expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include anti-obesity drugs, potentially cutting out-of-pocket costs by 95%.
Elon Musk's Neuralink receives Canadian approval for brain chip trial
Neuralink to trial brain implant in Canada, aiming to help paralysed patients control devices through thought.
UNICEF raises concern over the intense smog in Pakistan
UNICEF has raised concerns over the toxic smog hospitalizing children in Lahore, Pakistan, the world’s most polluted city in terms of air quality, according to Swiss group IQAir’s live ratings. Schools and outdoor areas have been closed in the region.