A new outbreak of Ebola-like Marburg virus has been suspected in the north-west Tanzania by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This has already killed eight people. On Tuesday, the WHO announced that nine suspected cases of Marburg were reported in the region of Kagera in the last five days. "We would expect further cases in the coming days as disease surveillance improves," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X.

The first outbreak of Marburg virus was reported in Tanzania in March 2023 in Bukoba district, which killed six people and lasted for two months. However, for this outbreak, Tanzanian authorities are yet to confirm.

As per WHO, the risk remains high in the region of Kagera, as it is a transit hub with cross-border movement to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda. "We do not recommend travel or trade restrictions with Tanzania at this time," Dr Tedros said on X.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced on Monday that a sample in northern Tanzania had tested positive to Marburg disease, a virulent virus that carries a fatality rate of 88% without treatment.

In a joint statement with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, while addressing the people of Dodoma, the capital city,.

It has followed the World Health Organization earlier report on 14 January with a suspected outbreak of Marburg in Tanzania's Kagera region, killing eight people to date.

What Is Marburg Virus?

With the fatality rate of 8% it is the same virus family as Ebola. The main carrier is from fruit bats which spreads to humans then through the contact of bodily fluids of infected individuals, it spreads to others.

What Are The Common Signs And Symptoms?

The common signs and symptoms of the Marburg virus include fever, pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and in the case of extreme blood loss, death too can happen.

So far, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus. However, treatments like drugs and immune therapy are being developed as per the WHO.

ALSO READ: International Travellers Warned As Three Deadly Viruses Detected- 17 Countries Flagged For Travel Risks

Origin

As per the WHO, this virus is capable of killing half of the people it infects. This was for the first time detected in 1976 after 31 people were infected. Out of them, seven died in simultaneous outbreak in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade in Serbia. The virus is also named after the location it was first detected.

The source was traced to African green monkeys who were imported from Uganda. However, other animals too are linked to the virus spread, including bats.

In the past, the virus outbreaks have happened in countries like Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. In 2005, this virus killed 300 people in Angola.

However, for the rest of the world, only two people have died from the virus in the rest of the world, with one of them being in Europe, and the other in the US. These both have been on expeditions to caves in Uganda.

In 2024, it made headlines, when the outbreak was reported in Rwanda. For which, the United States government also completed shipment of vaccine doses and therapeutic drug in October. The US government also worked with several international partners and Rwanda's Ministry of Health to start clinical trials in order to evaluate investigational countermeasures.

In Rwanda, as of December 2024, it infected 66 people and killed 15.

In a 2005 outbreak in Angola, it killed more than 300 people, however, in rest of the world, outside the African continent only two people have died due to this virus in the past 40 years. One in Europe and one in the US.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted marketing authorization for the first home-based, nonprescription diagnostic test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis in women. This announcement came on Friday. This means that women with or without symbols can now use this test for these three sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The results are delivered in about 30 minutes.

It is a single-use, at-home test which includes a self-collected vaginal swab and a powered testing device. It provides a secure communication with an app it is connected to. Once the swab collection is completed, the test results are displayed on the app.

This has come after the first at-home syphilis test which had come last year and authorization of the first diagnostic test for chlamydia and gonorrhea with at-home sample collection in 2023. It was also the first FDA-authorized test with at-home sample collection for an STI other than HIV.

How was it approved?

The approval was based on the data that showed on Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test. It has correctly identified 98.8 and 97.2 percent of negative and positive Chlamydia trachomatis samples; 99.1 and 100 percent of negative and positive Neisseria vaginalis samples, and 98.5 and 97.8 percent of negative and positive Trichomonas vaginalis samples.

The FDA also noted that women who get positive results must consult with a physician. FDA also notes that those with symptoms or recent STI exposure or just concerned should go for additional testing, if required. The main risk of using this device could be the possibility of false negative results, which could delay treatments, or the possibility of false positive results which could lead to unnecessary treatment.

"Expanding access to tests for sexually transmitted infections is an important step toward earlier and increased diagnosis, which can result in increased treatment and reduced spread of infection," said Courtney Lias, Ph.D., director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices in the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

What Is Chlamydia?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a preventable and curable STI which is caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This is primarily transmitted through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. In 2020, there were around 128.5 million new chlamydia infections, especially among adults, around the age of 15 to 29, globally.

The major cause of concern is that it is often asymptomatic. However, there are symptoms, which mainly includes unusual urethral and vaginal discharge. If left untreated, it could lead to serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women. It can also increase the risk of HIV infection.

What Is Gonorrhoea?

As per the National Health Service (NHS), UK, gonorrhoea is an STI, passe don through unprotected sex. It could be treated with antibiotics. Here too, symptoms usually do not appear. However, if they do, it starts around 2 weeks after the infection. In some cases it may take months for symptoms to appear.

What Is Trichomoniasis?

It is also a common STI among women of reproductive age, notes WHO. It is caused by protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. It is treatable and curable.

Senator Cory Broker, a Democrat from New Jersey delivered the longest recorded speech in Senate history. This has surpassed Strom Thurmond's 1957 filibuster against civil rights legislation. Booker's speech lasted for over 24 hours and was indeed a passionate critique of Trump administration's healthcare policies, especially its proposed cuts to Medicaid and other essential health programs.

His speech was framed as a moral stand against what he described as a 'healthcare crisis' in the United States.

The Democrat's marathon address was a symbolic protest against President Donald Trump, where he warned of the "grave and urgent" moment in American history. It went on for 25 hour and four minutes. The speech started at 7pm on Monday, where he vowed to speak as long as he is "physically able" to and ended past sunset on Tuesday, at 8.05 pm.

What Was The 25-hour Speech All About?

Booker began his speech not just tied to a specific bill but aimed to delay a vote on a Democratic-led measure to overturn Trump's tariffs on Canada. His decision to speak for such an extended period was also symbolic. He opposed the idea that the longest Senate speech was held by a segregationist.

His speech was heavily focused on healthcare policy and was addressed at Trump administration's efforts to cut funding for key health programs. These included:

Medicaid Cuts: He condemned Trump's budget proposals which sought to significantly reduce Medicaid funding. He argued that such cuts could harm low-income Americans and people with disabilities.

Access to Affordable Care: He also criticized the administration's attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, which he said had expanded healthcare access for millions.

Maternal and Child Health: He then went on to highlight how cuts to government health programs would disproportionately affect pregnant women, infants, and children in vulnerable communities.

Pharmaceutical Industry Influence: He also spoke abut the rising cost of prescribed drugs. He accused the administration of failing to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions.

Policies That Booker Opposed

The main focus of his speech was his opposition to Trump's repeated attempts to weaken the healthcare protections. He argued that the administration's policies often prioritized tax cuts for the wealthy, hinting that Trump administration operates like a business and not like the government of the people. These tax cuts for wealthy are made at the expense of funding essential health services. He also denounced Trump's efforts to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients, which he said would strip millions of Americans of healthcare coverage.

What Was The Reaction Like?

As Booker went on record, there were cheers everywhere in the Senate chamber. He also acknowledged Thurmond's legacy while emphasizing that he stood in defiance of the policies Thurmond had supported. Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also praised his stamina and message and called it "tour de force".

The White House dismissed the speech, calling it a "publicity stunt" and referencing a precious moment when Booker declared "I am Spartacus" during Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

In all, Booker remained firm in his belief that this was indeed a "moral moment" and it required action. His record-breaking speech was not just about policy, but more than that. It was about defending fundamental right to healthcare for all Americans.

“This is not right or left, it is right or wrong,” he declared. “This is not a partisan moment. It is a moral moment. Where do you stand?”

Every year on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day is observed. This day raises awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is a developmental brain disorder which impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others. This condition may cause problems in social interaction and communication. The condition may also include limited and repetitive patterns of behavior.

Origin of World Autism Day

It was started in 2007, when the United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day. The UN worked to promote the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic individuals and ensured their equal participation in society.

In fact, over the years, progress has been made and driven in large by autistic advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring the lived experiences of autistic individuals to the forefront of global discussions.

The 2007 General Assembly resolution also highlighted the need to raise public awareness of autism.

Theme of World Autism Day

The theme for 2025 is "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)". This goal highlights the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts and showcases how inclusive policies and practices can drive positive change for autistic individuals worldwide and contribute to the achievement of SDG.

This year's theme and discussion also explores at the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that promote accessibility, equality, and innovation across multiple sectors.

Significance of World Autism Day

The day aims to foster a better understanding of autism and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. The day also tries to promote awareness and acceptance and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism.

What Is Autism?

As per the American Psychiatric Association, ASD is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong condition, the need for services and supports because of these challenges varies among individuals with autism.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one in 36 children have been identified with ASD.

Recent News Around Autism

Ramsey's Diagnosis: Recently, star of HBO's hit drama Bella Ramsey opened up about their autism diagnosis. They credited a crew member for recognizing the signs and symptoms.

Ramsey shared that they were diagnosed while filing the first season of the series.

“I’ve spoken a bit about neurodivergence before, but I always for some reason didn’t want to,” Ramsey admitted. “I got diagnosed with autism when I was filming season one of The Last of Us.”

While filming in Canada, a crew member who also has an autistic daughter noticed certain similarities in Ramsey's behavior and suspected that they too might be autistic. This observation was what prompted Ramsey to seek a formal psychiatric assessment, and thus leading to their diagnosis.

Ramsey also reflected on their childhood and described feeling out of place in school and finding comfort in the company of adults. They also recalled that they had experienced sensory sensitivities common among autistic individuals, such as heightened awareness of micro-expressions and body language. Ramsey also mentioned that filming in Canada's cold condition was also challenging as the heavy waterproof gear and thermals were required on the set. "It was too much stuff on my body," they shared talking about sensory discomfort.

ALSO READ: If Vaccines Don't Cause Autism-Here's What Does

CDC's Vaccine Study: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is planning to examine potential link between vaccines and autism. This has all come up in the backdrop of the claims by the now Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has suggested the link between vaccines and autism. This has been backed by President Trump as well.

This originated from now debunked 1998 study, which was retracted after its author, Andrew Wakefield, was found guilty of professional misconduct and barred from practicing medicine in the UK. Despite decades or research no such link could be proven, however, the claim still continues in the political and public discourse.

Kennedy, who had long been anti-vaxxer, also made numerous claims, even though studies have long debunked this theory.