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

Salad Dressing Recall: If you recently bought salad dressing or sauces, it may be time to double-check what’s sitting in your fridge following an important recall. On November 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recall covering thousands of gallons of dressings and condiments made by Ventura Foods LLC. The notice was later upgraded on December 4 to a Class II recall, highlighting the need to remove these products from stores and homes. Here is what consumers should know.

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Salad Dressing Recall: What Products Are Being Recalled?

The expanded recall affects multiple Ventura Foods LLC products, including the following dressings and sauces:

• Caesar Dressing (Costco Food Court)—32 LB (14.51 kg); SKU: 0 26700 19376 7
• Caesar Dressing (Costco Service Deli)—23.62 LB (10.71 kg); SKU: 0 26700 19376 7
• Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip—1 GAL (3.78L); SKU: 7 34730 53243 1
• Hidden Valley, Buttermilk Ranch—1 GAL (3.79L); SKU: 0 26700 19192 3
• Italian Salad Dressing—1 GAL (3.78L); SKU: 7 67367 00518 4
• Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing—1 GAL (128 FL OZ) 3.79 L; SKU: 0 93901 78134 5
• Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing—1 GAL (128 FL OZ) 3.79 L; SKU: 0 93901 72607 0
• Publix Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce—12 LB; SKU: 10 026700 16964 6
• Ventura Caesar Dressing—2000LB (907.1kg); SKU: 00 026700 17360 8

Costco also recalled two ready-to-eat items that used the affected dressing: the Caesar Salad (item number 19927) and the Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (item number 11444). Both products are now past their sell-by dates, which ranged from October 17 to November 9, as per Health.

Salad Dressing Recall: Why Are Salad Dressings Being Recalled?

According to the FDA and Costco, the recalled dressings and sauces may contain pieces of plastic, described as “plastic foreign material,” leading to a voluntary recall. The FDA noted that because many of these products were manufactured in large quantities for food service use, they were likely supplied to delis, cafeterias, and similar facilities. Distribution covered 27 states, including Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Salad Dressing Recall: What Does A Class II Recall Mean?

On its website, the FDA explains that a Class II recall is its second most serious category. It refers to situations where using or being exposed to the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, while the chance of severe health consequences is considered low.

Salad Dressing Recall: What Should I Do If I Purchased These Products?

The FDA has not issued detailed guidance for consumers who may have bought the recalled items. As with any recall, the safest step is to avoid consuming the products and contact the retailer for information about returns or refunds. Costco stated in its advisory that customers should stop using the affected items and bring them back to their local Costco location for a full refund.

Billy Connolly Parkinson's Disease: Martin Compston, Sottish actor and former footballer praised Sir Billy Connolly, actor, comedian and musician, for handling his Parkinson's disease in an "incredibly brave" way.

The 83-year-old comedian was diagnosed in 2013, and five years post that, in 2018, he announced his retirement. Compston who is also co-host of Hoolie In The Hydro, said that the Scottish comedian battled the disease "with a smile on his face and cracking jokes that only Billy can."

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He said, "Obviously, Billy’s been battling Parkinson’s but he’s been battling incredibly bravely and again he’s done it with a smile on his face and cracking jokes that only Billy can. I’m hoping he’s with us for a long time to come.”

Billy Connolly Health Update

In 2024, Billy made an admission about death amid his ongoing health struggles. In his 2023 autobiography, he mocked the "exaggerated" reports of his "demise". However, the actor-comedian said that he has maintained a positive outlook about his health and that he does not feel "close to death".

In an interview with The Mirror, he said that he remembers the day when he was told he had Parkinson's was the same day he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. "Yes, it was a funny week I had. On the Monday, I had hearing aids. On the Tuesday I got pills for heartburn, which I have to take all the time, and on the Wednesday, I got news that I had prostate cancer and Parkinson’s."

He shared that the best way to deal with such a news is to start thinking about the next step, which is the treatment. "You just have to think. Don't think you are being badly treated [by life] or you have the bad pick of the straws. You are one of millions. Just behave yourself and relax."

Connolly got the all-clear from prostate cancer after receiving treatment, reported the Independent.

Read: Can You Detect Dementia With An Eye Test?

As far as Parkinson's is concerned, his wife, Pamela Stephenson had said that her husband had the "most significant" symptom of the disease, which was a "couple of serious falls" that happened after his balance deteriorated due to Parkinson's.

Talking to Guardian, Billy said, "Recently I've noticed a deterioration in my balance. That was never such a problem before, but in the last year that has come and it has stayed. For some reason, I thought it would go away because a lot of the symptoms have come and gone away."

Prostate Cancer And Parkinson's Disease In Men Aged 40-50

The John Hopkins Medicine recommends screening for prostate cancer at age 55, and start their PSA screening between ages 40 to 54.

What Is Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In many cases, it grows slowly, and detecting or treating it before symptoms appear may not always improve health outcomes or extend life. Learn more about prostate cancer, including screening, prevention, treatment options, research, and key statistics.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says that while an average age of onset of Parkinson's disease in a person is in early to mid 60s, there could be some people who may have the disease before the age of 50.

Also Read: The “Triangle of Death” on Your Face: Why You Should Never Pop a Pimple There

In fact, a 2019 study in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease notes that while the mortality rate of Parkinson's disease is higher in women, risk of developing it is twice as high in men than women.

What Is Parkinson's Disease? Parkinson’s disease is a slowly progressing disorder that affects movement and the nervous system. It develops when certain nerve cells in the brain weaken, become damaged, or die. As a result, people may experience tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and balance problems. Over time, these symptoms can make everyday activities like walking, talking, and simple tasks more difficult.

Three children from Ottawa and Eastern Ontario have died due to flu-related complications over the past two weeks, as an unusually early and aggressive flu season grips the region. Health officials have confirmed that the cases are linked to Influenza A, a strain currently circulating widely and affecting children more severely than usual, as per CTV news.

The children were between five and nine years old. Authorities have not released further personal details about the two Ottawa cases and one case from Eastern Ontario.

What Is Influenza A?

Influenza A is a fast-spreading respiratory virus responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks and, at times, global pandemics. It changes quickly through genetic shifts, which makes new strains harder to predict and control. The virus is grouped based on surface proteins called hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, with H1N1 and H3N2 among the most common strains in circulation. It spreads mainly through coughs, sneezes, or close contact and often comes on suddenly, causing fever, cough, body pain, and extreme tiredness. In some cases, it can lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable groups.

Influenza A: Health Officials Call Deaths a Serious Warning

Public health leaders from Ottawa and Eastern Ontario described the deaths as a troubling reminder of how dangerous the flu can be, especially for children.

“This highlights that influenza is not always a mild illness. It can lead to serious complications that require hospitalization,” medical officers of health from both regions said in a joint statement issued on Monday, as per CTV News.

Influenza A: Child Flu Deaths Rare but Not Unprecedented in Canada

While flu-related deaths among children are uncommon in Canada, they are not unheard of. During the last severe flu season in 2022, two children in Ottawa died due to influenza.

Most flu-related deaths in Canada occur among older adults. Of the estimated 3,500 flu deaths reported nationwide each year, roughly 90 percent involve people over the age of 65. However, experts say the current Influenza A strain is behaving differently.

Influenza A Hitting Children Hard This Season

The strain of Influenza A currently circulating has been linked to a sharp rise in severe pediatric flu cases globally. Health officials say the cluster of three child deaths within such a short period, and within a relatively small geographic area, is highly unusual.

This unusual pattern prompted the regional coroner to alert public health authorities after three sudden, unexpected child deaths tested positive for Influenza A.

“It’s rare for the coroner to reach out like this,” said Dr. Trevor Arnason, Ottawa’s medical officer of health. “But this season has been particularly severe.”

Influenza A: Hospitals Strained as Pediatric Cases Rise

CHEO, Ottawa’s children’s hospital, has reported high numbers of children falling seriously ill with the flu since November. Hospitalizations have continued to rise through early December.

Last week, CHEO issued an urgent request asking family doctors to extend clinic hours and assist at the hospital’s Kids Come First clinic to help manage patient volumes.

Hospital officials have also noted that many children arriving at the emergency department with severe flu symptoms had not been vaccinated.

Influenza A: Strong Push for Flu Vaccination as Cases Surge

Public health officials, including Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore, are urging everyone aged six months and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Dr. Arnason and Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, medical officer of health and CEO of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, stressed that vaccination is especially important for children this season.

Influenza A: Vaccine Still Effective Despite Strain Mutation

Some people have expressed concern after reports suggested this year’s flu vaccine is not a perfect match for the circulating Influenza A strain. Health officials clarified that while the virus has mutated slightly since circulating in the southern hemisphere, the vaccine still offers meaningful protection.

“The flu vaccine may not always prevent infection, but it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications,” officials said. They added that the vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, making early vaccination crucial ahead of the holiday season, when virus spread typically increases.