When the sun is out after a long winter, every one loves it. But not the people of Canary Islands. Tourists there are being warned about the "unusually high risk" of UV rays this week. The Ministry of Health for this holiday destination has urged both, residents and visitors to take extra precautions and preventative measures to limit the impact of sun exposure over their body and skin.

The Ministry observed Aemet, Spain's national weather agency for the forecast which showed higher than normal UV or ultraviolet radiation levels in the region. It is in this backdrop that everyone in the region are requested to be extra careful when they are out in the sun. UV levels are set to reach 7, which is a 'high risk' in La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera and Gran Canaria. Other regions like Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are expected to reach a level 6, which is also classed as 'high risk'.

UV Index Explained

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), a UV index is a measure of the level of UV radiation, which ranges from zero upward. The higher the UVI, the greater potential for damage to skin and eye and the less time it takes for harm to occur, notes WHO.

The range 1 to 2 represents a low risk, 2 to 5 is moderate, 6 to 7 is at high risk, 8 to 10 is at very high and anything over 11 is extremely risky for anyone to stay out.

UV radiation levels fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest values occurring during the four-hour period around solar noon. The reported UV Index (UVI) typically reflects this daily peak. Depending on geographic location and the use of daylight saving time, solar noon falls between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. In some countries, sun protection advisories are issued when UV levels are expected to reach 3 or higher, as exposure at these levels increases the risk of skin damage, making protective measures essential.

What happens to you when you are out in sun for too long?

While sun bathing is good, being out in the sun when the UVI indicates a high or very high risk, may cause you health concerns. It can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, incresed risk of skin cancer, eye damage and in severe cases, heat related disease.

Sunburn

It is one of the most common skin injury which happens when there is excess exposure to UV radiation from the sun. This happens when the UV radiation directly damages the DNA skin cells. These damaged cells die and shed, this is why people experience peeling after getting a sunburn.

Dehydration

This is also a common occurrence when your body loses too many fluids or electrolytes. It can also interfere with your normal body functions. You may feel dehydrated, especially when you are out in the sun, but not well hydrated. The most common symptoms are dizziness, fatigue and headache on hot days.

Hyponatremia

This is an electrolyte disorder in which your body experiences low sodium in blood. The symptoms could lead to nausea, confusion and even weakness. There are extreme cases when one may have seizures, slip into coma or die.

Heat Exhaustion

This is one of the most common consequence of being out under the hot sun. Dehydration with prolonged heat exposure can lead to heat exhaustion.

Heatstroke

When you are out under the sun and your body's core temperature cross 104°, heatstroke may occur. This is also known as sunstroke. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it causes more than 600 deaths each year in the United States.

Global tuberculosis (TB) deaths have fallen by 35% since 2015, but progress in reducing new infections remains slow, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Global Tuberculosis Report 2026 showed that TB remained the world's leading cause of death from a single infectious agent in 2025 and ranked 13th among all causes of death.

Based primarily on data reported to WHO by 187 countries and areas, the report estimates that 1.13 million people died from TB in 2025, while 10.6 million developed the disease.

TB Death Reduction Milestone Achieved Five Years Late

Compared with 1.74 million deaths in 2015, TB deaths fell by 35% in 2025, marking the achievement of the first milestone of the WHO End TB Strategy, originally set for 2020. However, the strategy's target of a 90% reduction in TB deaths by 2030 remains distant.

Progress in reducing new infections has been slower. The global TB incidence rate fell by just 14% between 2015 and 2025, against a target of a 50% reduction by 2025.

Also read: TB Treatment in 4 Months With 3 or Fewer Injections? WHO Pushes for Long-Acting Options

India Accounts For One In Four Global TB Cases

India was among two high-burden countries, alongside China, to achieve a 35% reduction in TB deaths since 2015. However, it continued to account for approximately one in four TB cases worldwide in 2025.

The report highlights persistent gaps in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and financing, underscoring the need for sustained investment and stronger health services.

International donor funding for TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment in low- and middle-income countries fell by 14% in 2025, from US$1.1 billion to US$940 million.

WHO cautions that estimates of TB disease burden should be interpreted using the latest published time series, as direct comparisons with estimates from previous report editions are not appropriate.

"The continued decline in TB cases and deaths is very encouraging, especially given the challenges many countries have faced from funding cuts. And yet, more than one million people still die each year from a disease that is preventable and treatable," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

He urged countries and partners to expand access to TB services, protect essential funding and accelerate the development of new tools to end the epidemic.

Which Countries Account For The Most TB Cases?

The 30 high TB burden countries accounted for 88% of global cases in 2025. The eight countries with the largest shares were:

• India: Approximately 25%
• Indonesia: 10%
• Philippines: 6.8%
• China: 6.5%
• Pakistan: 6.4%
• Nigeria: 4.9%
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: 3.9%
• Bangladesh: 3.7%

Of all people who developed TB in 2025, 54% were men, 35% were women and 11% were children.

Key Findings: TB Diagnosis And Drug-Resistant Treatment

Read More: 94% Of TB Patients Report Anxiety, 77% Depression: Study Highlights Mental Health Toll Of India's TB Burden

The report also highlights gaps in TB diagnosis and treatment, particularly for drug-resistant forms of the disease.

An estimated 10.6 million people developed TB in 2025, but only 8.4 million were diagnosed and reported to WHO. The remaining estimated cases were not captured by diagnosis and reporting systems.

Other findings include:

• Rapid testing: 59% of newly diagnosed patients were initially tested using a rapid diagnostic test, up from 54% in 2024. This remains below the 2027 target of 100%.
• Drug-resistant TB: 155,333 people received treatment for rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB), accounting for 42% of the estimated 370,000 people who developed the disease.
• Shorter treatment: Six-month treatment regimens were used for 42% of people treated for RR-TB, compared with 18% in 2024.
• Treatment success: Success rates remained around 90% for drug-susceptible TB and 70% for RR-TB.

TB Risk Factors And Vaccine Development

The report identifies several factors associated with the number of people developing TB each year at the country level. These include income per capita and the prevalence of undernutrition, diabetes, alcohol use disorders, smoking and HIV infection.

TB vaccine research is also progressing. As of August 2026, 12 TB vaccines were in active clinical development, including three in Phase 3 trials.

TB Prevention And Treatment Coverage

In 2025, 5.2 million people at high risk of developing TB received preventive treatment, including 3.7 million household contacts of people diagnosed with TB and 1.5 million people living with HIV.

Coverage remained uneven:

• Among people living with HIV, preventive treatment coverage increased from 58% in 2024 to 60% in 2025.
• Among household contacts of people diagnosed with TB, coverage rose from 25% to 26%.

Between 2000 and 2025, TB treatment is estimated to have prevented 86 million deaths.

TB Funding Falls Short Of Global Targets

Funding for TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment in low- and middle-income countries reached US$6.6 billion in 2025, up from US$6 billion in 2024. However, this remains substantially below the annual target of US$22 billion by 2027.

• Domestic funding: Increased from US$4.9 billion in 2024 to US$5.63 billion in 2025.
• International donor funding: Declined by 14%, from US$1.1 billion to US$940 million.

The economic burden also remains significant. About 50% of people with TB and their households face costs exceeding 20% of their annual household income, highlighting the need for stronger universal health coverage and social protection.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is back with a new variant. The deadly virus behind COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and a new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, has been detected in several countries. Its spread and spike protein mutations have raised questions about its potential to transmit, symptoms and severity.

However, doctors said there is currently no evidence that the variant causes more severe illness or significantly different symptoms. They stressed the need to strengthen genomic surveillance in India to track its possible circulation in the country.

PJ.2.1: Countries Reporting Cases

According to an October preprint study that has not yet undergone peer review, the first confirmed PJ.2.1 sample was detected on May 2, 2026, in Ontario, Canada.

The variant was subsequently identified in other parts of Canada and in New York on June 30. Cases were later reported in several US states.

It has also been reported in Spain, France, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

PJ.2.1: Is India At Risk?

Also read: New COVID-19 Variant PJ.2.1 Spreads Globally: WHO Says Symptoms Resemble Cold, Flu

PJ.2.1 is a heavily mutated descendant of the Omicron family of SARS-CoV-2. It carries multiple mutations in its spike protein, which helps the virus enter human cells.

Dr Jatin Ahuja, Consultant, Infectious Disease, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, said the emergence of a new variant does not automatically indicate a change in India's overall COVID-19 situation.

"Continued genomic surveillance will help establish whether PJ.2.1 is circulating in the country. Authorities should also monitor infection patterns and any changes in hospitalisations," he told HealthandMe.

However, he stressed that "at present, there is no reason for undue concern. The focus should remain on monitoring developments and following routine precautions against respiratory infections".

What Do PJ.2.1's Mutations Mean?

Dr Ahuja said it is important to look beyond a variant's name or mutations and assess whether these changes affect how the virus spreads, evades existing immunity and causes illness.

"PJ.2.1 is worth monitoring because of changes in its spike protein, which plays a role in the virus entering human cells. These changes have raised questions about its ability to interact with human cells and potentially gain a transmission advantage," he said.

However, changes in the virus's behaviour at the cellular level do not necessarily translate into more severe illness in patients.

Read More: XFG COVID Variant: What India Should Watch As Cases Rise In UK And France

PJ.2.1: Are There New Symptoms?

Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director – Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to suggest that the variant causes more severe illness or produces distinctly different symptoms.

"People should watch for fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms, and consider testing if they develop signs of infection," he told HealthandMe.

Dr Ahuja also said there is no established evidence that PJ.2.1 causes more severe COVID-19, increases the likelihood of hospitalisation or produces symptoms significantly different from those associated with earlier variants.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said symptoms associated with the variant may resemble those of the common cold or flu.

"Symptoms of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory infections can coincide. Thus, based on symptoms alone, it is impossible to determine with certainty which respiratory virus caused the infection," the WHO was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

The global health body said diagnostic testing may be important when identifying the virus could influence treatment decisions.

According to the WHO, possible COVID-19 symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Blocked or runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Severe fatigue

Some people may also experience digestive problems, shortness of breath or changes in their sense of smell and taste. These symptoms are not unique to COVID-19, as seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections can cause similar symptoms.

The WHO emphasised that symptoms alone cannot reliably identify the virus responsible for an infection. Laboratory testing may be necessary when knowing the cause could affect treatment decisions.

PJ.2.1: How Can You Prevent Your Risk?

Dr Tayal recommended taking routine precautions, including wearing a well-fitted N95 mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, improving indoor ventilation and maintaining hand hygiene.

Older adults and people with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice promptly if they develop respiratory symptoms.

People should continue to take respiratory infections seriously. However, the emergence of PJ.2.1 should not be interpreted as an indication of another major COVID-19 outbreak. The experts noted that surveillance and clinical evidence, rather than speculation, should guide the response.

Eli Lilly's 'Godzilla' weight loss drug retatrutide could offer more than just weight loss. The experimental drug, a once-weekly injection, has shown promising results in easing chronic knee pain among people with obesity and knee osteoarthritis in two Phase 3 clinical trials.

The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), suggest that the drug could address obesity and painful knee osteoarthritis, two interconnected health concerns. Participants receiving retatrutide experienced significant improvements in knee pain than those who received a placebo.

The findings are noteworthy as excess bodyweight can aggravate knee osteoarthritis more which can make everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs and exercising, difficult.

What Is Retatrutide And How Does It Work?

Also read: Stopping Mounjaro & Zepbound May Trigger Hallucinations, Mania & Other Psychiatric Symptoms

Retatrutide is a once-weekly injectable medication which belongs to a newer class of weight-loss drugs known as triple-hormone receptor agonists.

Unlike semaglutide (which targets GLP-1 receptors) and tirzepatide (which targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors), retatrutide activates three hormone receptors:

- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1): Helps regulate appetite, slow stomach emptying and control blood glucose levels.

- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide): Helps regulate insulin production and metabolic regulation.

- Glucagon: Plays a role in energy metabolism and can increase energy expenditure.

By targeting all three, retatrutide helps regulate appetite, food intake and energy metabolism, resulting in substantial weight loss and management of obesity-related illnesses.

Researchers wanted to investigate whether this amount of weight reduction could also help people experiencing chronic knee pain linked with osteoarthritis.

Findings From Two Clinical Trials

The findings come from two Phase 3 clinical trials, TRIUMPH-4 and TRIUMPH-1-OA, which enrolled 1,019 participants.

Both trials included overweight or obese adults with knee osteoarthritis. Participants did not have diabetes and were randomly assigned to receive different doses of retatrutide or a placebo.

1. TRIUMPH-4 trial

The trial included 445 participants who received either 9 mg or 12 mg of retatrutide or a placebo over 68 weeks.

- Participants receiving 9 mg of retatrutide experienced a 3.96-point reduction in their WOMAC pain score.

- Those receiving 12 mg experienced a 3.74-point reduction.

- The placebo group experienced a 2.12-point reduction.

Participants also experienced substantial weight loss. Those receiving 9 mg lost an average of 20% of their body weight, while the 12 mg group lost 23.7%. The placebo group lost 4.6%.

Also read: Not Everyone With Obesity Is Unhealthy: New Study Challenges BMI

2. TRIUMPH-1-OA trial

This trial enrolled 574 participants who received 4 mg, 9 mg or 12 mg of retatrutide or a placebo over 80 weeks. The results showed:

- The 4 mg group experienced a 3.22-point reduction in knee pain scores.

- The 9 mg group experienced a 3.48-point reduction.

- The 12 mg group experienced a 3.64-point reduction.

- The placebo group experienced a 1.87-point reduction.

Weight loss ranged from 17.5% to 24.8% across the three retatrutide groups, compared to 4.3% in the placebo group.

One encouraging finding emerged from the trials. Approximately 63% to 70% of participants receiving retatrutide experienced at least a 50% reduction in knee pain. This was compared to 38% of participants receiving a placebo.

Improvements in physical function were also observed, with approximately 64% of participants in the retatrutide groups experiencing at least a 50% improvement, compared to 33.1% in the placebo group.

Also read: Stopping Ozempic or Wegovy May Double Your Risk Of Heart Attack, Death

Side Effects Of Retatrutide

Despite the promising findings, researchers also identified safety concerns at higher doses of retatrutide. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, diarrhoea and constipation. These symptoms were generally mild to moderate and occurred more frequently when dose was increased.

Another reported side effect was dysesthesia, an abnormal sensation of the skin that can include tingling, burning or unusual sensitivity.

In TRIUMPH-4, serious adverse events affected approximately 10% to 11% of participants receiving 9 mg or 12 mg of retatrutide, compared to 2% in the placebo group.

Furthermore, approximately 15% to 18% of participants receiving the highest dose discontinued treatment because of adverse events.

Weight Loss & Knee Health

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones breaks down. This can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty in movement. Excess body weight can worsen the condition due to increased mechanical pressure on the knees and inflammation related to obesity.

While the findings offer hope for people living with chronic knee pain, researchers caution against interpreting pain relief as evidence that the drug can reverse osteoarthritis. Additionally, people who required knee replacement were excluded from the trials.