Mysterious Fog in the US , Canada and UK: A dense, eerie fog with a "burning chemical-like smell" has spooked a good part of North America and parts of the United Kingdom and Canada. With social media amplifying all concerns, this phenomenon has sparked attention across all social media platforms. However, at the heart of this mysterious fog are a conjunction of natural events, social psychology, and environmental conditions that culminated in all the conspiracy theories and public health fears. Here's a closer look at the mysterious fog, its potential causes, and the societal response it has triggered.

Fog that Feeds Fear

The first reports of this "mysterious fog" came in from Florida where a resident said that they experienced respiratory symptoms, feverish warmth, and stomach cramps after contact with the fog. Similar stories started flooding social media, and within a day or two, a sinister force seemed to sweep across the United States, Canada, and parts of the UK. From Texas to Minnesota, people reported weird odors and health issues that they thought were linked to this bizarre atmospheric event.

Some witnesses were said to see "white particles" swirling through the air; theories ranged from a chemical attack or experimental weapon to drone-related chemical dispersals and references to historical military experiments, such as the infamous 1950s "Operation Sea-Spray."

Fuel to the fire were added when videos and posts, hundreds of thousands in number, began circulating on social media sites like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) speculating on the origin of the fog. Hashtags like #ToxicFog went trending for days. Hysteria created a self-reinforcing loop in which every post spurred further scrutiny and fear.

Scientific Explanation of the Dense Mysterious Fog

1. What is Fog?

Fog is essentially a low-lying cloud formed when the air temperature cools to its dew point, causing water vapor to condense into tiny droplets or ice crystals. Several types of fog—advection fog, radiation fog, and valley fog—can form depending on conditions such as warm, moist air moving over cooler land or when temperatures plummet rapidly under clear skies.

2. Why the Chemical Smell?

Such chemical-like smell as reported during the occurrence of fog events is sometimes attributed to air pollution. It acts like a sponge, where it absorbs these pollutants, which include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, among others, that emit from industries. This mixture, therefore, leads to a stench that could be mistaken as unnatural or even toxic.

Also Read: Health Concerns Rise As US, Canada, and UK Come Under The Blanket Of Thick, Dense, Toxic Fog

3. What are the Health Concerns?

High moisture levels from fog can significantly exacerbate symptoms related to respiration, but especially in already predisposed asthmatics and allergy patients. The connection of these symptoms with actual fever, stomach cramps, and puffy eyes is too remote. Experts assume that the irritating effects of entrapped pollutants trapped in fog tend to affect more the eyes and throat rather than the rest of the body affected by some report.

Psychological Effects of Mass Panic Caused by Social Media

Social media amplified a natural weather event into a health epidemic. It made the personal experience of individuals become a cause for fear and speculation, a domino effect.

According to psychologists, this is a concept of selective perception, wherein once people's attention is drawn to environmental anomalies, they begin to notice them. This mirrors earlier panics, such as the Seattle windshield pitting panic of 1954. Then, atomic bomb testing caused fear in many and started to have people looking at their windshields for small marks that they had not seen before. Likewise, postings on the strangeness of the fog probably increased public awareness and suspicion, with people looking to attach unrelated symptoms to the phenomenon.

The fog hysteria shares a commonality with other instances of mass panic, such as the "drone sightings" of recent years or the Cold War-era fears of biological warfare.

Also Read: Mysterious Fog Is Making Americans Sick

These events underscore how fear can cloud judgment, especially when amplified by social media and sensationalist headlines. While historical cases, such as "Operation Sea-Spray," offer concrete evidence of the existence of unethical experiments, the jump from a natural weather condition to theories of chemical attacks exemplifies a more modern trend of connecting unrelated dots, all wonderfully seeded in distrust and anxiety.

Despite the swirling rumors, meteorologists and scientists are in agreement that the mysterious fog is not as alarming as it seems. It is well known that fog traps and amplifies pollutants, especially in urban and industrial regions. Moreover, winter months are the most conducive for fog formation, so its recent prevalence is unsurprising.

On the other hand, environmentalists advise that the fog should wake everyone up to increased levels of pollution. The reported odors and health irritations could be just symptoms of far deeper systemic issues like industrial emissions and lack of control over air quality.

The authorities must be transparent in their communication to combat misinformation and allay public fears. Governments and environmental agencies must provide timely updates on weather phenomena, air quality, and health risks. Initiatives like real-time pollutant tracking and public education campaigns can help demystify natural occurrences while addressing valid environmental concerns.

The mysterious Canada fog is a compelling case study in how environmental events intersect with psychology and societal dynamics. While rooted in natural phenomena, the fog became a vessel for collective fears, amplified by modern technology and historical anxieties.

In this information era where communication occurs at an almost lightning pace, the fog becomes a metaphor that reminds everyone about scientific literacy, environmental responsibility, and an effective balance when considering public concern. Whether perceived as a marvel of nature or as a tale that serves to teach, it left a very powerful mark in people's minds.

Extreme frigid temperatures have led to the death of 18 people across New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed.

Since late January, the city has been gripped in a cold snap, including 13 days of temperatures of 0C (32F) or below, one of the longest stretches of sub-zero weather New York has seen in six decades since a major snowstorm.

According to Mamdani, certain days in New York have been colder than the continent of Antarctica.

"Since Friday's press conference, one additional New Yorker lost their life on the streets of our city as a result of this cold snap. The total lives lost is now 18. Each life lost is a tragedy, and we will continue to hold their families in our thoughts," he said.

He also urged those experiencing homelessness to head to a shelter one of the 1,400 placements that have been made into shelters and safe havens. Apart from this, 33 New Yorkers have also been involuntarily transported for their safety in these conditions.

"Until temperatures warm up, I ask all of you in this room and outside of it to please continue to take additional precautions. Stay safe, stay indoors, and please, New York, let's keep looking out for one another," the mayor said.

The newly minted Mayor also said that across this past Friday and Saturday nights, 560 New Yorkers used Health + Hospitals warming centers and nearly 300 New Yorkers used a Department of Social Services warming vehicle.

READ MORE: US Cardiologist Reveals When You Are More Prone To Heart Attacks

On 27 January, Mamdani noted that at least 10 of the people who had died were found outdoors. The cause behind the other deaths remain known.

"We have been working hard to keep New Yorkers safe, and we will continue to do so. Because it is not forecast to be above 32 degrees [Fahrenheit] until tomorrow, and 35 degrees is hardly balmy weather," he said.

Experts Recommend Drinking More Water During Winters

Winter is usually associated with hot drinks, cozy layers and fewer reminders to sip water. According to Dr. Swadesh Kumar, Cluster Head – Emergency and Trauma Care & Casualty, Gurugram, this mindset is exactly where the problem begins.

“People assume that because they’re not sweating or feeling thirsty, their body doesn’t need as much water. That’s a misconception,” he told Healthandme.

During cold spells, thirst signals are naturally suppressed. At the same time, the body continues to lose fluids through dry air, indoor heating and even breathing. “The loss is gradual and silent, which makes winter dehydration harder to spot,” Dr Kumar added.

Low fluid intake doesn’t just cause weakness, it can aggravate underlying health problems. When the body is dehydrated, blood becomes thicker, increasing the risk of clot formation. This is particularly dangerous for older adults and people with heart disease.

Kidneys are also affected. Reduced hydration puts extra strain on them, sometimes leading to acute kidney injury. “We see patients with palpitations, fainting spells and extreme weakness, only to later realize dehydration is the root cause,” Dr Kumar notes.

Winter illnesses further complicate the situation. Fever, rapid breathing and certain medications increase fluid loss. Yet many people intentionally avoid drinking water to reduce bathroom visits in the cold.

“This combination is especially risky for children and the elderly,” Dr. Kumar says. Children depend on caregivers for hydration reminders, while older adults naturally feel less thirsty. Both groups can slip into dehydration quickly during winter infections.

Simple Habits Can Prevent Serious Risk

Doctors advise treating hydration as a routine, not a response to thirst. Warm water, soups, stews and herbal drinks are practical winter options. Fruits with high water content also help, even when appetite is low.

“Monitor urine color, limit excess caffeine and be extra careful if you have a chronic condition,” Dr Kumar advises.

The cold wave is a reminder that dehydration isn’t just a summer problem. Even in winter, the body needs adequate water to function, and ignoring that need can quietly turn into a medical emergency.

People suffering from obesity are 70 percent more likely to be hospitalised or die from an infectious disease, including flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia, according to a Lancet journal study.

Researchers from the UK and Finland, who analyzed over 500,000 people, found that those with a BMI of 30 or higher were at a significantly higher risk compared with people with a healthy BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. The risk escalated as body weight increased.

Dr Solja Nyberg, of the University of Helsinki and the study's first author, noted the problem could worsen and said: “As obesity rates are expected to rise globally, so will the number of deaths and hospitalizations from infectious diseases linked to obesity.

“To reduce the risk of severe infections, as well as other health issues linked with obesity, there is an urgent need for policies that help people stay healthy and support weight-loss, such as access to affordable healthy food and opportunities for physical activity.”

In the meantime, she added, it was “especially important” for those living with obesity to keep up to date with their vaccinations.

According to the World Health Organisation, obesity has been linked to 3.7 million deaths globally in 2024. If strong action is not taken, the number of people living with obesity is expected to double by 2030. Recently, the WHO released its first-ever guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, or GLP-1, therapies for managing obesity as a chronic and relapsing condition.

“Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it effectively and equitably. Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Is Global Obesity On The Rise?

While industrialized societies see soaring obesity rates, traditional and farming communities experience much lower levels of obesity, a contrast often attributed to more physically demanding lifestyles.

This is where this recent study plays a big role. The study found that this assumption does not fully hold true. Even though physical activity across population, or the energy expenditure, that is the total calories burned daily is not significantly lower in industrialized population, their body size is larger. So, if not the energy output, then what is the reason? The answer lies in the diet.

READ MORE: Diet, Not Lack Of Exercise Is The Real Reason For Rise In Obesity, According To Study

Childhood Obesity: The Silent Crisis

According to Mayo Clinic, doctors define it as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children 2 years and older. In recent times, India has begun seeing a worrying rise in childhood obesity cases, especially in cities where lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, and less physical activity are driving the trend.

In the United States, CDC data from 2017–2020 showed that about 19.7% of children and adolescents between ages 2 and 19 had obesity, roughly 14.7 million young people. Among them, 12.7% were between ages 2–5, 20.7% were 6–11, and 22.2% were 12–19.

Dr Vivek Jain, Senior Director & Unit Head, Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital explains that in recent years, obesity among children has risen sharply due to many factors. Kids are spending more time in front of screens, getting less outdoor play, and attending online classes, all of which cut down their activity levels. At the same time, fast food, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks have become a regular part of diets.

Modern lifestyles also encourage frequent dining out, reliance on processed meals, and irregular eating. Add limited access to safe play areas, heavy academic schedules, and family history of obesity, and the risks become even higher.

Without intervention, obesity in childhood often continues into adulthood, increasing chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and even some cancers.

How To Prevent Childhood Obesity

Prevention needs a joint effort from families, schools, communities, and policymakers. Parents play the most important role, as they shape habits from an early age. Dr. Vivek suggests:

• Balanced nutrition: Encourage home-cooked meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit fried foods, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks.
• Physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play or exercise daily, such as sports, cycling, or outdoor games.
• Reduced screen time: Limit television, mobile, and gaming time to help children stay active and sleep better.
• Family involvement: Lead by example—eat meals together, exercise as a family, and make health a priority.
• School initiatives: Schools should provide nutritious meals, promote physical education, and teach healthy habits.

Chickenpox cases occur regularly in India, with outbreaks common, especially among children aged from one to nine years old. However, pediatricians across Pune are warning against the exponential rise in cases this winter.

Dr Shirish Kankariya, head of paediatrics at Apollo Hospital Swargate, said he had seen around 15 chickenpox patients in Jan alone, and the current season has brought a visible uptick in cases.

"Chickenpox cases have risen. We are also seeing infections in older children and adult family members, who never had the disease earlier," he told Times of India.

Dr Prateek Kataria, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Sahyadri Hospital also noted that out-patient departments (OPDs) have recently seen a large increase confirmed chickenpox cases this year.

He also told the publication: "We are seeing many children with chickenpox in the OPD even among those who have taken both doses of the vaccine. This is expected because the vaccine does not guarantee 100% protection, but vaccinated children usually develop milder illness and do not need hospitalization."

This comes months after reports emerged that cases were rising in Kerala's Kollam district. In October 2025, health authorities confirmed over 100 new cases, with numbers continuing to climb.

What Is Chickenpox And How Does It Spread?

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is extremely contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with someone who is infected. In children, it often starts as a mild rash accompanied by fever, but it can spread quickly in crowded areas.

The virus can also be transmitted through coughing or sneezing, and it is most infectious a day or two before the rash appears and in the early days of the rash. In individuals with weak immunity, the dormant virus may reactivate later in life, causing shingles (herpes zoster).

READ MORE: NHS Chickenpox Vaccine Explained: Eligibility Rules And Timeline For Children

How To Detect Chickenpox Symptoms Early?

How To Spot A Chickenpox Rash

The first rash usually shows up as small red bumps on the face, chest, or back. These bumps quickly turn into blisters filled with fluid, which are contagious. Over a few days, the blisters break and crust over, forming scabs. It’s common to see spots, blisters, and scabs all at the same time, according to the CDC.

Stages Of Chickenpox

The Mayo Clinic explains that chickenpox progresses in three main stages:

• Incubation Stage (10–21 days): After exposure, the virus remains inactive. Infected individuals typically show no symptoms during this period.
• Prodromal Stage (1–2 days): Early signs include fever, tiredness, headache, loss of appetite, and body aches. This is also when the virus can start spreading to others.
• Rash Stage (5–10 days): Red, itchy spots appear first on the face and chest, spreading across the body. These spots develop into fluid-filled blisters that scab over within a few days. Mild fever, itching, and discomfort are common during this stage.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, complications are uncommon but can include pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and bacterial skin infections. Vulnerable groups, such as infants, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immunity are at higher risk of severe illness.