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.

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: One of the two nurses who were tested positive in Kolkata with Nipah virus, has been discharged on Friday. The hospital officials at Barasat confirmed the news. However, the other nurse continues to remain critical and is on ventilation support.

"One of the two Nipah patients admitted to our hospital, the male nurse has remained afebrile and hemodynamically stable for the past one week, without any oxygen requirement. He is tolerating oral intake well and has been mobilized out of bed under close clinical observation. He has also completed the prescribed antiviral course and is now clinically stable," said an official of the hospital, as reported by Telegraph India.

The male nurse has shown significant clinical improvement, with stable vital parameters and improving gait, noted the official. His repeat Nipah RT-PCR tests were also negative on two separate occasions.

One of the two nurses at the private hospital in Barasat, who had tested positive for Nipah virus, was discharged on Friday, hospital officials said. The other nurse continues to remain critical and on ventilation support.

Both the female and male nurse had tested positive for Nipah on January 11 and were admitted to Narayana Hospital Barasat, where they are employed.

“Of the two Nipah patients admitted to our hospital, the male nurse has remained afebrile and hemodynamically stable for the past one week, without any oxygen requirement. He is tolerating oral intake well and has been mobilized out of bed under close clinical observation. He has also completed the prescribed antiviral course and is now clinically stable,” said an official of the hospital.

He has shown significant clinical improvement, with stable vital parameters and improving gait, the official said. His repeat Nipah RT-PCR tests are negative on two separate occasions.

“As he meets all established discharge criteria, continued strict hospital isolation is no longer required. He has been discharged and will remain in home isolation for two weeks with all necessary precautions. Post-discharge protocols have been clearly outlined in line with operational guidance, recognising that Nipah is a high-consequence pathogen and that public safety and containment remain paramount,” said the hospital official.

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: What Is The States Of The Female Nurse?

The hospital official noted that the female nurse is still on ventilation by tracheostomy with stable oxygen requirements. “Her blood pressure is being maintained with vasopressor support, though the dosage requirement has been progressively decreasing. Neurologically, her status remains unchanged with no seizure activity noted,” said the official.

“Antibiotic therapy is being appropriately de-escalated. While her overall condition continues to be critical, her biochemical parameters are showing improvement,” the official added.

The official confirmed that all contacts of both patients tested negative for Nipah.

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: What Is It?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person.

In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people.

Nipah Virus Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Breathing difficulties
• Cough and sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain and severe weakness

Lucknow University Professor RP Singh from English and Modern European Language Department gets his 'magical diary' for mental health patented. He has been awarded a patent by the Government of India.

Lucknow University Professor's Mental Well-being Diary: What Is It?

The idea is that you need a diary and not necessarily always a doctor to keep your mental health in check. The magical diary has a mirror and seven questions that records one's moods on a daily basis. The diary is also said to help increase self-awareness and identify patterns in various emotional states.

"Users answer one question each day for seven days while looking into the mirror. Based on the responses, the team recommends literary support, such as books and journals, to help improve the user's mental wellbeing," said Prof Singh.

The project has been conceptualized by Prof Singh, along with assistant professor Alka Singh of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia National University's English Department and researcher Joy Chauhan.

The Lucknow University officials informed that this is the first patent of English Department.

Read More: What Are The Physical Symptoms Of Stress?

Lucknow University Professor's Mental Well-being Diary: How Does It Work?

Prof Singh explained that after the team reviews seven responses, a suggestion for reading material, tailored for the user's need is made.

For instance, if someone is experiencing loneliness or depression, the person may be recommended books with influential content aimed at motivation and healing.

Prof Singh notes that human psyche is deeply intertwined with literature. "Literature is a powerful boost in controlling the psyche of the people. It is important to understand the conditioning of the mind of an individual. An individual's understanding and background knowledge is not only a product of the socio-cultural, economic, and political discourses that one comes across, but also what he or she reads and gets stimulated by, knowingly or unknowingly, to respond and behave," he explained.

He further explained, "There is a list of Hindi and English literature that does this function. For instance, iconic texts in Hindi literary studies that evoke these powerful emotions of courage are Mahabharat by Vyas, think of Arjun's courage in Gita, and Padmavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, where Rooda's bravery in battle is so vibrant."

Lucknow University Professor's Mental Health Diary: Is Literature Good For Mental Well-being?

A study published in the International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences notes that literature can significantly contribute to mental well-being and be integrated into mental health practices. In fact, another 2022 study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), note that fiction can have a positive impact on measures of mood and emotions. The study has evaluated five different studies on mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) further notes that literature is a valid resource to learn more about complex issues, which also include mental health and trauma.

Does Ja Morant have lung cancer? Recently, the Memphis Grizzlies star's health status has become a heated topic, with many speculating whether he has lung cancer. This all started with unfounded rumors on TikTok that suggested that he was diagnosed with lung cancer. This alarmed many fans.

Fact Check: Does Ja Morant Have Lung Cancer?

The lung cancer rumors were sparked by a fake video, which was posted by a user named Templex. The video features a fraudulent tweet by Morant's father that claimed that Morant would have to miss an entire season due to lung cancer diagnosis. The tweet also referenced a Bible verse.

The video garnered over 10,000 views and got nearly 4k likes. The misinformation is what led to the fans believing that he had cancer. However, the creator later expressed doubts about the authenticity of the claims. While some prayed for his recovery, other criticized Templex for spreading false information.

Another doctored screenshot of the tweet from January 26 read: "Just got the toughest news of my life, lung cancer. I won't be playing this season, but I am trusting God through it all". It also features a verse from Psalm 28:7. However, no such tweet was posted on X when Health and Me checked Morant's X account. This further confirms that the news is not authentic.

While Morant does not have lung cancer, as no verified sources have confirmed the news and the creator himself too questioned the authenticity of the video. Morant did undergo health checks due to his ulnar collateral ligament injury to his left elbow during a game against the Atlanta Hawks. The Grizzlies later said, on January 24, that he is expected to make a full recovery and will be re-evaluated in about three weeks.

Before that, Morant had missed six straight games with a right calf contusion. Altogether, he has been unavailable for 25 of the team’s 45 games this season, leaving many fans frustrated as they wait to see him back on the court.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a malignant growth that begins in the tissues of the lungs, usually from DNA damage in the cells lining the airways, which then grow uncontrollably to form tumors. Smoking is a major contributor, but other factors such as exposure to radon, asbestos, or inherited genetic conditions can also play a role.

Symptoms often include a persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Lung cancer is mainly classified into two types: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Types Of Lung Cancer

Although many cancers can develop in the lungs, the term “lung cancer” usually refers to two main types: non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

NSCLC is the most common form, accounting for more than 80% of lung cancer cases. Common subtypes include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, while adenosquamous carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma are less frequent forms of NSCLC.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

SCLC tends to grow more quickly and is more challenging to treat than NSCLC. It is often detected as a small tumor that has already spread to other areas of the body. Types of SCLC include small cell carcinoma (also known as oat cell carcinoma) and combined small cell carcinoma.