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.

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is caused by Type A influenza viruses found naturally in wild birds. The virus can spread to poultry and mammals, including dairy cattle. Humans can become infected through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. While sustained human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has not been established, continued outbreaks and the virus's potential to evolve are raising concerns about the risk of a future pandemic, experts warn.

Early this month, a resident of Yakima County in Washington tested positive for avian influenza after exposure to infected dairy cattle, the Yakima Health District and Washington State Department of Health announced. The resident is isolating at home and has not developed severe illness or required hospitalization.

H5N1 In Humans: What Do We Know?

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 1,002 laboratory-confirmed human H5N1 infections and 479 deaths were reported across 25 countries between 2003 and August 7, 2026. In 2026 alone, nine cases, including two deaths, were reported worldwide.

The H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b circulating among US dairy cattle has been less lethal to humans than some other H5N1 infections. The US has reported at least 72 human cases since the virus spread to dairy cattle, with two deaths. Most patients had contact with infected animals, The Telegraph reportedd.

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and conjunctivitis. Mild infections may resemble COVID-19 or the common cold, potentially leaving cases undetected.

Migrant dairy workers may also avoid voluntary testing over fears of contact with law enforcement.

“If people don’t feel safe coming forward for testing or care, we risk missing early signs of spread, especially in high-risk populations like dairy farm workers,” Dr Krutika Kuppalli, associate professor in the division of infectious diseases at the University of Texas Southwestern, previously told The Telegraph.

H5N1 Detected In Mink On US Farm

H5N1 has been detected in at least six captive mink on a Utah farm, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Scientists are monitoring the virus in mammals because some species can support viral replication and transmission. Mink are of particular concern because they are susceptible to respiratory viruses, and crowded farms could create conditions for viruses to spread and evolve.

"It is REALLY dangerous to let bird flu spread unchecked through mammals, especially minks, which have similar susceptibility & respiratory physiology to humans. The virus can adapt to human hosts by adapting to the respiratory tract of minks," virologist Dr Angela Rasmussen said, in a post on X.

"We don't know if H5N1 will ever make that evolutionary leap or not. We know that it could. But I hope we don't find out. A worst-case bird flu pandemic could literally kill hundreds of millions of people & cause agricultural, ecological, & economic collapse," she added.

How H5N1 Spread From Birds To Dairy Cattle

Marc Johnson, a molecular virologist and professor, shared a timeline of H5N1's spread on X. A new variant spread across the US in early 2022, causing substantial bird mortality and spilling over into several mammal species.

In late 2023 or early 2024, the virus began appearing in dairy cattle's mammary tissue. By the time the outbreak was identified, it had spread to herds across the country.

Johnson said bulk milk testing and strict quarantines could have helped contain the outbreak, warning that the virus continues to circulate among cattle.

"Pasteurization kills H5N1," he said, adding no human cases have been linked to drinking pasteurized milk.

Could H5N1 Trigger Another Pandemic?

Scientists are concerned that continued circulation in mammals could allow H5N1 to evolve and become better adapted to mammalian hosts, potentially increasing the risk to humans.

Johnson warned that "continued spread gives the virus more opportunities to evolve". While sustained human-to-human transmission has not been established, a future pandemic remains inevitable.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk?

People who work closely with animals, including agricultural workers, backyard flock owners, hunters and wildlife workers, face a higher risk.

• Avoid touching sick or dead animals, wild birds, bird droppings and potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling infected animals and report suspected animal infections.
• Wear disposable gloves when handling harvested birds and practice good hygiene.
• Ask a healthcare provider about seasonal flu vaccination. It does not prevent bird flu but may reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with human and avian influenza viruses.

An experimental male contraceptive pill could soon enable men to prevent pregnancy on demand as researchers are aiming for it to work within 30 minutes of being ingested and provide protection for at least six to eight hours.

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine in the United States have received a grant of $8.2 million from the National Institutes of Health to test the drug in a human trial for the first time. The investigational pill is designed to temporarily stop the sperm in its tracks, rather than suppressing hormone production or formation of sperm.

The drug’s effectiveness, safety and ability to maintain fertility health after each dose remain to be investigated.

More About The Experimental Male Contraceptive Pill

Researchers Dr Jochen Buck and Dr Lonny Levin, professors of pharmacology at Weill Cornell, are developing a compound that blocks an enzyme called soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC).

This enzyme plays a crucial role in sperm motility, the ability of sperm to move. By inhibiting sAC, the drug is intended to temporarily immobilise sperm, preventing them from swimming enough to fertilise an egg.

In 2023, the researchers reported in Nature Communications that blocking sAC rendered sperm immobile and prevented pregnancies in preclinical models. This drug differs from experimental hormonal male contraceptives, which generally aim to reduce sperm production and may require weeks to become effective.

“We’ve developed an on-demand contraceptive pill that men would take 30 minutes before having sex,” Buck said in a statement from Weill Cornell Medicine. “The pill provides a six-to-eight-hour window of protection from pregnancy, and afterwards, fertility returns to normal.”

These timings reflect the researchers’ intended profile for the drug. They have not yet been confirmed in people yet.

Also read: 'Contraceptive Coil Saved My Life': UK Woman's Persistent Abdominal Pain Led Her To Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

Humans Trials Planned

The four-year grant will fund the toxicology and safety studies that are needed before human testing. The grant will also cover the development of an oral formulation as well as the drug’s manufacturing processes.

The next step is a Phase 1, placebo-controlled trial in which healthy men will participate. Researchers will monitor participants for side effects and examine sperm samples to measure changes in motility. They will also investigate whether the effect is temporary and sperm movement returns to normal after the drug’s effect wears off.

“Contraception is unusual in that you’re giving a medicine to healthy people, often in their prime, so the requirements for efficacy and safety are particularly stringent,” said Dr Peter Meinke, an assistant professor of pharmacology at Weill Cornell who has contributed to the drug's development.

“You need a molecule that is fast-acting, potent, safe and which is active for hours in the male but also continues to prevent sperm from swimming inside the drug-free female,” he added.

Also read: What Does A Morning-After Pill Do To Your Body?

Could It Be A Breakthrough In Male Contraception?

Male contraceptive options that are currently available include just condoms and vasectomy. Other experimental methods include hormonal pills, gels and long-acting treatments. Many require regular use and can take weeks to affect fertility.

An on-demand pill could offer an instant method for preventing unwanted pregnancy by allowing men to use the drug around the time they have sex, provided the future trials prove it is safe and effective.

“I hope someday family planning becomes a shared responsibility where men or couples can go to the local pharmacy to get male contraceptives,” Levin said. “This gives couples another option to discuss what is best for them.”

US President Donald Trump’s former daughter-in-law Vanessa Trump recently revealed that she is now cancer-free.

The former wife of Donald Trump Jr also shared the early signs of the disease she experienced before getting diagnosed. The 48-year-old is now undergoing surgery and radiation.

Vanessa Trump Reveals Early Signs Before Breast Cancer Diagnosis

In an interview with her daughter, Kai Trump and radiologist Dr Nicole Saphier for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vanessa said that she was unusually exhausted for months before getting diagnosed in April 2026. She said that even normal activities in her routine would leave her spent.

“I would love to go and get my Starbucks, and then two hours later, I would feel exhausted,” she said.

Vanessa also said she experienced constant arm pain for several months before noticing something in her left breast

She was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, a common form of breast cancer in which cancer cells surface in the milk ducts and spread into breast tissue.

Vanessa underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumour, followed by three courses of radiation treatment. In an update shared in October, she said a recent breast MRI came back clear. “I'm finally cancer-free,” she said.

Vanessa shared that she will need regular scans in the coming years to monitor her health.

Also read: Jessie J 'Healing' After 2nd Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Why Some Patients Need Multiple Procedures

Is Extreme Fatigue An Early Sign Of Breast Cancer?

Fatigue is a symptom of various health conditions, but it can also occur in people with cancer. Fatigue related to cancer may feel more intense than normal tiredness and may not improve with adequate sleep or rest.

However, just fatigue is not a reliable sign of breast cancer. It can be due to various other causes like anaemia, thyroid disorders, sleep problems, infections, stress and other medical conditions.

Vanessa's diagnosis puts focus on the importance of paying attention to unusual changes in the body, especially when they occur alongside other symptoms.

Also read: Breast Cancer Awareness Day: Experts Explain Most Overlooked Breast Changes That Can Delay Diagnosis In Men

Breast Cancer Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Breast cancer does not present in the same way in everyone. Some people may notice a lump, while others experience changes in the breast or surrounding areas like armpits or arms. Warning signs of breast cancer include:

• New lump or thickening sensation: A lump in the breast or underarm that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
• Changes in breast size or shape: Newfound edema or a change in appearance of the breast is also a sign.
• Changes in skin: Dimpling, puckering, redness or skin that resembles the texture of an orange peel.
• Nipple changes: A newly inverted nipple, unusual discharge, or changes in the skin around the nipple.
• Stubborn pain: Ongoing pain in the breast or underarm that is unusual for the individual.
• Arm pain: Arm pain is not a typical breast cancer symptom. But unexplained pain, especially accompanied with changes in breast, warrants medical assessment.

Dr Saphier emphasised that breast cancer can present differently from one person to another. “When it comes to breast cancer, it's not one size fits all. It feels different for everyone,” she said.

A person should not wait for a lump to become large or painful. Anyone who notices a new breast lump, nipple change, or changes in skin should consult a healthcare professional.

Screening mammograms can help detect breast cancer before symptoms appear, but the appropriate screening schedule depends on age, risk and local guidelines. prioritise their health and seek timely checks.