The Union Health Ministry implemented a ban on 156 "irrational" FDC medicines, effective immediately. These medicines, including widely used antibiotics, painkillers, and multivitamins, were commonly used to treat fever, cough, and infections. The ban was imposed due to the associated health risks and lack of therapeutic justification for the ingredients in these FDCs.

What are FDC medicines?

FDCs or fixed-dosed combinations, also known as "cocktail drugs," are medications that combine multiple drugs in a single pill. They are designed to treat multiple symptoms or conditions simultaneously. While they offer convenience, they can pose significant risks. These risks include the possibility of overdose, adverse interactions between the drugs, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, many FDC medicines lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their safety and efficacy.

Expert opinions on FDC medicines

Experts have raised concerns about the use of FDC medicines. They believe that many of these combinations lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their safety and effectiveness. Additionally, the combination of multiple drugs in a single pill can increase the risk of adverse side effects and interactions with other medications.

Experts have also found that FDC medicines may not be as effective as individual drugs in treating certain conditions. It is important to note that safer and more effective alternatives are available for most of the medical conditions that FDC medicines were used to treat. One particular concern is the inclusion of antibiotics in some FDCs. Overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, a major public health threat.

The risks of FDC medicines

The use of FDC medicines can lead to adverse effects, including serious ones. Additionally, safer alternatives, tested in clinical trials, are available to treat the same medical conditions. Experts recommend prescribing drugs individually based on a patient's clinical symptoms rather than combining them in FDCs.

The ban on irrational FDC medicines by the Union Health Ministry can be seen as a positive step towards promoting rational drug use and protecting public health. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary and potentially harmful drug combinations. This is a step forward in reducing the risks associated with medication and ensure safer and more effective treatment options for patients.

Maryland has declared a measles outbreak in three counties after 14 new cases were confirmed, marking a sharp rise in infections in the US state.

The Maryland Department of Health said the new cases were identified among residents in St. Mary’s, Carroll and Cecil counties who were unvaccinated. The latest cases bring the state's total to 31 confirmed measles cases in 2026, with 27 reported since July 15.

The development comes as children return to school and highlights how quickly measles can spread when pockets of people remain unprotected.

New Measles Cases In Maryland

Since July 15, Maryland has recorded 13 cases in St. Mary’s County, eight in Carroll County, five in Cecil County and one in Charles County. All the 27 people who were infected during this period were unvaccinated, according to state health officials.

Maryland had reported only three measles cases during all of 2025, making the increase particularly striking. Health officials said there were no public exposure sites associated with the latest cases. Several infections that have occurred are in households.

Also read: Trump Signs Order To Change Childhood Vaccine Schedule Amid Measles Outbreak, Split MMR Into Three Shots

Measles Is Highly Contagious

Measles, caused by the measles virus, spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes.

According to Maryland health officials, the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Around 90% of susceptible people exposed to measles can become infected.

This makes measles considerably more contagious than many other respiratory infections. The illness typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward.

Also read: US Kindergarten Vaccination Rates Decline, Exemptions Rise as Measles Cases Hit 35-Year High

Serious Complications Due To Measles

While many people recover, measles can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.

Complications can include pneumonia, ear infections, severe diarrhoea and dehydration. In some cases, the infection can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which can result in permanent neurological damage.

Measles can also cause a rare but fatal neurological condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) years after the original infection.

Also read: What Trump’s Childhood Vaccine Order Means: When Will It Take Effect?

Vaccination Is The Best Protection

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, remains the primary way to prevent infection. Maryland Health Secretary Dr Meena Seshamani said the overall risk remains low for people who are fully vaccinated, while urging residents to check whether they are up to date on vaccination.

“Checking your vaccination status and getting vaccinated if you are not up-to-date is the simplest and most effective way” to protect communities, Seshamani said.

The state health department is particularly urging Marylanders to help protect young children and others who are most vulnerable. Parents should be alert for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a developing rash, particularly if their child is unvaccinated or has been exposed to someone with measles.

Anyone who suspects measles should contact a healthcare provider before arriving at a clinic or hospital, since entering a waiting room while infectious could expose other patients.

Also read: Candida auris Detected in 27 US States: Scientists Reveal How the Deadly Fungus Colonizes Skin

Donald Trump's Order To Split MMR Vaccine

This also comes after US President Donald Trump signed an order to split the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into individual shots. The move was panned by health experts and authorities from different states as well as countries. Medical experts and lawmakers said that the proposed changes are not supported by new scientific evidence.

One of the biggest hurdles in implementing this proposal is that individual measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are not currently available in the US. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and chairman of the Senate health committee, also criticised the latest move. “I’m a doctor. This executive order is wrong,” Cassidy said. “The President does not have the expertise to make these changes.”

Doctors are particularly concerned about separating the vaccines and keeping them too far apart. When children need multiple visits to receive protection against different diseases, there can be longer periods during which they remain unprotected. Public health experts warn this could become especially problematic during outbreaks of diseases that can be prevented by vaccines.

A 51-year-old Brazilian businesswoman has died after undergoing six facial cosmetic procedures during surgery lasting several hours.

Andreia Vieira Gaspar, from Goiânia, Brazil, died on August 12, the Daily Star reported.

According to Brazilian news outlet G1 Goiás, the procedures reportedly included a deep facelift, neck liposuction, eyelid surgery, jawline work and other facial procedures.

What Happened?

Andreia reportedly left the operating theatre heavily swollen and struggling to breathe. Her condition worsened overnight, with neck pain and increasing breathing difficulties. She reportedly told her sister, Djiane Vieira: “Sis, I'm dying.”

Djiane then sought help from the medical team through a group chat, saying her sister was dying and asking for immediate assistance.

The Public Ministry of Goiás has requested a police investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter.

The family alleged that Andreia's condition worsened after surgery and questioned whether the hospital was equipped to handle a serious postoperative emergency. They also alleged that it did not have an intensive care unit or an ambulance available.

G1 reported that her condition deteriorated about six hours after surgery and that she died despite resuscitation attempts.

A medical report cited by the family identified acute thrombosis and pulmonary infarction as the causes of death.

Andreia had previously run a beauty salon in Goiânia and had lived in Spain for five years. Her family said undergoing the procedures had been a long-held dream. Her sister said Andreia had spent two years saving for the surgery, which cost BRL 118,000 (£16,800).

How Can Beauty Treatments Go Wrong?

Social media trends, celebrity endorsements and demand for anti-ageing treatments have fueled interest in cosmetic procedures and injectable treatments. Experts warn that unregulated procedures can carry risks, including allergic reactions and infections, while severe complications can affect organs such as the liver and kidneys.

The cosmetic surgery market was estimated at USD 94.1 billion in 2025.

Experts stress that cosmetic procedures should involve realistic expectations, qualified medical advice and a clear understanding of the risks, recovery and costs.

Seven Questions To Ask Before A Cosmetic Procedure

Dr Chintan Gujarati, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic, told HealthandMe that cosmetic procedures require careful planning and informed decision-making.

He recommends asking:

1. Is the procedure right for me?

Discuss whether it suits your health, goals and individual needs.

2. Is my surgeon qualified?

Ensure the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or appropriately trained specialist.

3. What are the risks?

Ask about possible complications, including infection, scarring and the need for further treatment.

4. What results can I realistically expect?

Cosmetic procedures can improve appearance but cannot guarantee perfection.

5. What is the recovery process?

Ask about downtime, pain management, activity restrictions and when you can resume normal activities.

6. What will the procedure cost?

Request a breakdown of consultation, hospital, medication and follow-up costs.

7. What if I am unhappy with the results?

Discuss revision policies and corrective options before proceeding.

Children under 15 account for half of the 46 suspected mpox cases in Guinea-Bissau, which declared its first mpox outbreak on July 4, UNICEF said.

As of August 17, the country had reported seven confirmed cases, all among adults. Six were reported in the Autonomous Sector of Bissau and one in the Biombo Region. No deaths have been reported.

Of the 46 suspected cases, 23 are children under 15, including 16 aged 0-4 years. Young children face a greater risk of complications from mpox.

“This is the first time mpox cases have been reported in Guinea-Bissau, making even a small outbreak a major public health event,” said Sandra Martins, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Guinea-Bissau.

“While the country’s surveillance system remains extremely fragile, we face the risk that cases are going undetected, particularly among children who are the most vulnerable to severe complications.”

Concerns Over Undetected Transmission

UNICEF said the confirmed cases do not appear connected, raising concerns about undetected chains of transmission and additional unidentified cases.

Gaps remain in community-based surveillance, including contact identification, sample testing and tracing how the virus is spreading.

Martins urged families to seek care if a child or family member develops a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes or other symptoms.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family as the variola virus that causes smallpox.

Symptoms of Mpox

Mpox symptoms are generally milder than those of smallpox. After an incubation period of 5 to 21 days, symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue.

The disease usually resolves within 2 to 4 weeks, but severe cases can occur, particularly in children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people. Common symptoms include:

• Skin rash
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body aches
• Back pain
• Low energy
• Swollen lymph nodes

How Does Mpox Spread?

Mpox can spread through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or skin lesions of infected animals, including rodents and primates.

Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions or contaminated objects. The virus can enter through broken skin, the respiratory tract or the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth.

Mpox: How Can Children Be Protected?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for preventing mpox transmission include:

• Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus, particularly in regions where mpox is endemic.
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves and gowns when caring for infected individuals.
• Isolate infected individuals from others who are at risk of contracting the virus.
• Get vaccinated where available. The smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide some protection against mpox, while newer vaccines specifically designed for mpox are being deployed.