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.

With the aim of preventing and detecting cervical cancer among women in Kerala, Health Minister Veena George shared that the health department's campaign, ‘Aarogyam Anandam Akratham Arbutham,’ has seen participation from over 20 lakh people. Out of these, around 30,000 individuals underwent further examination, and cancer was confirmed in 84 of them. Additionally, 243 individuals showed pre-cancerous signs. By identifying and treating these early warning signs, the minister emphasized that cervical cancer can often be prevented.

Cervical cancer remains one of the major cancers affecting women, she noted. While multiple factors can contribute to its development, the primary cause is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Research indicates that roughly 7.9% of women in Kerala are affected by cervical cancer. Early detection is key, as it allows treatment to proceed without serious complications. Screening facilities are available to help in early identification.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus. It is almost always linked to a long-lasting HPV infection, which can cause normal cells to change and grow uncontrollably. While the body often clears HPV naturally, persistent infection can lead to pre-cancerous cell changes. If these changes are left untreated, they may progress into invasive cancer.

Signs Of Cervical Cancer

Some common warning signs of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sexual intercourse, or post-menopause), unusual vaginal discharge (which may be watery, bloody, or foul-smelling), and pelvic pain. As the cancer advances, more severe symptoms such as swelling in the legs, ongoing fatigue, and problems with urination or bowel movements can develop, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Why Early Detection Of Cervical Cancer Is Important

Catching cervical cancer early is critical because it allows treatment to begin before the disease advances, significantly improving survival chances. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly and may not cause symptoms in the early stages, making regular screening vital.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. HPV spreads through sexual contact—including vaginal, anal, or oral sex—and can lead to cancer. Many people contract HPV at some point without realizing it, as their immune system may fight it off naturally. However, if the infection persists, it can trigger changes in cervical cells that may become cancerous.

How To Detect Cervical Cancer?

Early detection relies on routine screening tests such as the Pap test (Pap smear) and the HPV test, which can detect precancerous changes or high-risk HPV infections before cancer develops. If screening results are abnormal, a colposcopy with a biopsy may be conducted for a closer examination of the cervix.

Screening tests:

• HPV test: Detects the human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.
• Pap test (Pap smear): Examines cervical cells for abnormal changes that could progress to cancer.
• Combination test: A Pap test and HPV test may be done together for a more thorough screening.

Importance Of HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine protects against genital warts and the majority of cervical cancer cases. It also shields against cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, or anus caused by HPV, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, and head and neck linked to the virus.

The vaccine works by helping the body develop immunity to certain HPV strains, making it easier to fight off infection if exposed later.

India is expanding HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer, targeting girls aged 9–14 through school-based campaigns and incorporating the indigenously developed Cervavac into the National Immunization Program. The ideal age to start vaccination is 9–12 years, before sexual activity begins, though catch-up doses are allowed up to age 26. Some guidance even permits vaccination up to age 45. The government is preparing for a nationwide rollout, but final plans and vaccine supply are still being finalized.

Scientists and clinicians are cautioning the public not to mix two widely used over-the-counter medicines, warning that pairing them can put unnecessary strain on the body. Their appeal comes shortly after Donald Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr made headlines with remarks about Tylenol and autism, a claim that experts have repeatedly dismissed.

The current concern is different. Physicians are asking people to avoid taking Tylenol and NyQuil together, even though they are sold for separate purposes. Tylenol is meant for general pain and fever, while NyQuil is marketed to ease cold and flu symptoms at night. Both contain acetaminophen, which means the doses can add up more quickly than people realize.

Tylenol Warning: Why Doctors Are Urging Caution

Dr Brynna Connor told Parade that many adults unintentionally take far more than the recommended daily amount. She explained that four thousand milligrams is the absolute upper limit for healthy adults, but she encourages most patients to stay well below three thousand. Going beyond that threshold, even briefly, can damage the liver. According to her, people often double up on acetaminophen without recognizing how fast it can lead to liver failure.

As per Healthline, the body can process acetaminophen safely, but only within a defined range. Exceeding it places stress on the liver, especially when multiple medications contain the same ingredient.

Dr Parth Bhavsar added that combining NyQuil with Benadryl can also lead to trouble. Both products include diphenhydramine, which may cause heavy drowsiness, slower breathing, confusion, dizziness, or difficulty urinating when taken together. He noted that these combinations can increase the risk of falls or memory lapses.

Tylenol And Autism Claims by President Trump and RFK Jr

The advisories come months after Donald Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr held a joint media briefing in which they suggested that Tylenol use during pregnancy might raise the likelihood of autism in newborns. Their statements drew widespread criticism from experts.

During the briefing, Trump struggled to pronounce “acetaminophen” and claimed the drug posed a “very increased risk of autism,” a statement that has not been supported by scientific research. A new analysis by researchers in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia reviewed nine major summaries of existing studies, including work Trump had referenced. Their conclusion was that there is no clear evidence linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism or ADHD.

The group also pointed out that many reviews had gaps in their methods or did not fully adjust for genetic and environmental factors. When those variables were accounted for, the suggested connection between Tylenol and autism weakened or disappeared.

What Is Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen, known in many places as paracetamol and sold under names such as Tylenol and Panadol, is a common non-prescription medicine used to reduce fever and ease mild to moderate pain. It works as an analgesic and a fever reducer. It is different from drugs like ibuprofen because it does not address inflammation. As per the Food and Drug Administration.

What Major Medical Groups Say

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists responded to the findings, saying the results were consistent with what the organization has long maintained. According to a spokesperson, available research does not show a causal link between responsible acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism or other developmental conditions. In other words, the organization does not see enough evidence to support claims made by Trump or Kennedy.

A resident of Washington has been admitted to the hospital after contracting a type of bird flu that has never been seen in humans before, the Washington State Health Department reported.

Since 2024, the United States has recorded 70 human bird flu cases, all caused by the highly contagious H5N1 strain. The current case involves the H5N5 strain, marking the first time this variant has been detected in a person in the U.S.

Also Read: Lone Star Tick: All You Need To Know About The Bite Linked To A Life-Threatening Meat Allergy

Experts say the H5N5 strain does not appear to pose a higher risk to humans compared with the more common H5N1.

The patient, an older adult with underlying health issues, had contact with wild birds from a backyard flock, according to CBS News. The individual experienced high fever, confusion, and breathing difficulties, as reported by Scripps News.

What Is The New H5N5 Strain Detected In US?

A resident of Grays Harbor who was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms in early November has tested positive for influenza A H5, a type of bird flu. Further testing identified the virus as H5N5, a strain previously seen in animals but never before in humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health currently say the risk to the public from this avian flu is low.

The patient, an older adult with pre-existing health conditions, remains in the hospital. They keep a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry, which had contact with wild birds. These domestic and wild birds are the most likely sources of the infection, though public health officials are continuing their investigation. The Washington State Department of Health is coordinating with the local health department and the Department of Agriculture to complete studies on exposure and animal health.

Also Read: Melatonin Side Effects: Why Doctors Are Warning Against Daily Use?

How Does Bird Flu Spread?

Bird flu usually spreads through direct contact with infected animals, especially poultry and sometimes dairy cattle. People can catch the virus when they come into contact with bodily fluids like saliva, feces, or respiratory droplets from these animals. The virus can enter the body if someone touches these fluids and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. It’s also possible to get infected by breathing in tiny dust particles from areas where infected animals live.

Public Health Guidance For Bird Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health consider the risk of avian influenza to the general public to be low. People who work with or come into recreational contact with infected birds, cattle, or other potentially infected domestic or wild animals face a higher risk and should take precautions. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and fluid-resistant clothing or coveralls.

Backyard poultry owners should avoid touching sick or dead birds and report any illness to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Veterinarians should report any domestic animals or livestock suspected of having avian influenza.

People should also avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report such cases to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife. Pets should never be allowed near dead birds or wildlife.

Avoid consuming raw or undercooked products like unpasteurized milk or raw cheeses, and do not feed these to pets.

It is particularly important for those exposed to sick birds to get a seasonal flu vaccine. While it does not prevent bird flu, the vaccine reduces the risk of contracting both human and avian influenza at the same time. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.