More than 600 people have fallen sick and 129 hospitalised across 37 states in the US due to mass salmonella outbreak, which has been linked to onions imported from Mexico,&nbsp;according to US media reports.&nbsp;

But, no&nbsp;deaths have been reported so far.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said one source of infections had been traced to onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, and distributed by ProSource Inc., also known as ProSource Produce, LLC, based in Hailey, Idaho.

The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have asked people to throw away all unlabelled red, white and yellow onions.

“Interviews with sick people show that 75% of people ate or possibly ate raw onions or dishes likely containing raw onions before they became sick,” the CDC said in a statement.

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“Several ill people reported eating at the same restaurants, indicating they may be part of illness clusters.”

According to the FDA, most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.

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The US agency urged restaurants, retailers and consumers not to eat, sell or serve red, yellow, and white onions supplied by ProSource Inc that were imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico from July 1, 2021 through August 27, 2021, or products containing such onions.

ProSource has agreed to voluntarily recall all onions it imported from Chihuahua from July 1 through Aug. 27, Frank Yiannas, the Food and Drug Administration's deputy commissioner for food policy and response, said in a statement.

The FDA has launched an investigation, along with the CDC and local authorities, Yiannas said.

“We are issuing this update early in our investigation as part of our continued commitment to transparency and early communication. We will provide updates as we learn more,” Yiannas said.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 600 people have fallen sick and 129 hospitalised across 37 states in the US due to mass salmonella outbreak, which has been linked to onions imported from Mexico, according to US media reports.

More than 600 people have fallen sick and 129 hospitalised across 37 states in the US due to mass salmonella outbreak, which has been linked to onions imported from Mexico, according to US media reports. But, no deaths have been reported so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said one source of infections had been traced to onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, and distributed by ProSource Inc., also known as ProSource Produce, LLC, based in Hailey, Idaho. The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have asked people to throw away all unlabelled red, white and yellow onions. “Interviews with sick people show that 75% of people ate or possibly ate raw onions or dishes likely containing raw onions before they became sick,” the CDC said in a statement. Also read | World's largest triceratops, 'Big John,' fetches nearly $8 million in auction “Several ill people reported eating at the same restaurants, indicating they may be part of illness clusters.” According to the FDA, most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal. Also read | Court rules Pablo Escobar's cocaine hippos are legally people The US agency urged restaurants, retailers and consumers not to eat, sell or serve red, yellow, and white onions supplied by ProSource Inc that were imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico from July 1, 2021 through August 27, 2021, or products containing such onions. ProSource has agreed to voluntarily recall all onions it imported from Chihuahua from July 1 through Aug. 27, Frank Yiannas, the Food and Drug Administration's deputy commissioner for food policy and response, said in a statement. The FDA has launched an investigation, along with the CDC and local authorities, Yiannas said. “We are issuing this update early in our investigation as part of our continued commitment to transparency and early communication. We will provide updates as we learn more,” Yiannas said. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 600 in US fall sick due to salmonella outbreak linked to onion imports from Mexico

A new and potentially dangerous infection is spreading from Hong Kong's wet markets. Almost 80 cases have been found. At least 7 deaths have been linked to this outbreak. What is this disease? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: A new infection is spreading from Hong Kong's wet markets

A recent research published in Nature Communications shows how specific chemicals on virus surfaces might increase the aggregation of harmful proteins linked with illnesses like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

It is not a novel concept that microbial infections might cause neurological illness.

Scientists have been speculating on how an acute viral infection might lead to progressive neurological disorders years, if not decades, later since the 1950s.&nbsp;

While evidence for this link is increasing, the methods through which viral risks might impact the course of brain disorders remain speculative.

According to one popular theory, certain viral infections may cause aberrant immune responses that remain for years, eventually causing neurological damage linked with certain brain disorders.

This new study offers a novel explanation for the connection between viruses and brain illness.

Researchers studied how chemicals on the surface of certain viruses might promote the spread and accumulation of proteins implicated in illnesses such as Alzheimer's.&nbsp;

An paper published in the Journal of Parkinson's Illness urged for enhanced neurological disease surveillance in the future years.

The researchers identified a variety of ways in which COVID-19 might quickly increase the number of Parkinson's patients, as well as a rise in Parkinson's cases reported in the years after the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent research published in Nature Communications shows how specific chemicals on virus surfaces might increase the aggregation of harmful proteins linked with illnesses like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

A recent research published in Nature Communications shows how specific chemicals on virus surfaces might increase the aggregation of harmful proteins linked with illnesses like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It is not a novel concept that microbial infections might cause neurological illness. Scientists have been speculating on how an acute viral infection might lead to progressive neurological disorders years, if not decades, later since the 1950s. While evidence for this link is increasing, the methods through which viral risks might impact the course of brain disorders remain speculative. According to one popular theory, certain viral infections may cause aberrant immune responses that remain for years, eventually causing neurological damage linked with certain brain disorders. This new study offers a novel explanation for the connection between viruses and brain illness. Researchers studied how chemicals on the surface of certain viruses might promote the spread and accumulation of proteins implicated in illnesses such as Alzheimer's. An paper published in the Journal of Parkinson's Illness urged for enhanced neurological disease surveillance in the future years. The researchers identified a variety of ways in which COVID-19 might quickly increase the number of Parkinson's patients, as well as a rise in Parkinson's cases reported in the years after the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Viral infections could promote Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease: Report

There have been reports of health officials investigating 10 reported cases of Legionnaires' disease on Long Island. This is a rare form of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella.&nbsp;

The source of the illness has not yet been identified, but New York is experiencing an uptick in Legionnaires cases statewide.&nbsp;

As per the country's health department, the 10 cases have been reported within a one-mile radius in a Long Island neighbourhood. The cluster includes people between the ages of 35 and 96. As of Saturday, one person has died from Legionnaires, two are hospitalised and seven have been released from the hospital

Medical teams are working on contact tracing, as well as swabbing and sampling on-site to find the cases' origins, reports CBS New York.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-covid-19-creates-new-poor-heres-how-india-is-progressing-to-eradicate-extreme-poverty-421445">Also read |&nbsp;As COVID-19 creates 'new poor', here's how India is progressing to eradicate extreme poverty</a>

The county health department has said that people can easily contract Legionnaires by breathing in a vapour containing the Legionella bacteria.

Symptoms of Legionnaires begin between 2 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. The symptoms include breath, high fever, cough, muscle aches and headache.&nbsp;

The disease tends to last between 2 to 5 days and can range from a mild cough to a fatal case of pneumonia. Severe diseases can include respiratory failure, shock and acute kidney failure.&nbsp;

There have been reports of health officials investigating 10 reported cases of Legionnaires' disease on Long Island. This is a rare form of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella.

There have been reports of health officials investigating 10 reported cases of Legionnaires' disease on Long Island. This is a rare form of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella. The source of the illness has not yet been identified, but New York is experiencing an uptick in Legionnaires cases statewide. As per the country's health department, the 10 cases have been reported within a one-mile radius in a Long Island neighbourhood. The cluster includes people between the ages of 35 and 96. As of Saturday, one person has died from Legionnaires, two are hospitalised and seven have been released from the hospital Medical teams are working on contact tracing, as well as swabbing and sampling on-site to find the cases' origins, reports CBS New York. Also read | As COVID-19 creates 'new poor', here's how India is progressing to eradicate extreme poverty The county health department has said that people can easily contract Legionnaires by breathing in a vapour containing the Legionella bacteria. Symptoms of Legionnaires begin between 2 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. The symptoms include breath, high fever, cough, muscle aches and headache. The disease tends to last between 2 to 5 days and can range from a mild cough to a fatal case of pneumonia. Severe diseases can include respiratory failure, shock and acute kidney failure.

Legionnaires' disease: Health officials investigating cluster in New York

At a laboratory in central&nbsp;Florida, biologist Aaron Gavin uses tiny pipettes to carefully feed shrimp to more than 700 corals living in huge saltwater tanks, with sunlight-mimicking lamps glowing above them.

The work of the scientists here could be the last chance to save the species that make up the only&nbsp;coral&nbsp;reef&nbsp;in the United States' continental waters.&nbsp;

Gavin and his team have diligently recreated the&nbsp;coral&nbsp;reef&nbsp;habitat found in the waters off the southern tip of the state, complete with artificial currents and local fish.

They hope to prevent the 18 species of&nbsp;coral&nbsp;in their care from suffering the same mysterious ailment, called SCTLD (stony&nbsp;coral&nbsp;tissue loss disease), that is afflicting their wild cousins.

Among the sprawling mangroves and darting schools of fish off the&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;Keys, the damaged corals,&nbsp;normally dark,&nbsp;now appear as large white patches on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean.

The situation is the same all along the&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;Tract, which stretches 360 miles&nbsp; from the Dry Tortugas, which are the westernmost islands in the&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;Keys, all the way to the town of St Lucie, located about 120 miles north of Miami.&nbsp;

"It's heartbreaking, and I think the most alarming (thing) about it is that most people don't know it's happening," said Michelle Ashton, the communications director of the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of&nbsp;Florida.&nbsp;

Rescue

What Gavin and his colleagues discover at the&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;Coral&nbsp;Rescue Center could change the future of the state's marine ecosystems.

"We are holding the corals safely and healthy in our care," explained Justin Zimmerman, the director of the Orlando-based lab, which opened in 2020 and is managed by aquatic theme park company SeaWorld.&nbsp;

"If they were still in the wild, up to 90 percent of them would have been dead," Zimmerman said.&nbsp;

The potentially catastrophic SCTLD was first discovered in 2014, near Miami, and has continued to spread rapidly, killing about half of stony&nbsp;coral&nbsp;species, a cornerstone of marine biodiversity.&nbsp;

The disease, whose causes are unknown, is now plaguing the animals further into the Caribbean, all the way in Mexico and Belize.&nbsp;

The rescue lab's work is part of a project created in 2018 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and includes dozens of public and private organizations.&nbsp;

The group, faced with the threat of more than 20 of the 45 species of hard corals in the area going extinct, devised the unprecedented plan to extract healthy corals from the region's waters and care for them in these artificially equipped aquariums in the hope they can be returned to their wild habitats in the future.&nbsp;

"You are looking at the future of&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;Tract in this room," Aston said of the corals in the Orlando aquariums. "And their grandchildren will be what goes back out to the water."

Return to the sea

The first part of the rescue plan has allowed wildlife authorities to save nearly 2,000 colonies of corals, now stored at more than 20 institutions in 14 different states.&nbsp;

The second part of the plan requires researchers to successfully return the corals to the ocean -- though such an operation would likely take place a long time from now, as corals reproduce very slowly.&nbsp;

The scientists are studying the genetics of the rescued animals in an effort to cultivate new specimens that could be more resistant to disease, as well as other threats such as warming water temperatures and pollution.&nbsp;

The success or failure of these endeavors could have huge consequences for the region.&nbsp;

Stony corals, made up of limestone skeletons, are what create&nbsp;coral&nbsp;reefs, which in turn provide a home for a quarter of marine life.&nbsp;

Plus, the structures are natural barriers between the open ocean and land, reducing the strength of waves that hit the coastline, especially during hurricanes and other storms.&nbsp;

And a hit to&nbsp;coral&nbsp;health could mean a hit to&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;tourism revenue, as one study estimated that visitors drawn to the state for fishing and diving along the&nbsp;reef&nbsp;generate $8.5 billion.&nbsp;

Key Largo resident Steve Campbell, 59, is worried about what comes next. He is sitting next to the small tourist boat he captains, currently anchored in the port.&nbsp;

He said the&nbsp;coral&nbsp;disease has already had an impact on his business.&nbsp;

"I've been in the&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;Keys now for 20 years, and I'm out on the water every day," he said.&nbsp;

"Obviously we make our living out here, so we take people out to the&nbsp;reef&nbsp;for the enjoyment of seeing the&nbsp;reef."

"So for us it's extremely important."

At a laboratory in central Florida, biologist Aaron Gavin uses tiny pipettes to carefully feed shrimp to more than 700 corals living in huge saltwater tanks, with sunlight-mimicking lamps glowing above them.

At a laboratory in central Florida, biologist Aaron Gavin uses tiny pipettes to carefully feed shrimp to more than 700 corals living in huge saltwater tanks, with sunlight-mimicking lamps glowing above them. The work of the scientists here could be the last chance to save the species that make up the only coral reef in the United States' continental waters. Gavin and his team have diligently recreated the coral reef habitat found in the waters off the southern tip of the state, complete with artificial currents and local fish. They hope to prevent the 18 species of coral in their care from suffering the same mysterious ailment, called SCTLD (stony coral tissue loss disease), that is afflicting their wild cousins. Among the sprawling mangroves and darting schools of fish off the Florida Keys, the damaged corals, normally dark, now appear as large white patches on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. The situation is the same all along the Florida Reef Tract, which stretches 360 miles from the Dry Tortugas, which are the westernmost islands in the Florida Keys, all the way to the town of St Lucie, located about 120 miles north of Miami. "It's heartbreaking, and I think the most alarming (thing) about it is that most people don't know it's happening," said Michelle Ashton, the communications director of the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Rescue What Gavin and his colleagues discover at the Florida Coral Rescue Center could change the future of the state's marine ecosystems. "We are holding the corals safely and healthy in our care," explained Justin Zimmerman, the director of the Orlando-based lab, which opened in 2020 and is managed by aquatic theme park company SeaWorld. "If they were still in the wild, up to 90 percent of them would have been dead," Zimmerman said. The potentially catastrophic SCTLD was first discovered in 2014, near Miami, and has continued to spread rapidly, killing about half of stony coral species, a cornerstone of marine biodiversity. The disease, whose causes are unknown, is now plaguing the animals further into the Caribbean, all the way in Mexico and Belize. The rescue lab's work is part of a project created in 2018 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and includes dozens of public and private organizations. The group, faced with the threat of more than 20 of the 45 species of hard corals in the area going extinct, devised the unprecedented plan to extract healthy corals from the region's waters and care for them in these artificially equipped aquariums in the hope they can be returned to their wild habitats in the future. "You are looking at the future of Florida Reef Tract in this room," Aston said of the corals in the Orlando aquariums. "And their grandchildren will be what goes back out to the water." Return to the sea The first part of the rescue plan has allowed wildlife authorities to save nearly 2,000 colonies of corals, now stored at more than 20 institutions in 14 different states. The second part of the plan requires researchers to successfully return the corals to the ocean -- though such an operation would likely take place a long time from now, as corals reproduce very slowly. The scientists are studying the genetics of the rescued animals in an effort to cultivate new specimens that could be more resistant to disease, as well as other threats such as warming water temperatures and pollution. The success or failure of these endeavors could have huge consequences for the region. Stony corals, made up of limestone skeletons, are what create coral reefs, which in turn provide a home for a quarter of marine life. Plus, the structures are natural barriers between the open ocean and land, reducing the strength of waves that hit the coastline, especially during hurricanes and other storms. And a hit to coral health could mean a hit to Florida tourism revenue, as one study estimated that visitors drawn to the state for fishing and diving along the reef generate $8.5 billion. Key Largo resident Steve Campbell, 59, is worried about what comes next. He is sitting next to the small tourist boat he captains, currently anchored in the port. He said the coral disease has already had an impact on his business. "I've been in the Florida Keys now for 20 years, and I'm out on the water every day," he said. "Obviously we make our living out here, so we take people out to the reef for the enjoyment of seeing the reef." "So for us it's extremely important."

Scientists race to save Florida coral reef from mysterious disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterised by worsening forgetfulness and getting lost in familiar places. Forgetting things, important dates or events, losing track of the day, date, time and place, losing way to the house, difficulty while reading, unable to identify relatives and friends are common traits of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterised by worsening forgetfulness and getting lost in familiar places. Forgetting things, important dates or events, losing track of the day, date, time and place, losing way to the house, difficulty while reading, unable to identify relatives and friends are common traits of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The disease progresses over time and at later stages, a person may lose the ability to speak and walk. To raise awareness about the disease, September 21 every year is marked as World Alzheimer's Day. The disease is usually noticed when a person starts misplacing things, forgetting about recent events, conversations and common places. A person close to the patient may start noticing these changes. Stages of the disease Dr Rajesh Benny, Consultant Neurologist, Fortis Hospital Mulund explains the stages of Alzheimer's disease. Stage 1 - No clinical impairment: Like other neurodegenerative diseases, this stage can precede the memory loss by many years where the affected individual is clinically okay. Stage 2 - Very mild cognitive decline: This implies the forgetfulness associated with normal ageing, where an individual misplaces objects and can eventually find them after a period of search. Stage 3 - Mild cognitive decline: Recent memory worsens, which becomes apparent to the relatives. The patient suffers in daily functioning such as bank work, money issues, etc. and may be confused occasionally. Stage 4 - Moderate cognitive decline: Memory worsens further with difficulty doing tasks that need multitasking. The patients start losing their way around unfamiliar places and become socially withdrawn. Also read | Over 41 million dementia cases globally undiagnosed, claims study Stage 5 - Moderately severe cognitive decline: In this stage, the patient may even forget their current surroundings, home address, telephone number and need assistance for simple tasks like dressing. Losing way in familiar surroundings also happens. Stage 6 - Severe cognitive decline: There is worsening of behaviour with irritability and hallucinations. The patients experience memory loss even for past events and start losing control of their bladder/ bowel functions. Stage 7 - Very severe cognitive decline: During this stage, most of them lose the ability to speak, communicate and even walk around or move by now. A recent report by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), has revealed that over 41 million people living with dementia worldwide remain undiagnosed. Experts are of the opinion that getting diagnosed with the disease is vital, as it will ensure that those affected would receive timely support and treatment, which is more effective the earlier it begins, and to take part in clinical trials. Meanwhile, another research done by McGill University in Montreal, Canada, showed that as many as 90% of people with dementia have not been diagnosed in some countries. Dementia is one of the biggest health challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is currently the seventh leading cause of death among all diseases and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide Paola Barbarino, the chief executive of ADI, said a lack of awareness and stigma within healthcare systems was severely hampering efforts to support people living with dementia. “This misinformation in our healthcare systems, along with a lack of trained specialists and readily available diagnosis tools, have contributed to alarmingly low diagnosis rates,” said the Guardian quoted Barbarino, who also serves as a board member of the World Dementia Council.

World Alzheimer's Day 2021: Different stages of the disease, and a recent study

In the western part of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, more than 29 people, aged between two to 45 years, had been infected with a mystery fever, which has been identified as scrub typhus.

Following complaints of infection in the area, medical teams collected samples from people at Koh village, which found that more people have been infected with scrub typhus.

Apart from Mathura, other districts like Firozabad and Mainpuri have also been witnessing a spike in similar cases cases. Health officials have sounded alter following a surge in cases.

On August 27, there were reports that even Assam has also registered cases of scrub typhus. According to local media reports, the state health department had to temporarily shit down a Covid hospital in Guwahati where 29 cases were.

What is scrub typhus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by a bacteria called Orientia Tsutsugamushi. The infection spreads to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites).

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of scrub typhus usually begin within 10 days of being bitten. Signs and symptoms may include: Fever and chills, headache, body aches and muscle pain, a dark, scab-like region at the site of the chigger bite (also known as eschar), mental changes, ranging from confusion to coma, enlarged lymph nodes and rash.

CDC states that people with severe illness may develop organ failure and bleeding, which can be fatal if left untreated.

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Is there any vaccine for the prevention of scrub typhus?

According to CDC, no vaccine is available to prevent scrub typhus at the moment. The organisation has suggested to avoid contact with anyone infected by chiggers. It has also asked to take precaution while travelling to areas where scrub typhus is common, areas with lots of vegetation and brush where chiggers may be found.

How to treat the infection?

The CDC says that if someone gets infected by scrub typhus, the person should be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. People who are treated early with doxycycline usually recover quickly, according to the agency.

It has further advised people to dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting in order to keep scrub typhus at bay. It also asked them to treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin as it kills chiggers.

Any other countries where scrub typhus has been reported?

Apart from India, cases of scrub typhus have been reported from rural areas of Indonesia, China, Japan and northern Australia.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the western part of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, more than 29 people, aged between two to 45 years, had been infected with a mystery fever, which has been identified as scrub typhus.

In the western part of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, more than 29 people, aged between two to 45 years, had been infected with a mystery fever, which has been identified as scrub typhus. Following complaints of infection in the area, medical teams collected samples from people at Koh village, which found that more people have been infected with scrub typhus. Apart from Mathura, other districts like Firozabad and Mainpuri have also been witnessing a spike in similar cases cases. Health officials have sounded alter following a surge in cases. On August 27, there were reports that even Assam has also registered cases of scrub typhus. According to local media reports, the state health department had to temporarily shit down a Covid hospital in Guwahati where 29 cases were. What is scrub typhus? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by a bacteria called Orientia Tsutsugamushi. The infection spreads to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). What are the symptoms? Symptoms of scrub typhus usually begin within 10 days of being bitten. Signs and symptoms may include: Fever and chills, headache, body aches and muscle pain, a dark, scab-like region at the site of the chigger bite (also known as eschar), mental changes, ranging from confusion to coma, enlarged lymph nodes and rash. CDC states that people with severe illness may develop organ failure and bleeding, which can be fatal if left untreated. Also read | What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread? Is there any vaccine for the prevention of scrub typhus? According to CDC, no vaccine is available to prevent scrub typhus at the moment. The organisation has suggested to avoid contact with anyone infected by chiggers. It has also asked to take precaution while travelling to areas where scrub typhus is common, areas with lots of vegetation and brush where chiggers may be found. How to treat the infection? The CDC says that if someone gets infected by scrub typhus, the person should be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. People who are treated early with doxycycline usually recover quickly, according to the agency. It has further advised people to dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting in order to keep scrub typhus at bay. It also asked them to treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin as it kills chiggers. Any other countries where scrub typhus has been reported? Apart from India, cases of scrub typhus have been reported from rural areas of Indonesia, China, Japan and northern Australia. (With inputs from agencies)

Scrub typhus: All about the mystery fever that has been gripping Indian states

The EU's disease agency said Friday it was predicting a sharp increase in coronavirus cases, with nearly five times as many new infections by August 1.&nbsp;

The expected rise in cases was linked to the highly transmissible Delta variant, first identified in India, along with the relaxing of measures in European countries.&nbsp;

In its coverage area -- which includes the European Union, Norway and Iceland -- the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) expected to see 420 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the week ending on August 1, up from just under 90 last week, it said in a weekly report.

By the week after, the number of new cases is expected to rise above 620 per 100,000 inhabitants.

"The current continuing deterioration of the epidemiological situation in many countries is expected to continue given the rapid increase in the Delta variant," the ECDC said in the report.

Hospitalisations and deaths are also expected, although at a slower pace, according to the ECDC, thanks to the rollout of vaccination campaigns.

Currently, hospitalisations remain stable in most countries but the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 is expected to exceed 10 per 1,000,000 inhabitants again, compared with 6.8 last week, the agency noted.

The ECDC said it was forecasting&nbsp;increasing cases in 20 countries and increased deaths in nine: Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-proposes-second-phase-of-studies-into-the-origins-of-covid-19-in-china-398556">Also read |&nbsp;WHO proposes second phase of studies into the origins of COVID-19 in China</a>

"In the most affected countries, the steepest increases and highest notification rates were reported among 15 to 24-year-olds, with limited increases in persons aged over 65 years," the ECDC said in a statement.

While these figures are projection the level is in line with that seen during the peaks in the second half of 2020 and April 2021, according to the EU agency's data.

Between July 5 and 11, the number of new cases in the European Union jumped by over 60 per cent, increasing for the second week in a row, according to the ECDC, due to "relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions and increasing spread of Delta variant" first detected in India.

Last month, the Stockholm-based agency warned that the Delta variant was on track to account for 90 per cent of new cases by the end of August.

The EU's disease agency said Friday it was predicting a sharp increase in coronavirus cases, with nearly five times as many new infections by August 1. The expected rise in cases was linked to the highly transmissible Delta variant, first identified in India, along with the relaxing of measures in European countries.

The EU's disease agency said Friday it was predicting a sharp increase in coronavirus cases, with nearly five times as many new infections by August 1. The expected rise in cases was linked to the highly transmissible Delta variant, first identified in India, along with the relaxing of measures in European countries. In its coverage area -- which includes the European Union, Norway and Iceland -- the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) expected to see 420 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the week ending on August 1, up from just under 90 last week, it said in a weekly report. By the week after, the number of new cases is expected to rise above 620 per 100,000 inhabitants. "The current continuing deterioration of the epidemiological situation in many countries is expected to continue given the rapid increase in the Delta variant," the ECDC said in the report. Hospitalisations and deaths are also expected, although at a slower pace, according to the ECDC, thanks to the rollout of vaccination campaigns. Currently, hospitalisations remain stable in most countries but the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 is expected to exceed 10 per 1,000,000 inhabitants again, compared with 6.8 last week, the agency noted. The ECDC said it was forecasting increasing cases in 20 countries and increased deaths in nine: Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain. Also read | WHO proposes second phase of studies into the origins of COVID-19 in China "In the most affected countries, the steepest increases and highest notification rates were reported among 15 to 24-year-olds, with limited increases in persons aged over 65 years," the ECDC said in a statement. While these figures are projection the level is in line with that seen during the peaks in the second half of 2020 and April 2021, according to the EU agency's data. Between July 5 and 11, the number of new cases in the European Union jumped by over 60 per cent, increasing for the second week in a row, according to the ECDC, due to "relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions and increasing spread of Delta variant" first detected in India. Last month, the Stockholm-based agency warned that the Delta variant was on track to account for 90 per cent of new cases by the end of August.

EU disease agency predicts spike in COVID-19 cases by August 1

The World Health Organization (WHO) today declared China malaria-free, following a decades-long effort that reduced an estimated yearly toll of 30 million cases in the 1940s to zero in 2017, including 300,000 deaths.&nbsp;

China created new monitoring tactics, treatments, and technology along the path to break the malaria parasite transmission cycle between Anopheles mosquitoes and humans.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drug-resistant-malaria-making-inroads-in-africa-study-377979">Also read | Drug-resistant malaria making inroads in Africa: Study</a>

“Today we congratulate the people of China on ridding the country of malaria,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Their success was hard-earned and came only after decades of targeted and sustained action. With this announcement, China joins the growing number of countries that are showing the world that a malaria-free future is a viable goal.”

In more than three decades, China became the first country in the WHO Western Pacific Region to receive a malaria-free certification.

Australia (1981), Singapore (1982), and Brunei Darussalam (1987) are among the other countries in the region to have attained this status.&nbsp;

China is also the 40th country in the world to be declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva.

El Salvador (2021), Algeria and Argentina (2019), and Paraguay and Uzbekistan were the most recent countries to be granted the status (2018).

A separate list of 61 nations where malaria never existed or was eradicated without specific measures is also available. 
 
Beginning in the 1950s, Chinese health officials worked to locate and halt the spread of malaria by giving both preventive antimalarial drugs and therapy for those who had already been infected. In some locations, the country also made a huge effort to limit mosquito breeding sites by increasing the use of chemical spraying in households.&nbsp; 
 
Chinese scientists have developed genetics-based ways to track medication resistance and differentiate local instances from imported cases in recent years.&nbsp;

“China’s ability to think outside the box served the country well in its own response to malaria,” Pedro Alonso, director of WHO's Global Malaria Programme, said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization (WHO) today declared China malaria-free, following a decades-long effort that reduced an estimated yearly toll of 30 million cases in the 1940s to zero in 2017, including 300,000 deaths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) today declared China malaria-free, following a decades-long effort that reduced an estimated yearly toll of 30 million cases in the 1940s to zero in 2017, including 300,000 deaths. China created new monitoring tactics, treatments, and technology along the path to break the malaria parasite transmission cycle between Anopheles mosquitoes and humans. Also read | Drug-resistant malaria making inroads in Africa: Study “Today we congratulate the people of China on ridding the country of malaria,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Their success was hard-earned and came only after decades of targeted and sustained action. With this announcement, China joins the growing number of countries that are showing the world that a malaria-free future is a viable goal.” In more than three decades, China became the first country in the WHO Western Pacific Region to receive a malaria-free certification. Australia (1981), Singapore (1982), and Brunei Darussalam (1987) are among the other countries in the region to have attained this status. China is also the 40th country in the world to be declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. El Salvador (2021), Algeria and Argentina (2019), and Paraguay and Uzbekistan were the most recent countries to be granted the status (2018). A separate list of 61 nations where malaria never existed or was eradicated without specific measures is also available. Beginning in the 1950s, Chinese health officials worked to locate and halt the spread of malaria by giving both preventive antimalarial drugs and therapy for those who had already been infected. In some locations, the country also made a huge effort to limit mosquito breeding sites by increasing the use of chemical spraying in households. Chinese scientists have developed genetics-based ways to track medication resistance and differentiate local instances from imported cases in recent years. “China’s ability to think outside the box served the country well in its own response to malaria,” Pedro Alonso, director of WHO's Global Malaria Programme, said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

China has eliminated malaria: From 30 million cases to zero

UK scientists have discovered a rare genetic disease, which causes delays in intellectual development and leads to early onset of cataracts, in children.

The condition is likely to affect one in 17 kids, however, it is so new that it doesn’t have a name yet, stated the research team from the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

They found that a majority of patients with the condition were also microcephalic, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age.

In the study, published in the journal Genome Medicine, the team found that changes in a gene called coat protein complex 1 (COPB1) is the reason behind this new genetic disease.

Identifying the variant will help clinicians develop targeted interventions as well as open the door to screening and prenatal diagnosis.

For the study, the team sequenced the DNA of affected patients and their family members, which identified COPB1 as the potential underlying cause of the disease.

Using tadpoles to mimic the human gene variants, the tadpoles with the COPB1 gene changes had variably smaller brains than the control tadpoles and many of them had cataracts, just like the patients. This showed the link between the gene and disease very clearly.

"In our initial experiments to test the link between a genetic variation and a disease we found to our surprise that by altering the DNA of tadpoles, four times out of five we could re-create the disease-related changes seen in human patients. This will allow us to support our colleagues in providing more timely, accurate diagnosis that patients and their families so desperately need," said co-author Matt Guille, Professor at Portsmouth University.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

UK scientists have discovered a rare genetic disease, which causes delays in intellectual development and leads to early onset of cataracts, in children. The condition is likely to affect one in 17 kids, however, it is so new that it doesn’t have a name yet, stated the research team from the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

UK scientists have discovered a rare genetic disease, which causes delays in intellectual development and leads to early onset of cataracts, in children. The condition is likely to affect one in 17 kids, however, it is so new that it doesn’t have a name yet, stated the research team from the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton. They found that a majority of patients with the condition were also microcephalic, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. In the study, published in the journal Genome Medicine, the team found that changes in a gene called coat protein complex 1 (COPB1) is the reason behind this new genetic disease. Identifying the variant will help clinicians develop targeted interventions as well as open the door to screening and prenatal diagnosis. For the study, the team sequenced the DNA of affected patients and their family members, which identified COPB1 as the potential underlying cause of the disease. Using tadpoles to mimic the human gene variants, the tadpoles with the COPB1 gene changes had variably smaller brains than the control tadpoles and many of them had cataracts, just like the patients. This showed the link between the gene and disease very clearly. "In our initial experiments to test the link between a genetic variation and a disease we found to our surprise that by altering the DNA of tadpoles, four times out of five we could re-create the disease-related changes seen in human patients. This will allow us to support our colleagues in providing more timely, accurate diagnosis that patients and their families so desperately need," said co-author Matt Guille, Professor at Portsmouth University. (With inputs from agencies)

Genetic disease delaying kids' brain development discovered

People living close to goat farms in the Netherlands are falling sick.&nbsp;An outbreak of Q fever between 2007 to 2010 infected thousands of people, and 95 people died due to complications including heart failure.

The disease infects livestock like goats, sheep, cattle and is usually found in placenta, urine, milk, and faeces.

Now, scientists in the Netherlands are worried about another outbreak, in the middle of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

To stop the&nbsp;Q fever outbreak, the Dutch government culled over 50,000 dairy goats inhabiting 55 farms, The Guardian reported. Studies undertaken by experts are now linking pneumonia among human beings to goat farms.

Dick Heeredik, a zoonotic disease risk expert at the University of Utrecht told The Guardian that people who live near goat farms have a 20 per cent to 55 per cent higher risk of developing pneumonia.&nbsp; He added that the increased risk is seen within a radius of 1-1.5 kilometres.

People respond to the disease differently. While some develop no symptoms, many develop fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle pain.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/scientist-who-discovered-ebola-warns-of-deadlier-diseases-in-the-future-351761" hreflang="en">Scientist who discovered Ebola warns of deadlier diseases in the future</a>

After the Q fever outbreak, goat dairying grew in the Netherlands, but fears of another zoonotic disease also increased. The southern part of the country remains the most vulnerable, where the highest number of goat farms exist.

When the Q fever was contained in 2010, over 4,000 cases were reported among people, with the estimate running as high as 50,000.

Even though the goat farming sector has witnessed a boom over the last two decades, findings of pneumonia appearing among people living close to farms led to restrictions on the sector in 2017.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-parkinsons-disease-may-up-schizophrenia-risk-study-357117" hreflang="en">Parkinson's disease may up schizophrenia risk: Study</a>

The country also undertakes an annual goat vaccination programme to eradicate the risk of a Q fever outbreak.

Researchers involved in the study claim that it could be a new zoonotic disease, but added that they “really don’t know”, as stated by Johanna van der Giessen, a zoonotic disease specialist at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.

People living close to goat farms in the Netherlands are falling sick. An outbreak of Q fever between 2007 to 2010 infected thousands of people, and 95 people died due to complications including heart failure.

People living close to goat farms in the Netherlands are falling sick. An outbreak of Q fever between 2007 to 2010 infected thousands of people, and 95 people died due to complications including heart failure. The disease infects livestock like goats, sheep, cattle and is usually found in placenta, urine, milk, and faeces. Now, scientists in the Netherlands are worried about another outbreak, in the middle of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. To stop the Q fever outbreak, the Dutch government culled over 50,000 dairy goats inhabiting 55 farms, The Guardian reported. Studies undertaken by experts are now linking pneumonia among human beings to goat farms. Dick Heeredik, a zoonotic disease risk expert at the University of Utrecht told The Guardian that people who live near goat farms have a 20 per cent to 55 per cent higher risk of developing pneumonia. He added that the increased risk is seen within a radius of 1-1.5 kilometres. People respond to the disease differently. While some develop no symptoms, many develop fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle pain. Also read: Scientist who discovered Ebola warns of deadlier diseases in the future After the Q fever outbreak, goat dairying grew in the Netherlands, but fears of another zoonotic disease also increased. The southern part of the country remains the most vulnerable, where the highest number of goat farms exist. When the Q fever was contained in 2010, over 4,000 cases were reported among people, with the estimate running as high as 50,000. Even though the goat farming sector has witnessed a boom over the last two decades, findings of pneumonia appearing among people living close to farms led to restrictions on the sector in 2017. Also read: Parkinson's disease may up schizophrenia risk: Study The country also undertakes an annual goat vaccination programme to eradicate the risk of a Q fever outbreak. Researchers involved in the study claim that it could be a new zoonotic disease, but added that they “really don’t know”, as stated by Johanna van der Giessen, a zoonotic disease specialist at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.

New disease causing sickness among Dutch living near goat farms: Scientists

Peru has recorded its first-ever case&nbsp;diphtheria after 20 long years after warnings were issued by various international health organisations that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic can affect the routine of vaccination programmes.

The warnings have been issued specifically for the younger generation, who have been negatively affected by the downward spiral in the economy and the availability of the health services in the country due to the pandemic.

Peru is now on a&nbsp;national epidemiological alert to detect other potential cases, bolster vaccinations and curb any potential wider outbreak which is expected to get worse with the commencement of the second wave of coronavirus in several countries. COVID-19 has severely affected Peru with more than 892,000 cases and 34,200 deaths.

As of now, a five-year-old girl&nbsp;living in the capital Lima has been diagnosed with the infectious respiratory disease, the&nbsp;Andean nation’s Public Health Vice Minister Luis Suarez reported on Tuesday. The young girl is in a stable condition and is being closely monitored by a team of doctors.

The case has been diagnosed after almost 20 years, as the last case was cured in 2000, and the&nbsp;Pan American Health Organization had warned in 2019 that the disease may exist in few other countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Haiti.

This disease affects the throat and upper airways which causes the dead tissue to build up and the patent, then, finds it difficult to breathe. Just like the novel coronavirus, this disease can also spread through physical contact, and also by respiratory contact. The most severe cases can take the mortality rate beyond 10 per cent.

The United Nations warned in July that immunizations against dangerous diseases, including diphtheria, had dropped alarmingly during the pandemic, with three-fourths of 82 countries reporting disruption to their programs in a May survey because of shortages of protective equipment for health workers, travel restrictions and low staffing.

Suarez admitted that due to lack of funds, the government had only issued 40 per cent of diphtheria and tetanus vaccinations instead of the usual 70 per cent.

Peru has recorded its first-ever case diphtheria after 20 long years after warnings were issued by various international health organisations that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic can affect the routine of vaccination programmes.

Peru has recorded its first-ever case diphtheria after 20 long years after warnings were issued by various international health organisations that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic can affect the routine of vaccination programmes. The warnings have been issued specifically for the younger generation, who have been negatively affected by the downward spiral in the economy and the availability of the health services in the country due to the pandemic. Peru is now on a national epidemiological alert to detect other potential cases, bolster vaccinations and curb any potential wider outbreak which is expected to get worse with the commencement of the second wave of coronavirus in several countries. COVID-19 has severely affected Peru with more than 892,000 cases and 34,200 deaths. As of now, a five-year-old girl living in the capital Lima has been diagnosed with the infectious respiratory disease, the Andean nation’s Public Health Vice Minister Luis Suarez reported on Tuesday. The young girl is in a stable condition and is being closely monitored by a team of doctors. The case has been diagnosed after almost 20 years, as the last case was cured in 2000, and the Pan American Health Organization had warned in 2019 that the disease may exist in few other countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Haiti. This disease affects the throat and upper airways which causes the dead tissue to build up and the patent, then, finds it difficult to breathe. Just like the novel coronavirus, this disease can also spread through physical contact, and also by respiratory contact. The most severe cases can take the mortality rate beyond 10 per cent. The United Nations warned in July that immunizations against dangerous diseases, including diphtheria, had dropped alarmingly during the pandemic, with three-fourths of 82 countries reporting disruption to their programs in a May survey because of shortages of protective equipment for health workers, travel restrictions and low staffing. Suarez admitted that due to lack of funds, the government had only issued 40 per cent of diphtheria and tetanus vaccinations instead of the usual 70 per cent.

First case of diphtheria reported in Peru after 20 years

Timothy Ray Brown, the first person to be successfully cured of HIV has died due to cancer, the International Aids society announced on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Famously known as the “Berlin Patient”, Brown had made history when he was cured of HIV more than ten years ago.

Before his demise, Brown had seen recurrent instances of leukaemia over a few months. He also received care in Palm Springs, California.

"On behalf of all its members... the IAS sends its condolences to Timothy’s partner, Tim, and his family and friends," IAS President Adeeba Kamarulzaman announced.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/gnarly-tumor-shows-dinosaurs-got-cancer-too-318009" hreflang="en">'Gnarly' tumor shows dinosaurs got cancer, too</a>

"We owe Timothy and his doctor, Gero Hutter, a great deal of gratitude for opening the door for scientists to explore the concept that a cure for HIV is possible”, IAS president added.

In 1995, Brown was diagnosed with HIV when he was a student in Berlin. Ten years later, he was diagnosed with leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and the blood.

At the Free University of Berlin, his doctor used a stem call transplant which came from a donor who had a rare genetic mutation, which somehow gave him a natural resistance to HIV.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-modified-strain-of-cannabis-was-recently-able-to-kill-cancer-cells-316647" hreflang="en">A modified strain of cannabis was recently able to kill cancer cells</a>

The doctors had hoped it would rid Brown of both HIV and cancer.

After two dangerous procedures, it worked. In 2008, when he free of both the ailments he became known as “the Berlin patient” to protect his identity.

Two years after the procedures, he went public with his experience and started a foundation of his own.

"I am living proof that there could be a cure for AIDS," he had told AFP in 2012.&nbsp;"It's very wonderful, being cured of HIV”, he added.

Timothy Ray Brown, the first person to be successfully cured of HIV has died due to cancer, the International Aids society announced on Wednesday. Famously known as the “Berlin Patient”, Brown had made history when he was cured of HIV more than ten years ago.

Timothy Ray Brown, the first person to be successfully cured of HIV has died due to cancer, the International Aids society announced on Wednesday. Famously known as the “Berlin Patient”, Brown had made history when he was cured of HIV more than ten years ago. Before his demise, Brown had seen recurrent instances of leukaemia over a few months. He also received care in Palm Springs, California. "On behalf of all its members... the IAS sends its condolences to Timothy’s partner, Tim, and his family and friends," IAS President Adeeba Kamarulzaman announced. Also read: 'Gnarly' tumor shows dinosaurs got cancer, too "We owe Timothy and his doctor, Gero Hutter, a great deal of gratitude for opening the door for scientists to explore the concept that a cure for HIV is possible”, IAS president added. In 1995, Brown was diagnosed with HIV when he was a student in Berlin. Ten years later, he was diagnosed with leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and the blood. At the Free University of Berlin, his doctor used a stem call transplant which came from a donor who had a rare genetic mutation, which somehow gave him a natural resistance to HIV. Also read: A modified strain of cannabis was recently able to kill cancer cells The doctors had hoped it would rid Brown of both HIV and cancer. After two dangerous procedures, it worked. In 2008, when he free of both the ailments he became known as “the Berlin patient” to protect his identity. Two years after the procedures, he went public with his experience and started a foundation of his own. "I am living proof that there could be a cure for AIDS," he had told AFP in 2012. "It's very wonderful, being cured of HIV”, he added.

'The Berlin patient' - First person to be cured of HIV dies due to cancer

Zimbabwe suspects a bacterial disease called haemorrhagic septicaemia is behind the recent deaths of more than 30 elephants but is doing further tests to make sure, the parks authority said.

The elephant deaths, which began in late August, come soon after hundreds of elephants died in neighbouring Botswana in mysterious circumstances.

Officials in Botswana were initially at a loss to explain the elephant deaths there but have since blamed toxins produced by another type of bacterium.

Experts say Botswana and Zimbabwe could be home to roughly half of the continent's 400,000 elephants, often targeted by poachers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/zimbabwe-finds-more-elephant-carcasses-death-toll-at-22-324824" hreflang="en">Zimbabwe finds more elephant carcasses, death toll at 22</a>

Elephants in Botswana and parts of Zimbabwe are at historically high levels, but elsewhere on the continent - especially in forested areas - many populations are severely depleted, said Chris Thouless, head of research at Save the Elephants.

"Higher populations equal greater risk from infectious diseases," Thouless told Reuters, adding that climate change could put pressure on elephant populations as water supplies diminish and temperatures rise, potentially increasing the probability of pathogen outbreaks.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Director-General Fulton Mangwanya told a parliamentary committee on Monday that so far 34 dead elephants had been counted.

"It is unlikely that this disease alone will have any serious overall impact on the survival of the elephant population," he said. "The northwest regions of Zimbabwe have an over-abundance of elephants and this outbreak of disease is probably a manifestation of that, ... particularly in the hot, dry season elephants are stressed by competition for water and food resources."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/zimbabwe-probes-deaths-of-12-elephants-near-hwange-park-324131" hreflang="en">Zimbabwe probes deaths of 12 elephants near Hwange park</a>

Post mortems on some of the dead elephants showed inflamed livers and other organs, Mangwanya said. The elephants were found lying on their stomachs, suggesting a sudden death.

Vernon Booth, a Zimbabwe-based wildlife management consultant, told Reuters it was difficult to put a number on Zimbabwe's current elephant population. He estimated it could be close to 90,000, up from 82,000 in 2014 when the last national survey was conducted, assuming that roughly 2,000-3,000 have died each year from all causes.

Zimbabwe suspects a bacterial disease called haemorrhagic septicaemia is behind the recent deaths of more than 30 elephants but is doing further tests to make sure, the parks authority said.

Zimbabwe suspects a bacterial disease called haemorrhagic septicaemia is behind the recent deaths of more than 30 elephants but is doing further tests to make sure, the parks authority said. The elephant deaths, which began in late August, come soon after hundreds of elephants died in neighbouring Botswana in mysterious circumstances. Officials in Botswana were initially at a loss to explain the elephant deaths there but have since blamed toxins produced by another type of bacterium. Experts say Botswana and Zimbabwe could be home to roughly half of the continent's 400,000 elephants, often targeted by poachers. Also read: Zimbabwe finds more elephant carcasses, death toll at 22 Elephants in Botswana and parts of Zimbabwe are at historically high levels, but elsewhere on the continent - especially in forested areas - many populations are severely depleted, said Chris Thouless, head of research at Save the Elephants. "Higher populations equal greater risk from infectious diseases," Thouless told Reuters, adding that climate change could put pressure on elephant populations as water supplies diminish and temperatures rise, potentially increasing the probability of pathogen outbreaks. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Director-General Fulton Mangwanya told a parliamentary committee on Monday that so far 34 dead elephants had been counted. "It is unlikely that this disease alone will have any serious overall impact on the survival of the elephant population," he said. "The northwest regions of Zimbabwe have an over-abundance of elephants and this outbreak of disease is probably a manifestation of that, ... particularly in the hot, dry season elephants are stressed by competition for water and food resources." Also read: Zimbabwe probes deaths of 12 elephants near Hwange park Post mortems on some of the dead elephants showed inflamed livers and other organs, Mangwanya said. The elephants were found lying on their stomachs, suggesting a sudden death. Vernon Booth, a Zimbabwe-based wildlife management consultant, told Reuters it was difficult to put a number on Zimbabwe's current elephant population. He estimated it could be close to 90,000, up from 82,000 in 2014 when the last national survey was conducted, assuming that roughly 2,000-3,000 have died each year from all causes.

Zimbabwe suspects bacterial disease behind elephant deaths

Latin America broke through 5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, underscoring that the region is the area of the world hardest hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus was initially slower to reach Latin America - home to about 640 million people - than much of the world. But health experts say it has been hard to control the virus due to the region's poverty and densely packed cities.

The more than 10,000 new cases reported by Colombia's health ministry on Monday pushed the region past the 5 million mark, a day after the Andean nation reported a record 11,470 cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/brazil-announces-south-american-meeting-on-amazon-accepts-chiles-help-246265" hreflang="en">Brazil announces South American meeting on Amazon, accepts Chile's help</a>

Latin America has now topped 200,000 deaths. Brazil's total approached 96,000 on Monday and Mexico surpassed 48,000. The two countries have the world's second and third highest death tolls, after the United States.

North America is the region with the second highest number of cases, with 4.8 million infections, according to a Reuters tally, followed by Europe and Asia, which have around 3 million infections each.

Latin America is particularly vulnerable to the virus due to high levels of poverty, urbanization and labor informality, according to a July 30 report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Pan American Health Organization.

More than 100 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean live in slums, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Many have jobs in the informal sector with little in the way of a social safety net and have continued to work throughout the pandemic.

"The pandemic has become an precedented economic and social crisis and, if urgent measures are not taken, it could transform into a food, humanitarian, and political crisis," the report warned.

Latin America has also a high death rate from the virus, likely due to a number of factors, including high levels of underlying conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

Latin America broke through 5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, underscoring that the region is the area of the world hardest hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Latin America broke through 5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, underscoring that the region is the area of the world hardest hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus was initially slower to reach Latin America - home to about 640 million people - than much of the world. But health experts say it has been hard to control the virus due to the region's poverty and densely packed cities. The more than 10,000 new cases reported by Colombia's health ministry on Monday pushed the region past the 5 million mark, a day after the Andean nation reported a record 11,470 cases. Also read: Brazil announces South American meeting on Amazon, accepts Chile's help Latin America has now topped 200,000 deaths. Brazil's total approached 96,000 on Monday and Mexico surpassed 48,000. The two countries have the world's second and third highest death tolls, after the United States. North America is the region with the second highest number of cases, with 4.8 million infections, according to a Reuters tally, followed by Europe and Asia, which have around 3 million infections each. Latin America is particularly vulnerable to the virus due to high levels of poverty, urbanization and labor informality, according to a July 30 report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Pan American Health Organization. More than 100 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean live in slums, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Many have jobs in the informal sector with little in the way of a social safety net and have continued to work throughout the pandemic. "The pandemic has become an precedented economic and social crisis and, if urgent measures are not taken, it could transform into a food, humanitarian, and political crisis," the report warned. Latin America has also a high death rate from the virus, likely due to a number of factors, including high levels of underlying conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

Latin America exceeds five million COVID-19 cases

After outbreaks of coronavirus were reported on animal farms in Spain and the Netherlands, scientists are now wondering whether minks have the capability to transmit the virus onto humans.

Even though it is widely believed that the virus was passed on to minks from humans, scientists find it “plausible” that the minks further transmitted the virus to other staff members.

In May, when Spain was hit hard by the virus, an outbreak was recorded on a mink farm near La Puebla de Valverde, which infected over 14.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/how-pandemic-worsened-the-cruel-fate-of-minks-314142" hreflang="en">How pandemic worsened the cruel fate of minks?</a>

Owing to this, 92,000 minks were killed in order to limit the scope of transmission. It was believed that over 90 per cent of the animals had developed the virus.

A similar outbreak happened in the Netherlands, and scientists from the Wageningen University and Research found that the virus strain found in animals was similar to the one found in humans.&nbsp;

When the pandemic began in Wuhan in December 2019, everybody widely thought that it came from bats, which were a delicacy at the wet market where the pilot cluster began.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-million-minks-culled-in-europe-314145/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Humans to animals? Or the other way?

If the involvement of minks in enabling transmission of the virus is ascertained, it would prove that humans may catch the virus from animals, and hence need to practice more precaution.

It is widely believed that humans may pass on the infection to animals, but there is no proof of reverse transmission yet.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the transmission from animals to humans remains “very limited”, and not a threat so far.&nbsp;The organisation’s Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said that this may give us more information about the risk in animals.

"This gives us some clues about which animals may be susceptible to infection and this will help us as we learn more about the potential animal reservoir of (the virus)”, Kerkhove said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/dutch-to-slaughter-around-10000-mink-after-coronavirus-outbreak-on-farms-303412" hreflang="en">Dutch to slaughter around 10,000 mink after coronavirus outbreak on farms</a>

In the Netherlands alone, fearing a spike in cases among humans, a million minks have been killed across 26 farms, as per data from the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

All countries with mink farms in the region have upped precautions to avoid transmission among humans.

After outbreaks of coronavirus were reported on animal farms in Spain and the Netherlands, scientists are now wondering whether minks have the capability to transmit the virus onto humans.

After outbreaks of coronavirus were reported on animal farms in Spain and the Netherlands, scientists are now wondering whether minks have the capability to transmit the virus onto humans. Even though it is widely believed that the virus was passed on to minks from humans, scientists find it “plausible” that the minks further transmitted the virus to other staff members. In May, when Spain was hit hard by the virus, an outbreak was recorded on a mink farm near La Puebla de Valverde, which infected over 14. Also read: How pandemic worsened the cruel fate of minks? Owing to this, 92,000 minks were killed in order to limit the scope of transmission. It was believed that over 90 per cent of the animals had developed the virus. A similar outbreak happened in the Netherlands, and scientists from the Wageningen University and Research found that the virus strain found in animals was similar to the one found in humans. When the pandemic began in Wuhan in December 2019, everybody widely thought that it came from bats, which were a delicacy at the wet market where the pilot cluster began. Humans to animals? Or the other way? If the involvement of minks in enabling transmission of the virus is ascertained, it would prove that humans may catch the virus from animals, and hence need to practice more precaution. It is widely believed that humans may pass on the infection to animals, but there is no proof of reverse transmission yet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the transmission from animals to humans remains “very limited”, and not a threat so far. The organisation’s Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said that this may give us more information about the risk in animals. "This gives us some clues about which animals may be susceptible to infection and this will help us as we learn more about the potential animal reservoir of (the virus)”, Kerkhove said. Also read: Dutch to slaughter around 10,000 mink after coronavirus outbreak on farms In the Netherlands alone, fearing a spike in cases among humans, a million minks have been killed across 26 farms, as per data from the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. All countries with mink farms in the region have upped precautions to avoid transmission among humans.

Outbreaks among minks hold secrets to understanding animal-to-human transmission of COVID-19

US biotech firm Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine induced a robust immune response and prevented the coronavirus from replicating in the noses and lungs of monkeys, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine said Tuesday. 
 
The fact that the vaccine prevented the virus from replicating in the nose is seen as particularly crucial in preventing it from being transmitted onward to others.&nbsp; 
 
The same outcome did not occur when the University of Oxford's vaccine was tested on monkeys, though that vaccine did prevent the virus from entering the animals' lungs and making them very sick.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-healthy-recovered-coronavirus-patients-show-heart-damage-months-later-316654" hreflang="en">Majority of 'healthy' recovered coronavirus patients show heart damage months later</a> 
 
In the Moderna animal study, three groups of eight rhesus macaques received either a placebo or the vaccine at two different dose levels -- 10 micrograms and 100 micrograms. 
 
All vaccinated macaques produced high levels of neutralizing antibodies that attack a part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus used to invade cells. 
 
Notably, monkeys receiving both dose levels produced these antibodies at levels higher than those found in humans who have recovered from COVID-19. 
 
The authors reported that the vaccine also induced the production of a different immune cell known as T-cells that may have helped boost the overall response. 
 
A major area of concern is that vaccines under development could actually backfire by amplifying rather than suppressing the disease. 
 
So-called vaccine-associated enhancement of respiratory disease (VAERD) has been linked to the production of a specific type of T-cell known as Th2 -- but these cells were not produced during the experiment, suggesting this vaccine won't backfire.

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Four weeks after the monkeys received their second injection, they were exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, both through the nose and directly to the lungs via a tube. 
 
After two days, no replicating virus was detected in the lungs of seven of the eight macaques in both the low and high dose groups. 
 
By contrast, all eight in the placebo group continued to have the virus present. 
 
None of the eight macaques in the high dose groups had detectable levels of virus in their noses two days after exposure.&nbsp; 
 
"This is the first time an experimental COVID-19 vaccine tested in nonhuman primates has been shown to produce such rapid viral control in the upper airway," said the National Institutes for Health, which co-developed the vaccine. 
 
A COVID-19 vaccine capable of stopping the virus in the lungs will prevent the disease from becoming severe, while stopping the virus from replicating in the nose would lessen transmission. 
 
The Moderna vaccine uses genetic material in the form of viral RNA to encode the information needed to grow the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein inside the human body to trigger an immune response. 
 
Spike proteins give coronaviruses their crown-like appearance and are used to invade human cells, but by themselves are thought to be relatively harmless. 
 
The advantage of this technology is that it bypasses the need to manufacture viral proteins in the lab, helping to ramp up mass production. 
 
Both Moderna's vaccine and the vaccine co-developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca have entered late-stage human trials.

US biotech firm Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine induced a robust immune response and prevented the coronavirus from replicating in the noses and lungs of monkeys, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine said Tuesday.

US biotech firm Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine induced a robust immune response and prevented the coronavirus from replicating in the noses and lungs of monkeys, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine said Tuesday. The fact that the vaccine prevented the virus from replicating in the nose is seen as particularly crucial in preventing it from being transmitted onward to others. The same outcome did not occur when the University of Oxford's vaccine was tested on monkeys, though that vaccine did prevent the virus from entering the animals' lungs and making them very sick. Also read: Majority of 'healthy' recovered coronavirus patients show heart damage months later In the Moderna animal study, three groups of eight rhesus macaques received either a placebo or the vaccine at two different dose levels -- 10 micrograms and 100 micrograms. All vaccinated macaques produced high levels of neutralizing antibodies that attack a part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus used to invade cells. Notably, monkeys receiving both dose levels produced these antibodies at levels higher than those found in humans who have recovered from COVID-19. The authors reported that the vaccine also induced the production of a different immune cell known as T-cells that may have helped boost the overall response. A major area of concern is that vaccines under development could actually backfire by amplifying rather than suppressing the disease. So-called vaccine-associated enhancement of respiratory disease (VAERD) has been linked to the production of a specific type of T-cell known as Th2 -- but these cells were not produced during the experiment, suggesting this vaccine won't backfire. Also read: Russia intends to be world's first approval of COVID-19 vaccine by mid-August Four weeks after the monkeys received their second injection, they were exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, both through the nose and directly to the lungs via a tube. After two days, no replicating virus was detected in the lungs of seven of the eight macaques in both the low and high dose groups. By contrast, all eight in the placebo group continued to have the virus present. None of the eight macaques in the high dose groups had detectable levels of virus in their noses two days after exposure. "This is the first time an experimental COVID-19 vaccine tested in nonhuman primates has been shown to produce such rapid viral control in the upper airway," said the National Institutes for Health, which co-developed the vaccine. A COVID-19 vaccine capable of stopping the virus in the lungs will prevent the disease from becoming severe, while stopping the virus from replicating in the nose would lessen transmission. The Moderna vaccine uses genetic material in the form of viral RNA to encode the information needed to grow the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein inside the human body to trigger an immune response. Spike proteins give coronaviruses their crown-like appearance and are used to invade human cells, but by themselves are thought to be relatively harmless. The advantage of this technology is that it bypasses the need to manufacture viral proteins in the lab, helping to ramp up mass production. Both Moderna's vaccine and the vaccine co-developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca have entered late-stage human trials.

Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine worked well in monkeys: Study

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world, infiltrating and decapitating every territory that falls in its way. Scientifically, the most annoying facet of the virus has been its unpredictability.

In the beginning, scientists weren’t sure what to make of it, and what its most definitive group of symptoms are. Over the course of 2020, the information has been modified many times. Very recently, a group of scientists posited that the virus may indeed be airborne, which shocked the scientific community worldwide.

As the death toll and the number of infections continue to induct record numbers everyday, a group of scientists have found that COVID-19 may be the underlying cause for more than lung-related ailments in the long term.

Heart damage

The new twin researches from Germany claim that the virus can trigger long-lasting heart damage. This is not limited to patients with co-morbidities; even healthy people can develop long-lasting damage after recovering from the virus.

Out of the two studies, one focused simply on the effects on the heart, while the other limited itself to its effects in the elderly.

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The former was published in JAMA Cardiology on Monday and found that three-quarters of recovered patients experienced structural changes in their hearts, even two months after recovering from the virus.

The scientists took into account MRIs of over 100 patients who had now recovered, all aged between 45-53. They then juxtaposed the structural definitions of the heart with those who had never contracted the virus. Out of the 100, 78 showed changes in the basic structure of their hearts.

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"Biomarker"

Out of these, 76 had a “biomarker”, which usually appears in people who experienced a heart attack. 60 also showed heart inflammation, which is called myocarditis. The most important facet of this study is perhaps that the majority of these people were “healthy” before contracting the virus. A false belief has long been held by people that only people with co-morbidities and the elderly develop the serious symptoms of virus. This has been dispelled multiple times over the course of the pandemic, as new information starts flowing in.

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Even weeks after recovering, the effects on the heart remained pronounced, opening doors of potential long-term effects that we may still not be aware of.

The second study focused on&nbsp;39 subjects aged between 78-89 who died in the earlier stages of the pandemic. The researchers analysed their autopsy reports and found that heart issues were noticed in more than 41 per cent of elderly patients.

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world, infiltrating and decapitating every territory that falls in its way. Scientifically, the most annoying facet of the virus has been its unpredictability.

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world, infiltrating and decapitating every territory that falls in its way. Scientifically, the most annoying facet of the virus has been its unpredictability. In the beginning, scientists weren’t sure what to make of it, and what its most definitive group of symptoms are. Over the course of 2020, the information has been modified many times. Very recently, a group of scientists posited that the virus may indeed be airborne, which shocked the scientific community worldwide. As the death toll and the number of infections continue to induct record numbers everyday, a group of scientists have found that COVID-19 may be the underlying cause for more than lung-related ailments in the long term. Heart damage The new twin researches from Germany claim that the virus can trigger long-lasting heart damage. This is not limited to patients with co-morbidities; even healthy people can develop long-lasting damage after recovering from the virus. Out of the two studies, one focused simply on the effects on the heart, while the other limited itself to its effects in the elderly. Also read: A modified strain of cannabis was recently able to kill cancer cells The former was published in JAMA Cardiology on Monday and found that three-quarters of recovered patients experienced structural changes in their hearts, even two months after recovering from the virus. The scientists took into account MRIs of over 100 patients who had now recovered, all aged between 45-53. They then juxtaposed the structural definitions of the heart with those who had never contracted the virus. Out of the 100, 78 showed changes in the basic structure of their hearts. "Biomarker" Out of these, 76 had a “biomarker”, which usually appears in people who experienced a heart attack. 60 also showed heart inflammation, which is called myocarditis. The most important facet of this study is perhaps that the majority of these people were “healthy” before contracting the virus. A false belief has long been held by people that only people with co-morbidities and the elderly develop the serious symptoms of virus. This has been dispelled multiple times over the course of the pandemic, as new information starts flowing in. Also read: Dinosaur-era microbes lying dormant in ocean resuscitated by scientists Even weeks after recovering, the effects on the heart remained pronounced, opening doors of potential long-term effects that we may still not be aware of. The second study focused on 39 subjects aged between 78-89 who died in the earlier stages of the pandemic. The researchers analysed their autopsy reports and found that heart issues were noticed in more than 41 per cent of elderly patients.

Majority of 'healthy' recovered coronavirus patients show heart damage months later

Under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF) the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $3 million grant to India to&nbsp;support the government’s emergency response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“The new grant complements ADB’s ongoing support to the Government of India in strengthening its COVID-19 response,” said ADB Director for Human and Social Development for South Asia Sungsup Ra. “This support will enhance disease surveillance and help in early detection, contact tracing, and treatment. This will be further supplemented by other public health measures.”

The grant, which is financed by the Government of Japan, will be used to procure thermal scanners and essential commodities to strengthen the Government of India’s COVID-19 response.

Meanwhile, India recorded 48,513 fresh coronavirus infections and 768 deaths linked to the highly contagious illness in the last 24 hours, which takes the country's tally to 15, 31,669 cases, the Union Health Ministry said this morning.&nbsp;

A total of 9, 88,029 patients in the country have recovered so far and 34,193 have died since the beginning of the pandemic, government data shows. Today's spike in cases comes a day after India crossed 15 lakh cases.

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, infections are rising rapidly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Only 700 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Mumbai, while Pune recorded a spike of 2,618 cases.

Worldometer has recorded 247,233 new cases worldwide in the past 24 hours.&nbsp;

As many as 16,883,445 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 10,445,764 have recovered 662,470 have died so far.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF) the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $3 million grant to India to support the government’s emergency response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF) the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $3 million grant to India to support the government’s emergency response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. “The new grant complements ADB’s ongoing support to the Government of India in strengthening its COVID-19 response,” said ADB Director for Human and Social Development for South Asia Sungsup Ra. “This support will enhance disease surveillance and help in early detection, contact tracing, and treatment. This will be further supplemented by other public health measures.” The grant, which is financed by the Government of Japan, will be used to procure thermal scanners and essential commodities to strengthen the Government of India’s COVID-19 response. Meanwhile, India recorded 48,513 fresh coronavirus infections and 768 deaths linked to the highly contagious illness in the last 24 hours, which takes the country's tally to 15, 31,669 cases, the Union Health Ministry said this morning. A total of 9, 88,029 patients in the country have recovered so far and 34,193 have died since the beginning of the pandemic, government data shows. Today's spike in cases comes a day after India crossed 15 lakh cases. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, infections are rising rapidly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Only 700 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Mumbai, while Pune recorded a spike of 2,618 cases. Worldometer has recorded 247,233 new cases worldwide in the past 24 hours. As many as 16,883,445 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 10,445,764 have recovered 662,470 have died so far. (With inputs from agencies)

India gets $3 million booster from Asian Development Bank to ramp up combat against deadly coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has frustrated healthcare workers and scientists owing to its elusive nature, and the new information that keeps coming in as the pandemic progresses.

In the midst of this barrage of weekly new information, the World Health Organization continues to make new observations on the pandemic. The organisation has faced criticism for playing into the hands of Chinese authorities and delaying the public service announcements of COVID-19, which could have saved thousands of lives.

Also read: C<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-sees-over-100-cases-for-first-time-in-over-three-months-amidst-fear-of-second-wave-316675" hreflang="en">OVID-19: China sees over 100 cases for first time in over three months amidst fear of second wave</a>

Recently, a group of scientists pressed the WHO to consider that the virus is airborne and can be transmitted through air, and not simply through droplets emanating from coughing and sneezing.

Not seasonal

On Tuesday, the WHO dispelled all notions of incoming second waves of the virus in major former hotspots by claiming that the virus constitutes “one big wave”, and will not most probably become “seasonal”, for it does not share the characteristics of an influenza which emerges and disappears seasonally.

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The WHO has avoided referring to any resurgence as “wave”. It believes this implies that the virus is out of human control. But research and on-ground action has shown how early tracing, detection, and isolation clubbed with basic hygiene practices can tremendously limit the transmission of the deadly virus.

A study recently in fact claimed that we might not even need vaccines if everybody took the virus seriously and follows social distancing and hand washing protocols rigorously.

“We are in the first wave. It’s going to be one big wave”, WHO’s Margaret Harris said during a briefing in Geneva.

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Fluctuation to continue

Harris added that the intensity would continue to fluctuate, “it’s going to go up and down a bit”, while adding that limiting transmission is the only best shot at overcoming the pandemic.

“The best thing is to flatten it and turn it into just something lapping at your feet”, she said.

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While referring to the elusive nature of the virus, she said that we must look beyond seasons. Additionally, she urged everyone to follow measures and to avoid mass gatherings.

"People are still thinking about seasons. What we all need&nbsp;to get our heads around is this is a new virus and...this one is&nbsp;behaving differently," Harris claimed.

She further said that the virus is not season-specific. "Summer is a problem. This virus likes all weather."

However, the confluence of seasonal influenza with COVID-19 could trigger an increase in the number of cases. Harris said that the WHO is monitoring this closely.

Based on current figures, the flu season this year will start later than the usual. She also urged people to get vaccinated against the flu to lighten the burden on healthcare.

The coronavirus pandemic has frustrated healthcare workers and scientists owing to its elusive nature, and the new information that keeps coming in as the pandemic progresses.

The coronavirus pandemic has frustrated healthcare workers and scientists owing to its elusive nature, and the new information that keeps coming in as the pandemic progresses. In the midst of this barrage of weekly new information, the World Health Organization continues to make new observations on the pandemic. The organisation has faced criticism for playing into the hands of Chinese authorities and delaying the public service announcements of COVID-19, which could have saved thousands of lives. Also read: COVID-19: China sees over 100 cases for first time in over three months amidst fear of second wave Recently, a group of scientists pressed the WHO to consider that the virus is airborne and can be transmitted through air, and not simply through droplets emanating from coughing and sneezing. Not seasonal On Tuesday, the WHO dispelled all notions of incoming second waves of the virus in major former hotspots by claiming that the virus constitutes “one big wave”, and will not most probably become “seasonal”, for it does not share the characteristics of an influenza which emerges and disappears seasonally. Also read: UK signs up for Sanofi-GSK coronavirus vaccine The WHO has avoided referring to any resurgence as “wave”. It believes this implies that the virus is out of human control. But research and on-ground action has shown how early tracing, detection, and isolation clubbed with basic hygiene practices can tremendously limit the transmission of the deadly virus. A study recently in fact claimed that we might not even need vaccines if everybody took the virus seriously and follows social distancing and hand washing protocols rigorously. “We are in the first wave. It’s going to be one big wave”, WHO’s Margaret Harris said during a briefing in Geneva. Fluctuation to continue Harris added that the intensity would continue to fluctuate, “it’s going to go up and down a bit”, while adding that limiting transmission is the only best shot at overcoming the pandemic. “The best thing is to flatten it and turn it into just something lapping at your feet”, she said. Also read: Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine worked well in monkeys: Study While referring to the elusive nature of the virus, she said that we must look beyond seasons. Additionally, she urged everyone to follow measures and to avoid mass gatherings. "People are still thinking about seasons. What we all need to get our heads around is this is a new virus and...this one is behaving differently," Harris claimed. She further said that the virus is not season-specific. "Summer is a problem. This virus likes all weather." However, the confluence of seasonal influenza with COVID-19 could trigger an increase in the number of cases. Harris said that the WHO is monitoring this closely. Based on current figures, the flu season this year will start later than the usual. She also urged people to get vaccinated against the flu to lighten the burden on healthcare.

Coronavirus not 'seasonal', the current pandemic constitutes 'one big wave': WHO

The United States continues to be the hardest-hit country by COVID-19, lodging in 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours. It also has the world’s highest number of infections and deaths - more than 142,000 people have died of the virus in the country. California alone now has 400,000 cases of coronavirus.

However, a large section of people in the US do not believe these numbers. According to them, these are inflated.

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A poll undertaken by Axios-Ipsos revealed that over 30 per cent respondents do not believe the numbers are real. They believe lesser Americans are dying than shown on record.

Whopping 31%

The 31 per cent pool of respondents signifies a surge in the scepticism surrounding American numbers, which stood at 23 per cent in May 2020.

This may be attributed to media consumption habits, the poll added. A whopping 62 per cent of Fox News watchers claims the statistics are inflated, while 48 per cent who identified with no single source of news believed the numbers do not reflect reality.&nbsp;On the other hand, only 7 per cent of CNN and MSNBC watchers felt the numbers were not real.

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An earlier CNN report showed how denial surrounding the impact of the virus has increased in the US, right in the midst of ever-growing cases in the country, suggesting a dangerous trend.

Besides the federal government, the COVID-19 numbers are compiled by independent outlets based on data received from hospitals, local medical examiners, and coroners officers.

Underreporting or overreporting?&nbsp;

However, the total opposite of what Americans believe is happening in the country. Due to limited knowledge about the virus and new information coming in everyday, many deaths are falsely attributed to other ailments that may have qualified as co-morbid coronavirus-related deaths.

The global medical discourse has constantly acknowledged underreported cases instead of over reported cases. Testing more is actually considered a good thing, for it makes identification and tracking of hotspots possible, which can then prevent further transmission of the virus.

The country has almost 4 million cases of coronavirus. An additionally 60,000 new cases were added on Monday. This is over four times the pan-Europe figure.

Reiterating his previous bizarre claim that the virus would “simply disappear”, Trump pitched the magical disappearance theory again during an interview on Sunday.

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Over the last two months, Republicans in the US have put forward claims of over reported cases in the country. In the aftermath of this, all hospitals are now submitting medical records to the federal Department of Health and Human Services, as opposed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Following US are Brazil and India in terms of infections.

The United States continues to be the hardest-hit country by COVID-19, lodging in 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours. It also has the world’s highest number of infections and deaths - more than 142,000 people have died of the virus in the country.

The United States continues to be the hardest-hit country by COVID-19, lodging in 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours. It also has the world’s highest number of infections and deaths - more than 142,000 people have died of the virus in the country. California alone now has 400,000 cases of coronavirus. However, a large section of people in the US do not believe these numbers. According to them, these are inflated. Also read: US records 1,000 deaths in one day from COVID-19, California passes 400,000 cases A poll undertaken by Axios-Ipsos revealed that over 30 per cent respondents do not believe the numbers are real. They believe lesser Americans are dying than shown on record. Whopping 31% The 31 per cent pool of respondents signifies a surge in the scepticism surrounding American numbers, which stood at 23 per cent in May 2020. This may be attributed to media consumption habits, the poll added. A whopping 62 per cent of Fox News watchers claims the statistics are inflated, while 48 per cent who identified with no single source of news believed the numbers do not reflect reality. On the other hand, only 7 per cent of CNN and MSNBC watchers felt the numbers were not real. Also see: Daunting COVID-19 records that US will never forget An earlier CNN report showed how denial surrounding the impact of the virus has increased in the US, right in the midst of ever-growing cases in the country, suggesting a dangerous trend. Besides the federal government, the COVID-19 numbers are compiled by independent outlets based on data received from hospitals, local medical examiners, and coroners officers. Underreporting or overreporting? However, the total opposite of what Americans believe is happening in the country. Due to limited knowledge about the virus and new information coming in everyday, many deaths are falsely attributed to other ailments that may have qualified as co-morbid coronavirus-related deaths. The global medical discourse has constantly acknowledged underreported cases instead of over reported cases. Testing more is actually considered a good thing, for it makes identification and tracking of hotspots possible, which can then prevent further transmission of the virus. The country has almost 4 million cases of coronavirus. An additionally 60,000 new cases were added on Monday. This is over four times the pan-Europe figure. Reiterating his previous bizarre claim that the virus would “simply disappear”, Trump pitched the magical disappearance theory again during an interview on Sunday. Also read: Joe Biden is considering four Black women for vice-president Over the last two months, Republicans in the US have put forward claims of over reported cases in the country. In the aftermath of this, all hospitals are now submitting medical records to the federal Department of Health and Human Services, as opposed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Following US are Brazil and India in terms of infections.

31% Americans believe coronavirus numbers are being over-reported: Poll

The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone, as California closed in on passing New York in total infections.

Nearly 142,000 Americans have now died from the illness caused by the coronavirus, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers and an alarming rise in hospitalizations in many states.

But in some states, governors and local officials continued to bicker over the best way to respond to the crisis.&nbsp;

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In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said Hidalgo county could not order residents to stay home and said mask and social distancing rules were sufficient to keep businesses open in the Rio Grande Valley, on the U.S. border with Mexico.&nbsp;

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has sought to prevent Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms from enforcing an order that residents wear masks in public.

A court hearing on Kemp's lawsuit against Bottoms, a Democrat who has been mentioned as a possible running mate for presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, was postponed after two judges recused themselves.

In Florida, the state teachers' union has sued Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials in an attempt to halt his plans to reopen school classrooms as the state suffered a surge of more than 10,000 daily new COVID-19 cases for six out of the last seven days.

On average last week, 19% of Florida's tests for the virus came back positive, indicating widespread community transmission. Deaths have climbed 45% week-over-week.

"I think it's much better today than it was two weeks ago. And I think it will continue to improve," DeSantis said at a briefing on Tuesday, adding that hospitals were seeing plateaus in patient numbers.&nbsp;

About 20% of Florida's intensive care unit beds are available, 5% more than two weeks ago, after hospitals expanded capacity. The number of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients fell on Tuesday after rising to record highs at least nine days in a row, state data showed.

Neither Florida nor Georgia have issued statewide mask mandates. In Texas, Abbott initially resisted such an order but earlier this month agreed to require face coverings in most counties.

In Hidalgo County, cases have risen 59% in the last week to nearly 13,000 total. In just one week, deaths have doubled to over 300, according to a Reuters tally.

CALIFORNIA CASES RISE

California on Tuesday became the second U.S. state after New York to report more than 400,000 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak was first detected in the United States in January, according to a Reuters tally of county data.

New York - the epicenter of the pandemic earlier this year - has recorded by far the most deaths of any U.S. state at 32,218. California has reported more than 7,700 deaths.

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But New York now has one of the nation's lowest infection rates and reported just two coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday. It has eased its once strict lockdown restrictions.

Mandatory mask wearing, which public health officials say can slow the spread of the virus, has become a political issue among Americans, with many conservatives calling such rules a violation of their Constitutional rights.

President Donald Trump has been reluctant to wear a mask himself in public, but encouraged Americans on Tuesday to wear one if they cannot maintain social distance, and avoid crowded bars.

The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone, as California closed in on passing New York in total infections.

The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone, as California closed in on passing New York in total infections. Nearly 142,000 Americans have now died from the illness caused by the coronavirus, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers and an alarming rise in hospitalizations in many states. But in some states, governors and local officials continued to bicker over the best way to respond to the crisis. Also read: Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics' In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said Hidalgo county could not order residents to stay home and said mask and social distancing rules were sufficient to keep businesses open in the Rio Grande Valley, on the U.S. border with Mexico. In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has sought to prevent Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms from enforcing an order that residents wear masks in public. A court hearing on Kemp's lawsuit against Bottoms, a Democrat who has been mentioned as a possible running mate for presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, was postponed after two judges recused themselves. In Florida, the state teachers' union has sued Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials in an attempt to halt his plans to reopen school classrooms as the state suffered a surge of more than 10,000 daily new COVID-19 cases for six out of the last seven days. On average last week, 19% of Florida's tests for the virus came back positive, indicating widespread community transmission. Deaths have climbed 45% week-over-week. "I think it's much better today than it was two weeks ago. And I think it will continue to improve," DeSantis said at a briefing on Tuesday, adding that hospitals were seeing plateaus in patient numbers. About 20% of Florida's intensive care unit beds are available, 5% more than two weeks ago, after hospitals expanded capacity. The number of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients fell on Tuesday after rising to record highs at least nine days in a row, state data showed. Neither Florida nor Georgia have issued statewide mask mandates. In Texas, Abbott initially resisted such an order but earlier this month agreed to require face coverings in most counties. In Hidalgo County, cases have risen 59% in the last week to nearly 13,000 total. In just one week, deaths have doubled to over 300, according to a Reuters tally. CALIFORNIA CASES RISE California on Tuesday became the second U.S. state after New York to report more than 400,000 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak was first detected in the United States in January, according to a Reuters tally of county data. New York - the epicenter of the pandemic earlier this year - has recorded by far the most deaths of any U.S. state at 32,218. California has reported more than 7,700 deaths. Also read: Trump orders congressional districts to disallow 'illegal aliens' from voting But New York now has one of the nation's lowest infection rates and reported just two coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday. It has eased its once strict lockdown restrictions. Mandatory mask wearing, which public health officials say can slow the spread of the virus, has become a political issue among Americans, with many conservatives calling such rules a violation of their Constitutional rights. President Donald Trump has been reluctant to wear a mask himself in public, but encouraged Americans on Tuesday to wear one if they cannot maintain social distance, and avoid crowded bars.

US records 1,000 deaths in one day from COVID-19, California passes 400,000 cases

There is a lot about&nbsp;coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

Recently, a group of scientists had claimed that coronavirus is actually airborne, meaning it can be passed through the air, as opposed to what what earlier posited.

Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have been sure of the fact that COVID-19 is transmitted through the micodroplets released by patients when they're speaking or breathing. However, no proof existed until now of whether these particles were infectious

Replicated quickly!

A study undertaken at the University of Nebraska and released this week, for the first time showed how coronavirus derived from microdroplets (defined as under five microns) can spread even in lab conditions. 
 
This gives credence to the notion that simply speaking and breathing&nbsp;as opposed to coughing and sneezing can spread the virus from one person to another. Additionally, this nullifies the scientific value of the two metres distancing role adopted worldwide, for the infectious virus can travel beyond it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/is-the-airborne-route-a-major-source-of-coronavirus-transmission-311608" hreflang="en">Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission?</a> 
 
Even though the research has not been peer-reviewed, it is a revelation in a series of many such shocking details that have come regarding the virus recently. 
 
Published on medrxiv.org, the research was done by scientists who in March showed that the virus remained airborne in the hospital rooms of coronavirus patients. This study will soon be published in a journal. 
 
Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center told AFP,&nbsp;"It is actually fairly difficult" to collect the samples.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hundreds-of-scientists-say-coronavirus-is-airborne-ask-who-to-revise-recommendations-says-report-310933" hreflang="en">Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report</a>

Infectious microdroplets

The device used to understand the virus was the size of cellular phone, however "the&nbsp;concentrations are typically very low, your chances of recovering material are small".

As part of their research, the scientists took samples of air from five rooms of coronavirus patients. The height at which the results were recorded was about 30 centimetres or a foot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-acknowledges-emerging-evidence-on-airborne-coronavirus-transmission-311448" hreflang="en">WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' on airborne coronavirus transmission</a>

These recorded "aerosol", or what remains of us after talking, ie, microdroplets, while some were coughing.&nbsp;The researchers were able to collect droplets as small as one micron in diameter.

These samples were placed into a culture to see if they'd grow. They found that out of the 18 samples, three were able to replicate.

This, for the researchers, implies that microdroplets are indeed capable of infecting people. 
 
"It is replicated in cell culture and therefore infectious," he said.

There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit. Recently, a group of scientists had claimed that coronavirus is actually airborne, meaning it can be passed through the air, as opposed to what what earlier posited. Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have been sure of the fact that COVID-19 is transmitted through the micodroplets released by patients when they're speaking or breathing. However, no proof existed until now of whether these particles were infectious Replicated quickly! A study undertaken at the University of Nebraska and released this week, for the first time showed how coronavirus derived from microdroplets (defined as under five microns) can spread even in lab conditions. This gives credence to the notion that simply speaking and breathing as opposed to coughing and sneezing can spread the virus from one person to another. Additionally, this nullifies the scientific value of the two metres distancing role adopted worldwide, for the infectious virus can travel beyond it. Also read: Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission? Even though the research has not been peer-reviewed, it is a revelation in a series of many such shocking details that have come regarding the virus recently. Published on medrxiv.org, the research was done by scientists who in March showed that the virus remained airborne in the hospital rooms of coronavirus patients. This study will soon be published in a journal. Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center told AFP, "It is actually fairly difficult" to collect the samples. Also read: Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report Infectious microdroplets The device used to understand the virus was the size of cellular phone, however "the concentrations are typically very low, your chances of recovering material are small". As part of their research, the scientists took samples of air from five rooms of coronavirus patients. The height at which the results were recorded was about 30 centimetres or a foot. Also read: WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' on airborne coronavirus transmission These recorded "aerosol", or what remains of us after talking, ie, microdroplets, while some were coughing. The researchers were able to collect droplets as small as one micron in diameter. These samples were placed into a culture to see if they'd grow. They found that out of the 18 samples, three were able to replicate. This, for the researchers, implies that microdroplets are indeed capable of infecting people. "It is replicated in cell culture and therefore infectious," he said.

Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious beyond 2 metres

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Cross-border travel between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will now only be permitted for work, education or medical care, after the border was closed earlier this month for the first time in 100 years.

Staff or students travelling from Victoria into NSW to attend boarding schools or universities are now required to self-isolate for two weeks and test negative to coronavirus, while seasonal workers from Victoria are barred.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australia-warns-coronavirus-outbreak-will-take-weeks-to-tame-314518" hreflang="en">Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame</a>

Melbourne has seen a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the virus spreading to many aged and nursing homes and some prisons.&nbsp;

Victoria has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, nearly half of the total infections in Australia. The state recorded 364 new cases on Tuesday.

Australia has recorded nearly 12,500 COVID-19 cases and 126 deaths since the pandemic began earlier this year. Though the overall health outcome is better than many of its rich world peers, authorities and policymakers are increasingly worried about spread of the virulent disease in Melbourne.

In NSW, of which Sydney is the capital city, 16 new COVID-19 cases were recorded with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the state was on "high alert" due to community transmissions and new locations of cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/essential-to-stop-virus-australias-second-biggest-city-makes-mask-wearing-compulsory-in-public-314388" hreflang="en">'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public</a>

She raised concerns over another Black Lives Matter protest planned next week, as a possible vehicle for the spread of the virus.

"Irrespective of the issue, we need to follow the health advice. Large crowds are a huge concern. We cannot allow that march to continue unfortunately," Berejiklian said.

"It’s just not sensible at this time to expose yourself and others to the spread of the virus. We’re at a critical point in New South Wales and we don’t want to see the virus spread and actions like that are a huge health risk."

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Cross-border travel between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will now only be permitted for work, education or medical care, after the border was closed earlier this month for the first time in 100 years. Staff or students travelling from Victoria into NSW to attend boarding schools or universities are now required to self-isolate for two weeks and test negative to coronavirus, while seasonal workers from Victoria are barred. Also read: Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame Melbourne has seen a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the virus spreading to many aged and nursing homes and some prisons. Victoria has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, nearly half of the total infections in Australia. The state recorded 364 new cases on Tuesday. Australia has recorded nearly 12,500 COVID-19 cases and 126 deaths since the pandemic began earlier this year. Though the overall health outcome is better than many of its rich world peers, authorities and policymakers are increasingly worried about spread of the virulent disease in Melbourne. In NSW, of which Sydney is the capital city, 16 new COVID-19 cases were recorded with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the state was on "high alert" due to community transmissions and new locations of cases. Also read: 'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public She raised concerns over another Black Lives Matter protest planned next week, as a possible vehicle for the spread of the virus. "Irrespective of the issue, we need to follow the health advice. Large crowds are a huge concern. We cannot allow that march to continue unfortunately," Berejiklian said. "It’s just not sensible at this time to expose yourself and others to the spread of the virus. We’re at a critical point in New South Wales and we don’t want to see the virus spread and actions like that are a huge health risk."

Melbourne residents ordered to wear masks as Australia coronavirus cases rise

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease. 
 
A daily technical report recorded a total of 40,400 deaths from the virus, after adding 915 more fatalities in the last 24 hours. The first case in Mexico was detected on February 28.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/at-least-23-bodies-found-in-mass-grave-in-mexico-314185" hreflang="en">At least 23 bodies found in mass grave in Mexico</a> 
 
This week President Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed to improve health standards in the nation to help its combat the virus threat.&nbsp; 
 
He pledged to protect those vulnerable to COVID-19, including tackling "diseases caused by hunger and poverty," launching "a permanent campaign" to promote healthier eating and lifestyles, and treating hypertension, diabetes and obesity as a priority.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/mexico-considers-selling-its-luxurious-presidential-jet-in-barter-deal-313511" hreflang="en">Mexico considers selling its luxurious presidential jet in barter deal</a> 
 
"We want to remember those who died from the COVID-19 pandemic, and send a loving, fraternal hug to their relatives, to their friends," Lopez Obrador said in a video released on social media. 
 
Mexico, with 127 million inhabitants, has the second-highest death toll in Latin America after Brazil, which has 80,000 deaths.&nbsp;

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease.

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease. A daily technical report recorded a total of 40,400 deaths from the virus, after adding 915 more fatalities in the last 24 hours. The first case in Mexico was detected on February 28. Also read: At least 23 bodies found in mass grave in Mexico This week President Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed to improve health standards in the nation to help its combat the virus threat. He pledged to protect those vulnerable to COVID-19, including tackling "diseases caused by hunger and poverty," launching "a permanent campaign" to promote healthier eating and lifestyles, and treating hypertension, diabetes and obesity as a priority. Also read: Mexico considers selling its luxurious presidential jet in barter deal "We want to remember those who died from the COVID-19 pandemic, and send a loving, fraternal hug to their relatives, to their friends," Lopez Obrador said in a video released on social media. Mexico, with 127 million inhabitants, has the second-highest death toll in Latin America after Brazil, which has 80,000 deaths.

Mexico's coronavirus death toll passes 40,000

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago.

Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history at the moment. Large areas in the country still remain submerged, and homes destroyed. Millions are affected by the devastating floods.

Once the epicentre

COVID-19 was first discovered in a food market in Wuhan, where the first case was lodged after people started showing symptoms of pneumonia.

The group of tourists came from the neighbouring province of Hunan, and consisted of people between the age of 12-82.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/chinas-wuhan-declares-red-alert-as-floods-disrupt-supply-chains-313959" hreflang="en">China's Wuhan declares red alert as floods disrupt supply chains</a>

Reuters reported that the tour bus was sterilised to avoid any potential transmission of coronavirus, which is currently wreaking havoc across 188 countries.

The tourists had to follow social distancing guidelines, with mandatory masks and a free distribution of sanitisers, after taking their temperature.

Tourism industry relieved

The pilot tourist group will see Wuhan’s landmarks like Chu River Han Street, Hubu Lane, and the Yellow Crane Tower.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-offers-rare-glimpse-of-wuhan-lab-centre-of-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories-311975" hreflang="en">China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories</a>

"We got some free tickets for out tourists and enhanced the accommodation level to the five-star-rated hotel where they could enjoy sumptuous buffet for dinner," said Qian Wenkang, the tour guide told Reuters.

"The resumption of inter-provincial travels is a great benefit to the entire tourism industry as well as a hopeful sign for the market to recover," said Lei Wenjie, the CPC committee secretary of the Hubei culture and tourism department.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/virus-samples-with-96-resemblance-to-covid-19-were-sent-to-wuhan-lab-in-2013-311205" hreflang="en">Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013</a>

However, a new research has pointed how temperature tests in the pursuit of identifying coronavirus cases is pretty much ineffective, as almost half the cases don’t even exhibit apparent symptoms of the virus. So if their temperature was normal, they could start be transmitting the disease to other people.

As of July 21, the country has 14 cases of coronavirus. In Hubei alone, over 68,135 cases were recorded, out of which 4,512 succumbed to the virus, and 63,623 recovered. The global tally has surpassed 15 million, with the US, Brazil, and India the hardest-hit countries at the moment. India currently has a recovery rate of 63 per cent, one of the highest in the world. China, on an average has been reporting 10 new cases of coronavirus everyday, which might explain why the former epicentre is now opening up for tourism.

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago. Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up.

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago. Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history at the moment. Large areas in the country still remain submerged, and homes destroyed. Millions are affected by the devastating floods. Once the epicentre COVID-19 was first discovered in a food market in Wuhan, where the first case was lodged after people started showing symptoms of pneumonia. The group of tourists came from the neighbouring province of Hunan, and consisted of people between the age of 12-82. Also read: China's Wuhan declares red alert as floods disrupt supply chains Reuters reported that the tour bus was sterilised to avoid any potential transmission of coronavirus, which is currently wreaking havoc across 188 countries. The tourists had to follow social distancing guidelines, with mandatory masks and a free distribution of sanitisers, after taking their temperature. Tourism industry relieved The pilot tourist group will see Wuhan’s landmarks like Chu River Han Street, Hubu Lane, and the Yellow Crane Tower. Also read: China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories "We got some free tickets for out tourists and enhanced the accommodation level to the five-star-rated hotel where they could enjoy sumptuous buffet for dinner," said Qian Wenkang, the tour guide told Reuters. "The resumption of inter-provincial travels is a great benefit to the entire tourism industry as well as a hopeful sign for the market to recover," said Lei Wenjie, the CPC committee secretary of the Hubei culture and tourism department. Also read: Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013 However, a new research has pointed how temperature tests in the pursuit of identifying coronavirus cases is pretty much ineffective, as almost half the cases don’t even exhibit apparent symptoms of the virus. So if their temperature was normal, they could start be transmitting the disease to other people. As of July 21, the country has 14 cases of coronavirus. In Hubei alone, over 68,135 cases were recorded, out of which 4,512 succumbed to the virus, and 63,623 recovered. The global tally has surpassed 15 million, with the US, Brazil, and India the hardest-hit countries at the moment. India currently has a recovery rate of 63 per cent, one of the highest in the world. China, on an average has been reporting 10 new cases of coronavirus everyday, which might explain why the former epicentre is now opening up for tourism.

Wuhan welcomes tourists 100 days after lifting coronavirus-induced lockdown

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.”&nbsp;

It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG &amp; Oil tankers will continue without any hassle.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/a-local-daily-in-jk-surprises-readers-with-face-masks-as-cases-rise-314900" hreflang="en">A local daily in J&amp;K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise</a>

Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space.&nbsp;

Yesterday, J&amp;K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/jk-joins-boycott-china-campaign-314629" hreflang="en">J&amp;K joins 'Boycott China' campaign</a>

The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees.

Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases. In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.” It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG & Oil tankers will continue without any hassle. Also read: A local daily in J&K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space. Yesterday, J&K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. Also read: J&K joins 'Boycott China' campaign The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees. Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

J&K: Administration orders complete lockdown in red zones after spike in COVID cases

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers.

One of the most prominent techniques used by everyone ranging from airports to your next-door pharmacy is temperature checks. A man standing at the entry point will usually scan your temperature using a handheld device, pointing it at your forehead.

Based on the reading they receive and whether it qualifies are “not-corona”, they will let you enter, or simply ask you to leave.

But do these temperature checks achieve anything? The answer is unfortunately a scathing no.

Firstly, the biggest issue with COVID-19 is its unpredictability and the amount of information that scientists currently don’t have. For instance, earlier it was established the virus only spreads through person-to-person contact. But a recent research, which forced the WHO to change their stance claimed that the virus is actually airborne, implying it can spread through air.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-work-with-china-if-first-to-produce-successful-covid-19-vaccine-says-trump-315110" hreflang="en">US ready to work with China if first to produce successful COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump</a>

A new research now claims that this might be causing more harm than good.&nbsp;Reported by Popular Science, the executive Vice President of Scripps Research claimed that this practice is “of no value” and that “it should be abandoned”.&nbsp;Eric Topol also claimed that this practice is unable to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

"Unreliable"

This is a practice rooted in the SARS outbreak of 2000s. However, fever was a more reliable source of ascertaining infection in the case of SARS than it is for COVID-19. Over 86 per cent of SARS patients exhibited feverish symptoms.

SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand is very different from SARS, rendering the temperature checks useless. As suggested above, only half of the people who carry COVID-19 develop a fever. Additionally, the damage is done in terms of transmission way before temperature rises in patients.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/research-indicates-airborne-coronavirus-remains-actively-infectious-beyond-2-metres-315029">Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious</a>

Research emanating from across the globe shows how youngsters sometimes don’t show any symptoms at all, while those who are simply not healthy enough may also not show symptoms.

Additionally, to filter out crowds based on fevers is absurd, given how it’s a common symptom for multiple ailments, or very simply could just be a fever.

This is more relevant for the US, for its flu season usually begins in the autumn, which is around the corner. This conflict of symptoms might keep out the non-carriers, but there’s no guarantee it will prevent those carrying the virus from venturing into public spaces that may become a breeding ground for the virus.

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers.

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers. One of the most prominent techniques used by everyone ranging from airports to your next-door pharmacy is temperature checks. A man standing at the entry point will usually scan your temperature using a handheld device, pointing it at your forehead. Based on the reading they receive and whether it qualifies are “not-corona”, they will let you enter, or simply ask you to leave. But do these temperature checks achieve anything? The answer is unfortunately a scathing no. Firstly, the biggest issue with COVID-19 is its unpredictability and the amount of information that scientists currently don’t have. For instance, earlier it was established the virus only spreads through person-to-person contact. But a recent research, which forced the WHO to change their stance claimed that the virus is actually airborne, implying it can spread through air. Also read: US ready to work with China if first to produce successful COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump A new research now claims that this might be causing more harm than good. Reported by Popular Science, the executive Vice President of Scripps Research claimed that this practice is “of no value” and that “it should be abandoned”. Eric Topol also claimed that this practice is unable to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. "Unreliable" This is a practice rooted in the SARS outbreak of 2000s. However, fever was a more reliable source of ascertaining infection in the case of SARS than it is for COVID-19. Over 86 per cent of SARS patients exhibited feverish symptoms. SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand is very different from SARS, rendering the temperature checks useless. As suggested above, only half of the people who carry COVID-19 develop a fever. Additionally, the damage is done in terms of transmission way before temperature rises in patients. Also read: Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious Research emanating from across the globe shows how youngsters sometimes don’t show any symptoms at all, while those who are simply not healthy enough may also not show symptoms. Additionally, to filter out crowds based on fevers is absurd, given how it’s a common symptom for multiple ailments, or very simply could just be a fever. This is more relevant for the US, for its flu season usually begins in the autumn, which is around the corner. This conflict of symptoms might keep out the non-carriers, but there’s no guarantee it will prevent those carrying the virus from venturing into public spaces that may become a breeding ground for the virus.

Do temperature checks achieve anything in limiting the transmission of COVID-19?

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”.

Speaking during a press conference at WHO’s Switzerland headquarters, he asserted the importance of ensuring equal access for all.

"Fair distribution"

"For the fair distribution and specially access to the poor and those who cannot afford, the most important element will be political commitment, especially by our leaders. And with political commitment, of course, that's the only way you can get fair distribution”, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-who-applauds-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-data-but-warns-theres-still-a-long-way-to-go-314786">WHO hails ‘good news’ on COVID-19 vaccines, but warns there’s still a long way</a>

He also referred to “worrying patterns” in countries whereby the privilege of the affluent. ”But one of the worrying patterns we see is some countries moving the other direction. And when there is no consensus on having a vaccine, a global public good, it could be actually be owned by those who have money and those who cannot afford it may not have access to the vaccines. Some leaders have already have called and stressed the importance of making, when available, a vaccine or therapeutics global public good," he said.

While further talking about the vaccine, he said that the vaccines must not be seen as “charity” and should indeed be seen as a product for the global public good.

Ghebreyesus further claimed that the WHO has formulated and finalised a vaccine distribution framework even before any official vaccine has been approved. Additionally, the WHO chief added that how the fair distribution of vaccines will benefit the recovery of global economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-months-of-resisting-wearing-one-trump-says-wearing-mask-patriotic-in-tweet-314794">After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic'</a>

"The advantage of using fairness or access to also poor countries is the world can really be lifted up and lift itself out of this pandemic together, which can speed up the economic recovery and the world, unless it's opened up its major part, I mean unless the whole world is opened up a in this globalized world, it would be a delaying the economic recovery," said Ghebreyesus.

"Long way to go"

The emergencies chief of WHO, Michael Ryan said that the two new studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a “positive result” but warned that “there is a long way to go”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-institute-of-india-to-apply-for-local-trials-on-oxfords-vaccine-in-a-week-314785" hreflang="en">Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine</a>

“We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said.

Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University claimed their experimental vaccine had exhibited a protective immune response in hundreds of people who received the vaccine.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”. Speaking during a press conference at WHO’s Switzerland headquarters, he asserted the importance of ensuring equal access for all. "Fair distribution" "For the fair distribution and specially access to the poor and those who cannot afford, the most important element will be political commitment, especially by our leaders. And with political commitment, of course, that's the only way you can get fair distribution”, he said. Also read: WHO hails ‘good news’ on COVID-19 vaccines, but warns there’s still a long way He also referred to “worrying patterns” in countries whereby the privilege of the affluent. ”But one of the worrying patterns we see is some countries moving the other direction. And when there is no consensus on having a vaccine, a global public good, it could be actually be owned by those who have money and those who cannot afford it may not have access to the vaccines. Some leaders have already have called and stressed the importance of making, when available, a vaccine or therapeutics global public good," he said. While further talking about the vaccine, he said that the vaccines must not be seen as “charity” and should indeed be seen as a product for the global public good. Ghebreyesus further claimed that the WHO has formulated and finalised a vaccine distribution framework even before any official vaccine has been approved. Additionally, the WHO chief added that how the fair distribution of vaccines will benefit the recovery of global economy. Also read: After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' "The advantage of using fairness or access to also poor countries is the world can really be lifted up and lift itself out of this pandemic together, which can speed up the economic recovery and the world, unless it's opened up its major part, I mean unless the whole world is opened up a in this globalized world, it would be a delaying the economic recovery," said Ghebreyesus. "Long way to go" The emergencies chief of WHO, Michael Ryan said that the two new studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a “positive result” but warned that “there is a long way to go”. Also read: Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine “We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said. Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University claimed their experimental vaccine had exhibited a protective immune response in hundreds of people who received the vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines should be made public for global good: WHO director-general

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected.

The new guidance breaks from a strategy adopted by most countries where authorities trace and notify people who have had close contact with a carrier of the disease.

An agency spokeswoman said it was much better that individuals themselves contact people they may have infected, rather than official tracking units which currently have this responsibility.

The existing system worked well when the number of infections was lower but had become less effective as the number grew, she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-must-be-willing-to-live-alongside-countries-of-different-cultures-china-314795" hreflang="en">US must be willing to live alongside countries of different cultures: China</a>

Unlike most tracing systems, the Swedish system is not anonymous as individuals are expected to deliver the news of their infection to anyone they've been in close contact with.

It is not yet clear how this will work in practice or whether authorities will check up on this do-it-yourself arrangement.&nbsp;

The health agency is expected to issue full guidelines in the coming days.

Although the number of infections in Sweden has slowed in recent weeks, a total of 78,048 people have been infected since the pandemic began, a figure far outstripping its Nordic neighbours.&nbsp;

Sweden decided to forego a hard lockdown and keep most schools open, and allow businesses to stay open, throughout the outbreak, a strategy that set it apart from most of Europe.

The spokeswoman said the new guidelines will not apply to individuals who are too ill to carry out the responsibility and that authorities will have the discretion in certain cases to do the tracing rather than the patient.

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected.

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected. The new guidance breaks from a strategy adopted by most countries where authorities trace and notify people who have had close contact with a carrier of the disease. An agency spokeswoman said it was much better that individuals themselves contact people they may have infected, rather than official tracking units which currently have this responsibility. The existing system worked well when the number of infections was lower but had become less effective as the number grew, she said. Also read: US must be willing to live alongside countries of different cultures: China Unlike most tracing systems, the Swedish system is not anonymous as individuals are expected to deliver the news of their infection to anyone they've been in close contact with. It is not yet clear how this will work in practice or whether authorities will check up on this do-it-yourself arrangement. The health agency is expected to issue full guidelines in the coming days. Although the number of infections in Sweden has slowed in recent weeks, a total of 78,048 people have been infected since the pandemic began, a figure far outstripping its Nordic neighbours. Sweden decided to forego a hard lockdown and keep most schools open, and allow businesses to stay open, throughout the outbreak, a strategy that set it apart from most of Europe. The spokeswoman said the new guidelines will not apply to individuals who are too ill to carry out the responsibility and that authorities will have the discretion in certain cases to do the tracing rather than the patient.

Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves

Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill.

In a meeting on Monday at the White House, Republican lawmakers and administration officials said they were making progress toward fresh legislation aimed at cushioning the heavy economic toll of the pandemic.

"Senate Republicans will put forward our proposal soon, I hope our Democratic colleagues will be ready to work together," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hopes to unveil the proposal this week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teachers-union-sues-to-halt-florida-classroom-restart-during-pandemic-314796" hreflang="en">Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic</a>

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will host a meeting on Tuesday to discuss coronavirus relief with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a source familiar with the matter said.

Administration officials also met with Republican senators at the Capitol on Monday. They said the meeting had gone well and they planned more discussions on Tuesday.&nbsp;

They offered few details, with Mnuchin commenting only that a reporter's suggestion that there would be more than $70 billion for schools was "a good guess."

The Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-led House of Representatives have less than two weeks to hammer out a new relief package before enhanced unemployment benefits run out for tens of millions of American workers made jobless by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-months-of-resisting-wearing-one-trump-says-wearing-mask-patriotic-in-tweet-314794" hreflang="en">After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet</a>

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said the Republican proposal would include a cut to the payroll tax on workers' gross earnings, which funds national retirement programs. Trump backs such a cut as an economic stimulus, but the idea has stirred little enthusiasm among lawmakers, who worry about protecting Social Security payments.

"We're working and negotiating with the Democrats and trying to get a plan that helps small business, helps people, helps this country," Trump said.

Mnuchin did not provide details about the bill beyond saying that it included the payroll tax cut. "It's in the bill, so we'll see," he told reporters.

Schumer warned that Democrats were prepared to stymie any Republican effort to pass partisan legislation. "A bipartisan, bicameral process will result in a much better bill for the American people," he said in a letter to colleagues.&nbsp;

'NOWHERE NEAR OUT OF THE WOODS'

Congress has so far committed $3 trillion to the crisis. In the more than 12 weeks since Trump signed the last bill into law, the number of U.S. coronavirus cases has more than tripled to over 3.7 million. The virus has killed over 140,000 people in the United States. Both figures lead the world.

"We are nowhere near out of the woods," McConnell said.

Mnuchin, who led previous coronavirus bill negotiations with Congress, said he intended to "focus on starting with another trillion dollars. We think that will have a big impact."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-portland-trump-will-send-unknown-forces-to-liberal-democrat-cities-to-muzzle-protests-314802" hreflang="en">After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests</a>

But Democrats have pledged to fight for legislation akin to a $3 trillion bill the House approved in mid-May, providing hundreds of billions of dollars for state and local governments, extending enhanced unemployment insurance and providing new payments to individuals and families.&nbsp;

The prospect for legislation was upstaged over the weekend by reports of White House plans to eliminate funding for testing, drawing opposition from Republicans as well as Democrats.

"I'm for whatever it takes to get enough tests out there to safely open up schools and other aspects of our economy," Senator John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, told reporters.

Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill.

Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill. In a meeting on Monday at the White House, Republican lawmakers and administration officials said they were making progress toward fresh legislation aimed at cushioning the heavy economic toll of the pandemic. "Senate Republicans will put forward our proposal soon, I hope our Democratic colleagues will be ready to work together," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hopes to unveil the proposal this week. Also read: Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will host a meeting on Tuesday to discuss coronavirus relief with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a source familiar with the matter said. Administration officials also met with Republican senators at the Capitol on Monday. They said the meeting had gone well and they planned more discussions on Tuesday. They offered few details, with Mnuchin commenting only that a reporter's suggestion that there would be more than $70 billion for schools was "a good guess." The Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-led House of Representatives have less than two weeks to hammer out a new relief package before enhanced unemployment benefits run out for tens of millions of American workers made jobless by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read: After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said the Republican proposal would include a cut to the payroll tax on workers' gross earnings, which funds national retirement programs. Trump backs such a cut as an economic stimulus, but the idea has stirred little enthusiasm among lawmakers, who worry about protecting Social Security payments. "We're working and negotiating with the Democrats and trying to get a plan that helps small business, helps people, helps this country," Trump said. Mnuchin did not provide details about the bill beyond saying that it included the payroll tax cut. "It's in the bill, so we'll see," he told reporters. Schumer warned that Democrats were prepared to stymie any Republican effort to pass partisan legislation. "A bipartisan, bicameral process will result in a much better bill for the American people," he said in a letter to colleagues. 'NOWHERE NEAR OUT OF THE WOODS' Congress has so far committed $3 trillion to the crisis. In the more than 12 weeks since Trump signed the last bill into law, the number of U.S. coronavirus cases has more than tripled to over 3.7 million. The virus has killed over 140,000 people in the United States. Both figures lead the world. "We are nowhere near out of the woods," McConnell said. Mnuchin, who led previous coronavirus bill negotiations with Congress, said he intended to "focus on starting with another trillion dollars. We think that will have a big impact." Also read: After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests But Democrats have pledged to fight for legislation akin to a $3 trillion bill the House approved in mid-May, providing hundreds of billions of dollars for state and local governments, extending enhanced unemployment insurance and providing new payments to individuals and families. The prospect for legislation was upstaged over the weekend by reports of White House plans to eliminate funding for testing, drawing opposition from Republicans as well as Democrats. "I'm for whatever it takes to get enough tests out there to safely open up schools and other aspects of our economy," Senator John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, told reporters.

US congressional Democrats, White House to meet on coronavirus aid

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