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

Jamsin Bhasin recently took to Instagram to share a health update with her fans. She shared that she was hospitalized in Dubai after suffering from a serious infection during her birthday trip. She then revealed that she was diagnosed with terminal ileitis and high-risk infection, and inflammation.

Jasmin Bhasin Diagnosed With Terminal Ileitis

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Jasmin Bhasin shared a video in which she said, “So as soon as I landed in Dubai the next day, I fell severely sick and had to get hospitalized because I was diagnosed with terminal ileitis and severe high-risk infection and inflammation. But hopefully I will recover soon and will be back.”

She also said that she is recovering well and will be back on her feet soon.

She added, “I am so sorry I have not been able to respond to all your lovely messages and post, but Aly has already posted this birthday cake and how we didn't end up how we expected. Life is very unexpected but I am much better and should be back soon, but I am grateful to all of your love for my birthday and all your best wishes for my speedy recovery.”

What Is Terminal Ileitis?

Terminal ileitis is the inflammation of the terminal ileum, the final section of the small intestine that connects to the large intestine (colon). The terminal ileum has multiple important functions, including:

• Absorbing vitamin B12 in the body

• Absorbing bile acids, which help digest fats

• Playing a role in the body's immune system

Symptoms Of Terminal Ileitis

Here are some common symptoms of terminal ileitis:

• Pain and discomfort in the lower right side of the abdomen

• Chronic diarrhea (sometimes)

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Blood in the stool (more common with Crohn's disease than with many infections)

Terminal Ileitis & Crohn’s Disease

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Pramod Kadam, Consultant, General Surgery, Ruby Hall Clinic about terminal ileitis and Crohn's disease. Dr. Kadam explains, "It is generally related to inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease, but, it is essential to remember that the diagnosis of terminal ileitis is not a diagnosis but rather a clinical finding and can have many causes. Occasionally it can be caused by bacterial or viral infection, by prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), by intestinal tuberculosis, by lack of blood supply to the intestine or by other inflammation."

However, terminal ileitis can also result from several other conditions. They are:

• Bacterial infections (such as Yersiniosis, Salmonellosis, or Campylobacteriosis)

• Ulcerative colitis (rarely, through backwash ileitis)

• Intestinal tuberculosis (especially in countries where TB is common)

• Long-term use of Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs

• Certain cancers

Also read: Serena Williams Calls Anti-Doping Rules 'Unreasonable'; Experts Highlight Impact On Athletes' Mental Health

Dr. Kadam also shared an update about the condition's diagnosis. He says, "The diagnosis typically relies on a series of blood tests, a stool examination, imaging tests (CT or MRI scans) and a colonoscopy with a biopsy to identify the underlying cause of the inflammation. Treatment depends upon the underlying condition. Antibiotics may be needed for infectious conditions, but anti-inflammatory drugs, immune-modulating drugs or biologic drugs may be used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of complications like intestinal constriction, intestinal blockage or perforation."

Before this, Jasmin also faced another health scare during one of her shoots. She shared that she experienced severe discomfort in her eye, which escalated into a painful corneal injury.

Later, she found out that her eye injury was identified as a reaction to her contact lenses. She went on to raise awareness about proper care and hygiene when using contact lenses. She revealed that receiving prompt medical attention and care is essential when it comes to such eye injuries.

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson recently shared a heartbreaking health crisis. The ex-Tennessee Titans star revealed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no cure.

Former NFL Player Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis

In a recent pre-taped interview, he spoke about finding out about the disease. He recalled, “At first it was little things like my grip didn't feel right, and I wasn't as strong as I'd always been.”

He also said that he thought the initial symptoms were related to the wear and tear from his sports career. He said, “I thought because of football and his career that it must be something with that. Maybe a pinched nerve or something along those lines, but never ALS.”

Dr. Merritt Cudkowicz, a neurologist at Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute, who also worked with actor Eric Dane before his death from ALS this year, revealed that Chris has been on a clinical trial that could help in alleviating inflammation.

He further shared that even though it has helped him, the disease has progressed rapidly in the last year. The former football star revealed using a speech-generating device, which is controlled by his eyes, to communicate. Before Johnson lost his ability to speak, doctors recorded his voice, allowing the device to sound like him.

What is ALS?

ALS is a neurological disorder that targets motor neurons, nerve cells in the brain, and spinal cord that are responsible for voluntary muscle movement. When these neurons degenerate and die, the brain can no longer communicate with muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure.

There are two major types of ALS:

Sporadic ALS: This is the most common form, accounting for 90% of cases. Though it appears without family history, a portion of cases may involve genetic mutations.

Familial ALS: Representing about 5% to 10% of cases, this inherited form results from specific genetic changes.

Who Is At Risk?

Certain groups are at higher risk. Military veterans and firefighters are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS, potentially due to environmental exposures, physical trauma, or toxins encountered during service.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ALS as a service-connected condition, entitling veterans to specialized care and benefits.

Complications Related to ALS

As ALS advances, it affects nearly every function that depends on muscle control. Some serious complications include:

Respiratory Failure: Weakening of the diaphragm and chest muscles creates breathlessness. Respiratory failure is often the main cause of death in ALS.

Speech and Communication Impairment: The disease will lead to slurred speech or mumbling, so that there is dependence on aid to communication.

Difficulty Swallowing and Feeding: Weakening of the muscles disrupts chewing and swallowing capacity so that patients become vulnerable to aspiration pneumonia or choking. Feeding tubes are most often required.

Dementia and Cognitive Impairment: A small percentage of ALS patients develop frontotemporal dementia, which is marked by changes in behavior and decision-making.

Despite the complications of the disease, Chris Johnson has assured his fans that he still possesses the same spirit he had before the diagnosis. With advanced symptomatic treatment, support, and medical technology, ALS patients can maintain a decent quality of life.

Tennis legend Serena Williams has criticized the anti-doping rules as "unreasonable" and "unprofessional" ahead of her Wimbledon return.

Serena Williams, who has won seven singles titles at Wimbledon during her legendary career, called the testing "grueling." The mother of two also criticized the anti-doping testing system, saying that even leaving her designated testing window to pick up her children could be counted as a missed test.

Her stance has reignited debate over whether the current system strikes the right balance between protecting clean sport and safeguarding athletes' well-being.

HealthandMe spoke to two sports medicine experts—Dr P. S. M. Chandran, President of the Indian Federation of Sports Medicine, and Dr Kajal Goyal, Team Physiotherapist of the India Women's Sepak Takraw Team—to understand how anti-doping rules affect athletes.

Sports physician Dr Chandran argues that the rationale behind the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) itself needs to be questioned, claiming its policies have become overly punitive.

On the other hand, the sports physio Dr Kajal believes there is no evidence that anti-doping testing directly harms athletes physically. However, she says the psychological burden associated with repeated surveillance can indirectly affect recovery, performance and injury risk.

Indirect Impact On Recovery

Also read: Marketa Vondrousova Banned For 4 Years From Tennis: How Doping Tests Work

According to Dr Kajal, blood and urine sample collection has minimal physiological impact, and there is no evidence that anti-doping testing directly delays muscle healing or tissue recovery.

Instead, she says the greatest concern is the indirect effect of unannounced testing on athletes' recovery.

"Even small reductions in sleep over time can slow muscle repair, reduce muscular recovery and increase fatigue. Athletes experiencing anxiety about missing a test or managing constant travel and reporting obligations may have higher psychological stress, which can affect sleep quality, motivation and overall readiness to train," she told HealthandMe.

Dr Kajal added that while repeated anti-doping testing has not been shown to reduce physiological performance, the stress associated with constant surveillance may contribute to anxiety, burnout and an increased risk of injury.

The expert also stressed that anti-doping remains an essential part of ensuring fair competition and suggested that authorities adopt more athlete-centered approaches, including better medical coordination, greater flexibility during rehabilitation and pregnancy, and stronger mental health support.

WADA's Approach Is Flimsy

Dr Chandran, however, said that WADA's justification for anti-doping rules lacks sufficient scientific evidence.

"WADA's argument for bringing in doping control in sports is indeed flimsy. WADA claims that doping enhances performance without much supporting data. The other argument is that doping is injurious to athletes. Here also, WADA fails to produce evidence-based medicine," he told HealthandMe.

The expert further claimed that both doping and the current anti-doping system can harm sport by unfairly branding athletes as "cheats".

Read More: Why Sleeping Pill Addiction Is Common Among Football Players

Concerns Over Athlete Welfare

Dr Chandran also argued that the current anti-doping framework places an excessive burden on athletes. "Over the years, WADA has grown into a monster which destroys the career of athletes and imposes sanctions which may last a lifetime," he said.

He added that frequent testing interferes with athletes' privacy, training schedules and competitions while causing mental distress and financial hardship.

According to Dr Chandran, increasing numbers of athletes are being sanctioned for using commonly prescribed medicines, including cough syrups, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs and diuretics. He also pointed to India's high number of anti-doping sanctions in recent years as evidence that the current system requires reform.

A Growing Debate

The experts acknowledged the importance of protecting athletes and preserving fair competition.

Dr Kajal called for retaining anti-doping testing while making it more athlete-friendly through improved mental health support and flexible implementation. Dr Chandran, meanwhile, believes the scientific basis and proportionality of WADA's rules should be fundamentally reassessed.