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.
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.
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.
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.
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With digital innovation, expanding healthcare access, and a growing focus on self-reliance driving transformation in India's healthcare sector, the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2026 is set to return for its third edition.
The event, to be held on October 28th, will bring together policymakers, healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, innovators, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of India's healthcare ecosystem.
Centered on the theme, “The Blueprint for a Future-Ready Healthcare Ecosystem – Innovation. Access. Self-Reliance,” the summit will explore emerging healthcare innovations, collaborations, and policy approaches, culminating in an awards ceremony recognizing excellence across the sector.
As India is advancing in artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, biotechnology, medical technology (MedTech), and indigenous manufacturing, these areas will also be central to discussions on strengthening the country's healthcare ecosystem.
Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, is expected to attend as the chief guest.
The second edition of the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2026 will feature:
The summit will feature six panel discussions covering key areas of healthcare innovation, access, and policy.
The summit is being held in association with Onextel Communications Media, co-powered by Novartis and supported by HealthandMe. It will conclude with a felicitation ceremony recognizing excellence across the healthcare sector.
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in both lungs.
In a statement on October 19, the team said the 28-year-old was clinically stable with no significant functional limitations. However, he needs blood thinners and cannot participate in contact sports while taking them.
His diagnosis raises questions about how blood clots travel from the legs to the lungs, why they are dangerous and how to reduce the risk.
Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his left calf after reporting discomfort following a cleat injury during the October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Although doctors initially cleared him to play, a follow-up ultrasound in Philadelphia and further testing identified DVT and blood clots in both lungs, known as bilateral pulmonary emboli.
The team said his treatment would involve anticoagulants, or blood thinners. He can resume football activities once he stops taking the medication.
Also read: Hours Of Sitting, Gaming And Binge-Watching OTT? Doctors Warn Of Blood Clot Risk In Young People
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. If part of the clot breaks away and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially life-threatening condition.
Prolonged sitting, hospitalization, bed rest, injuries and certain genetic factors can increase the risk of developing blood clots.
A clot can break away from a deep vein in the leg, travel to the right side of the heart and then enter the arteries supplying the lungs. There, it can block blood flow and strain the heart.
“You have a clot in your leg. The problem is it can travel up the veins and go to your heart, and from there, go to your lungs, and block the blood vessels in your lungs,” CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, who is not treating Hurts, told CBS Mornings.
“That's very serious,” he added.
Read More: World Thrombosis Day: Can An Unexplained Blood Clot Be The First Sign Of Cancer? Experts Explain
Hurts is not the first high-profile athlete to experience blood clots. Tennis star Serena Williams has a history of clots, while NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh retired early following blood-clot-related complications.
Fitness does not eliminate the risk. Injuries and prolonged immobility, including during long-haul flights, can slow blood flow and contribute to clot formation.
DJ Corey, director of Northeastern University’s EMT program, said extended periods of sitting during air or road travel can increase the risk because leg muscles help maintain blood circulation.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that limited mobility during long-distance travel can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes DVT and pulmonary embolism.
To improve circulation during long journeys, the CDC recommends:
Compression stockings may help some travellers at increased risk, depending on their medical needs.
DVT symptoms can include leg swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth and skin discoloration. Some people may have no obvious symptoms.
Pulmonary embolism warning signs include sudden breathlessness, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness and coughing up blood.
Sudden breathing difficulties, chest pain or fainting require immediate medical attention, as a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening.
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More than 20 vials of compounded tirzepatide, a GLP-1 medication containing the same active ingredient as Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound, have been recalled in the US over sterility concerns, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall, issued by Apothecary Pharma, also includes a vial of NAD+ injection.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning the affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, while the likelihood of serious harm is considered low.
The recall follows a December 2025 FDA warning letter to Apothecary Pharma, which cited serious deficiencies in the North Carolina company’s sterile drug production practices.
The recalled injections are compounded versions of tirzepatide. Unlike FDA-approved, brand-name medications, compounded drugs are custom-prepared by pharmacies to meet specific patient needs.
Also read: US FDA May Allow Pharmacies To Make Unapproved Peptide Injections: What Are the Safety Concerns?
The affected tirzepatide product is a prescription injection with a concentration of 18 mg/mL, supplied in a 4 mL multidose vial. Its National Drug Code (NDC) number is 85091-001-18.
The recalled lot numbers are AP-202622 through AP-202625 and AP-202627 through AP-202644. The products have beyond-use dates ranging from October 7 to November 26, 2026.
The recall also includes one vial of NAD+ injection.
The FDA and Apothecary Pharma have not issued a public statement clarifying what patients should do with the affected vials. Some customers have reported receiving requests through their prescribers to return or dispose of the products or contact the manufacturer directly.
NewLife Rx, a pharmaceutical fulfillment service that distributed some of the recalled vials, reportedly told certain customers that Apothecary had described the recall as a documentation issue.
According to a notice reviewed by USA TODAY, the recall was conducted at the retail level and did not extend to patients or require them to stop using or return their medications.
However, neither the FDA nor Apothecary Pharma has publicly clarified the reason for the recall or the safety of the affected products.
Although a Class II classification indicates a relatively low likelihood of serious harm, it does not mean a product is entirely risk-free.
If you have an affected lot, consult your prescriber or healthcare provider before using it again and follow their instructions.
Read More: Retatrutide Driving Peptide-Linked Emergency Hospital Admissions In Australia: What Are The Risks?
A compounded drug is a medication prepared by a compounding pharmacy to meet an individual patient's specific medical needs. This may include removing an allergen, adjusting a dosage, or preparing a formulation that is not commercially available.
While these medications can serve specific medical needs, they are not FDA-approved in the same way as branded drugs. The FDA does not review compounded formulations for safety, effectiveness, and quality before they are marketed.
Demand for GLP-1 medications for weight loss skyrocketed worldwide between 2022 and 2025, leading to shortages of semaglutide and tirzepatide.
During these shortages, compounding pharmacies were legally allowed under specific circumstances to prepare several versions of these medications.
Many patients turned to compounded GLP-1s because they were often affordable, available, and easier to buy online.
Potential risks of compounded GLP-1 drugs include:
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