On Thursday, Uganda confirmed an outbreak of the Ebola virus in its capital city Kampala, with the first confirmed patient dying from it a day before. As per the new developments, the officials are now preparing to deploy a trial vaccine to put an end to this outbreak.

Groups of scientists are working on the vaccine and deployment of more than 2,000 doses of a candidate vaccine against the Sudan strain of Ebola has been planned and confirmed by the Uganda Virus Research Institute. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Uganda has access to 2,169 doses of trial vaccine. For now, however, there are no approved vaccines for the strain and officials are still investigating the source of the outbreak.

The WHO had also allocated $1 million from its contingency fund for emergencies to support quick action and contain the outbreak in the country.

Confirmed Case

On Wednesday, the Sudan strain of Ebola killed a nurse employed at Kampala's main referral hospital. It is after his death that Ebola was declared an outbreak in the country. Post-mortem samples too have confirmed the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease and at least 44 contacts of the deceased man have been listed for tracing. 30 of these are health workers.

Ebola is a highly infectious hemorrhagic fever, which is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids and tissue. Symptoms include headache, vomiting of blood, muscle pains and bleeding.

it was in the late 2022, when Uganda had last suffered an Ebola outbreak. It killed 55 of the 143 people who were infected and was declared over on January 11, 2023.

What Is Ebola Virus Disease?

As per the WHO, Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but severe illness in humans and is often fatal. People can get infected with the virus if they touch an infected animal when preparing food, or touch body fluids of an infected person such as saliva, urine, faeces or semen, or things that have body fluids of an infected person like clothes or sheets.

How Does Transmission Work?

Ebola enters the body through cuts in the skin or when one is touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue and headache.

It was first discovered in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreak, when in Nzara, South Sudan and other in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter occurred near a village near the Ebola River, which is where it gets its name from.

It is highly infectious and transmissible disease, in fact, there have been cases of health-care workers who have frequently been infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola. This occurs through close contact with patients when infection control precautions are not practiced strictly.

Cases of people conducted burial ceremonies, involving direct contact with the body of the deceased too can lead to the transmission of Ebola. Even after the long suffering and recovery, there is a possibility of sexual transmission. Pregnant women who get acute Ebola and recover may still carry the virus in their breastmilk, or in pregnancy related fluids and tissues.

Symptoms:

• feeling tired
• headache
• muscle and joint pain
• eye pain and vision problems
• weight gain
• belly pain and loss of appetite
• hair loss and skin problems
• trouble sleeping
• memory loss
• hearing loss
• depression and anxiety

American Olympic bronze medallist Jenny Simpson has announced her diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic ‌Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) -- a rare inherited heart condition that is forcing her to give up her career as it makes running dangerous.

The 39-year-old, former 1500 meters world champion, was diagnosed after collapsing in June ⁠at a community track event hosted by Sir Walter Running and required CPR.

What Happened To Jenny Simpson?

After receiving lifesaving care at the track event, Simpson was transferred to Duke University Hospital for more advanced heart failure support.

Her heart was not pumping strongly enough, causing fluid to build up in her lungs. She described the experience as beginning to “drown.”

“My body was dying, but my spirit wouldn’t give up,” her post read. “I fought for my life.”

Within days, however, her heart and lungs were strong enough to function on their own.

Simpson Forced To End Her Career

Simpson said her diagnosis means “it would be dangerous for me to return to running.” She retired from elite racing in 2024 and described the diagnosis as the end of that chapter of her life.

"I was diagnosed with a rare inherited heart condition, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)... My future is an incredible gift. It is hopeful, and it will continue to have a ‌great ⁠purpose. But my diagnosis also means it would be dangerous for me to return to running," Simpson said in a post on Instagram.

“That chapter has ended,” the post read. “Thankfully, my story hasn’t.”

Why Can ARVC Be Dangerous?

Simpson was diagnosed with ARVC, a rare inherited condition in which scar tissue in the heart can disrupt its electrical system and trigger dangerous heart rhythms.

The condition can weaken the heart muscle and affect its ability to pump blood effectively. It can affect one or both ventricles; when it mainly affects the right ventricle, it is called ARVC. In Simpson’s case, the abnormal heart rhythms ultimately caused her heart to stop.

“As devastating as that diagnosis sounds, I truly feel profoundly fortunate. CPR, AED shocks, exceptional medical care, and a healthy body and fighting spirit that have spent a lifetime adapting to hard things all came together to give me another chance at life.”

Simpson is the only US woman to win a world 1500m title, which she achieved in 2011, and one of two US women to win an Olympic 1500m medal, taking bronze in 2016.

From 2007 through 2019, she finished among the top three in the 1500m, 5000m or 3000m steeplechase at all 13 USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.

What Is ARVC?

In ARVC, heart muscle cells do not stick together properly, causing scar tissue and weakening the heart muscle. This can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

The condition can affect one or both ventricles. When it primarily affects the right ventricle, it is called ARVC.

ARVC: Symptoms

• Heart palpitations
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Swelling in the ankles, legs or abdomen
• Chest pain or discomfort

ARVC: Diagnosis

Doctors may use several tests to assess the heart, including:

• Cardiac MRI
• ECG
• Exercise test
• Echocardiogram

ARVC: Treatment

There is no cure for ARVC, but treatment can help manage abnormal heart rhythms and reduce complications. Options may include:

• Pacemaker
• ICD
• Cardioversion
• Catheter ablation.

Anchovies are tiny fish packed with major health benefits, including high amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), lean protein, selenium, niacin, iron and calcium. However, a new study by Andhra University researchers detected microplastics in the edible muscle tissue of anchovies, which form a significant part of the local seafood chain.

The finding, published in the International Journal of Environmental Sciences, raises concerns about potential exposure to microplastics and their possible impact on cognitive function.

While the detection of microplastics in muscle tissue suggests the particles may move beyond the digestive system and potentially expose humans through contaminated seafood, researchers led by Prof C Manjulatha from the Department of Zoology and Gondu Chandrika from the Department of Environmental Sciences stressed the need for further assessment.

Where Were Microplastics Found?

• Microplastic particles were found in the gastrointestinal tracts, gills and muscle tissue of fish collected from Visakhapatnam’s Vizag harbor.
• The gastrointestinal tract had the highest concentration, followed by the gills and muscle tissue, according to Times of India.
• Plastic fibers accounted for nearly 80% of the detected particles, followed by fragments and foam.
• Most particles measured between 0.5 mm and 4.5 mm.
• The researchers identified particles in different colors, with red and blue among the prominent ones.
• FTIR spectroscopy identified polymers including polyamide, PET, polyester, polyethylene, polyacrylate and polypropylene.

Polyamide and PET were among the dominant polymers, pointing to multiple possible sources of contamination, such as synthetic fibers, plastic waste and fishing-related materials.

“These findings emphasize the need for proper disposal and treatment of plastic waste,” the researchers said.

What Does This Mean For Brain Health?

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, ranging from one nanometer to five millimeters — a fraction of the width of a human hair to about the size of a grain of rice. These have now been detected in human blood, placenta, liver, kidneys and the brain. The study also prompted questions about whether consuming microplastics could have implications for brain health.

In a post on X, Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained that although the gastrointestinal tract had the highest load, muscle contamination is what reaches your plate.

“Microplastics tend to accumulate in fat-rich tissue like the brain's myelin sheath, the insulation around neurons. Animal studies show microplastic exposure can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation that disrupt neurotransmission and impair cognition. Human data is still emerging, but the biological plausibility is real,” Dr Sudhir said.

He stressed that it “is a concerning signal, not yet a confirmed verdict”.

Can Microplastics End Up On Our Plates?

“Plastic pollution entering the sea fragments into particles small enough for marine life to absorb; fish take it up through feeding, we take it up by eating the fish. The Vizag study flags exactly this: sewage discharge, urban runoff, and fishing waste feeding this cycle,” the expert said.

How To Stay Safe

The expert advised people to:

• Vary protein sources.
• Don't rely on one fish species or source daily.
• Reduce synthetic fibre shedding and use a laundry filter bag.
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
• Support better waste treatment, as it is fundamentally a pollution problem, not just a diet one.

The number of measles cases in Sweden linked to the Urkult Festival has climbed to 21, according to the latest data from the country’s Public Health Agency.

So far, all known cases have been directly linked to the festival, which took place from July 30 to August 2 in Näsåker, in Sollefteå municipality. The majority of those infected are children under 18 years of age, the report said.

Acting State Epidemiologist Erik Sturegård called the rapidly growing number of cases “very unusual” in Sweden, Sweden Herald reported. “It is a disease that can cause very serious illness, even in otherwise healthy children,” Sturegård said.

Why Sweden May Not Be At Risk Of A Major Outbreak

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

Sweden’s childhood vaccination program includes the measles vaccine and has 95 percent coverage.

Sturegård said the high vaccination rate means Sweden may not currently be at risk of a major outbreak in the wider population.

However, unvaccinated people, as well as those with underlying conditions that may prevent the vaccine from providing adequate protection, remain at risk of serious illness.

Sturegård noted that most of those infected had not been vaccinated against measles.

“Even though we have 95 percent vaccination coverage in the childhood vaccination program, we have small pockets of people who, for various reasons, have not been reached by the vaccination, or who have chosen not to vaccinate themselves. Then you get a local minor outbreak very easily when measles is so extremely contagious,” Sturegård said.

Regions Reporting Measles Cases

The cases have been reported from the following regions:

• Jämtland Härjedalen
• Skåne
• Stockholm
• Västerbotten
• Gotland
• Värmland
• Västernorrland

Sweden Steps Up Contact Tracing

Read More: US Measles Cases Soars; RFK Jr Takes U-Turn, Urges Families to Vaccinate Kids

Measles is highly contagious, making contact tracing time-critical. The Public Health Agency, which has overall responsibility for infectious disease control in Sweden, is in daily contact with the affected regions.

“We have daily meetings with the relevant infection control departments to keep a full overview of what is happening and be able to provide the support needed,” Sturegård said.

Measles Symptoms

Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.

The illness typically causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a characteristic rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward across the body.

Other symptoms can include sneezing and small white spots inside the mouth. Measles can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.

Measles Cases Reported Across Europe

READ: Why Are 1.7 Million People Still Vulnerable To Measles Despite Australia’s Elimination Status?

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s latest July 2026 report, nine European countries reported 188 measles cases in June. The highest number of cases was reported by:

• Bulgaria: 102
• Italy: 41
• Belgium: 14
• Spain: 13

In the 12 months through June 30, 2026, 30 EU/EEA Member States reported a total of 2,472 measles cases.

Of these, 717 cases (29.0%) were among children under five years of age, while 1,261 (51.0%) were among people aged 15 years and older.

The highest notification rates were recorded among infants under one year of age, at 62.9 cases per million, followed by children aged 1–4 years, at 30.8 cases per million.

Among cases with known age and vaccination status, 1,602 (74.0%) were unvaccinated, 323 (14.9%) had received one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, and 198 (9.1%) had received two or more doses. Another 41 cases (1.9%) had an unknown number of vaccine doses.