Pakistan continues to be dealing with a polio outbreak as four fresh cases have emerged, pushing the national tally to 37 this year, according to health officials on October 19, 2024. Health officials said that the regional reference laboratory for polio eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad confirmed wild poliovirus type-1 (WPV1) in two children-one from each Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

In recent cases, a girl has been affected from Pishin, and two boys from Chaman and Noshki of Balochistan, and a girl from Lakki Marwat in KP. These are the first detections of the virus within Noshki and Lakki Marwat this year; isolated cases of poliovirus were previously reported within Chaman and Pishin. The province of Balochistan was the worst hit with 20 cases, Sindh had 10, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had five, and Punjab and Islamabad had one case each.

A gigantic fight against polio has been on going in Pakistan- especially in Balochistan and southern KP-over the last two years. Immunisation campaigns have often been suspended or delayed because of local protests, insecurity, and community boycotts. Consequently, quite a number of children did not get the necessary vaccinations, making existing patches of vulnerability for the virus to flow within those pockets.

Noshki, located near Afghanistan's border, and Lakki Marwat have also recently reported some positive environmental samples that confirm the virus is present here, said a local reference laboratory official. Samples of latest cases are currently under genetic sequencing for checking spread of virus and origin.

As the threat of polio continues to grow, Pakistan has vowed to mount a nationwide campaign against it beginning from October 28. With the zeal to tackle the menace in the most effective manner, over 45 million children under the age of five will be vaccinated across the country.

Today, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain one of the few countries where polio has not yet been eradicated. The WHO said the virus remains a potential serious public health threat in areas with low vaccination coverage and weak surveillance.

India On Alert Against Polio

The country declared itself polio-free since 2014 and has kept the disease on bay almost a decade with very robust vaccination programs; however, two cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus cases reported in recent days from Meghalaya create some amount of doubts over a possible resurgence. Experts observe that in India, despite these detections taking place, strong coverage of vaccination at 90-95% and mandatory surveillance measures keep the risk of this widespread outbreak at bay.

The experts point out, however, that such stable situation in India requires continued surveillance. "Countries like Pakistan and parts of Africa remain at a high risk because vaccination rates in those areas are much lower," Dr. Siddharth, public health expert, said. Vaccination is an indispensable act in order to avoid the spread of this incapacitating disease that manifests most importantly as a nervous system affliction leading to the paralysis of a long period.

With concerted efforts from health authorities, there is hope someday that the scourge of polio will be completely eradicated from the face of the earth and future generations will never suffer from its effects.

With digital innovation, expanding healthcare access, and a growing focus on self-reliance driving transformation in India's healthcare sector, the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2026 is set to return for its third edition.

The event, to be held on October 28th, will bring together policymakers, healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, innovators, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of India's healthcare ecosystem.

Centered on the theme, “The Blueprint for a Future-Ready Healthcare Ecosystem – Innovation. Access. Self-Reliance,” the summit will explore emerging healthcare innovations, collaborations, and policy approaches, culminating in an awards ceremony recognizing excellence across the sector.

As India is advancing in artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, biotechnology, medical technology (MedTech), and indigenous manufacturing, these areas will also be central to discussions on strengthening the country's healthcare ecosystem.

Summit At A Glance

Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, is expected to attend as the chief guest.

The second edition of the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2026 will feature:

• 30+ speakers
• 400+ delegates
• 12+ knowledge sessions

Six Key Healthcare Discussion Areas

The summit will feature six panel discussions covering key areas of healthcare innovation, access, and policy.

• Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure And Clinical Excellence: Scaling advanced care through AI, Centres of Excellence, and digital innovation.
• Fertility And Reproductive Healthcare: Exploring reproductive technologies, precision medicine, and patient access.
• India's Biopharma Growth: Advancing research, therapeutics, and resilient manufacturing.
• Precision Diagnostics: Leveraging AI, genomics, and personalized care.
• Integrative Healthcare: Strengthening scientific research and AYUSH integration.
• Healthcare Financing: Improving affordability, access, and sustainability through insurance and public-private partnerships.

The summit is being held in association with Onextel Communications Media, co-powered by Novartis and supported by HealthandMe. It will conclude with a felicitation ceremony recognizing excellence across the healthcare sector.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in both lungs.

In a statement on October 19, the team said the 28-year-old was clinically stable with no significant functional limitations. However, he needs blood thinners and cannot participate in contact sports while taking them.

His diagnosis raises questions about how blood clots travel from the legs to the lungs, why they are dangerous and how to reduce the risk.

What Happened To Jalen Hurts?

Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his left calf after reporting discomfort following a cleat injury during the October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Although doctors initially cleared him to play, a follow-up ultrasound in Philadelphia and further testing identified DVT and blood clots in both lungs, known as bilateral pulmonary emboli.

The team said his treatment would involve anticoagulants, or blood thinners. He can resume football activities once he stops taking the medication.

Also read: Hours Of Sitting, Gaming And Binge-Watching OTT? Doctors Warn Of Blood Clot Risk In Young People

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. If part of the clot breaks away and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially life-threatening condition.

Prolonged sitting, hospitalization, bed rest, injuries and certain genetic factors can increase the risk of developing blood clots.

How Can A Leg Clot Travel To The Lungs?

A clot can break away from a deep vein in the leg, travel to the right side of the heart and then enter the arteries supplying the lungs. There, it can block blood flow and strain the heart.

“You have a clot in your leg. The problem is it can travel up the veins and go to your heart, and from there, go to your lungs, and block the blood vessels in your lungs,” CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, who is not treating Hurts, told CBS Mornings.

“That's very serious,” he added.

Why Are Athletes At Risk Of Blood Clots?

Read More: World Thrombosis Day: Can An Unexplained Blood Clot Be The First Sign Of Cancer? Experts Explain

Hurts is not the first high-profile athlete to experience blood clots. Tennis star Serena Williams has a history of clots, while NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh retired early following blood-clot-related complications.

Fitness does not eliminate the risk. Injuries and prolonged immobility, including during long-haul flights, can slow blood flow and contribute to clot formation.

DJ Corey, director of Northeastern University’s EMT program, said extended periods of sitting during air or road travel can increase the risk because leg muscles help maintain blood circulation.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that limited mobility during long-distance travel can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes DVT and pulmonary embolism.

How Can Travellers Reduce Their Risk?

To improve circulation during long journeys, the CDC recommends:

• Moving the legs frequently while seated.
• Walking periodically when it is safe to do so.
• Avoiding prolonged immobility.
• Consulting a doctor about preventive measures if you have additional risk factors.

Compression stockings may help some travellers at increased risk, depending on their medical needs.

What Are The Warning Signs Of Blood Clots?

DVT symptoms can include leg swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth and skin discoloration. Some people may have no obvious symptoms.

Pulmonary embolism warning signs include sudden breathlessness, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness and coughing up blood.

Sudden breathing difficulties, chest pain or fainting require immediate medical attention, as a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening.

More than 20 vials of compounded tirzepatide, a GLP-1 medication containing the same active ingredient as Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound, have been recalled in the US over sterility concerns, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall, issued by Apothecary Pharma, also includes a vial of NAD+ injection.

The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning the affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, while the likelihood of serious harm is considered low.

The recall follows a December 2025 FDA warning letter to Apothecary Pharma, which cited serious deficiencies in the North Carolina company’s sterile drug production practices.

The recalled injections are compounded versions of tirzepatide. Unlike FDA-approved, brand-name medications, compounded drugs are custom-prepared by pharmacies to meet specific patient needs.

Which Compounded GLP-1 Injections Were Recalled?

Also read: US FDA May Allow Pharmacies To Make Unapproved Peptide Injections: What Are the Safety Concerns?

The affected tirzepatide product is a prescription injection with a concentration of 18 mg/mL, supplied in a 4 mL multidose vial. Its National Drug Code (NDC) number is 85091-001-18.

The recalled lot numbers are AP-202622 through AP-202625 and AP-202627 through AP-202644. The products have beyond-use dates ranging from October 7 to November 26, 2026.

The recall also includes one vial of NAD+ injection.

What Should You Do If You Have a Recalled Vial?

The FDA and Apothecary Pharma have not issued a public statement clarifying what patients should do with the affected vials. Some customers have reported receiving requests through their prescribers to return or dispose of the products or contact the manufacturer directly.

NewLife Rx, a pharmaceutical fulfillment service that distributed some of the recalled vials, reportedly told certain customers that Apothecary had described the recall as a documentation issue.

According to a notice reviewed by USA TODAY, the recall was conducted at the retail level and did not extend to patients or require them to stop using or return their medications.

However, neither the FDA nor Apothecary Pharma has publicly clarified the reason for the recall or the safety of the affected products.

Although a Class II classification indicates a relatively low likelihood of serious harm, it does not mean a product is entirely risk-free.

If you have an affected lot, consult your prescriber or healthcare provider before using it again and follow their instructions.

Read More: Retatrutide Driving Peptide-Linked Emergency Hospital Admissions In Australia: What Are The Risks?

What Are the Risks of Compounded GLP-1 Drugs?

A compounded drug is a medication prepared by a compounding pharmacy to meet an individual patient's specific medical needs. This may include removing an allergen, adjusting a dosage, or preparing a formulation that is not commercially available.

While these medications can serve specific medical needs, they are not FDA-approved in the same way as branded drugs. The FDA does not review compounded formulations for safety, effectiveness, and quality before they are marketed.

Demand for GLP-1 medications for weight loss skyrocketed worldwide between 2022 and 2025, leading to shortages of semaglutide and tirzepatide.

During these shortages, compounding pharmacies were legally allowed under specific circumstances to prepare several versions of these medications.

Many patients turned to compounded GLP-1s because they were often affordable, available, and easier to buy online.

Potential risks of compounded GLP-1 drugs include:

• Inaccurate Dosing
• Sterility Concerns
• Different Ingredients
• Limited Safety Data
• Counterfeit or Unregulated Products