The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, with more than 3,800 confirmed cases and over 1,700 deaths reported since the epidemic was declared in May.

Health officials say the Bundibugyo strain has spread across multiple provinces, with nearly 90% of cases concentrated in Ituri Province. The World Health Organization (WHO) has fast-tracked clinical trials for experimental vaccines and treatments as the crisis continues to worsen.

Canada has approved a Phase 1 clinical trial for an experimental mRNA vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain, becoming only the second country after the UK to authorize human testing.

DR Congo's Ebola Outbreak Explodes: 3,800 Cases, 1,700 Deaths | WHO Warns Crisis Worsening

The United States is currently experiencing a historic and record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has spread to 45 states with over 11,000 cases reported nationwide. Health officials recently confirmed the first two deaths linked to the outbreak in Michigan, the current epicentre of the crisis. Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that were severely impacted by the infection and subsequent dehydration.

Cyclosporiasis cases surge across United States

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has infected more than 3,200 people and claimed at least 1,405 lives, according to government data. Health officials say nearly 1,000 new infections were recorded in just 10 days, with most cases concentrated in the northeastern province of Ituri. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment, raising concerns over further regional spread.

Ebola cases rise to 3,200 in Democratic Republic of Congo 

Sri Lanka has deployed Air Force drones to combat its worst dengue outbreak in nearly a decade. With over 77,000 reported infections and 56 deaths this year, the government has stepped up surveillance efforts, including a military-led monitoring unit, to identify mosquito breeding hotspots and contain the spread of the disease.

Sri Lanka deploys Air Force drones against worst dengue outbreak 

Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status following a deadly year-long outbreak. Over 5,000 cases have been reported in 2025, including the tragic deaths of two newborns.

Health officials warn that measles is spreading among unvaccinated communities, fueled by vaccine resistance. Authorities are urging Canadians to catch up on immunizations and strengthen public health measures to curb the outbreak.

Canada Loses Measles-free Status After Deadly Outbreak; Vaccination Coverage Falls

A virus called the human meta-pneumo-virus or HMPV is spreading in China. Its flu-like symptoms are similar to covid-19. In India alone, 3 new cases of HMPV have been reported on Monday. In Bengaluru, a 3-month-old baby who has been discharged, and an 8-month-old who is recovering at a hospital. In Ahmedabad,  Gujarat,  2-month-old boy was detected with HMPV. Indian authorities are urging people to not panic.

HMPV: Is China hiding secret dangers of its virus outbreak?

In Bangladesh, two more dengue patients died while 934 were admitted to different hospitals in the country in the past 24 hours till this morning. Watch to know more!

Bangladesh: Spread Of Deadly Dengue Fever In Bangladesh Alarms Authorities | World News | WION

Nepal is fighting a surge in dengue cases, which is a potentially deadly disease once unheard of in the country's high-altitude Himalayan regions. A patient receives treatment for dengue in Nepal, which has reported more than 28,000 cases of the mosquito-borne illness this year, highlighting a significant public health challenge.

Dengue Outbreak in Nepal: Over 28,000 Infected This Year

Marburg Virus concerns people of Rwanda. Six people have died in Rwanda from an outbreak of a deadly virus called Marburg. Most of the victims were healthcare workers. Rwanda has stepped up efforts to contain Marburg as 20 cases reported. Watch to know more.

Rwanda Confirms First Marburg Outbreak, Claims Six Lives

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

New study sheds light on Covid-19 origin

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

#Gravitas India's Ministry of Health confirmed its first case of mpox in the country. A young male patient, who had recently returned from a country grappling with an mpox outbreak, showed symptoms of the disease. In a statement on Monday evening, the ministry confirmed the individual as the first confirmed case of mpox in India.

Mpox comes to India. Are we prepared?

A week after World Health Organization declared Mpox a global Public Health Emergency, the disease has been witnessing a surge in central Africa where countries like Congo have become an epicenter of the outbreak. Watch in for more details!

Mpox outbreak: DR Congo is the epicentre of Mpox outbreak

Scientists have voiced concerns about the newest avian flu outbreak in the United States. According to the Daily Mail, a UK-based tabloid, specialists believe that bird flu is '100 times worse than the Covid epidemic' and could result in a high fatality rate. Watch to know more.

Bird Flu Updates: Experts say 'outbreak could be serious'

The United States Department of Agriculture has recently disclosed updates recently related to the bird flu virus that is spreading through Dairy cattle. Watch to know more.

USDA reveals bird flu updates, Cattle movement implicated in bird flu outbreak

What would happen if the world faces an even deadlier strain of unknown virus? Or worse many more such viruses that lie hidden deep within the permafrost. Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer on or under the earth's surface. It consists of soil, gravel, and sand, usually bound together by ice. The soil beneath has been kept at below zero temperatures for hundreds of thousands of years.

Scientists sound alarm for potential outbreak of Zombie Virus

<p>The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday (Jan 5) that a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the country last year which affected dozens of people was linked to bone grafts, echoing a larger outbreak in 2021. In its <strong><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm725253a1.htm#:~:text=This%20second%20nationwide%20TB%20outbreak,additional%20surgical%20procedures%20with%20the">Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report</a></strong> (MMWR), the CDC said that 113 people, who underwent spinal surgeries in 2021, were exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium behind tuberculosis, via a bone-repair product - called FiberCel which is made by Elutia.</p>

<p>The FiberCel batch contaminated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis had come from a deceased donor's tissues. Now the outbreak last year strongly resembled the one in 2021 as it involved a similar bone-repair product made by Elutia, and the contaminated batch came from one tissue donor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CDC said on Friday that from July 7-11 last year, it received reports of two patients in different states with a TB diagnosis following spinal surgical procedures that used bone allografts containing live cells from the same deceased donor.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tuberculosis-is-now-killing-more-people-than-covid-and-aids-report-590750">Tuberculosis is now killing more people than Covid and AIDS, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>"An outbreak associated with a similar product manufactured by the same tissue establishment (i.e., manufacturer) occurred in 2021," the statement said.</p>

<p>The statement added that as these cases (in 2023) represented a second outbreak, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) worked with the tissue establishment to determine that this product was obtained from a donor different from the one implicated in the 2021 outbreak and learned that the bone allograft product was distributed to 13 health care facilities in seven states - California, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia.</p>

<p>The statement said that eight hospitals and five dental offices in these seven states received 50 bone allograft units from this product lot from February 27–June 20 last year. On July 12, a notification was sent to these states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon contacting the health facilities, officials learned that including the two previously reported cases, 36 total patients had undergone procedures in which the product was used.</p>

<p>"As of December 20, 2023, five of the 36 recipients had received a diagnosis of laboratory-confirmed TB disease, including four that were culture-confirmed," the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CDC recommended that all exposed patients receive prompt tuberculosis treatment, and no additional people died.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday (Jan 5) that a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the country last year which affected dozens of people was linked to bone grafts, echoing a larger outbreak in 2021.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday (Jan 5) that a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the country last year which affected dozens of people was linked to bone grafts, echoing a larger outbreak in 2021. In its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the CDC said that 113 people, who underwent spinal surgeries in 2021, were exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium behind tuberculosis, via a bone-repair product - called FiberCel which is made by Elutia. The FiberCel batch contaminated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis had come from a deceased donor's tissues. Now the outbreak last year strongly resembled the one in 2021 as it involved a similar bone-repair product made by Elutia, and the contaminated batch came from one tissue donor. The CDC said on Friday that from July 7-11 last year, it received reports of two patients in different states with a TB diagnosis following spinal surgical procedures that used bone allografts containing live cells from the same deceased donor. Also read: Tuberculosis is now killing more people than Covid and AIDS, says report "An outbreak associated with a similar product manufactured by the same tissue establishment (i.e., manufacturer) occurred in 2021," the statement said. The statement added that as these cases (in 2023) represented a second outbreak, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) worked with the tissue establishment to determine that this product was obtained from a donor different from the one implicated in the 2021 outbreak and learned that the bone allograft product was distributed to 13 health care facilities in seven states - California, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia. The statement said that eight hospitals and five dental offices in these seven states received 50 bone allograft units from this product lot from February 27–June 20 last year. On July 12, a notification was sent to these states. Upon contacting the health facilities, officials learned that including the two previously reported cases, 36 total patients had undergone procedures in which the product was used. "As of December 20, 2023, five of the 36 recipients had received a diagnosis of laboratory-confirmed TB disease, including four that were culture-confirmed," the statement said. The CDC recommended that all exposed patients receive prompt tuberculosis treatment, and no additional people died. (With inputs from agencies)

TB outbreak in US which affected dozens in 2023 linked to bone grafts: CDC

A mystery pneumonia is spreading across China. Beijing claims that there is no novel virus, instead, the infections are from known viruses, and bacteria. Children have now begun falling sick in the U.S. and the Netherlands. In Denmark, the number of pediatric pneumonia has crossed the epidemic mark.

China mystery pneumonia: Children fall sick in Denmark, US, Netherlands

The spike in chinese respiratory illness cases have become global issue. World Health Organization asked China for more information, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children by the program for monitoring emerging diseases. After that Denmark have also reported outbreaks of Mycoplasma Pneumonia. Watch this report to know how the disease is on the rise in the US

Pneumonia outbreak in children in US

<p>Following a recent outbreak of pneumonia in several regions of China, Ohio has become the first state in the US to&nbsp;report an increased number of cases of the illness called 'white lung syndrome.' The outbreak in Ohio has particularly affected children, leading to an alarmingly high number of hospitalisations, local media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the global health body WHO continues to monitor the sudden surge in respiratory infections among children in China with countries including India, remaining vigilant. Earlier, Denmark's Statens Serum Institute (SSI) reported that Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have seen a significant spike over the past five weeks. Netherlands, another European nation, also reported an alarming rise in&nbsp;pneumonia cases.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ohio's Warren County reports 142 cases since August</strong></h2>

<p>Since August, Ohio's Warren County has recorded 142 pediatric cases of the pneumonia strain. This prompted the county health department to declare it an outbreak based on the Ohio Department of Health's criteria, as per reports.</p>

<p>Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reportedly noted that nationally the number of cases is within normal limits but it has elevated concerns due to the widespread nature of the outbreak with the possibility of overwhelming hospitals across the country.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pioneering-us-supreme-court-justice-sandra-day-oconnor-dead-at-93-665201">Pioneering US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Dead At 93</a></p>

<p>Ohio officials reportedly told Daily Mail that the investigation is ongoing. They also suggested that the illness does not appear to be a new disease but rather a simultaneous occurrence of various common infections.</p>

<h2><strong>What is&nbsp;white lung syndrome?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Patients have tested positive for mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacterial lung infection resistant to antibiotics.&nbsp;The affected individuals range in age from 3 to 8, and several unconfirmed reports are circulating regarding why children may be more susceptible.</p>

<p>One of the reports said that it is because of the weakened immune systems due to lockdowns or increased vulnerability resulting from mask-wearing and school closures.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-discuss-scope-of-improving-military-ties-amid-israel-hamas-war-665195">Iran, Saudi Arabia discuss scope of improving military ties amid Israel-Hamas war</a></p>

<p>It also added that bacterial respiratory infections tend to surge every few years.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explainer-the-slogan-at-the-heart-of-pro-palestine-rallies-665198">The slogan at the heart of Pro-Palestine Rallies</a></strong></p>

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<p>However, authorities have stressed the importance of taking necessary precautions to safeguard public health, especially as the holiday season approaches.</p>

<p>Common symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, covering the mouth while coughing, and staying up-to-date on vaccines, is recommended to reduce the risk of illness.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following a recent outbreak of pneumonia in several regions of China, Ohio has become the first state in the US to report an increased number of cases of the illness called 'white lung syndrome.

Following a recent outbreak of pneumonia in several regions of China, Ohio has become the first state in the US to report an increased number of cases of the illness called 'white lung syndrome.' The outbreak in Ohio has particularly affected children, leading to an alarmingly high number of hospitalisations, local media reports said. This comes as the global health body WHO continues to monitor the sudden surge in respiratory infections among children in China with countries including India, remaining vigilant. Earlier, Denmark's Statens Serum Institute (SSI) reported that Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have seen a significant spike over the past five weeks. Netherlands, another European nation, also reported an alarming rise in pneumonia cases. Ohio's Warren County reports 142 cases since August Since August, Ohio's Warren County has recorded 142 pediatric cases of the pneumonia strain. This prompted the county health department to declare it an outbreak based on the Ohio Department of Health's criteria, as per reports. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reportedly noted that nationally the number of cases is within normal limits but it has elevated concerns due to the widespread nature of the outbreak with the possibility of overwhelming hospitals across the country. Also Read | Pioneering US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Dead At 93 Ohio officials reportedly told Daily Mail that the investigation is ongoing. They also suggested that the illness does not appear to be a new disease but rather a simultaneous occurrence of various common infections. What is white lung syndrome? Patients have tested positive for mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacterial lung infection resistant to antibiotics. The affected individuals range in age from 3 to 8, and several unconfirmed reports are circulating regarding why children may be more susceptible. One of the reports said that it is because of the weakened immune systems due to lockdowns or increased vulnerability resulting from mask-wearing and school closures. Also Read | Iran, Saudi Arabia discuss scope of improving military ties amid Israel-Hamas war It also added that bacterial respiratory infections tend to surge every few years. Watch | The slogan at the heart of Pro-Palestine Rallies × However, authorities have stressed the importance of taking necessary precautions to safeguard public health, especially as the holiday season approaches. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, covering the mouth while coughing, and staying up-to-date on vaccines, is recommended to reduce the risk of illness. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Ohio reports ‘white lung syndrome’ outbreak. Know what it is

<p>Antarctica, known for its pristine and secluded landscapes, now faces an unprecedented threat as avian flu, a lethal variant of bird flu, has been identified on Bird Island, a part of the British overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.</p>

<p>This discovery has raised concerns among scientists, environmentalists, and wildlife experts about the potentially devastating consequences for the region's unique wildlife and ecosystems.</p>

<h2><strong>The spread of H5N1</strong></h2>

<p>Avian flu, specifically the H5N1 subtype, has gained notoriety for its global spread.</p>

<p>H5N1 is classified as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) due to its severe impact on poultry populations.</p>

<p>Historically, avian flu outbreaks followed seasonal patterns. However, since 2021, they have become persistent, resulting in the deaths of millions of birds in 2022.</p>

<p>The relentless spread of this virus has raised concerns about its potential threat to wildlife in the uncharted territories of Antarctica.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/over-75-trillion-tonnes-decline-in-antarcticas-ice-shelves-since-1997-half-show-no-sign-of-recovery-646295">Also read |&nbsp;Over 7.5 trillion tonnes decline in Antarctica's ice shelves since 1997, half show 'no sign of recovery'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Challenges in human and interspecies transmission</strong></h2>

<p>H5N1, in its complexity, presents challenges not only in transmission but also in its genetic makeup. The virus is notoriously difficult to transmit from animals to humans, and human-to-human transmission is exceptionally rare.</p>

<p>However, the scientific community remains vigilant about the potential consequences of co-infection, where individuals could contract both H5N1 and seasonal flu viruses, leading to the exchange of genetic material with unpredictable outcomes.</p>

<p>Antarctica is home to a myriad of species that exist nowhere else on Earth. These unique organisms have evolved in isolation and have never encountered bird flu viruses.</p>

<p>The introduction of avian flu into this ecosystem poses a grave threat. The largely unknown response of these species to the virus creates a sense of urgency among scientists to understand and mitigate the potential consequences.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctica-likely-warming-much-faster-than-prediction-of-climate-change-models-study-633633">Also read |&nbsp;Antarctica likely warming much faster than climate change models predicted: Study</a></p>

<h2><strong>Unique bird species under threat</strong></h2>

<p>Bird Island, situated about 966 kilometres&nbsp;southeast of the Falkland Islands, is one of the world's richest biodiversity hotspots.</p>

<p>It is home to approximately 50,000 breeding pairs of penguins and an impressive 65,000 pairs of fur seals. The island also hosts various endangered bird species.</p>

<p>The presence of avian flu on Bird Island could lead to catastrophic breeding failures, potentially causing a devastating impact on the island's diverse and unique wildlife.</p>

<h2><strong>Risk assessment&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research conducted a comprehensive risk assessment to understand the potential impact of avian flu on Antarctica. Penguins, birds of prey, sheathbills, and giant petrels are identified as the most vulnerable species, facing direct threats from the virus. Following them are fur seals, sea lions, skuas, and gulls, which also face a considerable risk.</p>

<p>Dr&nbsp;Meagan Dewar, chair of the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network, serves as the lead author of a report emphasising the potential for "catastrophic breeding failure" in Antarctica due to avian flu. He told the Telegraph that the consequences of such an event would have a "devastating impact on many wildlife species."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Alarming presence on south Georgia</strong></h2>

<p>South Georgia, the territory where the infected skuas were discovered, is a crucial region for a variety of species. It houses a diverse array of wildlife, including albatrosses, macaroni and Gentoo penguins, as well as northern and southern giant petrels.</p>

<p>Experts are deeply concerned that these bird populations may also contract the virus. Avian flu is primarily transmitted through direct contact or faeces, raising concerns about its potential spread in this critical region.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Melting poles in Antarctica under threat</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-melting-poles-in-antarctica-under-threat-639941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>What makes Antarctica so unique?</strong></h2>

<p>Antarctica is a vast continent blanketed in ice and surrounded by ocean, differing from the Arctic, which is an icy sea enclosed by landmasses. Its immense size surpasses that of Europe and even during summer, it remains 62 times larger than the UK. Antarctica boasts several extreme superlatives – it is the highest, driest, windiest, and coldest continent, with its temperature plummeting to a chilling -94°C. Paradoxically, it experiences minimal snowfall, as its arid conditions classify it as a polar desert.</p>

<p>For a portion of the year, Antarctica is shrouded in darkness, devoid of trees and shrubs, with only two native flowering plant species. Notably, no permanent human inhabitants or native populations exist in Antarctica. Nevertheless, it draws up to 5,000 scientists and researchers, including WWF-supported teams studying Emperor and Adélie penguins. Approximately 30,000 tourists visit annually, necessitating stringent management to safeguard this unspoiled environment.</p>

<p>Despite being one of the world's least disturbed regions, Antarctica faces growing vulnerability, particularly to the impacts of global warming and climate change.</p>

<h2><strong>Antarctica's lack of immunity</strong></h2>

<p>Antarctica has never experienced a bird flu outbreak, resulting in a lack of immunity among the local wildlife populations. Dr Thijs Kuiken, a veterinary pathologist at Erasmus University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, told the New York Times,&nbsp;that the population is "completely naive" to the virus, significantly increasing the risk of high mortality rates if an outbreak were to occur.</p>

<p>The detection of avian flu on Bird Island in Antarctica is an alarming development that raises significant concerns about the region's fragile ecosystem and its unique wildlife.</p>

<p>As scientists continue to monitor the situation, the ultimate impact of this virus on Antarctica remains uncertain.&nbsp;</p>


Antarctica, known for its pristine and secluded landscapes, now faces an unprecedented threat as avian flu, a lethal variant of bird flu, has been identified on Bird Island, a part of the British overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Antarctica, known for its pristine and secluded landscapes, now faces an unprecedented threat as avian flu, a lethal variant of bird flu, has been identified on Bird Island, a part of the British overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. This discovery has raised concerns among scientists, environmentalists, and wildlife experts about the potentially devastating consequences for the region's unique wildlife and ecosystems. The spread of H5N1 Avian flu, specifically the H5N1 subtype, has gained notoriety for its global spread. H5N1 is classified as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) due to its severe impact on poultry populations. Historically, avian flu outbreaks followed seasonal patterns. However, since 2021, they have become persistent, resulting in the deaths of millions of birds in 2022. The relentless spread of this virus has raised concerns about its potential threat to wildlife in the uncharted territories of Antarctica. Also read | Over 7.5 trillion tonnes decline in Antarctica's ice shelves since 1997, half show 'no sign of recovery' Challenges in human and interspecies transmission H5N1, in its complexity, presents challenges not only in transmission but also in its genetic makeup. The virus is notoriously difficult to transmit from animals to humans, and human-to-human transmission is exceptionally rare. However, the scientific community remains vigilant about the potential consequences of co-infection, where individuals could contract both H5N1 and seasonal flu viruses, leading to the exchange of genetic material with unpredictable outcomes. Antarctica is home to a myriad of species that exist nowhere else on Earth. These unique organisms have evolved in isolation and have never encountered bird flu viruses. The introduction of avian flu into this ecosystem poses a grave threat. The largely unknown response of these species to the virus creates a sense of urgency among scientists to understand and mitigate the potential consequences. Also read | Antarctica likely warming much faster than climate change models predicted: Study Unique bird species under threat Bird Island, situated about 966 kilometres southeast of the Falkland Islands, is one of the world's richest biodiversity hotspots. It is home to approximately 50,000 breeding pairs of penguins and an impressive 65,000 pairs of fur seals. The island also hosts various endangered bird species. The presence of avian flu on Bird Island could lead to catastrophic breeding failures, potentially causing a devastating impact on the island's diverse and unique wildlife. Risk assessment The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research conducted a comprehensive risk assessment to understand the potential impact of avian flu on Antarctica. Penguins, birds of prey, sheathbills, and giant petrels are identified as the most vulnerable species, facing direct threats from the virus. Following them are fur seals, sea lions, skuas, and gulls, which also face a considerable risk. Dr Meagan Dewar, chair of the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network, serves as the lead author of a report emphasising the potential for "catastrophic breeding failure" in Antarctica due to avian flu. He told the Telegraph that the consequences of such an event would have a "devastating impact on many wildlife species." Alarming presence on south Georgia South Georgia, the territory where the infected skuas were discovered, is a crucial region for a variety of species. It houses a diverse array of wildlife, including albatrosses, macaroni and Gentoo penguins, as well as northern and southern giant petrels. Experts are deeply concerned that these bird populations may also contract the virus. Avian flu is primarily transmitted through direct contact or faeces, raising concerns about its potential spread in this critical region. Also watch | Gravitas: Melting poles in Antarctica under threat What makes Antarctica so unique? Antarctica is a vast continent blanketed in ice and surrounded by ocean, differing from the Arctic, which is an icy sea enclosed by landmasses. Its immense size surpasses that of Europe and even during summer, it remains 62 times larger than the UK. Antarctica boasts several extreme superlatives – it is the highest, driest, windiest, and coldest continent, with its temperature plummeting to a chilling -94°C. Paradoxically, it experiences minimal snowfall, as its arid conditions classify it as a polar desert. For a portion of the year, Antarctica is shrouded in darkness, devoid of trees and shrubs, with only two native flowering plant species. Notably, no permanent human inhabitants or native populations exist in Antarctica. Nevertheless, it draws up to 5,000 scientists and researchers, including WWF-supported teams studying Emperor and Adélie penguins. Approximately 30,000 tourists visit annually, necessitating stringent management to safeguard this unspoiled environment. Despite being one of the world's least disturbed regions, Antarctica faces growing vulnerability, particularly to the impacts of global warming and climate change. Antarctica's lack of immunity Antarctica has never experienced a bird flu outbreak, resulting in a lack of immunity among the local wildlife populations. Dr Thijs Kuiken, a veterinary pathologist at Erasmus University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, told the New York Times, that the population is "completely naive" to the virus, significantly increasing the risk of high mortality rates if an outbreak were to occur. The detection of avian flu on Bird Island in Antarctica is an alarming development that raises significant concerns about the region's fragile ecosystem and its unique wildlife. As scientists continue to monitor the situation, the ultimate impact of this virus on Antarctica remains uncertain.

Explained | Will bird flu's arrival in Antarctica spell 'catastrophe' for its unique wildlife?

UK is on alert over the fast-spreading Covid-19 variant BA.2.86, also called 'Pirola'. The mutated Covid-19 variant pirola is contributing to a spike in cases across scotland and the rest of UK. As of this week, there have been at least 37 cases recorded in England, which is an increase of over three infections from the previous week. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Pirola Outbreak: Is the UK prepared?

Alarms are ringing in India over yet another deadly virus. The southern state of Kerala has reported four cases of the Nipah virus out of which two succumb to the infection. Now Nipah is a zoonotic virus which means it is transmitted to people from animals. It mainly affects animals such as bats, pigs, dogs and horses. Though the infection does not spread as quickly as COVID-19 the case fatality rate or the proportion of deaths among those who test positive is very high as per the World Health Organization.

Nipah Outbreak: Kerala govt strengthen measures to stop the spread of virus

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