Covid pandemic may have relatively loosened its grip on the world but it is definitely not a time to become complacent. Cases have been on the rise again, particularly in the UK. Researchers at Imperial College in London have made a discovery in their study that infection by Omicron COVID virus does not gurantee protection against re-infection.

Researchers from the college studied blood samples from health workers as they arrived at the conclusion. These health workers had received three doses of mRNA vaccine and had different infection histories.

Researchers found that those health workers (with three doses of vaccines) who were not infected previously got no immune boost after getting infected by Omicron. Immune boost was seen only against alpha, beta, gamma, delta and the original strain, but not against Omicron.

"The message is a little bleak. Omicron and its variants are great at breakthrough, but bad at inducing immunity, thus we get reinfections ad nauseam, and a badly depleted workforce," said Professor Danny Altmann. He is from Imperial’s department of immunology and inflammation. Prof Altmann was quoted by The Telegraph.

"Not only can it break through vaccine defences, it looks to leave very few of the hallmarks we’d expect on the immune system – it’s more stealthy than previous variants and flies under the radar, so the immune system is unable to remember it," he added.

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Covid pandemic may have relatively loosened its grip on the world but it is definitely not a time to become complacent. Cases have been on the rise again, particularly in the UK.

Covid pandemic may have relatively loosened its grip on the world but it is definitely not a time to become complacent. Cases have been on the rise again, particularly in the UK. Researchers at Imperial College in London have made a discovery in their study that infection by Omicron COVID virus does not gurantee protection against re-infection. Researchers from the college studied blood samples from health workers as they arrived at the conclusion. These health workers had received three doses of mRNA vaccine and had different infection histories. Researchers found that those health workers (with three doses of vaccines) who were not infected previously got no immune boost after getting infected by Omicron. Immune boost was seen only against alpha, beta, gamma, delta and the original strain, but not against Omicron. "The message is a little bleak. Omicron and its variants are great at breakthrough, but bad at inducing immunity, thus we get reinfections ad nauseam, and a badly depleted workforce," said Professor Danny Altmann. He is from Imperial’s department of immunology and inflammation. Prof Altmann was quoted by The Telegraph. "Not only can it break through vaccine defences, it looks to leave very few of the hallmarks we’d expect on the immune system – it’s more stealthy than previous variants and flies under the radar, so the immune system is unable to remember it," he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Omicron infection doesn't provide immune boost against Covid re-infection: Study

US has ordered 500,000 monkeypox vaccine doses amid a shortage of vaccines. Number of monkeypox vaccines is highest in the United States so far. Meanwhile, WHO has asked nations to report their vaccine stockpiles.

Surge in Monkeypox cases increases vaccine demands

As monkey pox cases continue to rise globally it has now raised concerns that this infection flare-up might lead to bigger outbreak across the world.

Monkeypox cases on the rise: What are the key symptoms of infection?

The Indian Health Ministry has warned of a slight Covid-19 surge in the last week, with Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan writing to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, urging them to use a risk-assessment-based approach in public health responses to avoid losing the gains made so far in the pandemic fight.

Over the last three months, India has seen a steady and considerable decrease in Covid-19 cases, according to the Ministry. However, in the last week, there has been a modest increase in instances, with 15,708 cases reported in the week ending June 3, 2022.

In addition, the weekly positivity rate has increased from 0.52 percent on May 27, 2022 to 0.73 percent on June 3, 2022.

According to the Centre, a few states are contributing more cases to India's total, indicating the risk of infection spreading locally.

Officials have been advised by the Secretary to push Covid-19 suitable behaviour monitoring clusters of new Covid-19 instances.

States have been required to ensure that enough testing is carried out in accordance with the standards. They've been told to keep a close eye on influenza-like sickness (ILI) and SARI patients in all health facilities. 
 
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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Indian Health Ministry has warned of a slight Covid-19 surge in the last week, with Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan writing to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, urging them to use a risk-assessment-based approach in public health responses to avoid losing the gains made so far in the pandemic fight.

The Indian Health Ministry has warned of a slight Covid-19 surge in the last week, with Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan writing to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, urging them to use a risk-assessment-based approach in public health responses to avoid losing the gains made so far in the pandemic fight. Over the last three months, India has seen a steady and considerable decrease in Covid-19 cases, according to the Ministry. However, in the last week, there has been a modest increase in instances, with 15,708 cases reported in the week ending June 3, 2022. In addition, the weekly positivity rate has increased from 0.52 percent on May 27, 2022 to 0.73 percent on June 3, 2022. According to the Centre, a few states are contributing more cases to India's total, indicating the risk of infection spreading locally. Officials have been advised by the Secretary to push Covid-19 suitable behaviour monitoring clusters of new Covid-19 instances. States have been required to ensure that enough testing is carried out in accordance with the standards. They've been told to keep a close eye on influenza-like sickness (ILI) and SARI patients in all health facilities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid-19: Indian govt suspects possibility of localised spread of infection, writes to five States 

The community spread of Monkeypox in England is raising some serious concerns as the country has now recorded at least 183 infections in the month of May.

At least 183 Monkeypox cases confirmed in England

Amid the covid-19 pandemic, a new viral infection is raising concerns around the world. Cases of Monkeypox are being reported across Europe and several other countries, the infection has now made its way to West Asia.

Israel reports first case of Monkeypox, alarm over new infection

Is Monkeypox contagious? Should we worry about Monkeypox outbreak? How to stay healthy in a post-pandemic world? For a better discussion on this, we're joined by Dr. Julian Tang, Dr. Angelique Coetzee, Prof. Manfred Green.

Panic vs Prevention: Should we worry about Monkeypox outbreak?

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection, but 11 countries report confirmed cases of this infection. The disease is now raising alarm in Europe, Australia and US. WHO has called an emergency meeting as cases are increasing.

Monkeypox: Over 100 cases reported worldwide, WHO provides guidance to manage virus

Monkey pox is a rare viral infection, but 11 countries report confirmed cases of this infection. The disease is now raising alarm in Europe, Australia and US. WHO has called an emergency meeting as cases are increasing.

Monkeypox Outbreak: 11 countries report confirmed cases

COVID-19 has gripped the world for the last two years. It has caused immense pain in the form of deaths, job losses, etc. &nbsp;

A patient in the UK seems to have suffered the worst due to this disease as the person has been fighting it for around 505 days. &nbsp;

Well, it is absolutely true. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The patient had a severely weakened immune system, media reports said citing scientists. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-infection-raises-risk-of-developing-fatal-blood-clot-in-lung-by-33-fold-says-study-469136" hreflang="en">Covid infection raises risk of developing fatal blood clot in lung by 33-fold, says study</a>

At 505 days, "it certainly seems to be the longest reported infection," said Dr Luke Blagdon Snell, an infectious disease expert, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust told AP. &nbsp;

Suffering from Covid for a year-and-a-half, the case seems to have caught the attention of several people. It also shows how important it is to protect vulnerable people from the coronavirus. &nbsp;

The persistent COVID-19 is rare. It is also different from the long Covid. &nbsp;

"In long Covid, it's generally assumed the virus has been cleared from your body but the symptoms persist. With persistent infection, it represents ongoing, active replication of the virus," Snell said. &nbsp;

In Portugal this weekend, team plans to present many such Covid cases at a meeting. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson in India: Johnson-Modi bilateral meeting soon

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The researchers investigated whether mutations arise or variants evolve in people with long infections. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The study involved nine patients. They tested positive for the virus for around eight weeks. All of the patients had weakened immune systems and had a history of HIV, cancer, organ transplants, etc issues. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Repeated tests were done. When patients were tested, the researchers also analysed the genetic code of the virus. It was done to make sure it was the same strain or not. People didn't get Covid more than once too. The genetic sequencing showed that the virus evolved and mutated. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

COVID-19 has gripped the world for the last two years. It has caused immense pain in the form of deaths, job losses, etc. A patient in the UK seems to have suffered the worst due to this disease as the person has been fighting it for around 505 days.

COVID-19 has gripped the world for the last two years. It has caused immense pain in the form of deaths, job losses, etc. A patient in the UK seems to have suffered the worst due to this disease as the person has been fighting it for around 505 days. Well, it is absolutely true. The patient had a severely weakened immune system, media reports said citing scientists. Also Read: Covid infection raises risk of developing fatal blood clot in lung by 33-fold, says study At 505 days, "it certainly seems to be the longest reported infection," said Dr Luke Blagdon Snell, an infectious disease expert, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust told AP. Suffering from Covid for a year-and-a-half, the case seems to have caught the attention of several people. It also shows how important it is to protect vulnerable people from the coronavirus. The persistent COVID-19 is rare. It is also different from the long Covid. "In long Covid, it's generally assumed the virus has been cleared from your body but the symptoms persist. With persistent infection, it represents ongoing, active replication of the virus," Snell said. In Portugal this weekend, team plans to present many such Covid cases at a meeting. Watch: UK PM Boris Johnson in India: Johnson-Modi bilateral meeting soon × The researchers investigated whether mutations arise or variants evolve in people with long infections. The study involved nine patients. They tested positive for the virus for around eight weeks. All of the patients had weakened immune systems and had a history of HIV, cancer, organ transplants, etc issues. Repeated tests were done. When patients were tested, the researchers also analysed the genetic code of the virus. It was done to make sure it was the same strain or not. People didn't get Covid more than once too. The genetic sequencing showed that the virus evolved and mutated. (With inputs from agencies)

With 505 days, patient in UK longest reported COVID-19 infection, say experts  

A 33-fold spike has been witnessed in the occurrence of a blood clot in the lung, which can be fatal, in 30 days after getting infected with coronavirus, found a new study. &nbsp;

Another five-fold rise in the risk of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been linked with contracting Covid, it also said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-new-beginning-first-private-astronauts-mission-to-head-for-iss-on-april-8-469079" hreflang="en">A new beginning? First private astronauts’ mission to ISS set for launch on April 8 &nbsp;</a>

The findings of the research were published in the British Medical Journal on Thursday. &nbsp;

The study was carried out by Anne-Marie Fors Connolly of Umeå University in Sweden and her colleagues. The team looked to check the risk of DVT, pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lung, and other types of bleeding in over one&nbsp;million people, who were also the confirmed cases of Covid. &nbsp;

They also found a two-fold hike in the risk of bleeding after 30 days of the infection. &nbsp;

Watch | Study: Eating more Avocados improves heart health

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After becoming infected with coronavirus, patients remain at heightened risk of pulmonary embolism for six months. For bleeding and DVT, the risk is for two and three months, respectively.&nbsp; &nbsp;

“Pulmonary embolism can be fatal, so it is important to be aware [of this risk]. If you suddenly find yourself short of breath, and it doesn’t pass, [and] you’ve been infected with the coronavirus, then it might be an idea to seek help, because we find this increased risk for up to six months,” Connolly told the Guardian. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A 33-fold spike has been witnessed in the occurrence of a blood clot in the lung, which can be fatal, in 30 days after getting infected with coronavirus, found a new study.

A 33-fold spike has been witnessed in the occurrence of a blood clot in the lung, which can be fatal, in 30 days after getting infected with coronavirus, found a new study. Another five-fold rise in the risk of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been linked with contracting Covid, it also said. Also Read: A new beginning? First private astronauts’ mission to ISS set for launch on April 8 The findings of the research were published in the British Medical Journal on Thursday. The study was carried out by Anne-Marie Fors Connolly of Umeå University in Sweden and her colleagues. The team looked to check the risk of DVT, pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lung, and other types of bleeding in over one million people, who were also the confirmed cases of Covid. They also found a two-fold hike in the risk of bleeding after 30 days of the infection. Watch | Study: Eating more Avocados improves heart health × After becoming infected with coronavirus, patients remain at heightened risk of pulmonary embolism for six months. For bleeding and DVT, the risk is for two and three months, respectively. “Pulmonary embolism can be fatal, so it is important to be aware [of this risk]. If you suddenly find yourself short of breath, and it doesn’t pass, [and] you’ve been infected with the coronavirus, then it might be an idea to seek help, because we find this increased risk for up to six months,” Connolly told the Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid infection raises risk of developing fatal blood clot in lung by 33-fold, says study  

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The death toll climbed to 5,15,877 with 27 fresh fatalities, including 15 from Kerala.

The active cases dipped to 36,168, the lowest in 675 days, comprising 0.08 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate further improved to 98.72 per cent, the ministry said.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate also stood at 0.47 per cent.

On Sunday, the country registered 3,116 infections along with 47 deaths and 5,559 recoveries.

&nbsp;The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,41,449 and the case fatality rate was recorded as 1.20 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 180 million.

Daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and weekly positivity rate at 0.47 per cent.

As many as 77 million total tests have been conducted so far and 5,32,232 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

A total of 5,15,877 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,43,752 from Maharashtra, 66,808 from Kerala, 40,018 from Karnataka, 38,023 from Tamil Nadu, 26,141 from Delhi, 23,492 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,187 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India's COVID-19 tally surpassed the 10-million mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of 2 million on May 4 and three million on June 23 last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll climbed to 5,15,877 with 27 fresh fatalities, including 15 from Kerala. The active cases dipped to 36,168, the lowest in 675 days, comprising 0.08 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate further improved to 98.72 per cent, the ministry said. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate also stood at 0.47 per cent. On Sunday, the country registered 3,116 infections along with 47 deaths and 5,559 recoveries. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,41,449 and the case fatality rate was recorded as 1.20 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 180 million. Daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and weekly positivity rate at 0.47 per cent. As many as 77 million total tests have been conducted so far and 5,32,232 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. A total of 5,15,877 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,43,752 from Maharashtra, 66,808 from Kerala, 40,018 from Karnataka, 38,023 from Tamil Nadu, 26,141 from Delhi, 23,492 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,187 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. India's COVID-19 tally surpassed the 10-million mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of 2 million on May 4 and three million on June 23 last year. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 2,503 new Covid infections, lowest single-day rise in two years

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has a urinary infection and will be kept in hospital for longer than his doctors planned, the clinic where he was being treated said on Monday.

Pele, who has been undergoing chemotherapy for a colon tumor that was removed in September, returned to the Albert Einstein hospital on Feb. 13.

However, “during his stay routine exams were carried out that showed the presence of a urinary infection, a fact that extends his stay as a patient in the hospital,” a bulletin from the Sao Paulo clinic said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/isl-2021-22-bengaluru-fc-come-from-behind-to-beat-odisha-fc-keep-semis-hopes-alive-455173">ISL 2021-22: Bengaluru FC come from behind to beat Odisha FC, keep semis hopes alive</a>

“His clinical conditions are stable and he should be released in the coming days.”

Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, the 81-year-old former Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil player has suffered from a series of health issues in recent years, including hip surgery that left him with recurring pain and trouble walking unaided.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has a urinary infection and will be kept in hospital for longer than his doctors planned, the clinic where he was being treated said on Monday.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has a urinary infection and will be kept in hospital for longer than his doctors planned, the clinic where he was being treated said on Monday. Pele, who has been undergoing chemotherapy for a colon tumor that was removed in September, returned to the Albert Einstein hospital on Feb. 13. However, “during his stay routine exams were carried out that showed the presence of a urinary infection, a fact that extends his stay as a patient in the hospital,” a bulletin from the Sao Paulo clinic said. ALSO READ: ISL 2021-22: Bengaluru FC come from behind to beat Odisha FC, keep semis hopes alive “His clinical conditions are stable and he should be released in the coming days.” Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, the 81-year-old former Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil player has suffered from a series of health issues in recent years, including hip surgery that left him with recurring pain and trouble walking unaided.

Brazilian legend Pele to remain in hospital for longer due to urinary infection

Hong Kong's "zero-Covid" policy was on the ropes Saturday as authorities announced a record number of new infections, sending officials scrambling to ramp up testing capacity and warning that a tightening of virus-control measures could be needed.

Like mainland China and much of East Asia, Hong Kong has long followed a strategy of fighting the virus through contact tracing, targeted lockdowns and lengthy quarantines.

And as much of the world has chosen to open up and live with Covid-19, the city has dug in its heels, with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam insisting she was still committed to achieving "zero-Covid" even as infections mount.

On Saturday the city recorded 351 confirmed cases, its highest daily figure since the pandemic began, with 161 cases being either untraceable or pending investigation.

"Based on the current growth rate of cases, we estimate that (medical isolation) facilities will soon be unable to quarantine all patients," health chief Sophia Chan told reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-bones-are-sticking-out-i-cry-every-day-russian-athlete-claims-food-at-beijing-winter-olympics-inedible-451017">Also read |&nbsp;'My bones are sticking out, I cry every day': Russian athlete claims food at Beijing Winter Olympics inedible</a>

Chan urged Hong Kongers to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus, though said that sewage analysis had revealed the virus had already been found in much of the city.

Health officials also said they would loosen rules that have seen thousands of close contacts of infected people detained in a government facility, suggesting they may be able to quarantine at home depending on their risk level.

This would free up hospital beds and take into account the fact that the Omicron variant -- which makes up the majority of Hong Kong's new cases -- causes milder symptoms, authorities added.

Last month authorities locked down thousands of residents of a public housing estate after a superspreader event, prompting criticism that the city's population density made home quarantine unfeasible.

Hong Kong's spike in cases came on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year holidays, during which the government warned against families gathering for festivities.&nbsp;

City leader Lam earlier said authorities could further tighten virus-control measures next week.

Hong Kong has recorded more than 15,000 confirmed coronavirus cases with 213 deaths.

Hong Kong's "zero-Covid" policy was on the ropes Saturday as authorities announced a record number of new infections, sending officials scrambling to ramp up testing capacity and warning that a tightening of virus-control measures could be needed.

Hong Kong's "zero-Covid" policy was on the ropes Saturday as authorities announced a record number of new infections, sending officials scrambling to ramp up testing capacity and warning that a tightening of virus-control measures could be needed. Like mainland China and much of East Asia, Hong Kong has long followed a strategy of fighting the virus through contact tracing, targeted lockdowns and lengthy quarantines. And as much of the world has chosen to open up and live with Covid-19, the city has dug in its heels, with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam insisting she was still committed to achieving "zero-Covid" even as infections mount. On Saturday the city recorded 351 confirmed cases, its highest daily figure since the pandemic began, with 161 cases being either untraceable or pending investigation. "Based on the current growth rate of cases, we estimate that (medical isolation) facilities will soon be unable to quarantine all patients," health chief Sophia Chan told reporters. Also read | 'My bones are sticking out, I cry every day': Russian athlete claims food at Beijing Winter Olympics inedible Chan urged Hong Kongers to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus, though said that sewage analysis had revealed the virus had already been found in much of the city. Health officials also said they would loosen rules that have seen thousands of close contacts of infected people detained in a government facility, suggesting they may be able to quarantine at home depending on their risk level. This would free up hospital beds and take into account the fact that the Omicron variant -- which makes up the majority of Hong Kong's new cases -- causes milder symptoms, authorities added. Last month authorities locked down thousands of residents of a public housing estate after a superspreader event, prompting criticism that the city's population density made home quarantine unfeasible. Hong Kong's spike in cases came on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year holidays, during which the government warned against families gathering for festivities. City leader Lam earlier said authorities could further tighten virus-control measures next week. Hong Kong has recorded more than 15,000 confirmed coronavirus cases with 213 deaths.

Covid infections in Hong Kong reach record high, testing capacity to ramp up

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee is bisexual. Coming out on her sexual orientation, the beauty queen said, “I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes”. She came out with her sexual preference in an interview with a magazine, so as to put an end to rumours about her sexuality.&nbsp;

She revealed that it’s not a new feeling and she has always identified as a bisexual. “I’ve identified with that for as long as I can remember. I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes.”

Michelle didn’t discuss this during Philippines national beauty contest, that ended on May 13, as she felt that the “timing wasn’t right”. “I felt like coming out during the competition would shock everyone, and cloud everyone’s judgment. I also wanted to do that within my own timeline, and it wasn’t the right time.”

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<h2>Michelle's coming out moment</h2>

She felt it was the right time now as people started circulating images from her childhood – in which she looks like a regular high schooler with unkempt hair. “I want to come out with this story because I know that those photos were spread with malicious intent to kind of distract me, make me feel I’m not worthy of the crown,” she said.

This is now her way of controlling the narrative after these old photos were spread to discredit her achievements and make her look unworthy of becoming a beauty queen.&nbsp;

<img alt="Michelle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38a8d39f-3520-4116-bafd-247353d5ca99" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-05-31T102114.628.jpg" />

Michelle revealed that people close to her always knew this about her. Her friends knew and her family, including her mother Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, had an “inkling”.&nbsp;

<h2>A part of LGBTQ community</h2>

Michelle was also a part of the LGBTQ community before coming out. “Even before coming out, I’ve been attending pride marches. I have too many friends and best friends in the community. I’ve been a loud and proud ally. It’s just that I never gave a confirmation,” she said.&nbsp;

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee is an actress-model. She has starred in films like Cara x Jagger.

There is currently no national legislation in the Philippines to prevent injustice and economic discrimination against LGBTQ communities, although 25 local jurisdictions have anti-discrimination laws that prohibit prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee is bisexual. Coming out on her sexual orientation, the beauty queen said, “I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes”.

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee is bisexual. Coming out on her sexual orientation, the beauty queen said, “I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes”. She came out with her sexual preference in an interview with a magazine, so as to put an end to rumours about her sexuality. She revealed that it’s not a new feeling and she has always identified as a bisexual. “I’ve identified with that for as long as I can remember. I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes.” Michelle didn’t discuss this during Philippines national beauty contest, that ended on May 13, as she felt that the “timing wasn’t right”. “I felt like coming out during the competition would shock everyone, and cloud everyone’s judgment. I also wanted to do that within my own timeline, and it wasn’t the right time.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by MMD (@michelledee) × Michelle's coming out moment She felt it was the right time now as people started circulating images from her childhood – in which she looks like a regular high schooler with unkempt hair. “I want to come out with this story because I know that those photos were spread with malicious intent to kind of distract me, make me feel I’m not worthy of the crown,” she said. This is now her way of controlling the narrative after these old photos were spread to discredit her achievements and make her look unworthy of becoming a beauty queen. Michelle revealed that people close to her always knew this about her. Her friends knew and her family, including her mother Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, had an “inkling”. A part of LGBTQ community Michelle was also a part of the LGBTQ community before coming out. “Even before coming out, I’ve been attending pride marches. I have too many friends and best friends in the community. I’ve been a loud and proud ally. It’s just that I never gave a confirmation,” she said. Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee is an actress-model. She has starred in films like Cara x Jagger. There is currently no national legislation in the Philippines to prevent injustice and economic discrimination against LGBTQ communities, although 25 local jurisdictions have anti-discrimination laws that prohibit prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Coronavirus can get you sick with just one nasal droplet

The Sars-CoV-2 virus, within 20 minutes of becoming airborne, loses its ability to infect others, as per a recent study. The UK-based study suggests that the most loss occurs in the first five minutes. The findings of the study reaffirm the importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. In an environment where humidity is lower than 50 percent, the virus becomes half as infectious within five seconds. In a more humid environment, the decline is significantly slower.

What happens to Covid within 20 minutes of being airborne? Study reveals

According to a new study, Coronavirus loses 90 per cent of its ability to infect people within 20 minutes of being in the air.

The research re-emphasised the importance of physical distancing and mask-wearing to be the most effective means of preventing short-range Covid transmission.

“People have been focused on poorly ventilated spaces and thinking about airborne transmission over metres or across a room. I’m not saying that doesn’t happen, but I think still the greatest risk of exposure is when you’re close to someone,” said Prof Jonathan Reid, director of Aerosol Research Centre and the study’s lead author.

“When you move further away, not only is the aerosol diluted down, there’s also less infectious virus because the virus has lost infectivity (as a result of time),” he said.

It is well established that the virus is spread through droplets and aerosols produced in the lungs. But the researchers at the University of Bristo’s Aerosol Research Centre developed a mechanism that allows for an accurate simulation of how long the virus can survive when it is in the air.

Also read |&nbsp;W<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-over-50-of-europeans-on-track-to-contract-omicron-variant-of-coronavirus-443861">HO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus</a>

The <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.08.22268944v1.full.pdf">study</a>, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, is the first of its kind to simulate how exactly coronavirus travels in the air after it has been exhaled, The Guardian reported.

To understand what happens to the virus when it becomes airborne, the researchers developed an apparatus to generate virus-containing particles and allowed them to float between two electric rings for anywhere between five seconds and 20 minutes in a tightly controlled environment.

According to the study, when the viral particles leave the lungs, they quickly lose water and the lower levels of carbon dioxide in the environment result in a rapid increase in pH. This affects the virus’s ability to infect human cells.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-was-in-canadian-wastewater-in-november-before-it-was-found-in-south-africa-443845">&nbsp;Omicron was in Canadian wastewater in November before it was found in South Africa</a>

In a typical office environment, where humidity of the surrounding area is generally lower than 50 per cent, the virus became half as infectious within five seconds, after which the loss in infectivity became slower and more gradual.

The biologists saw the same effects all three Sars-CoV-2 variants, including Alpha. They hope to start experiments with the Omicron variant in the coming weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a new study, Coronavirus loses 90 per cent of its ability to infect people within 20 minutes of being in the air. The research re-emphasised the importance of physical distancing and mask-wearing to be the most effective means of preventing short-range Covid transmission.

According to a new study, Coronavirus loses 90 per cent of its ability to infect people within 20 minutes of being in the air. The research re-emphasised the importance of physical distancing and mask-wearing to be the most effective means of preventing short-range Covid transmission. “People have been focused on poorly ventilated spaces and thinking about airborne transmission over metres or across a room. I’m not saying that doesn’t happen, but I think still the greatest risk of exposure is when you’re close to someone,” said Prof Jonathan Reid, director of Aerosol Research Centre and the study’s lead author. “When you move further away, not only is the aerosol diluted down, there’s also less infectious virus because the virus has lost infectivity (as a result of time),” he said. It is well established that the virus is spread through droplets and aerosols produced in the lungs. But the researchers at the University of Bristo’s Aerosol Research Centre developed a mechanism that allows for an accurate simulation of how long the virus can survive when it is in the air. Also read | WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus The study, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, is the first of its kind to simulate how exactly coronavirus travels in the air after it has been exhaled, The Guardian reported. To understand what happens to the virus when it becomes airborne, the researchers developed an apparatus to generate virus-containing particles and allowed them to float between two electric rings for anywhere between five seconds and 20 minutes in a tightly controlled environment. According to the study, when the viral particles leave the lungs, they quickly lose water and the lower levels of carbon dioxide in the environment result in a rapid increase in pH. This affects the virus’s ability to infect human cells. Also read | Omicron was in Canadian wastewater in November before it was found in South Africa In a typical office environment, where humidity of the surrounding area is generally lower than 50 per cent, the virus became half as infectious within five seconds, after which the loss in infectivity became slower and more gradual. The biologists saw the same effects all three Sars-CoV-2 variants, including Alpha. They hope to start experiments with the Omicron variant in the coming weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid loses 90% of ability to infect within 20 minutes of being airborne: Study

In a new study, the researchers seem to have identified the gene linked to severe Covid infection. The study was published in Nature Genetics. &nbsp;

The researchers from the University of Oxford found that it is LZTFL1 that is involved in higher severity disease and not SLC6A20. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arderns-popularity-plummets-as-new-zealand-struggles-to-check-delta-outbreak-428443" hreflang="en">Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak</a>

Around 60 per cent of the people belonging to South Asian heritage carry the higher-risk version of the gene compared to 15 per cent in white people and only two per cent of people from&nbsp;African or Afro-Caribbean heritage. &nbsp;

This gene is also very active in the layer of cells lining the airways and lungs. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-syringe-shortage-can-hit-world-in-2022-warns-who-report-428480" hreflang="en">Massive syringe shortage can hit world in 2022, warns WHO report</a>

The high-risk variant of the gene reduces the ability of cells in the lungs to repair damaged tissue and replace lost cells, which may be needed to overcome severe disease, showed the study. &nbsp;

This variant also makes cells that have more copies of the two proteins, which are called ACE2 and TMPRSS2, that allows the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter cells and infect them. It means is that people who carry this high-risk gene variant, are likely to end up having more cells infected, less ability to heal and as a result, have a severe infection. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a new study, the researchers seem to have identified the gene linked to severe Covid infection. The study was published in Nature Genetics. The researchers from the University of Oxford found that it is LZTFL1 that is involved in higher severity disease and not SLC6A20.

In a new study, the researchers seem to have identified the gene linked to severe Covid infection. The study was published in Nature Genetics. The researchers from the University of Oxford found that it is LZTFL1 that is involved in higher severity disease and not SLC6A20. Also Read: Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak Around 60 per cent of the people belonging to South Asian heritage carry the higher-risk version of the gene compared to 15 per cent in white people and only two per cent of people from African or Afro-Caribbean heritage. This gene is also very active in the layer of cells lining the airways and lungs. Also Read: Massive syringe shortage can hit world in 2022, warns WHO report The high-risk variant of the gene reduces the ability of cells in the lungs to repair damaged tissue and replace lost cells, which may be needed to overcome severe disease, showed the study. This variant also makes cells that have more copies of the two proteins, which are called ACE2 and TMPRSS2, that allows the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter cells and infect them. It means is that people who carry this high-risk gene variant, are likely to end up having more cells infected, less ability to heal and as a result, have a severe infection. (With inputs from agencies)

New study finds gene linked to severe Covid infection

China is witnessing a sudden spike in bird flu cases, the jump in the number of people infected this year has raised concerns among experts who say that previously circulating strain has now changed to become a more transmissible mutation.

China witnesses surge in human bird flu infection, health experts raise concern

While the world continues its fight against the deadly coronavirus, another outbreak may have taken place in Hong Kong’s wet market.<o:p></o:p>

As per local reports, recently an outbreak of a potentially dangerous bacterial infection took place in Hong Kong. The outbreak was, as per initial investigations, linked to the freshwater fish being sold by some vendors in the city’s wet market.<o:p></o:p>

When the authorities caught wind of this news, medical experts advised all locals to not consume raw seafood for the next few days at least.<o:p></o:p>

The decision was taken after 79 cases of invasive Group B Streptococcus bacteria infection were detected in public hospitals. These cases had been spotted between a brief period of September and October 10.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-infection-is-spreading-from-hong-kongs-wet-markets-422778">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-infection-is-spreading-from-hong-kongs-wet-markets-422778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, the toll increased to 88 and nine additional cases were reported of this bacterial infection by the Centre for Health Protection.<o:p></o:p>

As per now, experts have been able to link these cases to grass carp, bighead carp and snakehead fish. Businesses have been warned to take care while handling seafood.<o:p></o:p>

Lee Choi-wah, chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Seafood Merchants has also expressed concern over the possible losses that businesses might face due to this outbreak.<o:p></o:p>

"People may just go to supermarkets instead of wet markets to shop for fish because they may think supermarkets have better hygiene standards," Lee told a radio programme.<o:p></o:p>

While this infection — which is commonly seen in intestinal, urinary and reproductive tracts — does not cause major harm and does not bring in any symptoms, it can cause infections in bone, lungs, blood and also the protective membranes near the spinal cord and brain.<o:p></o:p>

As of now, two people have lost their fight to this infection’ they were reportedly carrying a strain known as serotype III sequence type 283 (ST283). Till Wednesday, 68 out of 88 patients had provided their specimens for genetic sequencing and 32 had ST283 and 27 had a different strain from a different cluster. Results of the remaining nine cases are yet to be announced.<o:p></o:p>

While the world continues its fight against the deadly coronavirus, another outbreak may have taken place in Hong Kong’s wet market. As per local reports, recently an outbreak of a potentially dangerous bacterial infection took place in Hong Kong.

While the world continues its fight against the deadly coronavirus, another outbreak may have taken place in Hong Kong’s wet market. As per local reports, recently an outbreak of a potentially dangerous bacterial infection took place in Hong Kong. The outbreak was, as per initial investigations, linked to the freshwater fish being sold by some vendors in the city’s wet market. When the authorities caught wind of this news, medical experts advised all locals to not consume raw seafood for the next few days at least. The decision was taken after 79 cases of invasive Group B Streptococcus bacteria infection were detected in public hospitals. These cases had been spotted between a brief period of September and October 10. WATCH | On Thursday, the toll increased to 88 and nine additional cases were reported of this bacterial infection by the Centre for Health Protection. As per now, experts have been able to link these cases to grass carp, bighead carp and snakehead fish. Businesses have been warned to take care while handling seafood. Lee Choi-wah, chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Seafood Merchants has also expressed concern over the possible losses that businesses might face due to this outbreak. "People may just go to supermarkets instead of wet markets to shop for fish because they may think supermarkets have better hygiene standards," Lee told a radio programme. While this infection — which is commonly seen in intestinal, urinary and reproductive tracts — does not cause major harm and does not bring in any symptoms, it can cause infections in bone, lungs, blood and also the protective membranes near the spinal cord and brain. As of now, two people have lost their fight to this infection’ they were reportedly carrying a strain known as serotype III sequence type 283 (ST283). Till Wednesday, 68 out of 88 patients had provided their specimens for genetic sequencing and 32 had ST283 and 27 had a different strain from a different cluster. Results of the remaining nine cases are yet to be announced.

New outbreak of bacteria infection reported in wet markets of Hong Kong

Despite mass vaccination program against covid 19, the infection rate remains stubbornly high. Contrasting sharply with its European neighbors.

United Kingdom: Covid infection rates remain stubbornly high

Russia has warned of an increase in West Nile virus (WNV) infections, which are primarily transmitted from birds to humans by mosquitoes and can result in a fatal neurological disease.

Most people infected with WNV do not feel ill, and only about one in every five develops fever and other symptoms. There are no vaccines or medications available to prevent or treat WNV in humans.&nbsp;

"In light of favourable climatic conditions this year - an abundance of precipitation... a warm and long autumn, a high number of (virus) carriers could be observed in the autumn," Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer health watchdog, said.

More than 80% of West Nile fever cases in Russia are reported in the country's southwest.&nbsp;

What exactly is the West Nile Virus (WNV)?

According to the World Health Organization, the West Nile Virus (WNV) is a flavivirus genus that belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the Flaviviridae family.

It's a contagious disease spread by infected mosquitos. It is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. NV cases occur during the mosquito season, which begins in the summer and lasts until the fall.&nbsp;

What are the signs and symptoms?

WNV infection is either asymptomatic (no symptoms) in approximately 80% of infected people, or it can cause West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease.

High fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis are all symptoms of severe illness.

People of any age can develop severe illness. However, people over 60 are at a higher risk of developing severe illness if infected (1 in 50 people).

People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplant recipients, are also at a higher risk.

Recovery from a severe illness could take weeks or months. Some effects on the central nervous system may be long-term.

One out of every ten people who suffer from a severe illness affecting the central nervous system dies.

How should WNV be treated?

There is currently no human vaccine available. To reduce fever and relieve some symptoms, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used.

However, treatment for patients with the neuro-invasive West Nile virus frequently entails hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and secondary infection prevention.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has warned of an increase in West Nile virus (WNV) infections, which are primarily transmitted from birds to humans by mosquitoes and can result in a fatal neurological disease.

Russia has warned of an increase in West Nile virus (WNV) infections, which are primarily transmitted from birds to humans by mosquitoes and can result in a fatal neurological disease. Most people infected with WNV do not feel ill, and only about one in every five develops fever and other symptoms. There are no vaccines or medications available to prevent or treat WNV in humans. "In light of favourable climatic conditions this year - an abundance of precipitation... a warm and long autumn, a high number of (virus) carriers could be observed in the autumn," Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer health watchdog, said. More than 80% of West Nile fever cases in Russia are reported in the country's southwest. What exactly is the West Nile Virus (WNV)? According to the World Health Organization, the West Nile Virus (WNV) is a flavivirus genus that belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the Flaviviridae family. It's a contagious disease spread by infected mosquitos. It is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. NV cases occur during the mosquito season, which begins in the summer and lasts until the fall. What are the signs and symptoms? WNV infection is either asymptomatic (no symptoms) in approximately 80% of infected people, or it can cause West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease. High fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis are all symptoms of severe illness. People of any age can develop severe illness. However, people over 60 are at a higher risk of developing severe illness if infected (1 in 50 people). People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplant recipients, are also at a higher risk. Recovery from a severe illness could take weeks or months. Some effects on the central nervous system may be long-term. One out of every ten people who suffer from a severe illness affecting the central nervous system dies. How should WNV be treated? There is currently no human vaccine available. To reduce fever and relieve some symptoms, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used. However, treatment for patients with the neuro-invasive West Nile virus frequently entails hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and secondary infection prevention. (With inputs from agencies)

What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread?

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said.&nbsp;

The US federal government has been reporting data about breakthrough infections, which result in hospitalisation or death.&nbsp;

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data says, less than 0.004% people, who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus experienced a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalisation, while less than 0.001% died. Out of more than 163 million fully vaccinated people in the US, it is about 6,600 severe cases. The analysis shows breakthrough infections are extremely rare.&nbsp;

Around half of US states reported data on the breakthrough cases. In each state, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people got a breakthrough infection. It ranged from 0.01% in Connecticut to 0.9% in Oklahoma.&nbsp;

The analysis also said over 90% of cases and more than 95% of hospitalisations and deaths have been reported among unvaccinated people.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of daily coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the peak set last summer. "COVID-19 is clearly not done with us and so, our battle must last a little longer,” Walensky said.&nbsp;

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said. The US federal government has been reporting data about breakthrough infections, which result in hospitalisation or death. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data says, less than 0.004% people, who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus experienced a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalisation, while less than 0.001% died. Out of more than 163 million fully vaccinated people in the US, it is about 6,600 severe cases. The analysis shows breakthrough infections are extremely rare. Around half of US states reported data on the breakthrough cases. In each state, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people got a breakthrough infection. It ranged from 0.01% in Connecticut to 0.9% in Oklahoma. The analysis also said over 90% of cases and more than 95% of hospitalisations and deaths have been reported among unvaccinated people. Meanwhile, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of daily coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the peak set last summer. "COVID-19 is clearly not done with us and so, our battle must last a little longer,” Walensky said.

Less than 1% fully vaccinated may get a ‘breakthrough’ Covid infection: Report

A team from the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia discovered that the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine protects mice against deadly coronavirus infection.

The vaccine also prevents the Coronavirus from spreading from animal to animal.

The findings were reported in the scientific journal 'Science Advances' on July 2.&nbsp;

"If this new COVID-19 vaccine proves successful in people, it could help manage the COVID-19 pandemic by preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission," says Paul McCray, co-leader of the study.&nbsp;

Inhalation rather than injection&nbsp;

Unlike traditional vaccinations, which require an injection, this vaccine is delivered via nasal spray, similar to those used to prevent influenza.

The vaccination used in the trial only requires a single dose and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three months at normal conditions.&nbsp;

The experimental vaccination delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells via a harmless parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), which triggers an immune response that protects against COVID-19 infection.

PIV5 is linked to common cold viruses and infects a variety of species, including humans, without causing sickness.&nbsp;

If successful, the nasal vaccine will be a game-changer, especially for kids who need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A team from the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia discovered that the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine protects mice against deadly coronavirus infection.

A team from the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia discovered that the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine protects mice against deadly coronavirus infection. The vaccine also prevents the Coronavirus from spreading from animal to animal. The findings were reported in the scientific journal 'Science Advances' on July 2. "If this new COVID-19 vaccine proves successful in people, it could help manage the COVID-19 pandemic by preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission," says Paul McCray, co-leader of the study. Inhalation rather than injection Unlike traditional vaccinations, which require an injection, this vaccine is delivered via nasal spray, similar to those used to prevent influenza. The vaccination used in the trial only requires a single dose and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three months at normal conditions. The experimental vaccination delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells via a harmless parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), which triggers an immune response that protects against COVID-19 infection. PIV5 is linked to common cold viruses and infects a variety of species, including humans, without causing sickness. If successful, the nasal vaccine will be a game-changer, especially for kids who need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Nasal COVID-19 vaccine protects animals from the deadly infection

Two Icelanders managed to climb Mount Everest despite having contracted coronavirus and even though Nepalese authorities insisted there have been no virus cases on the world's highest peak.&nbsp;

The two climbers, Sigurdur Sveinsson and Heimir Hallgrimsson, began coughing and suspected they had caught the virus as they reached around 7,000 metres (about 23,000 feet), they wrote in a message published on Thursday in which they described their perilous descent to base camp.&nbsp;

"At this time and this place, there was no way to get tested," the pair wrote on the website of Umhyggja, an Icelandic aid organisation that helps children with long-term illnesses and for which the pair were raising funds.&nbsp;

The two had tested negative for the virus before beginning their ascent.&nbsp;

"Since we were feeling fine then, we saw no reason to change our plans," they said. &nbsp;

The pair reached the summit, at 8,849 metres on Monday at 4:30 am local time (Sunday at 2245 GMT).&nbsp;

"During the descent, we both began to suffer from increasing fatigue, coughs and discomfort," they said. &nbsp;

"When we left Camp 2, it was clear that Siggi's (Sigurdur's) lungs were very bad and we had to resort to oxygen."&nbsp;

Despite the difficulties, they managed to reach base camp on Wednesday, where tests confirmed they were infected with COVID-19.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, more than 30 climbers have been evacuated from base camp due to illness.&nbsp;

Other than the Icelanders, at least three other climbers have said publicly or told AFP that they have been infected with COVID-19. The total number of cases is not known.&nbsp;

Nepal officials have denied that there have been any cases of the virus on Everest.&nbsp;

Two Icelanders managed to climb Mount Everest despite having contracted coronavirus and even though Nepalese authorities insisted there have been no virus cases on the world's highest peak.

Two Icelanders managed to climb Mount Everest despite having contracted coronavirus and even though Nepalese authorities insisted there have been no virus cases on the world's highest peak. The two climbers, Sigurdur Sveinsson and Heimir Hallgrimsson, began coughing and suspected they had caught the virus as they reached around 7,000 metres (about 23,000 feet), they wrote in a message published on Thursday in which they described their perilous descent to base camp. "At this time and this place, there was no way to get tested," the pair wrote on the website of Umhyggja, an Icelandic aid organisation that helps children with long-term illnesses and for which the pair were raising funds. The two had tested negative for the virus before beginning their ascent. "Since we were feeling fine then, we saw no reason to change our plans," they said. The pair reached the summit, at 8,849 metres on Monday at 4:30 am local time (Sunday at 2245 GMT). "During the descent, we both began to suffer from increasing fatigue, coughs and discomfort," they said. "When we left Camp 2, it was clear that Siggi's (Sigurdur's) lungs were very bad and we had to resort to oxygen." Despite the difficulties, they managed to reach base camp on Wednesday, where tests confirmed they were infected with COVID-19. In recent weeks, more than 30 climbers have been evacuated from base camp due to illness. Other than the Icelanders, at least three other climbers have said publicly or told AFP that they have been infected with COVID-19. The total number of cases is not known. Nepal officials have denied that there have been any cases of the virus on Everest.

Icelandic duo scale Everest despite Covid infection 

Antibodies against coronavirus remained in the blood of patients with COVID-19 for at least eight months after they were infected, Italian researchers said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

They were present "regardless of the severity of the illness, the age of the patients or the presence of other pathologies," according to a statement from the San Raffaele hospital in Milan.&nbsp;

The researchers, working with Italy's ISS national health institute, studied 162 patients with symptomatic coronavirus who turned up at the emergency room during the country's first wave of infections last year.&nbsp;

Blood samples were taken in March and April and again at the end of November from those who survived. Some 29 patients died.&nbsp;

"The presence of neutralising antibodies, while reducing over time, was very persistent, eight months after diagnosis, there were only three patients, who no longer showed positivity to the test," said the statement, issued jointly with the ISS.&nbsp;

The study, published in the Nature Communications scientific journal, also emphasised the importance of the development of antibodies in recovering from coronavirus.&nbsp;

"Those, who failed to produce them within the first 15 days of infection are at greater risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19," it said.&nbsp;

Two thirds of the patients surveyed were men, and the average age was 63. Some 57 per cent of them had a pre-existing pathology, notably hypertension and diabetes.&nbsp;

Antibodies against coronavirus remained in the blood of patients with COVID-19 for at least eight months after they were infected, Italian researchers said on Tuesday.

Antibodies against coronavirus remained in the blood of patients with COVID-19 for at least eight months after they were infected, Italian researchers said on Tuesday. They were present "regardless of the severity of the illness, the age of the patients or the presence of other pathologies," according to a statement from the San Raffaele hospital in Milan. The researchers, working with Italy's ISS national health institute, studied 162 patients with symptomatic coronavirus who turned up at the emergency room during the country's first wave of infections last year. Blood samples were taken in March and April and again at the end of November from those who survived. Some 29 patients died. "The presence of neutralising antibodies, while reducing over time, was very persistent, eight months after diagnosis, there were only three patients, who no longer showed positivity to the test," said the statement, issued jointly with the ISS. The study, published in the Nature Communications scientific journal, also emphasised the importance of the development of antibodies in recovering from coronavirus. "Those, who failed to produce them within the first 15 days of infection are at greater risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19," it said. Two thirds of the patients surveyed were men, and the average age was 63. Some 57 per cent of them had a pre-existing pathology, notably hypertension and diabetes.

Covid antibodies last 8 months after infection: Study 

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, likely does not directly infect the brain but can still inflict significant neurological damage, a new study suggests.&nbsp;

The findings, published in the journal Brain, suggest that the neurological changes often seen in these patients may result from inflammation triggered by the virus in other parts of the body or the brain's blood vessels.&nbsp;

"We've looked at more brains than other studies and we have used more techniques to search for the virus. The bottom line is that we find no evidence of viral RNA or protein in brain cells," said researcher James E Goldman from Columbia University.&nbsp;

For the study, the research team examined the brains of 41 patients with Covid-19 who succumbed to the disease during their hospitalisation. The patients ranged in age from 38 to 97, about half had been intubated and all had lung damage caused by the virus.&nbsp;

All of the patients had extensive clinical and laboratory investigations, and some had brain MRI and CT scans.&nbsp;

To detect any virus in the neurons and glia cells of the brain, the researchers used multiple methods including RNA in situ hybridisation, which can detect viral RNA within intact cells; antibodies that can detect viral proteins within cells; and RT-PCR, a sensitive technique for detecting viral RNA.&nbsp;

Despite their intensive search, the researchers found no evidence of the virus in the patients' brain cells. Though they did detect very low levels of viral RNA by RT-PCR, this was likely due to virus in blood vessels or leptomeninges covering the brain.&nbsp;

The tests were conducted on more than two dozen brain regions, including the olfactory bulb, which was searched because some reports have speculated that the coronavirus can travel from the nasal cavity into the brain via the olfactory nerve.&nbsp;

"Even there, we didn't find any viral protein or RNA. Though we found viral RNA and protein in the patients' nasal mucosa and in the olfactory mucosa high in the nasal cavity," Goldman said.&nbsp;

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, likely does not directly infect the brain but can still inflict significant neurological damage, a new study suggests.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, likely does not directly infect the brain but can still inflict significant neurological damage, a new study suggests. The findings, published in the journal Brain, suggest that the neurological changes often seen in these patients may result from inflammation triggered by the virus in other parts of the body or the brain's blood vessels. "We've looked at more brains than other studies and we have used more techniques to search for the virus. The bottom line is that we find no evidence of viral RNA or protein in brain cells," said researcher James E Goldman from Columbia University. For the study, the research team examined the brains of 41 patients with Covid-19 who succumbed to the disease during their hospitalisation. The patients ranged in age from 38 to 97, about half had been intubated and all had lung damage caused by the virus. All of the patients had extensive clinical and laboratory investigations, and some had brain MRI and CT scans. To detect any virus in the neurons and glia cells of the brain, the researchers used multiple methods including RNA in situ hybridisation, which can detect viral RNA within intact cells; antibodies that can detect viral proteins within cells; and RT-PCR, a sensitive technique for detecting viral RNA. Despite their intensive search, the researchers found no evidence of the virus in the patients' brain cells. Though they did detect very low levels of viral RNA by RT-PCR, this was likely due to virus in blood vessels or leptomeninges covering the brain. The tests were conducted on more than two dozen brain regions, including the olfactory bulb, which was searched because some reports have speculated that the coronavirus can travel from the nasal cavity into the brain via the olfactory nerve. "Even there, we didn't find any viral protein or RNA. Though we found viral RNA and protein in the patients' nasal mucosa and in the olfactory mucosa high in the nasal cavity," Goldman said.

'Covid does not infect brain but still inflicts damage' 

French authorities recommended on Friday that people who have already recovered from COVID-19 infection, will receive a single prescribe dose, instead of prescribed two doses. With this France has become the first country in the world to advise single doses of vaccine to its people.

France recommends a single dose for people who have already recovered from COVID-19

In a report published by the researchers of Florida Atlantic University has claimed that people wearing face masks and shields may not be as safe as they assume.

The researchers used&nbsp;vertical and horizontal laser sheets to track the tiny droplets of water with glycerin and found that the droplets spread&nbsp;from a hollow mannequin head which was fitted with a plastic face shield and a breathing valve on it. While the face shield was able to initially block the droplets while moving forward, the&nbsp;expelled droplets moved around the visor and spread across a wider area.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-can-be-killed-efficiently-quickly-and-cheaply-using-uv-leds-study-349930">Coronavirus can be killed efficiently, quickly, and cheaply using UV-LEDs: Study</a>

For the mask with a fitted valve for breathing, "a large number of droplets pass through the exhale valve unfiltered, which make it ineffective in stopping the spread the COVID-19 virus if the person wearing the mask is infected," the report said.

This research has proved that while these face shields and visors are more comfortable and advertised to be safer, the droplets can easily move around the surface and spread across.&nbsp;

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-case-of-coronavirus-among-wild-mink-reported-in-us-349860">&nbsp;First case of coronavirus among wild mink reported in US</a>

It was, through experiments, concluded that while these visors and shields are more comfortable, the plain-designed medical/surgical masks or the thick-clothed masks are better equipped to protect people from getting infected by the novel coronavirus through others — or affecting others.

This study has come out as the world is turning towards the approved coronavirus vaccines with a second wave of the deadly taking over numerous countries all over the world.

In a report published by the researchers of Florida Atlantic University has claimed that people wearing face masks and shields may not be as safe as they assume.

In a report published by the researchers of Florida Atlantic University has claimed that people wearing face masks and shields may not be as safe as they assume. The researchers used vertical and horizontal laser sheets to track the tiny droplets of water with glycerin and found that the droplets spread from a hollow mannequin head which was fitted with a plastic face shield and a breathing valve on it. While the face shield was able to initially block the droplets while moving forward, the expelled droplets moved around the visor and spread across a wider area. Also read| Coronavirus can be killed efficiently, quickly, and cheaply using UV-LEDs: Study For the mask with a fitted valve for breathing, "a large number of droplets pass through the exhale valve unfiltered, which make it ineffective in stopping the spread the COVID-19 virus if the person wearing the mask is infected," the report said. This research has proved that while these face shields and visors are more comfortable and advertised to be safer, the droplets can easily move around the surface and spread across. Also read| First case of coronavirus among wild mink reported in US It was, through experiments, concluded that while these visors and shields are more comfortable, the plain-designed medical/surgical masks or the thick-clothed masks are better equipped to protect people from getting infected by the novel coronavirus through others — or affecting others. This study has come out as the world is turning towards the approved coronavirus vaccines with a second wave of the deadly taking over numerous countries all over the world.

Face shields and visors can spread coronavirus: Study

Australia's second-largest state, Victoria, once the country's COVID-19 hotspot, said on Friday it has gone 28 days without detecting any new infections, a benchmark widely cited as eliminating the virus from the community.

The state also has zero active cases after the last COVID-19 patient was discharged from the hospital this week, a far cry from August when Victoria recorded more than 700 cases in one day and active infections totalled nearly 8,000.

The spread of the virus was only contained after a lockdown lasting more than 100 days, leaving some 5 million people in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, largely confined to their homes.

While the lockdown has seen infections wane, it slowed Australia's economic recovery from its first recession in three decades after large swathes of the country's economy was shut down in March.

Australia's economy shrank 7% in the three months to the end of June, the biggest quarterly decline since records began in 1959. The unemployment rate hit a 22-year high of 7.5% in July as businesses and borders closed to deal with the coronavirus.

The slowdown in cases, however, has seen Australian states and territories remove social distancing restrictions.

Australia's southern island state, Tasmania, on Friday became the latest to open its border to Victoria, reuniting families who had been apart for months.

"It has been very difficult, but we are going to make up for it. We are going to go to the beach and have beautiful Tasmanian seafood and some pinot noir," Allison Park, a Victoria resident visiting family in Tasmania, told reporters in the city of Hobart after arriving on a plane from Melbourne.

Victoria is the last state to gain access to Tasmania, which closed its borders in March.

COVID NORMAL

While Australia is removing restrictions in contrast to other countries in Europe, which are imposing curbs to counter a surge of infections, local lawmakers have said only an effective vaccine will restore longstanding normalcy.

Australia has secured access to four vaccine candidates, but its best hope for a quick vaccination programme lies with the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is already being manufactured locally.

The Australian Government has committed to buying 33.8 million doses of the vaccine.

A speedy roll-out of the AstraZeneca came under the microscope, however, when the company said it will likely run an additional global trial to assess the efficacy of its COVID-19 vaccine.

Still, Australia's Minister for Health Greg Hunt said this would not delay Canberra's expected timetable to begin vaccinations from March.

Australia's nearly 28,000 COVID-19 infections recorded to date, according to health ministry data, are far fewer than many other developed countries. Victoria accounts for more than 90% of the country's 905 deaths.

Australia's second-largest state, Victoria, once the country's COVID-19 hotspot, said on Friday it has gone 28 days without detecting any new infections, a benchmark widely cited as eliminating the virus from the community.

Australia's second-largest state, Victoria, once the country's COVID-19 hotspot, said on Friday it has gone 28 days without detecting any new infections, a benchmark widely cited as eliminating the virus from the community. The state also has zero active cases after the last COVID-19 patient was discharged from the hospital this week, a far cry from August when Victoria recorded more than 700 cases in one day and active infections totalled nearly 8,000. The spread of the virus was only contained after a lockdown lasting more than 100 days, leaving some 5 million people in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, largely confined to their homes. While the lockdown has seen infections wane, it slowed Australia's economic recovery from its first recession in three decades after large swathes of the country's economy was shut down in March. Australia's economy shrank 7% in the three months to the end of June, the biggest quarterly decline since records began in 1959. The unemployment rate hit a 22-year high of 7.5% in July as businesses and borders closed to deal with the coronavirus. The slowdown in cases, however, has seen Australian states and territories remove social distancing restrictions. Australia's southern island state, Tasmania, on Friday became the latest to open its border to Victoria, reuniting families who had been apart for months. "It has been very difficult, but we are going to make up for it. We are going to go to the beach and have beautiful Tasmanian seafood and some pinot noir," Allison Park, a Victoria resident visiting family in Tasmania, told reporters in the city of Hobart after arriving on a plane from Melbourne. Victoria is the last state to gain access to Tasmania, which closed its borders in March. COVID NORMAL While Australia is removing restrictions in contrast to other countries in Europe, which are imposing curbs to counter a surge of infections, local lawmakers have said only an effective vaccine will restore longstanding normalcy. Australia has secured access to four vaccine candidates, but its best hope for a quick vaccination programme lies with the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is already being manufactured locally. The Australian Government has committed to buying 33.8 million doses of the vaccine. A speedy roll-out of the AstraZeneca came under the microscope, however, when the company said it will likely run an additional global trial to assess the efficacy of its COVID-19 vaccine. Still, Australia's Minister for Health Greg Hunt said this would not delay Canberra's expected timetable to begin vaccinations from March. Australia's nearly 28,000 COVID-19 infections recorded to date, according to health ministry data, are far fewer than many other developed countries. Victoria accounts for more than 90% of the country's 905 deaths.

Australia's Covid-19 hotspot goes 28 days without an infection

Firefighter Saul Pena and his colleague Miguel Angel Pisadon have designed a simple and practical disinfection station they provide free of charge to nursing homes around Valladolid, northwestern Spain, as they hope to contain the spread of coronavirus among the most vulnerable and their carers.

Spanish firefighters build disinfection shower to ease decontamination of PPE users

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