Ebola Outbreak: Uganda Set To Start Vaccine Trials

Updated Feb 3, 2025 | 08:58 AM IST

SummaryAfter a nurse died of the Ebola virus, the country has declared Ebola outbreak and is now deploying vaccine against the Sudan strain of the virus.
Ebola vaccines

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

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Why Has ISA Asked Doctors & Hospitals To Stop Prescribing Themis Spinal Anaesthesia?

Updated Jul 1, 2026 | 03:00 PM IST

SummaryAfter several suspected adverse events surfaced, the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists has directed healthcare professionals, hospitals and others facilties to stop using Themis Hyperbaric Bupivacaine and segregate and isolate its stock until further notice.
ISA Issues Advisory To Stop Prescribing Themis Spinal Anaesthesia

Credit: AI-generated image

The Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA) has issued an urgent advisory asking anaesthesiologists and hospitals across the country to immediately stop administering Hyperbaric Bupivacaine manufactured by Themis for spinal anaesthesia until further notice.

Why Has ISA Issued This Advisory?

Themis Hyperbaric Bupivacaine is commonly administered as a spinal anaesthesia. According to the ISA and the Anaesthesia Patient Safety Association (APSA), the anaesthesia resulted in several suspected adverse events.

These reports were significant enough to warrant an immediate nationwide safety alert, even though the exact cause and frequency of the adverse events have not been revealed yet.

However, according to Medical Dialogues, the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists has suspected that the adverse incidents linked to Themis Hyperbaric Bupivacaine were reported at Apollo Hospitals and Yashoda Hospitals. They also said that Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) related to the drug have been reported, and an investigation is underway.

The associations also stressed that the advisory is strictly precautionary and does not imply that the drug is defective or that Themis is responsible for any negligence or unethical practices.

Also read: National Doctors' Day 2026: Stronger Protection Against Violence In Healthcare Need Of The Hour, Say Doctors

What Does The Advisory Say?

Apart from stopping the administration of Themis Hyperbaric Bupivacaine, the advisory has also asked hospitals and healthcare facilities to:

  • Identify, segregate, and isolate existing stock of Themis Hyperbaric Bupivacaine from clinical use.

  • Switch to alternative approved brands of hyperbaric bupivacaine.

  • Preserve details like batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, and storage conditions.

  • Report any suspected adverse events related to the drug to APSA and the relevant regulatory bodies.

Dr Sherry Mathews, President of the Hyderabad Metro City Branch of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists, said, “This is a precautionary advisory issued in the interest of patient safety. Reports of serious adverse events have been received from multiple hospitals, and until the investigation is completed, we have advised doctors to stop using the product.”

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A separate notice issued by the ISA's Hyderabad Metro City Branch directed consultants, resident doctors, anaesthesia technicians and operation theatre staff to immediately stop the use of Themis Bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia.

It also said that no ampoules of the product should be used for neuraxial administration until an official clearance is issued. It added that any inadvertent use must be reported to the head of the department without fail.

The authorities are currently investigating these suspected adverse reactions, particularly their nature and association with the drug.

About Themis Hyperbaric Bupivacaine

Themis Hyperbaric Bupivacaine, marketed under brand names like Bupicain Heavy, is manufactured by Themis Medicare Limited, a 53-year-old Indian pharmaceutical company.

It contains Bupivacaine hydrochloride 0.5% (5 mg/mL), a local anaesthetic. It also contains Dextrose, which makes the solution hyperbaric (heavier than cerebrospinal fluid), which helps anaesthesiologists control how the anaesthetic spreads through the spinal canal.

Hyperbaric bupivacaine is commonly used for:

  • Caesarean sections

  • Orthopaedic surgeries involving limbs in the lower half

  • Hip and knee surgeries

  • Urological procedures

  • Gynaecological surgeries

  • Hernia surgeries

  • Other surgeries below the umbilicus

Hyperbaric bupivacaine is widely trusted for spinal anaesthesia globally. Many pharmaceutical companies manufacture it. The concern raised by the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists is not against the drug, but about one manufacturer's production.

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Times Network India Health Awards 2026 Honors Pioneers In Healthcare Workers

Updated Jul 1, 2026 | 01:42 PM IST

SummaryThe Times Network India Health Summit 2026 – South Edition featured renowned doctors, policymakers, hospital leaders, researchers and healthcare innovators. Discussions also covered preventive healthcare, artificial intelligence, women's health, public health policy and medical innovation.
Times Network India Health Awards 2026 Honors Pioneers In Healthcare Workers

Credit: Times Network

The Times Network India Health Summit 2026 – South Edition, held on June 20 in Hyderabad, honored the outstanding contributions of doctors and innovations across the Indian healthcare sector.

The event brought together leading voices from government, medicine, research, and the healthcare industry to discuss the future of India's healthcare system.

Across three panel discussions, experts deliberated on the growing burden of obesity and anemia in the country, the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare and whether AI could outpace doctors, as well as the increasing incidence of violence against doctors and healthcare workers.

The summit featured renowned doctors, policymakers, hospital leaders, researchers and healthcare innovators. Discussions also covered preventive healthcare, artificial intelligence, women's health, public health policy and medical innovation.

The event was powered by Tamashii, with Gigglu as the associate partner, BMW Krishna Automotive as the automobile partner, Sumadhura as the real estate partner, and VOH (Voice of Healthcare) as the knowledge partner.

Also read: Times Network Health Summit 2026: Ignoring Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Can Lead to Anemia, Says Top Gynecologist

Times Network India Health Awards 2026 Winners

S.NoAward CategoryAward Winner Name
1Eminent Excellence in Functional Neuro Surgery (Telangana)Dr Dhanunjaya Rao - Apollo Hospitals
2Eminent Excellence in Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery (Telangana)Dr Vikram Byre - Yashoda Hospitals
3Legendary Excellence in Joint Replacement Surgeries (Telangana)Dr K Sudhir Reddy - Landmark Hospitals
4Legendary Excellence in Internal Medicine & Intensive Care (Telangana)Dr Rajib Paul - Apollo Hospitals
5Centre of Excellence in Varicose VeinsAVIS Vascular Center
6Legendary Excellence in Neurosurgery & Brain Stroke Prevention Public Health Services (Telangana)Dr Uday Goutam - Goutam Neuro Care
7Outstanding Philanthropic Contribution to Hearing Impairment Rehabilitation & InclusionSAHI (Society to Aid the Hearing Impaired)
8Centre of Excellence in Advanced Fertility Treatments (Telangana)Hegde Fertility
9Lifetime Achievement Award in Gastrointestinal & Minimally Invasive Surgery (Telangana)Dr G V Rao - Director AIG Hospitals
10Best Emerging Multi Specialty Hospital (Telangana)Sindhu Hospitals
11Centre of Excellence in Advanced Dentistry (Khammam)Sri Srinivasam Dental Hospital (Khammam)
12Centre of Excellence in Advanced Personalized Orthopedic Care (Telangana)My Ortho Centre
13Legendary Excellence in Dental Implants (Telangana)Dr Venkat Ratna Nag - The Dental Specialists
14Legendary Excellence in Advanced Otology (Telangana)Dr Jaswinder Singh Saluja - Apollo Hospitals
15Excellence in Robotic & Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery (Telangana)Dr T Rajeshwari Reddy – Continental Hospitals
16Eminent Excellence in Transplant Pulmonology (Telangana)Dr Tapaswi Krishna - Yashoda Hospitals
17Legendary Excellence in Precision Eye Surgery (Telangana)Dr Sangeeta Das - Malla Reddy Hospital
18Excellence in Agentic AI for Clinical DiagnosticsNeurologic.AI
19Centre of Excellence in Advanced Clear Aligner & Smile Design Treatments (Telangana)PARK Dental Care
20Eminent Excellence in Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Telangana)Dr Ajay Chanakya Vallabhaneni
21Lifetime Achievement in Women's Healthcare & Maternal ExcellenceDr Evita Fernandez - Fernandez Hospitals
22Best Emerging Hospital in Vascular & Plastic Surgery (Telangana)IKIGAI Hospitals
23Emerging Excellence in Voice & Airway Disorders Management (Telangana)Dr Madhav Koka - Apollo Hospitals
24Legendary Excellence in Advanced Proctology & Anal Canal Surgery (Telangana)Dr Sanjeev Singh Yadav - EPIC International Hospital
25Lifetime Achievement Award in Global Oncology ExcellenceDr Nori Dattatreyudu
26Excellence in Advanced Medical Care & InnovationAJ Hospital & Research Centre
27Visionary Excellence in Robotic Laparoscopic SurgeryDr Rooma Sinha - Apollo Hospitals

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Serena Williams Lost 34 Pounds With The Help Of A GLP-1 Drug But It’s Not Ozempic

Updated Jul 1, 2026 | 01:16 PM IST

SummarySerena Williams's return to the court has sparked a discussion about her visible weight loss with the help of GLP-1 medication called Zepbound.
Serena Williams Lost 34 Pounds With The Help Of A GLP-1 Drug But It’s Not Ozempic

Credit: Instagram

Serena Williams has openly spoken up about her weight loss struggle after the birth of her second daughter in 2023. As she returns to competitive tennis at the age of 44, discussion around her much leaner appearance was sparked again. Williams has been candid about attributing her weight loss to a GLP-1 drug called Zepbound.

Serena Williams Lost 34 Pounds With Zepbound

As Serena Williams made a high-profile return to singles competition at Wimbledon on June 30, fans did not miss the difference in her physique.

In 2025, Williams revealed that she was able to shed about 34 to 38 pounds (15 to 17 kg) with the help of the prescription GLP-1 medication Zepbound (tirzepatide), alongside regular exercise and healthy eating.

Her comeback to the sport also sparked debate over whether GLP-1 medications provide a competitive advantage and if they should be banned. But as of now, GLP-1 drugs are not banned by the anti-doping authorities.

She also emphasized that the medication was an addition to, not a replacement for her existing fitness habits. According to NBC, she announced a partnership with the company Ro, which prescribes GLP-1 medications through telehealth.

Also read: Did Donald Trump Take Eli Lilly's Weight Loss Drug? What Did White House Say

The RO website features Williams, stating: “After kids, she was doing everything right, but nothing worked. Ro finally helped her get back to her strongest self," it says. "After losing weight with another GLP-1 provider, Serena chose Ro to continue her weight loss journey. She has used both branded vials and pens.”

In a conversation with People that her weight struggle began after the birth of her daughter. She said that she was not able to get to the weight she wanted regardless of her efforts.

She said, “It was crazy because I'd never been in a place like that in my life where I worked so hard, ate so healthy, and could never get down to where I needed to be at.”

Apart from weight loss, she also spoke about other benefits she experienced after starting Zepbound.

She said, “I just can do more. I'm more active. My joints don't hurt as much. I just feel like something as simple as just getting down is a lot easier for me. And I do it a lot faster. I feel like I have a lot of energy, and it's great. I just feel pretty good about it.”

What Is Zepbound And How It Is Different From Ozempic?

Zepbound’s active ingredient is tirzepatide. While it is called GLP-1 medication, it is more than that. It mirrors two hormones that your body naturally releases after you eat:

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)

This hormone makes you feel full sooner, slows stomach emptying, so food stays in your stomach longer, reducing appetite. It also helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar rises.

GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)

This improves insulin response, enhances metabolism, and works together with GLP-1 to produce greater weight loss than GLP-1 alone.

Zepbound's two-way action is the biggest factor that distinguishes it from Ozempic. The latter mimics only one hormone, GLP 1, which reduces appetite and hunger by promoting a feeling of fullness.

Zepbound, on the other hand, performs the function of GLP-1 while also improving insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism effectively.

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