The current measles outbreak has gripped US states like Texas and New Mexico leaving people worried whether it would become a new pandemic. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services as of February 21, 90 cases were diagnosed in the last month in the South Plains area, with at least 77 of them were reported in children and teens under 17.

Measles is highly contagious and can be deadly. The outbreak, which started spreading in late January, has resulted in multiple hospitalizations, with at least nine confirmed cases and three probable cases as of early February. Health officials caution that at least one in five infected individuals will have to be hospitalized, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Misinformation surrounding vaccines and with the new Trump administration anti-vaccine campaigs, has causing parents to hesitate or refuse vaccination.

Furthermore, the country down under Australia is also witnessing a surge in measles cases as health officials in Sydney have issued an urgent alert, urging residents to watch for measles symptoms after an infected individual visited several places in Sydney over the last seven days.

Authorities report that the traveller had returned from South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.

What Are The Symptoms Measles?

Key symptoms of measles include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough. Typically, a red, blotchy rash appears three to four days later, spreading from the head down to the body. Symptoms can manifest between 7 and 18 days after exposure.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms after potential exposure should immediately contact their doctor or emergency department. It is crucial to call ahead before visiting to avoid potentially exposing others in the waiting room. Dr. Selvey also highlighted that ongoing measles outbreaks are occurring in various parts of the world, making awareness and prompt action essential.

Why It Is Important To Get Vaccinated?

According to CDC everyone should get the MMR vaccine. It protects you from measles, mumps, and rubella. Getting vaccinated helps stop these diseases from spreading. There are two safe MMR vaccines available. They work the same way, so it doesn't matter which one you get. Kids can also get a shot that protects against chickenpox too, but this is only for children.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Kids Need Two Shots

All children should get two MMR shots. The first shot should be given when they are between 12 and 15 months old. The second shot should be given when they are between 4 and 6 years old. If needed, the second shot can be given earlier, but it must be at least 28 days after the first shot.

College Students Need to Be Protected

Students going to college or other schools after high school, need two shots if they are not already immune. The shots must be at least 28 days apart.

Adults Need at Least One Shot

Most adults need at least one MMR shot. Some adults need two shots, especially those who work in healthcare, travel a lot, or go to college. These people should get two shots, with 28 days between them.

Travelers Need to Be Extra Careful

Anyone traveling to other countries should make sure they are protected. Babies 6 to 11 months old should get one shot before traveling. Kids 12 months and older, teens, and adults need two shots, with 28 days between them.

Healthcare Workers Must Be Immune

People who work in healthcare should have proof that they are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella. If they are not immune, they need two MMR shots, spaced 28 days apart.

Women Thinking About Having Babies

Women who might get pregnant should talk to their doctor about the MMR vaccine. It's safe to get the shot while breastfeeding.

The deadly Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has spread to a fourth province, raising concerns about wider regional transmission.

Until now, the outbreak had been confined to North Kivu, South Kivu, and the conflict-hit Ituri province, the epicentre of the current outbreak. Cases have also been reported across the border in Uganda.

The virus has now reached Haut-Uele province, which borders South Sudan and the Central African Republic, according to AFP.

WHO Warns Of Regional Spread

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The development also increases the risk of the virus spreading to South Sudan. A new World Health Organization (WHO) modelling study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases estimates there is a 70 per cent chance the outbreak will reach South Sudan soon.

Haut-Uele province is home to around 15 million people. Health officials said the first case in Haut-Uele was detected after an infected person travelled from Bunia, the capital of Ituri. The patient later died, according to sources at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB).

Cases Climb To 1,274, With 360 Deaths

Confirmed Ebola cases have risen to 1,274, including 360 deaths, according to the WHO.

The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Clinical trials are expected to begin in the coming days, according to the WHO, which has issued an international alert over the outbreak.

The WHO projections estimate the outbreak could reach about 8,210 cases and 1,420 deaths by mid-September if transmission continues.

Drug Trials Set To Begin

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The first clinical trial of drugs that may treat the Bundibugyo virus is expected to begin in the DRC next week. A separate trial testing an antiviral drug to prevent infection among close contacts is scheduled to start a week later.

Scientists say efforts to develop vaccines and treatments are being hampered by the lack of a viable sample of the Bundibugyo virus.

DRC Restricts Public Gatherings

Separately, Reuters reported on June 29 that the DRC has banned public gatherings in four provinces, including the capital, Kinshasa, as authorities attempt to contain the outbreak.

The ban comes ahead of a planned protest in Kinshasa on July 8 against proposed constitutional reforms. Opposition leaders have described the restriction as "politically motivated."

US CDC Raises Response To Highest Level

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised its emergency response to the outbreak to Level 1, its highest activation level. The designation, reserved for the most severe public health emergencies, allows the agency to deploy its maximum response capacity.

Despite the escalation, the CDC said the risk of Ebola spreading to the United States remains low.

Jamsin Bhasin recently took to Instagram to share a health update with her fans. She shared that she was hospitalized in Dubai after suffering from a serious infection during her birthday trip. She then revealed that she was diagnosed with terminal ileitis and high-risk infection, and inflammation.

Jasmin Bhasin Diagnosed With Terminal Ileitis

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Jasmin Bhasin shared a video in which she said, “So as soon as I landed in Dubai the next day, I fell severely sick and had to get hospitalized because I was diagnosed with terminal ileitis and severe high-risk infection and inflammation. But hopefully I will recover soon and will be back.”

She also said that she is recovering well and will be back on her feet soon.

She added, “I am so sorry I have not been able to respond to all your lovely messages and post, but Aly has already posted this birthday cake and how we didn't end up how we expected. Life is very unexpected but I am much better and should be back soon, but I am grateful to all of your love for my birthday and all your best wishes for my speedy recovery.”

What Is Terminal Ileitis?

Terminal ileitis is the inflammation of the terminal ileum, the final section of the small intestine that connects to the large intestine (colon). The terminal ileum has multiple important functions, including:

• Absorbing vitamin B12 in the body

• Absorbing bile acids, which help digest fats

• Playing a role in the body's immune system

Symptoms Of Terminal Ileitis

Here are some common symptoms of terminal ileitis:

• Pain and discomfort in the lower right side of the abdomen

• Chronic diarrhea (sometimes)

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Blood in the stool (more common with Crohn's disease than with many infections)

Terminal Ileitis & Crohn’s Disease

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Pramod Kadam, Consultant, General Surgery, Ruby Hall Clinic about terminal ileitis and Crohn's disease. Dr. Kadam explains, "It is generally related to inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease, but, it is essential to remember that the diagnosis of terminal ileitis is not a diagnosis but rather a clinical finding and can have many causes. Occasionally it can be caused by bacterial or viral infection, by prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), by intestinal tuberculosis, by lack of blood supply to the intestine or by other inflammation."

However, terminal ileitis can also result from several other conditions. They are:

• Bacterial infections (such as Yersiniosis, Salmonellosis, or Campylobacteriosis)

• Ulcerative colitis (rarely, through backwash ileitis)

• Intestinal tuberculosis (especially in countries where TB is common)

• Long-term use of Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs

• Certain cancers

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Dr. Kadam also shared an update about the condition's diagnosis. He says, "The diagnosis typically relies on a series of blood tests, a stool examination, imaging tests (CT or MRI scans) and a colonoscopy with a biopsy to identify the underlying cause of the inflammation. Treatment depends upon the underlying condition. Antibiotics may be needed for infectious conditions, but anti-inflammatory drugs, immune-modulating drugs or biologic drugs may be used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of complications like intestinal constriction, intestinal blockage or perforation."

Before this, Jasmin also faced another health scare during one of her shoots. She shared that she experienced severe discomfort in her eye, which escalated into a painful corneal injury.

Later, she found out that her eye injury was identified as a reaction to her contact lenses. She went on to raise awareness about proper care and hygiene when using contact lenses. She revealed that receiving prompt medical attention and care is essential when it comes to such eye injuries.

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson recently shared a heartbreaking health crisis. The ex-Tennessee Titans star revealed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no cure.

Former NFL Player Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis

In a recent pre-taped interview, he spoke about finding out about the disease. He recalled, “At first it was little things like my grip didn't feel right, and I wasn't as strong as I'd always been.”

He also said that he thought the initial symptoms were related to the wear and tear from his sports career. He said, “I thought because of football and his career that it must be something with that. Maybe a pinched nerve or something along those lines, but never ALS.”

Dr. Merritt Cudkowicz, a neurologist at Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute, who also worked with actor Eric Dane before his death from ALS this year, revealed that Chris has been on a clinical trial that could help in alleviating inflammation.

He further shared that even though it has helped him, the disease has progressed rapidly in the last year. The former football star revealed using a speech-generating device, which is controlled by his eyes, to communicate. Before Johnson lost his ability to speak, doctors recorded his voice, allowing the device to sound like him.

What is ALS?

ALS is a neurological disorder that targets motor neurons, nerve cells in the brain, and spinal cord that are responsible for voluntary muscle movement. When these neurons degenerate and die, the brain can no longer communicate with muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure.

There are two major types of ALS:

Sporadic ALS: This is the most common form, accounting for 90% of cases. Though it appears without family history, a portion of cases may involve genetic mutations.

Familial ALS: Representing about 5% to 10% of cases, this inherited form results from specific genetic changes.

Who Is At Risk?

Certain groups are at higher risk. Military veterans and firefighters are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS, potentially due to environmental exposures, physical trauma, or toxins encountered during service.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ALS as a service-connected condition, entitling veterans to specialized care and benefits.

Complications Related to ALS

As ALS advances, it affects nearly every function that depends on muscle control. Some serious complications include:

Respiratory Failure: Weakening of the diaphragm and chest muscles creates breathlessness. Respiratory failure is often the main cause of death in ALS.

Speech and Communication Impairment: The disease will lead to slurred speech or mumbling, so that there is dependence on aid to communication.

Difficulty Swallowing and Feeding: Weakening of the muscles disrupts chewing and swallowing capacity so that patients become vulnerable to aspiration pneumonia or choking. Feeding tubes are most often required.

Dementia and Cognitive Impairment: A small percentage of ALS patients develop frontotemporal dementia, which is marked by changes in behavior and decision-making.

Despite the complications of the disease, Chris Johnson has assured his fans that he still possesses the same spirit he had before the diagnosis. With advanced symptomatic treatment, support, and medical technology, ALS patients can maintain a decent quality of life.