Almost five years after the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, a fresh case has been confirmed in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. On Saturday, a 55-year-old woman from Sector 110 in Noida tested positive for the virus, marking the first new case in the city amid growing concern about rising numbers nationwide.The woman had recently travelled by train, according to Gautam Buddha Nagar’s Chief Medical Officer. She is now in home isolation along with her husband and housemaid.<h2>Infections confirmed at AIIMS Rishikesh</h2>Elsewhere, AIIMS Rishikesh has reported three new COVID-19 cases. According to hospital director Dr Meenu Singh, one of the patients has already been discharged, while another, an in-house medical resident, remains in isolation. The third case involves a visitor from Gujarat, who had been in the area for the Badrinath Yatra.<h2>Delhi prepares hospitals as a precaution</h2>In response to the gradual rise in COVID cases, the Delhi government has issued an advisory for hospitals. Medical facilities have been instructed to be ready with enough beds, oxygen supply, essential medicines, and vaccines to deal with any surge.<h2>Kerala sees highest numbers in May</h2>Kerala has also seen a noticeable rise in cases. In May alone, the state recorded 273 infections. Kottayam had the most with 82, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 73, Ernakulam with 49, Pathanamthitta with 30, and Thrissur with 26.<h2>Variant JN.1 at the centre of global concern</h2>In several Asian countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong, recent spikes have been linked to LF.7 and NB.1.8, both sub-variants of the broader JN.1 variant. While these variants are driving international concern, India has not officially confirmed the presence of JN.1 yet.<h2>What are the symptoms of the JN.1 variant?</h2>Symptoms of JN.1 are similar to those seen in earlier COVID-19 strains. These include dry cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, and loss of smell or taste. However, new reports suggest that JN.1 may more often cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea. Fatigue and nasal congestion are also frequently mentioned.<h2>Active cases remain low, mostly mild</h2>As of 19 May, India has 257 active COVID-19 cases, according to ANI. This is a small number when compared to the country’s large population. Almost all current cases are reported to be mild, with no need for hospitalisation so far.

In response to the gradual rise in COVID cases, the Delhi government has issued an advisory for hospitals. Medical facilities have been instructed to be ready with enough beds, oxygen supply, essential medicines, and vaccines to deal with any surge.

Almost five years after the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, a fresh case has been confirmed in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. On Saturday, a 55-year-old woman from Sector 110 in Noida tested positive for the virus, marking the first new case in the city amid growing concern about rising numbers nationwide. The woman had recently travelled by train, according to Gautam Buddha Nagar’s Chief Medical Officer. She is now in home isolation along with her husband and housemaid. Infections confirmed at AIIMS Rishikesh Elsewhere, AIIMS Rishikesh has reported three new COVID-19 cases. According to hospital director Dr Meenu Singh, one of the patients has already been discharged, while another, an in-house medical resident, remains in isolation. The third case involves a visitor from Gujarat, who had been in the area for the Badrinath Yatra. Delhi prepares hospitals as a precaution In response to the gradual rise in COVID cases, the Delhi government has issued an advisory for hospitals. Medical facilities have been instructed to be ready with enough beds, oxygen supply, essential medicines, and vaccines to deal with any surge. Kerala sees highest numbers in May Kerala has also seen a noticeable rise in cases. In May alone, the state recorded 273 infections. Kottayam had the most with 82, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 73, Ernakulam with 49, Pathanamthitta with 30, and Thrissur with 26. Variant JN.1 at the centre of global concern In several Asian countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong, recent spikes have been linked to LF.7 and NB.1.8, both sub-variants of the broader JN.1 variant. While these variants are driving international concern, India has not officially confirmed the presence of JN.1 yet. What are the symptoms of the JN.1 variant? Symptoms of JN.1 are similar to those seen in earlier COVID-19 strains. These include dry cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, and loss of smell or taste. However, new reports suggest that JN.1 may more often cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea. Fatigue and nasal congestion are also frequently mentioned. Active cases remain low, mostly mild As of 19 May, India has 257 active COVID-19 cases, according to ANI. This is a small number when compared to the country’s large population. Almost all current cases are reported to be mild, with no need for hospitalisation so far.

In response to the gradual rise in COVID cases, the Delhi government has issued an advisory for hospitals. Medical facilities have been instructed to be ready with enough beds, oxygen supply, essential medicines, and vaccines to deal with any surge.

India sees fresh COVID-19 spike as JN.1 variant looms: Delhi, Kerala, Noida report new cases - Here's what we know so far

The new emerging COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 has been detected in India along with four instances of the LF.7 type, reveals Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) data. INSACOG, a consortium of 64 laboratories, is a Pan-India network to monitor genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 by a sentinel sequencing effort.&nbsp;The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8 and LF.7 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest, but these variants are reportedly driving the Covid surge in China and parts of Asia.WHO’s preliminary risk assessment classifies NB.1.8.1 as posing a low public health risk globally, but it has mutations that have increased transmissibility. &nbsp;As per INSACOG data, one case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in April in Tamil Nadu, and four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May. In India, JN.1 remains the most common variant, comprising 53 per cent of cases, followed by BA.2 (26 per cent) and other Omicron sub-lineages (20 per cent). &nbsp;WHO categorises NB.1.8.1 as posing a low public health risk globally, but its spike protein mutations like A435S, V445H, and T478I suggest increased transmissibility and immune evasion compared to other variants.Different regions in India have reported localised spike. Delhi recorded 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh reported four in the last 24 hours, Telangana confirmed one, while a nine-month-old tested positive in Bengaluru. Kerala reported 273 cases in May alone.&nbsp;3 infants test Covid positive in Karnataka&nbsp;Three babies have tested positive for Covid-19 in Karnataka, including a nine-month-old boy from Hoskote in the Bengaluru Rural district, said a Times of India report.The state government has urged citizens to proactively follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.The surge in paediatric infections sparked some concerns, but health officials assure that all three children are in stable condition and have shown signs of quick recovery.Experts say that while the older population has gained immunity from exposure, babies have not and are hence getting infected.&nbsp;The Hoskote infant was admitted to a private medical college hospital, from where it was referred to Vani Vilas Hospital in Bengaluru, where a Rapid Antigen Test conducted on May 22 confirmed the infection.&nbsp;Besides the Hoskote case, two babies tested positive at a private hospital in Bengaluru, but neither required intensive care.&nbsp;Officials issue advisory in Karnataka&nbsp;The Karnataka Health Department issued an official advisory on Friday notifying a gradual rise in infections over the past 20 days, and calling for preventive measures, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and people with co-morbidities.Officials reiterated that there is no immediate cause for concern but stressed on masking up in crowded places, maintaining hand hygiene, and seeking timely testing for symptoms to prevent further spread.Kerala, with 273 Covid infections in May, has made masks mandatory in hospitals and advised people with cough symptoms to wear face coverings.Those returning from Covid-affected countries, mostly Asian nations, have been advised to undergo testing.&nbsp;Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi hospitals told to keep beds, oxygen ready&nbsp;Since Covid-19 seems to be making a return, Delhi, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have put hospitals on alert.Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have reported fresh cases this month. In fact, Delhi has reported coronavirus cases (23) for the first time in three years.Most cases are mild, and no deaths have been reported so far. The symptoms, including fever, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and exhaustion, are usually mild, and those infected recover within four days.&nbsp;

The surge in paediatric infections sparked concern, but health officials said all three children are in stable condition and have shown signs of quick recovery. Experts say that the older population has gained immunity from exposure, but babies have not and are hence getting infected.

The new emerging COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 has been detected in India along with four instances of the LF.7 type, reveals Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) data. INSACOG, a consortium of 64 laboratories, is a Pan-India network to monitor genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 by a sentinel sequencing effort. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8 and LF.7 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest, but these variants are reportedly driving the Covid surge in China and parts of Asia. WHO’s preliminary risk assessment classifies NB.1.8.1 as posing a low public health risk globally, but it has mutations that have increased transmissibility. As per INSACOG data, one case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in April in Tamil Nadu, and four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May. In India, JN.1 remains the most common variant, comprising 53 per cent of cases, followed by BA.2 (26 per cent) and other Omicron sub-lineages (20 per cent). WHO categorises NB.1.8.1 as posing a low public health risk globally, but its spike protein mutations like A435S, V445H, and T478I suggest increased transmissibility and immune evasion compared to other variants. Different regions in India have reported localised spike. Delhi recorded 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh reported four in the last 24 hours, Telangana confirmed one, while a nine-month-old tested positive in Bengaluru. Kerala reported 273 cases in May alone. 3 infants test Covid positive in Karnataka Three babies have tested positive for Covid-19 in Karnataka, including a nine-month-old boy from Hoskote in the Bengaluru Rural district, said a Times of India report. The state government has urged citizens to proactively follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. The surge in paediatric infections sparked some concerns, but health officials assure that all three children are in stable condition and have shown signs of quick recovery. Experts say that while the older population has gained immunity from exposure, babies have not and are hence getting infected. The Hoskote infant was admitted to a private medical college hospital, from where it was referred to Vani Vilas Hospital in Bengaluru, where a Rapid Antigen Test conducted on May 22 confirmed the infection. Besides the Hoskote case, two babies tested positive at a private hospital in Bengaluru, but neither required intensive care. Officials issue advisory in Karnataka The Karnataka Health Department issued an official advisory on Friday notifying a gradual rise in infections over the past 20 days, and calling for preventive measures, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and people with co-morbidities. Officials reiterated that there is no immediate cause for concern but stressed on masking up in crowded places, maintaining hand hygiene, and seeking timely testing for symptoms to prevent further spread. Kerala, with 273 Covid infections in May, has made masks mandatory in hospitals and advised people with cough symptoms to wear face coverings. Those returning from Covid-affected countries, mostly Asian nations, have been advised to undergo testing. Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi hospitals told to keep beds, oxygen ready Since Covid-19 seems to be making a return, Delhi, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have put hospitals on alert. Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have reported fresh cases this month. In fact, Delhi has reported coronavirus cases (23) for the first time in three years. Most cases are mild, and no deaths have been reported so far. The symptoms, including fever, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and exhaustion, are usually mild, and those infected recover within four days.

The surge in paediatric infections sparked concern, but health officials said all three children are in stable condition and have shown signs of quick recovery. Experts say that the older population has gained immunity from exposure, but babies have not and are hence getting infected.

NB.1.8.1, LF.7 Covid variants detected in India, reveals INSACOG data; 3 infants test positive in Karnataka

Three children, 8-year-old twin boys and a 10-year-old boy, were recovered from the house of horror in the Spanish city of Oviedo, where they had been confined since the COVID-19 pandemic.

German couple confine their kids to home for 3 years

In what could be seen as a provocative escalation of the global debate over Covid-19's origins, China has released a government white paper accusing the United States of being a possible ground zero for the pandemic that has killed more than seven million people worldwide.
<h2>A blame game</h2>
The document, issued Wednesday (Apr 30) by the State Council Information Office, pushes back against renewed claims from Donald Trump's presidential campaign that the virus may have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Instead, Beijing suggests it is the US that owes the world an explanation.
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"The US government, instead of facing squarely its failure in response to Covid-19 and reflecting on its shortcomings, has tried to shift the blame and divert people's attention by shamelessly politicising SARS-Cov-2 origins tracing," the paper reads, as reported by the Express.
Calling for a "thorough and in-depth investigation" into the pandemic's roots&mdash;this time on American soil&mdash;Chinese officials cite what they describe as "substantial evidence" that SARS-CoV-2 "might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially claimed timeline and earlier than the outbreak in China."
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<h2>What evidence does China have?</h2>
Slamming the US, China's white paper says that the US "should not continue to pretend to be deaf and dumb" and answer the global community's questions.
It accuses the US of making "China the primary scapegoat for its own mismanaged Covid-19 response. The US government's indifference and delayed actions wasted the precious time China had secured for the global fight against the pandemic."
Among the evidence, it cites a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study that found Covid-19 antibodies in 106 out of 7,389 blood samples from nine states between December 2019 and January 2020. It also mentions a National Institutes of Health (NIH) analysis showing antibody presence across all 50 states by March 2020.
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<h2>A counteroffensive to US accusations?</h2>
Beijing's bold move appears to be a direct rebuttal to mounting scrutiny from American intelligence agencies. US intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI now acknowledge that a lab leak from Wuhan remains a plausible theory. Meanwhile, many scientists still support a zoonotic origin, where the virus jumped from animals to humans.

World | Science news | China releases a provocative white paper accusing the US of being the COVID-19 ground zero, countering claims of virus origin from Wuhan.

In what could be seen as a provocative escalation of the global debate over Covid-19's origins, China has released a government white paper accusing the United States of being a possible ground zero for the pandemic that has killed more than seven million people worldwide. A blame game The document, issued Wednesday (Apr 30) by the State Council Information Office, pushes back against renewed claims from Donald Trump's presidential campaign that the virus may have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Instead, Beijing suggests it is the US that owes the world an explanation. Also read | RFK Jr says COVID-19 only killed 'old people'; says autism was worse than the pandemic "The US government, instead of facing squarely its failure in response to Covid-19 and reflecting on its shortcomings, has tried to shift the blame and divert people's attention by shamelessly politicising SARS-Cov-2 origins tracing," the paper reads, as reported by the Express. Calling for a "thorough and in-depth investigation" into the pandemic's roots—this time on American soil—Chinese officials cite what they describe as "substantial evidence" that SARS-CoV-2 "might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially claimed timeline and earlier than the outbreak in China." Also read | COVID-19 'lab-leak' theory: What is it as per Trump's new website amid tariff war with China? What evidence does China have? Slamming the US, China's white paper says that the US "should not continue to pretend to be deaf and dumb" and answer the global community's questions. It accuses the US of making "China the primary scapegoat for its own mismanaged Covid-19 response. The US government's indifference and delayed actions wasted the precious time China had secured for the global fight against the pandemic." Among the evidence, it cites a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study that found Covid-19 antibodies in 106 out of 7,389 blood samples from nine states between December 2019 and January 2020. It also mentions a National Institutes of Health (NIH) analysis showing antibody presence across all 50 states by March 2020. Also read | Scientists develop common vaccine for COVID-19, flu and common cold A counteroffensive to US accusations? Beijing's bold move appears to be a direct rebuttal to mounting scrutiny from American intelligence agencies. US intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI now acknowledge that a lab leak from Wuhan remains a plausible theory. Meanwhile, many scientists still support a zoonotic origin, where the virus jumped from animals to humans.

China accuses US of being Covid-19 ground zero in fiery white paper, claims America 'tried to shift the blame'

Delhi is witnessing a surge in Influenza B and H1N1 cases across all age groups, leading to increased hospitalisations. Watch this report for more details!

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While COVID-19 vaccines did not cause any side effects for the majority of people, some people experience &lsquo;post-vaccination syndrome&rsquo; (PVS), a condition in which people have chronic symptoms that may last for months or even years.
A team of researchers from Yale School of Medicine identified &ldquo;potential immunological patterns&rdquo; in people with PVS. The findings may help pave the way for future treatments, the New York Post reported.
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&ldquo;This work is still in its early stages, and we need to validate these findings,&rdquo; said co-senior study author Akiko Iwasaki in a press release. He is a Sterling Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine.
&ldquo;But this is giving us some hope that there may be something that we can use for diagnosis and treatment of PVS down the road.&rdquo;
According to the researchers, people with this condition suffer from extreme fatigue, exercise intolerance, brain fog, insomnia, and dizziness. The symptoms develop within a day or two of vaccination and can get worse over time.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s clear that some individuals are experiencing significant challenges after vaccination. Our responsibility as scientists and clinicians is to listen to their experiences, rigorously investigate the underlying causes, and seek ways to help,&rdquo; said co-senior author Harlan Krumholz, professor of cardiology at YSM.
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The researchers studied the blood samples of 42 participants who were experiencing PVS symptoms and 22 who were not.
<h2>Findings of study</h2>
The study revealed that people with PVS symptoms had lower levels of two types of white blood cells, while people with PVS who never had COVID also had lesser antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, likely due to fewer vaccine doses.
&ldquo;Fewer vaccine doses and no viral infection means the body&rsquo;s immune system has had little opportunity to develop a defence to the virus,&rdquo; the researchers said.
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Some people with PVS also showed high levels of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which allows the virus to infect host cells. This has often been linked with an increased risk of developing long COVID.
&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t know if the level of spike protein is causing the chronic symptoms, because there were other participants with PVS who didn&rsquo;t have any measurable spike protein&mdash;but it could be one mechanism underlying this syndrome,&rdquo; said Iwasaki.
Apart from elevated spike proteins, other factors, including autoimmunity, tissue damage, and reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), may also increase the risk of PVS.
<h2>Future research</h2>
The study highlights that a very small percentage of people who received COVID-19 vaccines and experienced prolonged side effects have a persistent spike protein and may also experience immune disruption.
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&ldquo;We&rsquo;re only just starting to make headway in understanding PVS,&rdquo; said Krumholz. &ldquo;Every medical intervention carries some risk, and it&rsquo;s important to acknowledge that adverse events can occur with vaccines.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Our focus must remain on understanding what these people are experiencing through rigorous science and addressing the needs of those affected with compassion and an open mind.&rdquo;
The researchers agreed that the matter needs to be further studied to understand how common this condition is and how to predict and treat it.
(With inputs from agencies)

Science & tech | Science: The study revealed that people with PVS symptoms had lower levels of two types of white blood cells, while people with PVS who never had COVID also had lesser antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

While COVID-19 vaccines did not cause any side effects for the majority of people, some people experience ‘post-vaccination syndrome’ (PVS), a condition in which people have chronic symptoms that may last for months or even years. A team of researchers from Yale School of Medicine identified “potential immunological patterns” in people with PVS. The findings may help pave the way for future treatments, the New York Post reported. Also read | Cardiac arrest cases rising after Covid pandemic? “This work is still in its early stages, and we need to validate these findings,” said co-senior study author Akiko Iwasaki in a press release. He is a Sterling Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. “But this is giving us some hope that there may be something that we can use for diagnosis and treatment of PVS down the road.” According to the researchers, people with this condition suffer from extreme fatigue, exercise intolerance, brain fog, insomnia, and dizziness. The symptoms develop within a day or two of vaccination and can get worse over time. “It’s clear that some individuals are experiencing significant challenges after vaccination. Our responsibility as scientists and clinicians is to listen to their experiences, rigorously investigate the underlying causes, and seek ways to help,” said co-senior author Harlan Krumholz, professor of cardiology at YSM. Also read | Another year, another pandemic? China discovers new bat coronavirus that poses risks to humans The researchers studied the blood samples of 42 participants who were experiencing PVS symptoms and 22 who were not. Findings of study The study revealed that people with PVS symptoms had lower levels of two types of white blood cells, while people with PVS who never had COVID also had lesser antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, likely due to fewer vaccine doses. “Fewer vaccine doses and no viral infection means the body’s immune system has had little opportunity to develop a defence to the virus,” the researchers said. Also read | No, humans did not really change Moon's temperatures during Covid lockdown: Study Some people with PVS also showed high levels of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which allows the virus to infect host cells. This has often been linked with an increased risk of developing long COVID. “We don’t know if the level of spike protein is causing the chronic symptoms, because there were other participants with PVS who didn’t have any measurable spike protein—but it could be one mechanism underlying this syndrome,” said Iwasaki. Apart from elevated spike proteins, other factors, including autoimmunity, tissue damage, and reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), may also increase the risk of PVS. Future research The study highlights that a very small percentage of people who received COVID-19 vaccines and experienced prolonged side effects have a persistent spike protein and may also experience immune disruption. Also read | Study raises safety concerns over some imported generic drugs “We’re only just starting to make headway in understanding PVS,” said Krumholz. “Every medical intervention carries some risk, and it’s important to acknowledge that adverse events can occur with vaccines.” “Our focus must remain on understanding what these people are experiencing through rigorous science and addressing the needs of those affected with compassion and an open mind.” The researchers agreed that the matter needs to be further studied to understand how common this condition is and how to predict and treat it. (With inputs from agencies)

Why do COVID vaccines cause chronic issues for some? Here’s what researchers say

Chinese scientists have found a new bat coronavirus that carries the risk of animal-to-human transmission and is similar to the one that caused the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;
The virus named HKU5-CoV-2, was found to use the same human receptor as SARA-CoV-2, which was responsible for COVID-19, South China Morning Post reported.&nbsp;
Chinese research team led by virologist Shi Zhengli discovered HKU5-CoV-2. Zhengli is also known as "Batwoman" for her work on coronaviruses, especially at the Wuhan Institute, the centre of the theory suggesting COVID-19 came from a lab leak, which was denied by Zhengli.&nbsp;
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This comes after a surge in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China raised fears of another Covid-style pandemic.
At that time, images of hospitals overcrowded with masked patients were being circulated widely on social media. However, health experts clarified, saying that HMPV is not like COVID, and has been around for many years.&nbsp;
They added that China and other countries are just experiencing the seasonal increase in HMPV, which is usually seen in winter.&nbsp;
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<h2>What is HKU5-CoV-2?</h2>
According to some studies, it originated in bats and jumped to humans through an intermediate animal host. However, there is still no consensus on the origin of the virus.&nbsp;
Shi Zhengli denied that the institute was to blame for the outbreak.&nbsp;
The latest discovery of this virus is a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus first identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong.&nbsp;
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It comes from the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers).
Moreover, this research involved scientists from the Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell on Tuesday.
According to the report, HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor, the same receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells.&nbsp;
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"We report the discovery and isolation of a distinct lineage (lineage 2) of HKU5-CoV, which can utilise not only bat ACE2 but also human ACE2 and various mammalian ACE2 orthologs," the scientists said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The virus named HKU5-CoV-2, was found to use the same human receptor as SARA-CoV-2, which was responsible for COVID-19, South China Morning Post reported.

Chinese scientists have found a new bat coronavirus that carries the risk of animal-to-human transmission and is similar to the one that caused the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus named HKU5-CoV-2, was found to use the same human receptor as SARA-CoV-2, which was responsible for COVID-19, South China Morning Post reported. Chinese research team led by virologist Shi Zhengli discovered HKU5-CoV-2. Zhengli is also known as "Batwoman" for her work on coronaviruses, especially at the Wuhan Institute, the centre of the theory suggesting COVID-19 came from a lab leak, which was denied by Zhengli. Also read: From pandemic to inflation: Challenges faced by Joe Biden in his presidency This comes after a surge in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China raised fears of another Covid-style pandemic. At that time, images of hospitals overcrowded with masked patients were being circulated widely on social media. However, health experts clarified, saying that HMPV is not like COVID, and has been around for many years. They added that China and other countries are just experiencing the seasonal increase in HMPV, which is usually seen in winter. Also read: How to stay safe from HMPV? WION asks experts as virus spreads across globe What is HKU5-CoV-2? According to some studies, it originated in bats and jumped to humans through an intermediate animal host. However, there is still no consensus on the origin of the virus. Shi Zhengli denied that the institute was to blame for the outbreak. The latest discovery of this virus is a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus first identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong. Also read: UK experts call on China to provide key information on HMPV outbreak as cases double in Britain It comes from the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers). Moreover, this research involved scientists from the Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell on Tuesday. According to the report, HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor, the same receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells. Also read: Why is there no HMPV vaccine despite the virus's discovery 24 years ago? "We report the discovery and isolation of a distinct lineage (lineage 2) of HKU5-CoV, which can utilise not only bat ACE2 but also human ACE2 and various mammalian ACE2 orthologs," the scientists said. (With inputs from agencies)

Another year, another pandemic? China discovers new bat coronavirus that poses risks to humans

A woman died after suffering a heart attack while dancing at a wedding in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha. WION decodes, what is causing a sudden rise in cardiac arrests or heart attacks post Covid pandemic.

Cardiac arrest cases rising after Covid pandemic?

India commemorates its 76th Republic Day on Sunday. The celebrations begin early in the morning, drawing tens of thousands to the national capital for the grand parade.
Meanwhile,&nbsp;the CIA shifted its stance on COVID-19 origin suggesting that a lab-related incident is "more likely" than natural transmission through animals.&nbsp;
In other news,&nbsp;the United States on Sunday extended greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day.
Click on the headlines to read more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/republic-day-2025-live-us-extends-greetings-to-india-on-republic-day-8654335">Republic Day 2025 LIVE: Iconic parade at New Delhi's Kartavya Path begins</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/26/E8avsTtjgi0ku6xlQQB2.png" alt=" Republic Day 2025: A look at all the updates. Photograph: (Agencies) ">
India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day on Sunday. The celebrations began early in the morning, drawing tens of thousands to the national capital for the grand parade.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-covid-19-origin-lab-leak-donald-trumps-cia-pick-john-ratcliffe-takes-charge-8654524">CIA says lab leak 'more likely' origin of COVID-19, but with 'low confidence' as Ratcliffe takes charge</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/26/EK9J3M8CxbecrxpcO0QO.png" alt=" CIA says lab leak 'more likely' origin of Covid-19, but with 'low confidence' Photograph: (Reuters, Wion Web Team) ">
For years, the CIA maintained that it lacked sufficient evidence to determine whether COVID-19 originated from a wet market in Wuhan, China, or an accidental lab leak. However, the agency has now adjusted its stance, suggesting that a lab-related incident is "more likely" than natural transmission through animals.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/worlds-largest-democracy-us-sends-warm-wishes-to-india-on-its-76th-republic-day-8654355">&lsquo;World's largest democracy': US sends warm wishes to India on 76th Republic Day</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/26/r66mgI3L7vztCapEeFxA.jpg" alt=" US sends warm wishes to India on 76th Republic Day Photograph: (AFP) ">
The United States on Sunday extended greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day, emphasising the shared values of the two democracies. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio talked about the importance of India-US ties, calling it a "defining relationship of the 21st century."<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-covid-19-origin-lab-leak-donald-trumps-cia-pick-john-ratcliffe-takes-charge-8654524"></a>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-trump-wants-jordan-egypt-other-arab-nations-to-accept-more-refugees-8654488">Gaza war: Trump wants Jordan, Egypt, &amp; other Arab nations to accept more refugees</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/26/tIwkN3V23EhehgegUThD.png" alt=" Trump (as seen on left) said that the whole of Gaza Strip is a complete mess. Photograph: (Reuters) " style="width: 1280px;">
United States (US) President Donald Trump said on Saturday (January 25) that he would like to see Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations increase the number of Palestinian refugees they were accepting from the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Watch : Indian Budget 2025: Focus on taxes
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Kickstart your morning with WION's concise news brief, delivering global headlines and insights to keep you informed and ready for the day ahead.

India commemorates its 76th Republic Day on Sunday. The celebrations begin early in the morning, drawing tens of thousands to the national capital for the grand parade. Meanwhile, the CIA shifted its stance on COVID-19 origin suggesting that a lab-related incident is "more likely" than natural transmission through animals. In other news, the United States on Sunday extended greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day. Click on the headlines to read more Republic Day 2025 LIVE: Iconic parade at New Delhi's Kartavya Path begins India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day on Sunday. The celebrations began early in the morning, drawing tens of thousands to the national capital for the grand parade. CIA says lab leak 'more likely' origin of COVID-19, but with 'low confidence' as Ratcliffe takes charge For years, the CIA maintained that it lacked sufficient evidence to determine whether COVID-19 originated from a wet market in Wuhan, China, or an accidental lab leak. However, the agency has now adjusted its stance, suggesting that a lab-related incident is "more likely" than natural transmission through animals. ‘World's largest democracy': US sends warm wishes to India on 76th Republic Day The United States on Sunday extended greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day, emphasising the shared values of the two democracies. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio talked about the importance of India-US ties, calling it a "defining relationship of the 21st century." Gaza war: Trump wants Jordan, Egypt, & other Arab nations to accept more refugees United States (US) President Donald Trump said on Saturday (January 25) that he would like to see Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations increase the number of Palestinian refugees they were accepting from the war-torn Gaza Strip. Watch : Indian Budget 2025: Focus on taxes

Morning news brief: India celebrates 76th Republic Day; CIA backs COVID-19 lab origin theory, and more

Over five years after the Covid pandemic originated in China and led to worldwide health chaos, the country is now facing another virus outbreak.&nbsp;
According to reports and social media posts, China is dealing with an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
As per social media posts, a state of emergency has been declared in China as not just HMPV, but other viruses including Influenza A are rapidly spreading.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about HMPV:
<h2>What is HMPV?</h2>
According to the Cleveland Clinic, HMPV usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. Most of the cases of HMPV are mild, but young children, adults over the age of 65 and people with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk for serious illness.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-facing-hmpv-outbreak-symptoms-and-precautions-8587512" rel="dofollow">HMPV outbreak in China? Amid viral videos and govt ambiguity, know symptoms and precautions</a>
Cleveland Clinic says that HMPV often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, and asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.
The infections are more common during winter and early spring.
<h2>What causes HMPV?</h2>
"A virus &mdash; a small germ that uses your cells to make more copies of itself &mdash; causes HMPV. It&rsquo;s part of the same group of viruses that cause RSV, measles and mumps," Cleveland Clinic says.&nbsp;
<h2>What are the symptoms?</h2>
The symptoms include- cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rash.
<h2>How does the virus spread?</h2>
HMPV transmits through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-dealing-with-new-epidemic-five-years-after-covid-19-claim-reports-8586676" rel="dofollow">China dealing with new epidemic five years after COVID-19, claim reports</a>
The virus can spread by coughing and sneezing; shaking hands, hugging or kissing; and touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys.
<h2>What precautions should be observed?</h2>
These precautions can be observed to avoid getting infected:
&gt; Washing hands often with soap or using a hand sanitiser.
&gt; Covering nose or mouth while sneezing or coughing.
&gt; Wearing a mask when you're sick and cannot avoid being around others.
&gt; Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.
&gt; Avoid sharing food or eating in same utensils.
<h2>How can HMPV be treated?</h2>
Doctors treat HMPV with the following methods- oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and corticosteroids.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

HMPV, which stands for human metapneumovirus, is more common during winter and early spring. Though most cases are mild, certain categories of people are at a higher risk for serious illness. 

Over five years after the Covid pandemic originated in China and led to worldwide health chaos, the country is now facing another virus outbreak. According to reports and social media posts, China is dealing with an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). As per social media posts, a state of emergency has been declared in China as not just HMPV, but other viruses including Influenza A are rapidly spreading. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about HMPV: What is HMPV? According to the Cleveland Clinic, HMPV usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. Most of the cases of HMPV are mild, but young children, adults over the age of 65 and people with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk for serious illness. Also read | HMPV outbreak in China? Amid viral videos and govt ambiguity, know symptoms and precautions Cleveland Clinic says that HMPV often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, and asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. The infections are more common during winter and early spring. What causes HMPV? "A virus — a small germ that uses your cells to make more copies of itself — causes HMPV. It’s part of the same group of viruses that cause RSV, measles and mumps," Cleveland Clinic says. What are the symptoms? The symptoms include- cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rash. How does the virus spread? HMPV transmits through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus. Also read | China dealing with new epidemic five years after COVID-19, claim reports The virus can spread by coughing and sneezing; shaking hands, hugging or kissing; and touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys. What precautions should be observed? These precautions can be observed to avoid getting infected: > Washing hands often with soap or using a hand sanitiser. > Covering nose or mouth while sneezing or coughing. > Wearing a mask when you're sick and cannot avoid being around others. > Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean. > Avoid sharing food or eating in same utensils. How can HMPV be treated? Doctors treat HMPV with the following methods- oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and corticosteroids. (With inputs from agencies)

China faces new virus outbreak- What is HMPV? A few FAQs answered

According to reports, China has been battling an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV.  As per the information available so far, HMPV causes symptoms similar to influenza as well as COVID-19.

Five Years After COVID Outbreak, China Has a Mysterious Virus Outbreak

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who found evidence that a Chinese lab leak caused COVID-19, was "silenced" and was not allowed to present the findings from the August 2021 report to US President Joe Biden, The New York Post reported.&nbsp;
The report concluded that the virus behind COVID-19 was "probably not genetically engineered".&nbsp;
During that time, a popular theory emerged, suggesting that the virus spread from a bat at a Wuhan wet market, the place where the virus was first reported in 2019.&nbsp;
President Biden ordered an inquiry in May 2021 by US intelligence agencies and national laboratories. The National Intelligence Council (NIC), a body of senior intelligence officers organised the review, in which the findings were presented by Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence (DNI), and two of her senior analysts, to President Biden and his top aides.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-lab-leak-likely-behind-covid-pandemic-finds-us-investigation-780981" rel="dofollow">Also read: Wuhan lab leak likely behind Covid pandemic, finds US investigation STORY HIGHLIGHTS</a>
Jason Bannan, a former senior scientist at the FBI, said that he is surprised that the findings were not presented to the president, given the agency's confidence in its assessment.&nbsp;
Bannan, a microbiologist and former senior FBI scientist, spent much of his life investigating the origins of COVID-19, along with the FBI.
He was excluded from a key National Intelligence Council (NIC) briefing with US President Biden, The New York Post reported.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-likely-to-pick-john-hopkins-surgeon-covid-mandate-martin-makary-to-lead-fda-say-sources-778076" rel="dofollow">Also read: Trump likely to pick John Hopkins surgeon, COVID mandate critic Martin Makary to lead FDA, say sources</a>
&ldquo;The scientists who had the subject matter expertise were silenced,&rdquo; a source said according to the Post, adding that the US President and other officials were "completely unwitting" about the evidence.&nbsp;
Bannan also stressed that the FBI was the only agency that firmly believed the virus likely originated from a laboratory, yet it wasn&rsquo;t invited to share its findings.&nbsp;
<h2>'Surprising that White House didn't ask'</h2>
&ldquo;Being the only agency that assessed that a laboratory origin was more likely, and the agency that expressed the highest level of confidence in its analysis of the source of the pandemic, we anticipated the FBI would be asked to attend the briefing,&rdquo; Bannan said.
&nbsp;&ldquo;I find it surprising that the White House didn&rsquo;t ask," he added.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sent-covid-test-kits-to-putin-while-americans-died-explosive-new-book-reveals-his-shocking-betrayal-765783" rel="dofollow">Also read: Trump sent COVID test kits to Putin while Americans died? Explosive new book reveals his shocking betrayal</a>
Meanwhile, whistleblower Lt. Col. Joseph Murphy said that federal grant documents outlining a "blueprint" for engineering viruses like SARS-CoV-2 were inappropriately classified.
Bannan has now emphasised the need to reexamine what was left out of the intelligence community&rsquo;s review.&nbsp;
&ldquo;What ended up on the intelligence community&rsquo;s cutting-room floor needs to be re-examined," he said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Jason Bannan, a former senior scientist at the FBI, said that he is surprised that the findings were not presented to the president, given the agency's confidence in its assessment. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who found evidence that a Chinese lab leak caused COVID-19, was "silenced" and was not allowed to present the findings from the August 2021 report to US President Joe Biden, The New York Post reported. The report concluded that the virus behind COVID-19 was "probably not genetically engineered". During that time, a popular theory emerged, suggesting that the virus spread from a bat at a Wuhan wet market, the place where the virus was first reported in 2019. President Biden ordered an inquiry in May 2021 by US intelligence agencies and national laboratories. The National Intelligence Council (NIC), a body of senior intelligence officers organised the review, in which the findings were presented by Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence (DNI), and two of her senior analysts, to President Biden and his top aides. Also read: Wuhan lab leak likely behind Covid pandemic, finds US investigation STORY HIGHLIGHTS Jason Bannan, a former senior scientist at the FBI, said that he is surprised that the findings were not presented to the president, given the agency's confidence in its assessment. Bannan, a microbiologist and former senior FBI scientist, spent much of his life investigating the origins of COVID-19, along with the FBI. He was excluded from a key National Intelligence Council (NIC) briefing with US President Biden, The New York Post reported. Also read: Trump likely to pick John Hopkins surgeon, COVID mandate critic Martin Makary to lead FDA, say sources “The scientists who had the subject matter expertise were silenced,” a source said according to the Post, adding that the US President and other officials were "completely unwitting" about the evidence. Bannan also stressed that the FBI was the only agency that firmly believed the virus likely originated from a laboratory, yet it wasn’t invited to share its findings. 'Surprising that White House didn't ask' “Being the only agency that assessed that a laboratory origin was more likely, and the agency that expressed the highest level of confidence in its analysis of the source of the pandemic, we anticipated the FBI would be asked to attend the briefing,” Bannan said. “I find it surprising that the White House didn’t ask," he added. Also read: Trump sent COVID test kits to Putin while Americans died? Explosive new book reveals his shocking betrayal Meanwhile, whistleblower Lt. Col. Joseph Murphy said that federal grant documents outlining a "blueprint" for engineering viruses like SARS-CoV-2 were inappropriately classified. Bannan has now emphasised the need to reexamine what was left out of the intelligence community’s review. “What ended up on the intelligence community’s cutting-room floor needs to be re-examined," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US spy chiefs 'silenced' FBI from briefing Joe Biden about COVID lab leak evidence: Report

The FBI allegedly suppressed evidence from the U.S. Defense Department and researchers supporting the theory that COVID-19 originated from a Chinese lab. According to The Post, this evidence was omitted from an August 2021 report presented to President Joe Biden, which concluded that the virus was "probably not genetically engineered."

Report: FBI Evidence Of Lab Leak Causing Covid-19 Withheld From Biden | WION | World News

Covid lab leak evidence: Was FBI barred from briefing Biden?

Years after the Covid pandemic devastated the world, a US enquiry has concluded that the coronavirus likely leaked from a Chinese laboratory.

The two-year-long investigation into the outbreak that killed 1.1 million Americans by the Republican-led House Select Subcommittee on the Pandemic made the conclusion on Monday (Dec 2). It backs the theory that the Covid-19 virus likely originated from a laboratory accident in Wuhan, China, where it first emerged.&nbsp;

<h2>What the US Covid probe report says</h2>

The 520-page report reviewed the federal and state-level responses, the virus' origins, and vaccination efforts.

In a letter to the US Congress, panel chairperson Brad Wenstrup said: "This work will help the United States, and the world, predict the next pandemic, prepare for the next pandemic, protect ourselves from the next pandemic, and hopefully prevent the next pandemic."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-slams-hamass-campaign-of-cruelty-expresses-outrage-over-us-israeli-soldiers-death-780979">Israel-Hamas war: Biden slams 'Hamas's campaign of cruelty,' expresses outrage over US-Israeli soldier's death</a>

The report supports the lab leak hypothesis, which posits that SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid-19, escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

According to AFP news agency, the panel reached its conclusion after 25 meetings, over 30 interviews, and a review of more than one million documents. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The investigation included testimony from Dr Anthony Fauci, the Former Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States. Republicans blame the 83-year-old immunologist for the pandemic and allege that he funded Chinese scientists who engineered the virus. Fauci, however, denies allegations of a cover-up. Appearing before the panel in June, he asserted that it was "molecularly impossible" for the bat viruses studied in Wuhan to be engineered into SARS-CoV-2.

Despite that, the panel's report said SARS-CoV-2 "likely emerged because of a laboratory or research-related accident." 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
The report accused the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of funding "gain-of-function" research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. This type of research enhances viruses to better understand potential threats.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-trump-to-attend-notre-dames-grand-reopening-in-paris-780983">US president-elect Trump to attend Notre Dame’s grand reopening in Paris</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Covid measures criticised</h2>

The subcommittee found that key public health measures like lockdowns caused "more harm than good."&nbsp;

It said that mask mandates were "ineffective at controlling the spread" of COVID-19, and even slammed social distancing guidelines. These conclusions contradict other studies that show such measures helped curb virus transmission. &nbsp;

The Republican report also said Operation Warp Speed, the Trump-era initiative to fast-track vaccine development, was a "tremendous success."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Years after the Covid pandemic devastated the world, a US enquiry has concluded that the coronavirus likely leaked from a Chinese laboratory. The two-year-long investigation into the outbreak that killed 1.

Years after the Covid pandemic devastated the world, a US enquiry has concluded that the coronavirus likely leaked from a Chinese laboratory. The two-year-long investigation into the outbreak that killed 1.1 million Americans by the Republican-led House Select Subcommittee on the Pandemic made the conclusion on Monday (Dec 2). It backs the theory that the Covid-19 virus likely originated from a laboratory accident in Wuhan, China, where it first emerged. What the US Covid probe report says The 520-page report reviewed the federal and state-level responses, the virus' origins, and vaccination efforts. In a letter to the US Congress, panel chairperson Brad Wenstrup said: "This work will help the United States, and the world, predict the next pandemic, prepare for the next pandemic, protect ourselves from the next pandemic, and hopefully prevent the next pandemic." Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Biden slams 'Hamas's campaign of cruelty,' expresses outrage over US-Israeli soldier's death The report supports the lab leak hypothesis, which posits that SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid-19, escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. According to AFP news agency, the panel reached its conclusion after 25 meetings, over 30 interviews, and a review of more than one million documents. The investigation included testimony from Dr Anthony Fauci, the Former Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States. Republicans blame the 83-year-old immunologist for the pandemic and allege that he funded Chinese scientists who engineered the virus. Fauci, however, denies allegations of a cover-up. Appearing before the panel in June, he asserted that it was "molecularly impossible" for the bat viruses studied in Wuhan to be engineered into SARS-CoV-2. Despite that, the panel's report said SARS-CoV-2 "likely emerged because of a laboratory or research-related accident." The report accused the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of funding "gain-of-function" research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. This type of research enhances viruses to better understand potential threats. Also read | US president-elect Trump to attend Notre Dame’s grand reopening in Paris Covid measures criticised The subcommittee found that key public health measures like lockdowns caused "more harm than good." It said that mask mandates were "ineffective at controlling the spread" of COVID-19, and even slammed social distancing guidelines. These conclusions contradict other studies that show such measures helped curb virus transmission. The Republican report also said Operation Warp Speed, the Trump-era initiative to fast-track vaccine development, was a "tremendous success." (With inputs from agencies)

Wuhan lab leak likely behind Covid pandemic, finds US investigation

The effects of COVID-19 can be subtle and easily confused with common colds or flu, particularly as widespread vaccination and previous infections have generally reduced symptom severity. However, a crucial distinction lies in the virus's potential to silently harm the cardiovascular system.&nbsp;

A recent study by American scientists, published last week, tracked 10,000 individuals in the UK who contracted COVID-19 during the initial pandemic wave. The research revealed that these individuals faced double the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in the subsequent three years compared to those who remained uninfected. For patients whose Covid-19 case required hospitalisation, this risk increased fourfold.&nbsp;

<h3 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4675df41-5728-459c-8c65-bcb532d627f7}{31}" paraid="1482061686" >Pre-vaccination cases&nbsp;</h3>

Although these findings primarily pertain to early pandemic infections, before vaccine availability, they have raised significant concerns among medical experts. This is despite the study's focus on pre-vaccination cases. &nbsp;

“The problem is that the heart simply cannot repair itself, so any damage is there for life,” says Angela Clerk, a professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Reading, according to The Telegraph. She added, “It is also a robust organ that tends to not give much indication it is failing until it is too late, so, in my view, it could be many years before we can assess how much additional damage was done to people’s hearts by the Covid pandemic.”&nbsp;

<h3 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a84ffae7-0ce6-453c-b2af-e852fb095d67}{48}" paraid="1248326990" >Are you at risk of a heart attack if you’ve had Covid?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>

Recent research indicates that a COVID-19 infection might elevate the risk of heart attacks for up to three years post-infection. The virus is known to affect the heart through various mechanisms.&nbsp;

One way Covid-19 can impact cardiovascular health is by causing abnormal blood clotting. Prof Jon Gibbins, from the University of Reading's Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, explains that this may be due to antibodies inadvertently triggering unnecessary clotting.&nbsp;

Another concern is myocarditis, or heart inflammation, which affects approximately one in eight hospitalised Covid patients. This condition can result from the virus directly attacking heart muscle cells or from an overactive immune response to the infection. Severe cases of myocarditis may increase vulnerability to heart attacks.&nbsp;

Severe Covid infections can damage the lungs, forcing the heart to work harder to oxygenate blood. Prof Clerk notes that while the heart can adapt short-term, prolonged stress may lead to heart failure.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-people-in-the-north-might-be-staring-at-a-tripledemic-heres-what-it-means-768949">People in the north might be staring at a 'tripledemic'. Here's what it means</a>

<h3 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4675df41-5728-459c-8c65-bcb532d627f7}{114}" paraid="114161104" >How to protect your heart?&nbsp;</h3>

It's important to note that most Covid cases are asymptomatic or mild, with no known long-term complications. To protect heart health, Prof Clerk recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, managing stress, and moderating alcohol consumption. She emphasises the importance of heart care, stating, "You have only one heart that has to last your lifetime, so you need to look after it."&nbsp;

The effects of COVID-19 can be subtle and easily confused with common colds or flu, particularly as widespread vaccination and previous infections have generally reduced symptom severity.

The effects of COVID-19 can be subtle and easily confused with common colds or flu, particularly as widespread vaccination and previous infections have generally reduced symptom severity. However, a crucial distinction lies in the virus's potential to silently harm the cardiovascular system. A recent study by American scientists, published last week, tracked 10,000 individuals in the UK who contracted COVID-19 during the initial pandemic wave. The research revealed that these individuals faced double the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in the subsequent three years compared to those who remained uninfected. For patients whose Covid-19 case required hospitalisation, this risk increased fourfold. Pre-vaccination cases Although these findings primarily pertain to early pandemic infections, before vaccine availability, they have raised significant concerns among medical experts. This is despite the study's focus on pre-vaccination cases. “The problem is that the heart simply cannot repair itself, so any damage is there for life,” says Angela Clerk, a professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Reading, according to The Telegraph. She added, “It is also a robust organ that tends to not give much indication it is failing until it is too late, so, in my view, it could be many years before we can assess how much additional damage was done to people’s hearts by the Covid pandemic.” Are you at risk of a heart attack if you’ve had Covid? Recent research indicates that a COVID-19 infection might elevate the risk of heart attacks for up to three years post-infection. The virus is known to affect the heart through various mechanisms. One way Covid-19 can impact cardiovascular health is by causing abnormal blood clotting. Prof Jon Gibbins, from the University of Reading's Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, explains that this may be due to antibodies inadvertently triggering unnecessary clotting. Another concern is myocarditis, or heart inflammation, which affects approximately one in eight hospitalised Covid patients. This condition can result from the virus directly attacking heart muscle cells or from an overactive immune response to the infection. Severe cases of myocarditis may increase vulnerability to heart attacks. Severe Covid infections can damage the lungs, forcing the heart to work harder to oxygenate blood. Prof Clerk notes that while the heart can adapt short-term, prolonged stress may lead to heart failure. Also read: People in the north might be staring at a 'tripledemic'. Here's what it means How to protect your heart? It's important to note that most Covid cases are asymptomatic or mild, with no known long-term complications. To protect heart health, Prof Clerk recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, managing stress, and moderating alcohol consumption. She emphasises the importance of heart care, stating, "You have only one heart that has to last your lifetime, so you need to look after it."

Is the risk of heart attack more severe for those infected with Covid?

A new study has identified a possible link between COVID-19 infection and a raised risk for stroke and heart attack. Watch to know more.

Covid-19 May Increase Heart Attack And Stroke Risk For Years

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee for the upcoming US Elections, is under the magnifying glass for his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Tuesday (Oct 15), when asked about his alleged "personal relationship" with Putin, Trump in an evasive manner commented, "I don't talk about that".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1962}">The Trump-Putin friendship</h2>

Earlier this month, a new book by the journalist Bob Woodward revealed that Trump has maintained a "personal relationship" with Putin, and the two leaders have spoken several times since the Republican left office in 2021.

On Tuesday, during an appearance at the Economic Club of Chicago, the interviewer John Micklethwait, the editor-in-chief of Bloomberg News, asked Trump about the rumoured friendship.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:703,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2124}" data-ved="2ahUKEwjmqq_nh5KJAxU1S2wGHWFjDzgQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sent-covid-test-kits-to-putin-while-americans-died-explosive-new-book-reveals-his-shocking-betrayal-765783" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sent-covid-test-kits-to-putin-while-americans-died-explosive-new-book-reveals-his-shocking-betrayal-765783&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmqq_nh5KJAxU1S2wGHWFjDzgQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Trump sent COVID test kits to Putin while Americans died? Explosive new book reveals his shocking betrayal</a>

"Can you say yes or no, whether you have talked to Vladimir Putin since you stopped being president?" he asked.

Trump did not deny these interactions but responded, "Well, I don't comment on that, but I will tell you that if I did, it’s a smart thing"

"If I'm friendly with people, if I can have a relationship with people, that's a good thing, not a bad thing in terms of a country. He's got 2,000 nuclear weapons and so do we."

The interviewer further prodded the ex-president, "That sounds very much like you did talk to him."

To this, Trump said,&nbsp;"No, I don't talk about that."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:514,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2391}">Why is the friendship controversial?</h2>

Trump's potentially contacting Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaving office contradicts his previous outrage over former Secretary of State John Kerry's conversations with foreign officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:608,&quot;w&quot;:706,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2485}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-much-too-late-georgia-judge-temporarily-halts-controversial-hand-counting-rule-767837">'Too much, too late': Georgia judge temporarily halts controversial ballot hand-counting rule</a>

The Republican, while he was the US president, had labelled Kerry's interactions about preserving the nuclear agreement with Iranian officials, as a betrayal of the United States. He said that it was a violation of the Logan Act, a 1799 statute barring private citizens from interfering in diplomatic relations with foreign governments, and even wanted Kerry to be "prosecuted" for that.

Bob Woodward's 'War' also&nbsp;alleged that Trump, when he was president for the first time, sent COVID test kits to his friend&nbsp;Putin. This happened even as the US reeled from a shortage during the coronavirus pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee for the upcoming US Elections, is under the magnifying glass for his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee for the upcoming US Elections, is under the magnifying glass for his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Tuesday (Oct 15), when asked about his alleged "personal relationship" with Putin, Trump in an evasive manner commented, "I don't talk about that". The Trump-Putin friendship Earlier this month, a new book by the journalist Bob Woodward revealed that Trump has maintained a "personal relationship" with Putin, and the two leaders have spoken several times since the Republican left office in 2021. On Tuesday, during an appearance at the Economic Club of Chicago, the interviewer John Micklethwait, the editor-in-chief of Bloomberg News, asked Trump about the rumoured friendship. Also read | Trump sent COVID test kits to Putin while Americans died? Explosive new book reveals his shocking betrayal "Can you say yes or no, whether you have talked to Vladimir Putin since you stopped being president?" he asked. Trump did not deny these interactions but responded, "Well, I don't comment on that, but I will tell you that if I did, it’s a smart thing" "If I'm friendly with people, if I can have a relationship with people, that's a good thing, not a bad thing in terms of a country. He's got 2,000 nuclear weapons and so do we." The interviewer further prodded the ex-president, "That sounds very much like you did talk to him." To this, Trump said, "No, I don't talk about that." Why is the friendship controversial? Trump's potentially contacting Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaving office contradicts his previous outrage over former Secretary of State John Kerry's conversations with foreign officials. Also read | 'Too much, too late': Georgia judge temporarily halts controversial ballot hand-counting rule The Republican, while he was the US president, had labelled Kerry's interactions about preserving the nuclear agreement with Iranian officials, as a betrayal of the United States. He said that it was a violation of the Logan Act, a 1799 statute barring private citizens from interfering in diplomatic relations with foreign governments, and even wanted Kerry to be "prosecuted" for that. Bob Woodward's 'War' also alleged that Trump, when he was president for the first time, sent COVID test kits to his friend Putin. This happened even as the US reeled from a shortage during the coronavirus pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump dodges questions about his friendship with Putin, says 'I don't comment on that'—what is he hiding?

Donald Trump is fighting hard to emerge victorious in the upcoming Nov 5 US Presidential elections. Still, a new revelation by an explosive new book, a famed reporter's opus, may&nbsp;affect his chances of being the next US President.

'War,' a book by Bob Woodward, has revealed that allegedly, Trump, when he was president for the first time, sent COVID test kits to his friend Russian President Vladimir Putin. This happened even as the US reeled from a shortage during the coronavirus pandemic.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:133,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1974}">Explosive revelations</h2>

Reportedly, in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was raging in America and elsewhere, Trump sent a batch of the coveted COVID-19 tests to Putin. While Putin accepted the shipment, he was concerned about potential political backlash for Trump and urged him to keep the transfer of medical supplies secret.&nbsp;

According to Woodward's book, Russian President Putin told Trump: "I don't want you to tell anybody because people will get mad at you, not me."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:292,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2133}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-refuses-to-call-netanyahu-close-ally-during-60-minutes-of-grilling-interview-765629">Kamala Harris refuses to call Netanyahu 'close ally' during 60 minutes interview</a>

In excerpts published by The Washington Post, the famed reporter alleges that Trump has maintained a "personal relationship" with Putin, and the two leaders have spoken several times since the Republican left office in 2021.

Citing an unnamed source, he indicates that the two leaders may have spoken up to seven times since then — despite the US's efforts to aid Ukraine in the Russia war, and the souring&nbsp;US-Russia relations.

Kremlin has confirmed that Trump sent the COVID tests, but denied allegations that former US President Donald Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as many as seven times after leaving office, reported.

In a conversation with the RBC daily, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "No, that's not true."

<h2>Who is Woodward?</h2>

Woodward is a reporter known for his extensive coverage of American presidents. According to AFP, he began his reportages with President Richard Nixon. Woodward, along with his colleague, had exposed the damning Watergate Scandal of the 1970s that led to Nixon's fall.

Now, reporting on Trump, he has remarked that Trump's friendship with Putin, an authoritarian president at war, makes him more unfit for the presidency than Nixon.

"Trump was the most reckless and impulsive president in American history and is demonstrating the very same character as a presidential candidate in 2024," he writes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:587,&quot;w&quot;:638,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2428}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-white-house-disgusted-as-trump-blames-illegal-immigrants-for-bad-genes-in-us-765407">Watch: White House 'disgusted' as Trump blames illegal immigrants for ‘bad genes in US’</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:623,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2464}">Harris reacts to the revelation</h2>

Trump's political rival Kamala Harris when asked about the book by radio host Howard Stern on Tuesday (Oct 8) said that during a health calamity that saw Americans "dying by the hundreds every day," Trump sent COVID kits to "a murderous dictator".

"Everybody was scrambling to get kits (and Trump) is sending them to Russia, to a murderous dictator for his personal use," said the Democratic Party presidential candidate.

However, the Trump campaign has slammed the book as "made up stories" by a "demented and deranged man who suffers from a debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome."

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump is fighting hard to emerge victorious in the upcoming Nov 5 US Presidential elections. Still, a new revelation by an explosive new book, a famed reporter's opus, may affect his chances of being the next US President.

Donald Trump is fighting hard to emerge victorious in the upcoming Nov 5 US Presidential elections. Still, a new revelation by an explosive new book, a famed reporter's opus, may affect his chances of being the next US President. 'War,' a book by Bob Woodward, has revealed that allegedly, Trump, when he was president for the first time, sent COVID test kits to his friend Russian President Vladimir Putin. This happened even as the US reeled from a shortage during the coronavirus pandemic. Explosive revelations Reportedly, in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was raging in America and elsewhere, Trump sent a batch of the coveted COVID-19 tests to Putin. While Putin accepted the shipment, he was concerned about potential political backlash for Trump and urged him to keep the transfer of medical supplies secret. According to Woodward's book, Russian President Putin told Trump: "I don't want you to tell anybody because people will get mad at you, not me." Also read | Kamala Harris refuses to call Netanyahu 'close ally' during 60 minutes interview In excerpts published by The Washington Post, the famed reporter alleges that Trump has maintained a "personal relationship" with Putin, and the two leaders have spoken several times since the Republican left office in 2021. Citing an unnamed source, he indicates that the two leaders may have spoken up to seven times since then — despite the US's efforts to aid Ukraine in the Russia war, and the souring US-Russia relations. Kremlin has confirmed that Trump sent the COVID tests, but denied allegations that former US President Donald Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as many as seven times after leaving office, reported. In a conversation with the RBC daily, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "No, that's not true." Who is Woodward? Woodward is a reporter known for his extensive coverage of American presidents. According to AFP, he began his reportages with President Richard Nixon. Woodward, along with his colleague, had exposed the damning Watergate Scandal of the 1970s that led to Nixon's fall. Now, reporting on Trump, he has remarked that Trump's friendship with Putin, an authoritarian president at war, makes him more unfit for the presidency than Nixon. "Trump was the most reckless and impulsive president in American history and is demonstrating the very same character as a presidential candidate in 2024," he writes. Also read | Watch: White House 'disgusted' as Trump blames illegal immigrants for ‘bad genes in US’ Harris reacts to the revelation Trump's political rival Kamala Harris when asked about the book by radio host Howard Stern on Tuesday (Oct 8) said that during a health calamity that saw Americans "dying by the hundreds every day," Trump sent COVID kits to "a murderous dictator". "Everybody was scrambling to get kits (and Trump) is sending them to Russia, to a murderous dictator for his personal use," said the Democratic Party presidential candidate. However, the Trump campaign has slammed the book as "made up stories" by a "demented and deranged man who suffers from a debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump sent COVID test kits to Putin while Americans died? Explosive new book reveals his shocking betrayal

Covid as the pandemic may be over, but many people are still fighting 'long Covid', the lingering aftereffects of the viral infection. Now, researchers&nbsp;seem to have found a cause for this.

Long Covid refers to&nbsp;the lasting symptoms experienced by some people who have been exposed to the virus. These symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, depression and anxiety.&nbsp;Millions of people in the world are currently going through long covid.

Based on brain scans, the researchers found that COVID-19 can inflame the brainstem tissue, which is the brain's control centre, in severe cases of infection.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-likelihood-covid-leaked-from-wuhan-lab-us-told-uk-three-other-allies-at-height-of-pandemic-718127">Also read: 'High likelihood' Covid leaked from Wuhan Lab: US told UK, three other allies at height of pandemic</a>

The researchers examined high-resolution MRI scans of 30 people who were infected before vaccines were made available for the deadly virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/covid-strain-jn1-could-trigger-a-global-heart-failure-pandemic-fear-experts-674600">Also read: Covid strain JN.1 could trigger a global 'heart failure pandemic', fear experts</a>

The scans showed inflammation of the brainstem, a crucial structure in the brain that regulates basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate.

The researchers hypothesise that the inflammation of the brain stem happens because severe infections trigger an immune response in that area.

This eventually results in long-lasting symptoms for months after hospitalisation.&nbsp;

Watch: China’s Covid Crime and Sinister Cover-Up Exposed | Shocking New Report

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The abnormalities observed in the scans on areas linked to breathing suggest the inflammation in the brainstem is likely contributing to these long-lasting effects, according to&nbsp;Dr Catarina Rua, a University of Cambridge neuroscientist and lead author of the study published in the journal Brain.

“We didn’t study people with long Covid, but they do often have long-lasting effects of breathlessness and fatigue, which are similar to the symptoms these very severely affected people had six months after they were hospitalised,” Rua was quoted as saying in The Guardian newspaper. “It does lead us to ask the question, do people with long Covid have any brainstem changes?”

The researchers reached the conclusion with the help of advanced 7 Tesla MRI technology.

The technology helped them identify 'microstructural abnormalities' in the brainstem tissue.

The inflammations were seen even six months after the initial hospitalisation of patients.

The study also found a link between inflammation of the brainstem and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, with those having the highest levels of inflammation showing the most severe symptoms.

The study is not conclusive about the causes of long Covid, but suggests that it is important to address inflammations during initial infection of the virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

Covid as the pandemic may be over, but many people are still fighting 'long Covid', the lingering aftereffects of the viral infection. Now, researchers seem to have found a cause for this.

Covid as the pandemic may be over, but many people are still fighting 'long Covid', the lingering aftereffects of the viral infection. Now, researchers seem to have found a cause for this. Long Covid refers to the lasting symptoms experienced by some people who have been exposed to the virus. These symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Millions of people in the world are currently going through long covid. Based on brain scans, the researchers found that COVID-19 can inflame the brainstem tissue, which is the brain's control centre, in severe cases of infection. Also read: 'High likelihood' Covid leaked from Wuhan Lab: US told UK, three other allies at height of pandemic The researchers examined high-resolution MRI scans of 30 people who were infected before vaccines were made available for the deadly virus. Also read: Covid strain JN.1 could trigger a global 'heart failure pandemic', fear experts The scans showed inflammation of the brainstem, a crucial structure in the brain that regulates basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The researchers hypothesise that the inflammation of the brain stem happens because severe infections trigger an immune response in that area. This eventually results in long-lasting symptoms for months after hospitalisation. Watch: China’s Covid Crime and Sinister Cover-Up Exposed | Shocking New Report × The abnormalities observed in the scans on areas linked to breathing suggest the inflammation in the brainstem is likely contributing to these long-lasting effects, according to Dr Catarina Rua, a University of Cambridge neuroscientist and lead author of the study published in the journal Brain. “We didn’t study people with long Covid, but they do often have long-lasting effects of breathlessness and fatigue, which are similar to the symptoms these very severely affected people had six months after they were hospitalised,” Rua was quoted as saying in The Guardian newspaper. “It does lead us to ask the question, do people with long Covid have any brainstem changes?” The researchers reached the conclusion with the help of advanced 7 Tesla MRI technology. The technology helped them identify 'microstructural abnormalities' in the brainstem tissue. The inflammations were seen even six months after the initial hospitalisation of patients. The study also found a link between inflammation of the brainstem and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, with those having the highest levels of inflammation showing the most severe symptoms. The study is not conclusive about the causes of long Covid, but suggests that it is important to address inflammations during initial infection of the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Long Covid cause found? Severe infections inflame brainstem, the control centre of brain, says study

Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, scientists have found, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the virus originated from an animal market in Wuhan. A new analysis of data from the wet market in Wuhan, China, provides an inventory of what was present when the virus first began spreading to people. They found humans, animals, and the virus that causes COVID-19. Watch in for more details!

China’s Covid Crime and Sinister Cover-Up Exposed | Shocking New Report

Nearly 5 years since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic and researchers intelligence agencies continued to tussle over the main scenarios for its origin. Watch to know more.

New study sheds light on Covid-19 origin

Covid -19 Outbreak: New study supports theory linked to Wuhan Market

Lessons learned from the Covid pandemic have left the world in a much better position to tackle the current mpox epidemic raging in Africa, according to the Gavi vaccine alliance.

The Covid catastrophe brought with it "important learnings, and those learnings were drawn upon", said Gavi chief Sania Nishtar.

"Those learnings cascaded into specific instruments that are now coming into play" against mpox, the former Pakistani health minister told AFP in an interview this week.

When Covid emerged in early 2020 and quickly began its deadly rampage around the globe, it revealed how completely unprepared the international community was to face such a global health crisis.&nbsp;

It also shone a light on glaring global vaccine inequity, as wealthy countries snapped up most doses, leaving Africa far behind.

Countries are still struggling to agree on a new pandemic treaty that could ensure the world is better prepared next time.

But Gavi, which works to swell vaccine access in poorer countries, has not waited for a global agreement to put in place measures to better position it to respond to emergencies, Nishtar said.

The organisation in June set up a $500-million First Response Fund, designed to make cash rapidly available for vaccines during health emergencies.

- 'Responsive' - 
"The learnings of Covid were that when the emergency hits, there wasn't money available," said Nishtar, who became the first woman to lead Gavi when she took the reins in March.&nbsp;

Gavi announced its first use of the fund on Wednesday, as it entered a deal with Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic to secure 500,000 doses of its MVA-BN mpox vaccine for use in African countries hit by the epidemic.

"We're drawing up to $50 million from the First Response Fund," Nishtar said, adding that the money would partially be used to cover the cost of the doses, and partially for overhead costs including for delivery and logistics.

"We're doing all we can to make sure that we can be as responsive and as quick as possible," she said.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.&nbsp;

It causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions, and can be deadly in some cases.

The World Health Organization declared an international emergency over mpox last month, concerned by the surge in cases of the new Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo, that spread to nearby countries.

Between January and the end of August, DRC had recorded nearly 22,000 cases and more than 700 deaths linked to the virus.

- 'Better scenario' - 
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has called for the continent to obtain 10 million doses. So far, it says just 3.6 million vaccines have been secured for Africa.

Last week, the World Health Organization gave the nod to the MVA-BN jab, for the first time pre-qualifying an mpox vaccine, paving the way for speeding up procurement by international organisations.

Nishtar said Gavi was "very glad to have moved very quickly".

She pointed out that just 35 days had passed between WHO's emergency declaration and Gavi's advance purchase deal for the MVA-BN doses, which "is as fast as you can get".

Gavi also decided in June to build a global stockpile of mpox vaccines, starting in 2026, as it has done for vaccines against cholera, Ebola, meningitis and yellow fever.&nbsp;

The organisation has also launched a vaccine production "accelerator" for Africa, capable of dishing out up to $1.2 billion over 10 years to speed up the expansion of vaccine manufacturing capabilities on the continent.

"All in all, we're in a much better scenario than we were with Covid," Nishtar said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Lessons learned from the Covid pandemic have left the world in a much better position to tackle the current mpox epidemic raging in Africa, according to the Gavi vaccine alliance.

Lessons learned from the Covid pandemic have left the world in a much better position to tackle the current mpox epidemic raging in Africa, according to the Gavi vaccine alliance. The Covid catastrophe brought with it "important learnings, and those learnings were drawn upon", said Gavi chief Sania Nishtar. "Those learnings cascaded into specific instruments that are now coming into play" against mpox, the former Pakistani health minister told AFP in an interview this week. When Covid emerged in early 2020 and quickly began its deadly rampage around the globe, it revealed how completely unprepared the international community was to face such a global health crisis. It also shone a light on glaring global vaccine inequity, as wealthy countries snapped up most doses, leaving Africa far behind. Countries are still struggling to agree on a new pandemic treaty that could ensure the world is better prepared next time. But Gavi, which works to swell vaccine access in poorer countries, has not waited for a global agreement to put in place measures to better position it to respond to emergencies, Nishtar said. The organisation in June set up a $500-million First Response Fund, designed to make cash rapidly available for vaccines during health emergencies. - 'Responsive' - "The learnings of Covid were that when the emergency hits, there wasn't money available," said Nishtar, who became the first woman to lead Gavi when she took the reins in March. Gavi announced its first use of the fund on Wednesday, as it entered a deal with Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic to secure 500,000 doses of its MVA-BN mpox vaccine for use in African countries hit by the epidemic. "We're drawing up to $50 million from the First Response Fund," Nishtar said, adding that the money would partially be used to cover the cost of the doses, and partially for overhead costs including for delivery and logistics. "We're doing all we can to make sure that we can be as responsive and as quick as possible," she said. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact. It causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions, and can be deadly in some cases. The World Health Organization declared an international emergency over mpox last month, concerned by the surge in cases of the new Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo, that spread to nearby countries. Between January and the end of August, DRC had recorded nearly 22,000 cases and more than 700 deaths linked to the virus. - 'Better scenario' - The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has called for the continent to obtain 10 million doses. So far, it says just 3.6 million vaccines have been secured for Africa. Last week, the World Health Organization gave the nod to the MVA-BN jab, for the first time pre-qualifying an mpox vaccine, paving the way for speeding up procurement by international organisations. Nishtar said Gavi was "very glad to have moved very quickly". She pointed out that just 35 days had passed between WHO's emergency declaration and Gavi's advance purchase deal for the MVA-BN doses, which "is as fast as you can get". Gavi also decided in June to build a global stockpile of mpox vaccines, starting in 2026, as it has done for vaccines against cholera, Ebola, meningitis and yellow fever. The organisation has also launched a vaccine production "accelerator" for Africa, capable of dishing out up to $1.2 billion over 10 years to speed up the expansion of vaccine manufacturing capabilities on the continent. "All in all, we're in a much better scenario than we were with Covid," Nishtar said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Much better scenario': World better positioned against mpox than for Covid, says vaccine alliance

Scientists have warned that a "more contagious" variant of COVID-19, dubbed XEC, is spreading more rapidly across Europe and could soon become the dominant strain. According to the media reports, the new variant was first identified in Germany in June, and since then, the XEC variant has emerged in the UK, US, Denmark and several other countries. Experts have said that the new variant, a sublineage of the omicron variant, has some new mutations that might help it spread this autumn, although vaccines should still help prevent severe cases.

COVID variant XEC strain 'taking charge' in EU, Asia and the US

Recently released report on the Indian economy by the reserve bank of India shows robust growth and strong recovery from the pandemic-driven decline.

India’s GDP growth shows strong recovery in 2023-24

India and China flights are set to resume direct passenger flights after a four year halt. Watch to know more.

India-China direct flights may resume soon

For the past couple of decades, Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has warned people about core issues like climate disasters and cyberattacks and has now stressed that two of his greatest concerns are the potential of a major global war and another pandemic.&nbsp;

Billionaire philanthropist Gates believes that rising tensions could trigger a conflict, and even if we avoid that, a new pandemic is likely within the next 25 years.&nbsp;

<h2>Another pandemic most likely in next 25 years&nbsp;</h2>

Gates told CNBC Make It, "A lot of unrest” in today’s world could spark “a major war,” adding that even "if we avoid a big war...then, yes, there will be another pandemic, most likely in the next 25 years."&nbsp;

Highlighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Gates said that although some lessons from the coronavirus pandemic have been learned, it's been far less than what he had expected.&nbsp;

"We're still not fully reflecting on what we did well and where we fell short. Maybe in the next five years, that will improve, but so far, it's quite surprising," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/europes-economy-defies-difficult-forecasts-still-faces-new-challenges-757089">Also read:&nbsp;Europe's economy defies difficult forecasts, still, faces new challenges</a>

Referring to the US, Gates said, "The country that the world expected to lead and be the model fell short of those expectations."&nbsp;

In 2022, Gates wrote a book called "How to Prevent the Next Pandemic", in which he called out various governments.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Isolation during the Pandemic accelerated brain aging in teens

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However, some progress has been made with increased spending on pandemic preparedness in the US and other countries, he said, that the response across the world has not been enough.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For the past couple of decades, Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has warned people about core issues like climate disasters and cyberattacks and has now stressed that two of his greatest concerns are the potential of a major global war and another pandemic.

For the past couple of decades, Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has warned people about core issues like climate disasters and cyberattacks and has now stressed that two of his greatest concerns are the potential of a major global war and another pandemic. Billionaire philanthropist Gates believes that rising tensions could trigger a conflict, and even if we avoid that, a new pandemic is likely within the next 25 years. Another pandemic most likely in next 25 years Gates told CNBC Make It, "A lot of unrest” in today’s world could spark “a major war,” adding that even "if we avoid a big war...then, yes, there will be another pandemic, most likely in the next 25 years." Highlighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Gates said that although some lessons from the coronavirus pandemic have been learned, it's been far less than what he had expected. "We're still not fully reflecting on what we did well and where we fell short. Maybe in the next five years, that will improve, but so far, it's quite surprising," he added. Also read: Europe's economy defies difficult forecasts, still, faces new challenges Referring to the US, Gates said, "The country that the world expected to lead and be the model fell short of those expectations." In 2022, Gates wrote a book called "How to Prevent the Next Pandemic", in which he called out various governments. Watch | Isolation during the Pandemic accelerated brain aging in teens × However, some progress has been made with increased spending on pandemic preparedness in the US and other countries, he said, that the response across the world has not been enough. (With inputs from agencies)

Bill Gates fears tensions triggering a global war, another pandemic breakout within 25 years

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