Pregnancy is usually a time of happiness and hope, but it also brings in the unexpected. While there is much talk placed on the health of the expectant mother, the quality sperm coming from the father could dramatically change the outcome of pregnancy. The latest study suggests the risks of sperm DNA damage, even increasing the risks of complications preeclampsia and birth prematurity.

In a groundbreaking research study conducted by scientists from Lund University in Sweden, scientists discovered that DNA damage in sperm increases the risk almost up to double that of preeclampsia, this is a dangerous condition that may arise during pregnancies characterized by high blood pressure. In addition, DNA anomalies also increase the risk of premature births, and this further entails increased related adverse health outcomes for infants born through such conditions.

The next step would be to find out which group of men respond best to methods to prevent and treat sperm DNA damage, and to test these methods to prevent pregnancy complications," said Dr. Amelie Stenqvist, a lecturer at Lund University. According to this study, a significant message is put forward that paternal health assumes an important role in a successful pregnancy.

It focused its research on men, specifically whose sperm contained high levels of DNA fragmentation. For instance, some 20% to 30% of babies born via in vitro fertilization have fathers whose sperm contains damaged DNA. The DNA fragmentation index, an indicator to assess the percentage of DNA damage in sperm, indicated that when the percentage of sperm with a DFI above 30% was observed, they had almost no chance of resulting in natural conception. Even a DFI greater than 20% showed that the chances of getting pregnant are highly risky as the risk factor for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia is much high.

Uncommon Complications during Pregnancy

The most alarming complication during pregnancy is preeclampsia. It affects approximately 5% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, which can cause fatal conditions for both the mother and the baby. The new findings now point out that sperm DNA damage may contribute to this condition, especially if it is due to assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF pregnancies. The research found that a DFI above 20% doubled the risk of preeclampsia from a mere 5% to almost 11% per.

Apart from causing preeclampsia, DNA fragmentation in sperm is also known to increase the risk for prematurity. Most premature babies experience respiratory, neurological, and developmental complications. Therefore, some degree of early intervention might be important for prospective parents.

Some of the rarer, though serious complications include placental abruption, which is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and intrauterine growth restriction, a condition by which the baby does not grow normally in the womb. These conditions though rare are potentially catastrophic both to the mother and the child. Results from this study may help in establishing the contribution of the father in such pregnancies.

Further study into sperm DNA damage is of urgent interest with regard to its consequences for pregnancy outcomes. According to Professor Aleksander Giwercman of Lund University in the field of Reproductive Medicine, "the analysis of DFI should be introduced as routine test in all fertility clinics.". "It could give answers to couples who are having difficulties with infertility, but our latest result also shows that DFI analysis can be a method to identify high-risk pregnancies, explained Giwercman.

For many, DNA fragmentation in sperm is often treatable. Common causes are oxidative stress, age, smoking, being obese, and infections. Addressing these elements will likely reduce DNA damage in sperm for men, raising the chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Overall, the study importance should take into consideration paternal as well as maternal health towards reaching for a healthy pregnancy. Though DNA fragmentation in the sperm is supposed to increase the risk factors for complications in pregnancies, the advances into novel treatment approaches and tests are likely to alleviate complications in many families. Thus the findings of this study offer optimism and pave a pathway to more holistic fertility treatments in the future.

Amid reports of the hantavirus outbreak onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, and two Indian crew members, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has stepped up surveillance measures.

While the Indian Embassy in Spain has confirmed that the two Indian nationals are currently asymptomatic and are being evacuated to the Netherlands for quarantine, health authorities in the country are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with national and international health agencies.

Notably, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has mobilized its formidable "Viral Shield", a sophisticated network of 165 specialized laboratories, called the Virus Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), to ensure that the rat-borne virus does not breach the country's borders.

What Are The VRDLs?

The 165 laboratories include

• 11 Regional level,
• 27 State level
• 127 medical college level,
• It covers 31 States and Union Territories of India and functions under the umbrella of the Department of Health Research (DHR)/ ICMR.

Post-pandemic, VRDLs are actively engaged in integrated surveillance for Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), monitoring for pathogens like Influenza A/B, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and SARS-CoV-2 variants.

In 2025, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, said, VRDL has stood as “sentinels in protecting the country”.

She added that 16 VRDLs are now equipped with Bio-Safety Level-3 (BSL-3) facilities for studying high-risk pathogens, playing a central role in detecting outbreaks of Nipah, Zika, and Kyasanur Forest Disease.

Also read: Hantavirus: Is Climate Change Behind The Outbreak?

What's The Status Of MV Hondius Passengers?

Amid stiff opposition from the locals, the Dutch-flagged vessel MV Hondius, carrying 94 people, including Filipinos, Britons, Americans, Indians, and Spaniards, arrived in Spain's Canary Islands on May 10. All have been evacuated and repatriated.

Two of the 17 American passengers evacuated from the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius have tested positive, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today.

A French woman onboard the same cruise has also tested positive for hantavirus, and her health worsened in the hospital overnight, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said.

The woman was among five French passengers repatriated from the MV Hondius.

"It’s not surprising that others on the ship will test positive for hantavirus in the coming days. What’s crucial is that they don’t pass this on to others- those most at risk: who they live with/family/friends as they head home. Quarantine for next 45 days super important," Prof. Devi Sridhar, Professor & Chair of Global Public Health, Edinburgh University, said in a post on the social media platform X.

WHO Guidelines On Hantavirus

Read More: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for Panic

The WHO maintains that the eight passengers on board have been infected with hantavirus. While three have died, six have been hantavirus infection has been confirmed in six cases.

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s head of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, said that after being brought to shore, passengers will be kept cordoned off from the public and taken to repatriation flights.

In their home countries, many will be taken onward to isolation facilities. Van Kerkhove said that the WHO is recommending “active monitoring and follow-up” for all passengers and crew for 42 days from their “last point of exposure” to a confirmed case.

"Our recommendation is daily health checks, at home or in a specialized facility. It's up to countries to develop their policies, but our recommendations are very clear," Van Kerkhove said, highlighting that the incubation period for the virus was up to six weeks.

In my journey as a neonatologist, one truth has remained constant—no healthcare system can succeed without strong nursing care. We often celebrate breakthroughs in technology and clinical expertise, but at the bedside, where outcomes are truly shaped, it is the nurse who makes the difference.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a space I have spent decades working in. Caring for extremely premature babies—sometimes born as early as 24–26 weeks—requires far more than advanced machines or protocols. These fragile lives demand minute-to-minute monitoring, swift clinical judgment, and unwavering attention.

It is the nurse who notices the subtle drop in oxygen levels, the slight change in skin tone, or the early signs of infection. Many times, it is their timely intervention that prevents a complication from becoming a crisis. I have witnessed countless such moments—quiet, uncelebrated, yet life-saving.

What we see in practice is strongly supported by global data. Research has consistently shown that for every additional patient assigned to a nurse, the risk of patient mortality increases by nearly 7%. Hospitals with optimal nurse-to-patient ratios report lower infection rates, shorter hospital stays, and significantly better survival outcomes. These are not marginal gains—they are decisive factors in patient care.

And yet, as healthcare advances, a critical gap is becoming increasingly visible.

Over the past five to six decades, medicine has transformed dramatically. We have moved from general practice to highly specialized and super-specialized care—interventional cardiology, robotic surgeries, advanced oncology, and neonatal care that can support extremely preterm infants. These advancements have contributed to a remarkable rise in life expectancy in India—from around 41 years in the 1960s to over 69 years today.

But while medicine has rapidly specialized, nursing training has not evolved at the same pace. This imbalance is one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today.

The Global Shortage For Nurses

India, like many parts of the world, faces a significant workforce gap. The World Health Organization estimates a global shortage of nearly 6 million nurses. While we continue to train and recruit more nurses, the real challenge lies in specialized skill development. In many hospitals, nurses are assigned to departments based on immediate needs rather than structured career pathways. They learn on the job, often in high-pressure environments, building expertise through experience.

While this speaks volumes about their dedication and resilience, it also highlights a systemic limitation. Specialized medicine cannot function optimally without specialized nursing.

In a NICU, for instance, managing non-invasive ventilation, performing neonatal resuscitation, ensuring strict infection control, and counselling anxious parents are not basic skills—they are specialized competencies. These require structured training, repeated practice, and continuous upskilling.

Bridging The Gap: Training Initiatives In Practice

Recognizing this gap, we recently conducted 10 focused workshops across Karnataka as part of the State Neonatal Nurses Conference. These workshops were designed to strengthen critical skills such as the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV), and effective communication within the NICU. What stood out was the response.

Participation exceeded capacity by nearly four times. Nurses travelled long distances, eager to learn, engage, and enhance their skills. This was not just enthusiasm—it was intent. It was a clear indication that nurses are ready to grow, to specialize, and to deliver better outcomes. What they need is access—structured, scalable, and sustained opportunities to learn.

Globally, the impact of investing in nursing education is well documented. Hospitals with a higher proportion of well-trained nurses have reported up to 20% lower mortality rates in certain patient groups. Healthcare systems that prioritize continuous professional development for nurses consistently demonstrate better patient safety outcomes and higher satisfaction levels.

The Need for Systemic Change in Nursing Education

India has begun to take steps in this direction. Initiatives such as the Neonatal Nurse Fellowship introduced by the National Neonatology Forum are important milestones. However, these programs, while valuable, are not accessible to all. Financial constraints, time commitments, and geographical limitations often restrict participation.

This calls for a shift in approach.

Training must move beyond select programs and become an integral part of the healthcare system. We need modular learning formats, simulation-based training, in-hospital skill development programs, and digital platforms that allow continuous learning. Every nurse—irrespective of location or institution—should have access to opportunities that help them grow.

Because ultimately, no matter how advanced our systems become, outcomes depend on the people delivering care.

I often remind my teams of a simple reality—without strong nursing care, the success of any medical speciality is less than 50%.

Beyond systems, statistics, and strategy lies the human side of nursing—a dimension that cannot be measured but is deeply felt.

In the NICU, nurses are not just caregivers to fragile newborns; they are also a source of strength for parents navigating uncertainty and fear. I have seen nurses hold the hands of anxious mothers, explain complex medical situations with patience, and provide reassurance during some of the most difficult moments a family can experience. They are the bridge between clinical excellence and emotional care.

And yet, despite their central role, nurses often remain under-recognized and under-supported. If we are serious about strengthening healthcare, this must change.

Empowering nurses is not just about improving skills—it is about acknowledging their value, creating structured career pathways, and ensuring they are included in decision-making processes. It is about building a culture of respect, where nursing is seen not as support, but as a critical pillar of care delivery.

The future of healthcare will not be defined by technology alone. It will be defined by the strength, capability, and empowerment of its workforce.

And at the heart of that workforce are our nurses. If we want safer hospitals, better clinical outcomes, and resilient healthcare systems, the path forward is clear—we must invest in our nurses, not just in numbers, but in their growth, training, and empowerment. Because in every critical moment I have witnessed, one truth stands out—quietly, consistently, and powerfully: Empowered nurses don’t just support care. Empowered nurses save lives.

Dr. R. Kishore Kumar is President – National Neonatology Forum, Karnataka Chapter

Post-viral syndromes are a classic example of the body not feeling better even after the viraemia is over. When a viral infection ends, most people expect life to quickly return to normal.

For many, it does, but for some, recovery stretches on for weeks or even months. This condition, often called a post-viral syndrome, is now being seen more clearly across the country, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the main question that arises is why doesn’t recovery end when the infection is gone? The answer is that the body does not always ‘reset’ immediately.

Why Symptoms Continue After the Infection Clears?

During an infection, the body’s defense system becomes highly active to fight the virus. In some people, this response does not completely settle down even after the virus has been cleared. This can lead to ongoing tiredness, body aches, or a general feeling of being unwell. This could be due to the immune system remaining partially activated.

In certain cases, the body’s defense system may even start reacting in an unbalanced way, affecting normal tissues. This is why some people develop symptoms like joint pains, palpitations, or dizziness after a viral illness, even though tests may not show an active infection.

Another important reason is energy depletion. Viral infections can temporarily affect how the body produces and uses energy. As a result, even small physical or mental efforts can feel exhausting. Many patients describe a pattern where they feel better, try to return to normal activity, and then feel worse again. This cycle can delay full recovery. The nervous system can also be affected. Some people experience what is commonly called ‘brain fog’, poor sleep, or a sense of imbalance in heart rate and blood pressure. These symptoms are real and are part of the body’s recovery process.

POTS Syndrome

Also, there is something called POT (Positional Orthostatic Tachycardia) syndrome. Patients, when they get up and stand, develop mild giddiness and palpitations.

It is also important to understand that the body may take time to rebuild strength. Muscle loss, physical inactivity, and lack of appetite are common effects following an illness.

Why Recovery Should Not Be Rushed

Consequently, when an individual has recovered from the virus, it is more than just getting rid of the virus. It involves restoring and getting stronger over time. Most importantly, recovery should never be rushed. Pushing too hard or returning to high levels of activity too soon after becoming ill can lead to worsening of symptoms and therefore prolong the recovery time.

A more effective way to recover is by taking a gradual, steady approach. Recovery involves resting adequately, maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in light exercise and receiving adequate amounts of sleep and at the same time being aware of how your body feels. Long-term symptoms are not in your head. They are part of the process of healing that occurs after some forms of infection.

Most people will recover, but patience and using proper methods are key to recovering completely. It is also important to understand that recovery involves rebuilding the strength that the body needs time to restore this balance.

It is important not to get carried away assuming post-viral syndrome, but consult a physician and not miss out on an underlying medical disorder, and investigate appropriately.