As per the latest data released by Transforming Access to Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) and the Policy Institute at King's College London, the number of UK students reporting mental health difficulties tripled. The estimate reveals that around 300,000 students could now be experiencing mental health struggles. Of the total, 18% of students reported some kind of mental health issue in 2024.

As per the reports, this estimate is triple what was reported in 2017, where it was at 6%. Experts also say that Covid-19 pandemic is "often considered to have contributed to this, it does not explain the ongoing rise in mental health difficulties." Another reason could also be the "changing definition and increasing openness about mental health" which has led to a rise in numbers. The report notes, "This trend pre-dates the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Although these factors play a part in students' deteriorating mental health, they cannot therefore be the only explanation."

How Did The Report Conclude?

The report drew data collected over the latest Student Academic Experience Survey of 93,212 students. From the survey, it was found that there exist significant disparities between demographic groups, with women being twice as likely to report mental health difficulties, about 22% as compared to men, at 11%.

What Did The Results Reveal?

The results revealed that students who identified as LGBTQ experienced the highest rates of mental health challenges. This has actually lessened the hope that conditions for LGBTQ students are improving, which may not have been a positive case.

Of them, 42% are bisexual and lesbian students, whereas last year it was 35% and 32% respectively. The report also noted that mental health difficulties among lesbian women and gay men rose three times the rate of straight people, and among bisexual and asexual people, it was twice as high. For trans students, the number jumped from 25% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.

Is The LGBTQ+ Prone To Mental Health Crisis?

As per the Child Mind Institute, being LGBTQ+ does not cause mental health problems, but because these kids often face factors like rejection, discrimination and violence, they are at a higher risk of challenges including depression, anxiety, and even attempting suicide.

A UTAH Health study quotes Anna Docherty, PhD, LP, assistant professor of psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute that, "likely with any identity, feeling different - or worse, unaccepted as you are is a significant risk factor of mental health struggle." The data reveals that LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ identifying teens. They are also more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and more than four times as likely to attempt suicide. In the US alone, 48% of transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the last year, compared to 4% of the overall population.

What Do These Findings Mean?

TASO's academic lead and professor of public policy at King's College London, Michael Sanders said, "LGBTQ students and women bear the brunt of the rise in declining mental health and urgent action is needed to understand and address these trends."

Australia has maintained its measles elimination status since 2014, but a new report has revealed a massive gap: an estimated 1.7 million Australians may not be adequately protected against the highly contagious virus.

The update comes as measles cases linked to overseas travel continue to rise, raising concerns that infections imported from other countries could trigger outbreaks in communities where vaccination coverage is not high enough.

The study, led by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), estimated that 6.7% of Australians were susceptible to measles in 2019, leaving overall population immunity at 93.3%.

Researchers say this is around the lower end of the 93-95% level generally considered necessary to prevent sustained measles transmission.

Australia Has Measles-Vulnerable People Despite Elimination Status

When a country has elimination status of measles, it does not mean that every person in the country is immune or that the virus can infiltrate.

Instead, elimination means there is no ongoing transmission of measles within the country. Imported cases can still occur when infected people arrive from countries where the virus continues to infect the local population.

Australia has previously maintained elimination despite imported infections because vaccination has kept the virus from spreading continuously through communities. But the new analysis suggests that this protection is not evenly distributed across the population.

“While we have maintained our measles elimination status since 2014, protection isn't shared evenly across the population, and the margin for error is relatively small,” lead author Zoë Croker said.

Also read: Donald Trump's Order To Change Childhood Vaccine Schedule: Which US States & Countries Have Opposed To It?

Which Australians Are Most Vulnerable?

The researchers found important immunity gaps among several age groups in the country. People born from the late 1970s onwards showed increased susceptibility, with every birth group from 1977 onwards estimated to have at least 5% of people susceptible to measles.

Some of the gaps may be due to changes in Australia's vaccination programs over the years. People born between 1977 and 1983, for example, were more likely to have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine.

There are also younger adults who may have missed the second dose when it was introduced, while babies are naturally vulnerable because they are too young to have completed their routine vaccination schedule.

The analysis also found that people aged 15 to 35 accounted for half of all measles cases reported in Australia between 2008 and 2022.

Also read: U.S. Social Security Adds 14 Conditions To Its Compassionate Allowances; What Patients Need To Know

Experts' Take

Measles is among the most contagious infectious diseases known. That means even a relatively small immunity gap can become crucial when the virus is introduced into a susceptible community.

Australia recorded just single-digit measles cases in 2022, but notifications increased to 181 cases in 2025, with 113 cases already recorded in 2026, according to recent surveillance data.

“Even relatively small immunity gaps in communities can create opportunities for the virus to spread when cases are imported from overseas,” Croker said.

Senior author Professor Frank Beard also warned that some communities and regions could have considerably larger immunity gaps than the national average.

“What’s happened overseas is a reminder that elimination status isn’t guaranteed, it has to be actively maintained,” Beard said.

How To Prevent A Potential Infection?

Experts are urging Australians born during or after 1966, particularly those planning international travel, to check whether they have documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.

People who cannot confirm their vaccination history are being advised to speak to their GP or immunisation provider.

AlsAs the UK is going through its fifth heatwave this summer, even corporate employees working in air-conditioned offices are facing its brunt.

Many look forward to leaving the sweltering confines of their homes for some much-needed respite in air-conditioned workplaces. But not everyone is able to find relief.

AC Becomes Must-Have For Overheated London Offices

Temperatures reached 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in west London on August 13, making it the hottest day of the year so far and one of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the UK.

The continually high mercury has exposed a bigger problem for office workers. While some older properties do not have air conditioning, others have systems that cannot withstand high temperatures and have broken down.

Those built in the last 20 to 30 years, as most of the buildings in Mayfair, might offer only cooling units and lack adequate mechanical cooling.

But those equipped with functioning air conditioners may get comfortable inside the office, cooler air does not remove the need to stay hydrated.

Also read: US July Heat Breaks 132-Year Record: UK, France Brace For 5th Heat Wave Of 2026

Sitting In Air-Conditioned Spaces For Long Hours Raises Dehydration Risk

Dehydration is often associated with excessive sweating and not drinking enough fluids. One may never comprehend how an office worker sitting inside a cool office could ever be at the risk of getting dehydrated.

But here's a grim truth: An office worker is at a much higher risk of dehydration due to various reasons. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. During hot weather, sweating is one of the body's main ways of getting rid of excess heat.

Air conditioning lowers the surrounding temperature, which can affect how intensely you feel the heat. But if you have already been sweating during your commute, sitting in a cool room does not automatically replace what your body has lost.

Also read: UK, France Brace for Another Heatwave: How Hot Weather Can Affect Medicines

Additionally, not drinking enough fluids could further raise the risk as thirt is not always a reliable signal.

The UK Health Security Agency advises people to drink regularly throughout hot weather rather than waiting until they feel thirsty. It also recommends replacing fluids and electrolytes when sweating heavily.

The signs and symptoms of dehydration are also easy to miss as they don't present in traditional ways with sweating, dry mouth, dizziness, and more.

In an office, it shows up in a subtle manner. For example, a dull headache that gets dismissed as a side effect of prolonged gazing at screens, trouble concentrating that gets addressed with more caffeine and fatigue that is most likely to be neglected.

How To Stay Hydrated During A Heatwave?

One of the most straightforward ways to stay hydrated in an office during heatwaves is to drink water and other fluids regularly throughout the day.

UKHSA recommends drinking more fluids than usual in hot weather and considering rehydration drinks if you are sweating heavily.

The urge to gulp down multiple cups of coffee while working is persistent. But limiting excessive caffeine and alcohol can also help as they may contribute to fluid loss.

With repeated heatwaves becoming the top highlight of British summers, staying cool and staying hydrated need to go hand in hand in order to avoid getting dehydrated.

A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) found E. coli bacteria in drinking water from water coolers at several major railway stations across the country.

The report also flagged unhygienic conditions in railway washrooms and other passenger amenities. The audit found that 458 of the 512 stations examined — more than 89 per cent — did not meet prescribed standards for minimum essential amenities.

"Bacteriological analysis of drinking water was not carried out at 59 stations over six zones," the CAG said in its report, Passenger Amenities and Sanitation at Non-Suburban Railway Stations in Indian Railways, tabled in Parliament on August 12.

Water samples from coolers tested positive for E. coli at two stations in Southern Railway, one in South Central Railway, four in Central Railway and one in Eastern Railway.

The report also found total coliform bacteria, including E. coli, in tap water samples collected from platforms at several stations during 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Following the findings, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed immediate steps to improve the safety of drinking water at stations.

The Railway Ministry said a new "tank-to-tap" filtration system would be installed at around 20,000 locations, including water coolers. The measures include replacing water tanks, regular water-quality testing at source and outlet points, centralized monitoring, accountability, and scheduled cleaning and maintenance of storage tanks.

Also read: Does Sunscreen Really Raise Skin Cancer Risk? What The 470,000-Person Study Found

What Is E. Coli?

Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a group of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of humans and animals.

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Pawan Kumar Goyal, Senior Director - Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, about E. Coli infection, its symptoms and how to prevent it.

Dr. Pawan Kumar Goyal explains, "Most E. coli strains are harmless and are part of the normal bacteria present in the gut. However, some strains can cause infections, particularly when they enter the body through contaminated food or water."

What Happens During an E. Coli Infection?

Dr. Goyal says, "The presence of E. coli in drinking water is an important indication of faecal contamination. It suggests that the water may have come into contact with human or animal waste and may contain other disease causing organisms as well."

Harmful E. coli strains most commonly affect the digestive system, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gastroenteritis. Some strains can also cause urinary tract infections.

Certain strains produce Shiga toxin, which can cause serious complications, including kidney damage, particularly in children and older adults.

Common Signs of E. Coli Infection

Symptoms can vary depending on the strain and the part of the body affected. Dr. Goyal says the common gastrointestinal symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea, which may sometimes be severe or contain blood
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and weakness
• Reduced appetite

Watery diarrhea is often one of the earliest symptoms of E. coli infection of the gastrointestinal tract.

Read More: Amid Cyclospora, Salmonella Outbreaks, US FDA Issues Guidance on Ready-to-Eat Produce

Treatment For E. Coli

Talking about the treatment for E. Coli infection, Dr. Goyal explains, "Treatment depends on the strain of E. coli and the severity of infection. Adequate fluids and electrolytes are important in most cases. Antibiotics are not appropriate for every E. coli infection and should only be taken following medical assessment, as certain infections may worsen with inappropriate antibiotic use."

Not every E. Coli infection turns severe. However, certain symptoms must be addressed clinically as they could lead to complications.

Dr. Goyal says, "For most healthy adults, the infection may settle with appropriate fluid replacement and supportive care. However, severe diarrhoea can cause dehydration, which can become dangerous if not treated in time."

The expert also spoke about serious complications from E. Coli infection that could lead to renal damage.

He says, "Certain E. coli strains can also cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a serious complication that can affect the kidneys.

The expert also said that young children, older adults and people with weakened immunity may be at greater risk of complications.

He adds, "Persistent diarrhoea, blood in stools, high fever, reduced urination, dizziness or signs of significant dehydration require prompt medical attention. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can prevent complications."

How To Protect Yourself From E. Coli?

E. coli can spread through contaminated food, water and fecal matter. Basic hygiene and safe food practices can help reduce the risk.

Dr Goyal recommends, "Prevention depends largely on maintaining good hygiene and ensuring access to safe drinking water. Hands should be washed thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet. Water from an uncertain source should be avoided, and properly treated or boiled water should be used where safety is in doubt."

Other preventive measures include:

Maintain Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating or cooking and after using the toilet, changing diapers or handling animals.

Practice Safe Food Handling: Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods. Use separate utensils and cutting boards, and clean kitchen surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat.

Cook Food Thoroughly: Cook ground meat to at least 160°F (71°C) and poultry to 165°F (74°C). A food thermometer can help ensure food reaches a safe temperature.

Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Wash produce under running water before eating, even if you plan to peel it.

Choose Safe Drinking Water: Drink pasteurized milk and juices and use boiled or treated water. Avoid unpasteurised products and untreated water, which can carry harmful E. coli strains.