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

Hypertension is the “number one killer” in India, with nearly 1.6 million people dying from the condition every year, said Dr. Ambuj Roy, Professor of Cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, today.

Speaking to media persons on hypertension, Dr. Roy said the deaths “linked to high blood pressure are five times higher than tuberculosis fatalities and exceed the combined toll of communicable diseases such as TB, malaria, dengue, and HIV”.

Calling hypertension a “silent but deadly disease,” he said most people remain unaware they have high blood pressure because symptoms are often absent.

“Ninety per cent of the time, hypertension does not cause symptoms. The only way to detect it is through regular screening,” he said.

Dr. Roy also cited the ICMR and NFHS-5 data showing that nearly 30 crore Indians are living with hypertension.

According to him, one in four adults in rural India and one in three adults in urban areas have the condition. However, “only one in three people know they are hypertensive, one in five receive treatment, and just one in twelve achieve proper blood pressure control below 140/90 mmHg”.

Lifestyle Changes Surging Hypertension Risk

Dr Roy said lifestyle changes are driving the growing burden of hypertension in India. Poor diet, obesity, physical inactivity, air pollution, stress, and poor sleep habits are major contributors, particularly among younger people.

He highlighted excessive salt intake as a key concern. While the recommended salt intake is less than 5 grams per day, average consumption in India is around 12 grams daily. He also stressed the importance of potassium-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, noting that most Indians fail to consume the recommended 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day.

Pollution: An Emerging Concern

Further, the Cardiologist linked pollution exposure to rising hypertension rates. Referring to studies conducted by AIIMS in collaboration with IIT Delhi, Dr. Roy said areas exposed to crop burning showed a 15 per cent higher prevalence of hypertension.

Another study found that every 10 microgram increase in PM2.5 levels was associated with a 5 per cent higher risk of hypertension.

How To Reduce Hypertension

Dr. Roy said reducing blood pressure by just 10 mmHg can significantly lower the risk of

• cardiovascular mortality by 20 per cent,
• stroke 28 per cent,
• heart failure by 28 per cent,
• coronary artery disease by 17 per cent,
• mortality by 13 per cent.

He also referred to the “TOPSPIN trial,” a large Indian hypertension study, which found that a single-pill combination therapy using two medicines reduced blood pressure by 30–40 mmHg and helped nearly 70 per cent of patients achieve blood pressure control.

The expert stated that around 70 per cent of patients may require long-term treatment or may need it lifelong. However, for nearly 30 per cent of people, hypertension can be reduced by stopping medication through:

• sustained lifestyle changes
• weight loss,
• low-sodium diets,
• exercise,
• better sleep.

‘Do Not Stop BP Medicines Abruptly’

Importantly, Dr Roy cautioned people against stopping blood pressure medicines abruptly once readings improve.

“Blood pressure is controlled because of the medicine. If you stop it suddenly, BP can rise sharply and may trigger a brain stroke or hemorrhage,” he said.

Dr. Roy also dismissed fears around side effects of antihypertensive medicines, calling them among the safest long-term drugs available. “The only side effect they have is benefits,” he remarked, adding that these medicines reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

To reduce blood pressure naturally, the expert advised people to

• remain physically active for at least 150 minutes per week,
• reduce processed and salty foods,
• maintain hydration during heatwaves,
• adopt DASH-style diets rich in fruits and vegetables.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its colorectal cancer testing guidelines, which bring new screening options for colorectal cancer. This will give the Americans two new options of stool-based tests and blood-based screening tests.

The ACS recommended colorectal cancer screening for citizens as the risk of the disease starts at the age of 45 and continues through age 75 for those with a life expectancy of 10 more years. Thus, to make colorectal cancer tests more accessible to the masses, the new guideline gives nod to blood-based screening tests and FDA-approved new stool sample kits.

Blood-based screening tests must be done in a doctor's office, while one can use stool sample kits for testing at home. Notably, colonoscopy is still the most accurate option for detecting colorectal cancer.

The new guidelines acknowledged the fact that people are likely to choose the most effective colorectal cancer screening test. But still about 20 million eligible Americans remained untested, according to the ACS.

ACS mentions that 1 in 5 colorectal cancer cases is seen in young adults; the new guidelines were a direct result of this huge problem. Though the one who will choose colonoscopy would only have to go through screening every 10 years, on the other hand, the gap between screenings will be every one, three, or five years, depending on the specific method of testing selected.

Early Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer

Some of the most commonly missed early signs include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits, especially if they last more than a few days, must be taken seriously. Narrow or ribbon-shaped stools may indicate a tumor partially blocking the colon.
• Blood in the stool is one of the most common and concerning signs. While it might be due to hemorrhoids or fissures, it’s important not to assume. A proper evaluation is critical.
• Unexplained weight loss: Especially when unintentional.
• Abdominal cramps or bloating: Misinterpreted as common digestive issues.

Ignoring such a red flag delays diagnosis and drastically reduces treatment success rates. A timely visit to a healthcare provider can change outcomes.

How To Prevent Colorectal Cancer?

• Diet: More fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; less processed food and red meat.
• Physical activity: “Even 30 minutes of daily walking helps.”
• Screenings: Especially vital for those over 45 or with a family history.

Sri Lanka is facing a meningitis outbreak, and according to the Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka, 200 people have been infected by this virus. As of now, about 50 people are getting treatment at the hospitals across four districts.

The disease was first found among a group of school goers in the Deniyaya area before spreading to other areas, including Diyatalawa, Welimada, and Rikillagaskada. The health authorities of the island nation have already issued special guidelines to stop the spread of the disease.

The authorities there said the disease mainly spreads through contaminated food and water, and it can also be transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact. The citizens were also asked to drink boiled water and avoid crowded places.

The Health Ministry of Sri Lanka has appointed a special team consisting of virologists and epidemiologists to conduct observations on the viral meningitis condition reported from the Central and Southern provinces and to identify its viral transmission pattern.

“Though the cases show signs of meningitis, they have rarely progressed to encephalitis, a potentially life‑threatening inflammation of brain tissue, as the virus itself is self-limiting, allowing the immune system to overcome the ailment,” the deputy minister, Dr. Wijeyamuni, said.

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the spinal cord and the brain. It can become very serious if not treated or diagnosed in time. It is a consequence of bacterial or viral infection. Despite being a rare occurrence, the infection can spread through coughs, sneezes, a cold, or physical contact in the form of kissing.

Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is important for early diagnosis and timely medical care.

Also Read: Does Meningitis Always Cause Fever?

Symptoms Of Meningitis

Health officials urged the public to remain alert to the warning signs of meningococcal meningitis. Common symptoms include:

• Rash
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Fever
• Drowsiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light

How is Meningitis Diagnosed?

Physicians diagnose meningitis using a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory examinations, and imaging tests. Important diagnostic tests are Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap), Blood Cultures, and Imaging (CT or MRI Scans).