After mpox outbreak, Africa is under the threat of yet another virus outbreak, this is the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. So far, six people have died from the outbreak, confirmed the health minister. Most victims were the healthcare workers in the hospital's intensive care unit. As per reports, 20 cases have been identified since the outbreak was confirmed on Friday.

What Is Marbug Virus?

With the fatality rate of 8% it is the same virus family as Ebola. The main carrier is from fruit bats which spreads to humans then through the contact of bodily fluids of infected individuals, it spreads to others.

Common Signs And Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms of the Marburg virus include fever, pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and in the case of extreme blood loss, death too can happen.

So far, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus. However, treatments like drugs and immune therapy are being developed as per the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Call Of Action

Rwanda says that it has intensified its contact tracing, surveillance and testing to contain the spread. It has also tracked about 300 people who had come into contact with individuals affected by the Marburg virus.

The health minister has urged people to stay vigilant and avoid any physical contact and to wash their hands with clean water, soap or sanitiser and report any suspected case.

As of now, most of the cases have spread to the capital in Kigali. In light of this, the US Embassy in the city has advised its employees to work remotely for the next week.

This is the first time Rwanda has confirmed for Marburg cases, before this, in 2023, Tanzania confirmed the outbreak, whereas three people had died of this in Uganda in 2017.

History Of Marburg

As per WHO, this virus kills half of the people it infects. In the previous outbreaks, it has killed between 24% to 88% of the patients.

The virus was first detected in 1976 after 31 people were infected, out of which 7 died in simultaneous outbreak in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and Belgrade in Serbia.

The source was traced to African green monkeys who were imported from Uganda. However, other animals too are linked to the virus spread, including bats.

In the past, the virus outbreaks have happened in countries like Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. In 2005, this virus killed 300 people in Angola.

However, for the rest of the world, only two people have died from the virus in the rest of the world, with one of them being in Europe, and the other in the US. These both have been on expeditions to caves in Uganda.

As Delhi's air quality continues to deteriorate, and reached emergency levels on Tuesday, as per the official data, it has been declared to be the worst in nearly 11 months. As a result, Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-3 has been implemented in Delhi.

As of Tuesday, the city's average AQI as per the official data, stood at 428, this is worst since December 19 of last year, when the index read 451. This is a sharp rise from 362 AQI on Monday. Visibility too dropped to 600 metres at Safdarjung and 700 metres at Palam at 6.30am. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data continued to record 'severe' air quality levels across Delhi-NCR even on Wednesday morning.

You May Like To Read: Delhi Air Pollution: Think Pollution Only Hurts Your Lungs? Doctors Say It Can Cause Strokes Too

What Does GRAP 3 Mean For People?

GRAP is a 9-point action plan that is being implemented to bring down pollution. The restrictions are imposed in Delhi, and comprises a list of the type of vehicles, which are allowed in the national capital. This means, if you do not live in Delhi, and are travelling via Delhi, you will also have to comply with the rules. Failure to do so may invite penalty.

As per the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)'s statement: "Considering the ongoing trend in air quality and to prevent further decline, the sub-committee has decided to implement all measures under Stage III of GRAP – ‘Severe’ air quality (Delhi AQI between 401 and 450) – with immediate effect across the NCR."

Read: Delhi Sees A 60% Surge In Patients With Eye Problems Due To Worsening Air Pollution, According To Doctor

Which Zones Are Affected?

The enforcement zones include Delhi and NCR too, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Are There Any Other Restrictions?

The restriction is not only on the vehicles, but also on dust-generating construction and demolition activities. The restrictions also include:

• Demolition Work
• Excavation or Earthwork, which includes laying sewer, water, drainage, or electrical lines
• Brick or masonry work
• Major welding and gas-cutting operations
• Painting, cementing, plastering, or coating work
• Tile cutting, grinding, and fixing
• Waterproofing and road repair or construction work
• Loading, unloading, or transfer of dust-generating materials
• Movement of vehicles carrying construction materials on unpaved roads
• Transportation of demolition waste

Read More: 1 in 7 Deaths In Delhi In 2023 Were Caused By Air Pollution, Revealed Study

The Delhi Government has also announced that schools up to Class V would be conducted in hybrid mode. Apart from this, all stone crushers and mining operations across NCR has been ordered to shut down.

What Are The GRAP Stages?

GRAP operates on a tiered system, with different stages corresponding to varying levels of AQI. The goal is to implement specific measures at each stage to curb pollution and reduce public health risks. The different stages of GRAP are:

• Stage I: It is triggered when the AQI falls in the range of 201-300, which indicates “poor” to “very poor” air quality.

• Stage II: This happens when the AQI reaches between 301 and 400, reflecting “very poor” to “severe” conditions.

• Stage III: This is implemented when the AQI exceeds 400, which is categorized as “severe” air quality. This stage triggers more stringent measures to reduce pollution levels, with a focus on restricting outdoor activities, vehicle use, and industrial operations.

How Does Pollution Impact One's Health?

Chronic pollution exposure aggravates oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. This means, with every breath you take, you inhale a toxic swamp.

As per Pusan National University, long term air pollution exposure actually triggers allergic immune responses in the lungs. Furthermore, a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health also shows the negative impact on immune system with alarming and harmful air quality.

As per another 2000 study, published by the British Society for Immunology, people living in areas with higher pollution levels show measurably different immune responses than those in cleaner environment.

Air pollution contains toxins like particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. It also includes hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), such as lead, mercury, asbestos, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds. When one breathes this toxic and poisonous air the respiratory system bears the initial brunt of it. The pollutants then damage the delicate tissues lining your airways, and disrupts the barrier that normally prevents harmful substances from entering your body. When this first line of defense is compromised, pathogens find it easier to established infections.

Every year on November 12, World Pneumonia Day is observed. This day aims to spread awareness and educate people to combat Pneumonia disease, which is world's biggest infectious killer of adults and children, especially those below five years.

What Is Pneumonia?

It is an inflammatory respiratory disorder caused due to bacteria, viruses or fungal infections which impair the air sacs of the lungs, called alveoli. It happens due to the accumulation of fluid or pus in the air sacs, making breathing difficult. It is a contagious disease and could be fatal for the person with weaker immunity.

World Pneumonia Day 2025 Theme

This year, the theme for World Pneumonia Day 2025 is 'Child Survival'. This theme recognizes pneumonia as the leading infectious cause of death in children. Dr Raja Dhar, Director and HOD Pulmonology at CMRI Kolkata says, "Pneumonia continues to be a silent killer that claims over 2.5 million lives every year worldwide — with more than half a million of these deaths occurring in children under the age of five."

However, he also notes that this disease also poses a grave threat to older adults.

The theme draws attention to the heartbreaking truth that pneumonia continues to claim the lives of thousands of young children each year—even though it’s both preventable and treatable. It calls on families, communities, and leaders to unite in ensuring every child has access to good nutrition, clean air, vital vaccines, and timely medical care. The message is clear and deeply human: no child should die from a disease we can prevent.

History of World Pneumonia Day

World Pneumonia Day was first observed on November 12 2009, under the 'Stop Pneumonia' initiatives by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia. This was a coalition of various institutions all together to fight the child mortality due to the respiratory infection.

Importance of Pneumonia Day

One of the most important significance of Pneumonia day is to spread awareness of the condition, especially early recognition, so it could be treated timely. Dr Dhar points out that early recognition and timely treatment could save lives.

"Prevention remains our strongest weapon. Regular hand hygiene, avoiding smoking, ensuring good nutrition, and staying up to date with pneumonia and influenza vaccinations—especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses—can drastically reduce risk," says Dr Dhar.

As the doctor suggests that this day helps us remember that protecting the lungs is equivalent to protecting life. "Seek medical help early for any signs of lung infection, and take proactive steps to safeguard your loved ones, especially the very young and the elderly, from the dangers of pneumonia," says the doctor.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Pneumonia?

• Persistent cough (with phlegm or mucus)
• High fever and chills
• Chest pain while breathing or coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and weakness

How Can You Prevent Pneumonia?

The best ways to prevent pneumonia are:

• Vaccination: get vaccination against flu, pneumococcal infections, and COVID-19
• Good Hygiene: wash hands regularly. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends washing hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs, and to apply enough soap to cover all hand surface.
• Healthy Lifestyle: maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate rest
• Avoid smoking
• Eat healthy

Sally Kirkland, 84, dies days after entering hospice. The Oscar nominee actor had entered the hospice care in Palm Springs and the news was confirmed by her rep Michael Greene.

She had endured "a challenging few months", as confirmed by her organizer, and a post from November 7, from her account read: "Thank you for all your love and support. Sally is grateful for your kindness and love. Sally is on hospice now and is resting comfortably. Please hold and send the light for Sally." This was in response to her GoFundMe page, which she had started after her medical bills costed her over what her insurance could cover.

A Long Battle Of Health Crisis

On October 2, an update read: "Hi: Sally sends her love to everyone. It has been a challenging few months for Sally as her health continues to struggle. She had a fall in the shower, when she was left unattended, injuring her ribs and foot, along with cuts and bruises. Sally is now receiving 24/7 care in a specialized facility that is providing wonderful safety and care. We are continuing to raise money to cover the gaps between income and care costs. Thank you for all the love, support, and care for Sally."

Sally's fundraiser was created in November 2024, after Sally "fractured her four bones in neck, right wrist, and her left hip" and while she was recovering, she had developed "two separate life-threatening infections". Her medical bills would mount more than her insurance could cover.

She also created a video shortly after her GoFundMe account was made where she thanked everyone who donated. "Everyone, I just wanted to thank you for sending me your love and your light and helping me get through this, day by day, helping me with my GoFundMe page. It really touches my heart. [I] really feel your love."

The Impact She Left

After the news of her demise, fans have shared tributes online. One user wrote: Devastated to hear of Sally Kirkland's passing. She was an indelible character actor and red carpet icon who was never anything short of memorable. Her awards season campaign for Anna, a powerhouse performance all should see, will always be the greatest.”

“A fantastic, underrated actress. She'll be deeply missed,” wrote another.

She earned an Oscar nomination for her titular character in Yurek Bogayeviczs's Anna (1987).

What Is A Hospice?

Hospice is a specialized care focused on the comfort and quality of life for people with serious illnesses near the end of life. This happens typically when a cure is not possible. It provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support for the patient, as well as for their family. The hospice also aims to manage pain and symptoms, rather than focusing on life-prolonging treatments. This care can be provided at home, in a hospice center, a hospital, or a nursing home. One of the key reasons why patients who have a degenerative condition choose hospice is because of the patient-centric care that it provides.