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.

Just a day after GRAP-3 restrictions were removed from Delhi, the city's pollution levels worsened. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lift the GRAP-3 restrictions on Thursday when Delhi recorded its average AQI at 377 at 4pm. However, by 8pm, the AQI as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)'s data was recorded at 381 by 8pm. Multiple stations also recorded "severe" range.

However, Delhi, as of 10am on Friday, 28 November, AQI was recorded 409, which is under "hazardous". In fact, as per the CPCB data, several areas like Anand Vihar and Burari Crossing, the AQI crossed 400, under 'severe' category, whereas areas like Mathura Road and Lodhi Road crossed 300, under 'very poor' category.

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Amid Delhi's continuously worsening AQI, the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant said that he cannot go out for his morning walk as it is causing him breathing issues. "The only exercise I do is walking. But even that is difficult now. Yesterday I walked for 55 minutes, and till morning I had problems,” the CJI said. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal also said that he has completely stopped going out for morning walks. "To breathe this obnoxious air...at out age..." he remarked. Earlier, Justice PS Narasimha warned lawyers about this "very, very serious" pollution levels and urged them to opt for virtual hearings to avoid health risks. "This pollution will cause permanent damage," he said.

However, CAQM believes that the pollution levels will improve by Friday. "Based on the forecast provided by the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, we were told the AQI will worsen marginally on Thursday as wind speeds will drop. However, by Thursday evening and from Friday onwards, winds are forecast to pick up again and so the AQI is not likely to touch 400 and into the severe category,” a CAQM official said.

Though experts do not agree. As per IIT Delhi professor Mukesh Khare, as reported in HT, says that even if AQI is improving, it "is likely to deteriorate again, so the decision to remove GRAP based on marginal improvement was illogical". "There is not much difference between an AQI of 320 and 350. We know conditions in winters are harsh and unpredictable and often unfavorable," he says.

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What Can Be Done To Protect Yourself Against Toxic Air Pollution?

Dr Rahul Chawla, a neurologist trained at AIIMS posted a video on his Instagram where he shared 5 ways to protect against Delhi's Air Pollution.

Stay Indoors

Dr Chawla suggested that one should stay indoors as much as possible. "You can open the windows and doors only between 1 and 3pm in the day, when you feel that the sun is bright, so that the house gets proper ventilation," he said.

Why 1pm to 3pm is the only time he suggests to have exposure with air? As per a 2023 study by an air filter brand, Delhi's air pollution peaked at 9AM and gradually improved as the day progressed. On an average, Delhi sees roughly as half as much PM2.5 by 5PM. Similarly, in Kolkata, the pollution peaks at 8am and is lowered by 4PM. This is why the safest time to have any sort of air exposure is in the afternoon. Pollution levels also tend to be slightly lower in the afternoon because it is when the sun is at its peak. This heats the ground and causes warm air to rise and mix with atmosphere. This helps disperse pollutants.

He also advised against cleaning inside the house using a dry cloth, and suggested wet cloth to be in use, so that dust does not rise. "Please do not light up things inside the house like burning dhoop (incense for worship), agarbatti (incense sticks), or anything else that causes excessive smoke,” he said.

Use N95 Mask

“If there are elderly people at home, do not let them go for morning walks or evening walks, and if there are children, do not let them play in the park. Exercise at home. You can go up and down the stairs. You can do yoga. If you have a treadmill or a stationary bike at home, you can exercise with it. You can do weightlifting,” he said. However, he suggested that if going out is absolutely necessary, then one must wear N-95 mask properly before stepping out.

Air Purifier

“If you can afford an air purifier, buy one. But keep in mind that the air purifier you are buying should be appropriate for the size of your room,” the neurologist advised.

Work From Home

The neurologist also suggested that if your company permits it, seek work from home option to reduce your exposure from toxic air.

Leave Delhi

Lastly, he suggested that if people can afford, and their profession allows, they must leave Delhi for a few weeks. “Because this city has become a gas chamber,” he warned.

Note: This article is not a medical advice and the information is derived from the video shared by the doctor. Please seek advice from your doctor before making any changes in your lifestyle.

The nation debate around vaccine has intensified in the US, and this week, it has taken a sharper turn as three separate developments have coincided in the country, all concerned with the administration of vaccines. Amid the controversial appointment of nation's top public health agency - the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and a major court ruling on school vaccine requirement in West Virginia, a third case of unvaccinated infant death is reported from Kentucky. The health officials confirm that the infant died of whooping cough, a vaccine preventable disease, which has reignited the debates around the use of vaccine.

Kentucky Confirms Third Unvaccinated Infant Death

While national debates continue, Kentucky is facing a direct and heartbreaking consequence of falling vaccination rates. Health officials have announced the death of another infant from whooping cough, bringing the total to three deaths in the past 12 months. The first two represented the state’s first pertussis deaths since 2018.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health did not disclose where the most recent death occurred. Officials expressed deep concern about the surge in cases and urged families to stay up to date on recommended vaccines. They stressed that vaccination protects not only individuals but also those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.

As of November 19, Kentucky has recorded 566 pertussis cases this year. Infants under one year old face the highest risk of severe illness and death. The health department confirmed that none of the infants who died had been vaccinated, nor had their mothers received the recommended maternal pertussis shot during pregnancy.

Whooping cough begins with mild cold-like symptoms but can progress within weeks to violent coughing fits that make it hard for babies to breathe. Doctors warn that vaccination in pregnancy and infancy remains the most effective way to protect the youngest children.

A Controversial Choice Inside the CDC

The death of an unvaccinated child happened while anti-vaxxer Ralph Abraham, the former Louisiana surgeon general, was appointed as the new deputy director of the CDC. It has drawn immediate criticism. Abraham is now the second highest-ranking official at the agency, yet he has a long record of questioning mainstream vaccine guidance.

During the pandemic, Abraham openly supported the use of ivermectin, discouraged the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and repeatedly criticized COVID-19 vaccines. While serving as Louisiana’s top health official, he instructed his department to stop promoting mass vaccination and stayed silent for two months during a pertussis outbreak that killed two infants earlier this year.

His appointment has alarmed public health experts, including his predecessor. Nirav Shah, who previously served as the CDC’s deputy director, told The New York Times that Abraham is not the right person for a role that involves leading emergency responses. Shah said that delaying public communication about infant pertussis deaths was unacceptable and called it shameful.

West Virginia Judge Expands Vaccine Exemptions

The debate over vaccine policy was further amplified after a judge in West Virginia ruled that the state must allow religious exemptions to its long-standing school immunization requirements. For decades, West Virginia has maintained one of the highest childhood vaccination rates in the country by permitting only medical exemptions.

Judge Michael E. Froble ruled that the policy violated the state’s religious freedom law, which was enacted two years ago. He said families who sought religious exemptions were being forced to choose between following their beliefs and accessing public education. His ruling now applies to all families who have previously requested religious exemptions.

The decision arrives at a time when measles and other vaccine-preventable illnesses are climbing nationwide. It also follows the appointment of Abraham to the CDC and ongoing remarks from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly expressed skepticism about vaccine science. Together, these shifts are raising questions about how strongly the country’s health policies will hold in the coming years.

Ruth Codd, Irish actor and The Celebrity Traitors star revealed that she is now recovering from her second below-knee amputation. Codd, 29, was first shot to fame on TikTok during pandemic, and shared the news in a candid video on Wednesday.

What Happened To Codd's Leg?

She had her first leg amputated six years ago after a football injury in her teens, which led to repeated surgeries, chronic pain, and long-term mobility issues. Posting another video again from her parents’ home, she joked that her return to filming there felt like a “full circle moment,” but added that she could no longer record videos in her favorite room because it is upstairs.

"Just Had My Second Amputation"

In her TikTok update, Codd with a bit of humor revealed the news. “Good news, I’m back making TikTok content in my parents’ house. Bad news, I can’t do it in front of that lovely blue floral wallpaper any more, because I’ve just had my second below-knee amputation,” she said, adding, “So, a lot to unpack there for everyone involved.”

She also introduced her followers to her new wheelchair, affectionately named “Fat Tony,” joking that it has “the top speed of f*** all per hour, especially if there’s a step involved.” Her caption read: “No legs who dis? #paralympics2026.”

Codd’s latest surgery follows years of complications linked to her original injury. In a recent interview on FFTV’s YouTube channel, she revealed she had all her toes amputated in 2021. She had spent eight years relying heavily on crutches, which she said forced her to walk on her “tippy toes,” eventually destroying the joints in her foot.

Doctors had told her the foot would “never get any better,” and that worsening pain was making it increasingly difficult to work. “It’s gone past the point where they can do anything about it,” she told FFTV.

The Road To Recovery

The actor has spoken openly about the recovery process, explaining that she will have to wait at least a month for her limb to heal before she can begin using a prosthetic. Despite the challenges, her tone online remains upbeat and self-aware, reflecting the personality that first gained her a loyal audience during the Covid pandemic.

Codd’s TikTok content—often comedic sketches and videos promoting disability awareness, helped her amass more than 20 million likes in a year after she lost her job as a make-up artist and barber. Her success on the platform led her to acting roles in Netflix series The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher.

Earlier this year, Codd appeared in the first series of The Celebrity Traitors, where she impressed viewers with her sharp observations. She correctly identified Jonathan Ross as a “traitor,” but was ultimately eliminated in episode four. Reflecting on her time on the show, she described the experience as “surreal,” saying it still feels like she could “wake up from a very weird dream.” Despite the difficulties of her recent surgery, Codd continues to bring humor and openness to her situation, qualities that have defined her rise from TikTok creator to Netflix actor.