Iraq is in the midst of an outbreak of a fever that causes people to bleed to death, according to local media reports.

The disease called the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever has claimed 19 deaths among 111 cases this year, according to the World Health Organization.

The disease has been spreading rapidly in the Iraqi countryside, with the southern province alon recording half of the country’s cases.

According to medics, the virus causes severe bleeding both internally and externally and especially from the nose. As many as two-fifths of the cases die.

"The number of cases recorded is unprecedented," Haidar Hantouche, a health official in Dhi Qar province told the AFP.

The surge in cases this year has shocked officials, since numbers far exceed recorded cases in the 43 years since the virus was first documented in Iraq in 1979.

What do we know about the disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CCHF is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus.

The disease was first found in Crimea in 1944 and given the name Crimean hemorrhagic fever. It was then later recognized in 1969 as the cause of illness in the Congo, thus resulting in the current name of the disease.

It is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans.

"Animals become infected by the bite of infected ticks," said the&nbsp;WHO.

"The CCHF virus is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and immediately after slaughter," it added.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CCHF's fatality rate is between 10 per cent and 40 per cent.

Is there any preventive cure?

The virus has no vaccine and its onset can be swift. CDC said the long-term effects of CCHF infection have not been studied well enough in survivors to determine whether or not specific complications exist. However, recovery is slow.

Main targets—farmers, veterinarians

Since the virus is "primarily transmitted" to people via ticks on livestock, most cases are among farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians, the WHO says.

"Human-to-human transmission can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons," it adds.

Alongside uncontrolled bleeding, the virus causes intense fever and vomiting.

Medics fear there may be an explosion of cases following the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha in July, when families traditionally slaughter an animal to feed guests.

Slaughterhouses take a hit

The virus has also adversely affected meat consumption in the country, with many butchers saying cattle arriving for slaughter has fallen to half normal levels. "People are afraid of red meat and think it can transmit infection," said Fares Mansour, Director of Najaf Veterinary Hospital.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iraq is in the midst of an outbreak of a fever that causes people to bleed to death, according to local media reports. The disease called the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever has claimed 19 deaths among 111 cases this year, according to the World Health Organization.

Iraq is in the midst of an outbreak of a fever that causes people to bleed to death, according to local media reports. The disease called the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever has claimed 19 deaths among 111 cases this year, according to the World Health Organization. The disease has been spreading rapidly in the Iraqi countryside, with the southern province alon recording half of the country’s cases. According to medics, the virus causes severe bleeding both internally and externally and especially from the nose. As many as two-fifths of the cases die. "The number of cases recorded is unprecedented," Haidar Hantouche, a health official in Dhi Qar province told the AFP. The surge in cases this year has shocked officials, since numbers far exceed recorded cases in the 43 years since the virus was first documented in Iraq in 1979. What do we know about the disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CCHF is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus. The disease was first found in Crimea in 1944 and given the name Crimean hemorrhagic fever. It was then later recognized in 1969 as the cause of illness in the Congo, thus resulting in the current name of the disease. It is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans. "Animals become infected by the bite of infected ticks," said the WHO. "The CCHF virus is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and immediately after slaughter," it added. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CCHF's fatality rate is between 10 per cent and 40 per cent. Is there any preventive cure? The virus has no vaccine and its onset can be swift. CDC said the long-term effects of CCHF infection have not been studied well enough in survivors to determine whether or not specific complications exist. However, recovery is slow. Main targets—farmers, veterinarians Since the virus is "primarily transmitted" to people via ticks on livestock, most cases are among farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians, the WHO says. "Human-to-human transmission can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons," it adds. Alongside uncontrolled bleeding, the virus causes intense fever and vomiting. Medics fear there may be an explosion of cases following the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha in July, when families traditionally slaughter an animal to feed guests. Slaughterhouses take a hit The virus has also adversely affected meat consumption in the country, with many butchers saying cattle arriving for slaughter has fallen to half normal levels. "People are afraid of red meat and think it can transmit infection," said Fares Mansour, Director of Najaf Veterinary Hospital. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Iraq seeing outbreak of nose-bleed fever. Here’s what we know about the deadly disease

The United Nations has denounced racist and homophobic media coverage of the rare Monkeypox outbreak in the west.

The racist nature of monkeypox coverage: Global media uses stigmatising language

The monkeypox outbreak is taking the western nations by storm. Now, Argentina reported its Monkeypox case. Meanwhile, Russia has alleged the US role in the outbreak.

Argentina reports first Monkeypox case as Russia alleges US role in the outbreak

After about two months of strict lockdown in line with China's zero covid policy, Shanghai is now inching towards a gradual reopening. According to reports, officials in Shanghai aim to end the lockdown from Wednesday.

Shanghai inches towards gradual reopening, over 100 bank outlets resume work

Many parts of the world are reporting the rare monkeypox outbreak. The US reported its first case, and Britain reported close to 10 cases.

Predominant in African countries, cases of rare monkeypox surface in various countries including US

Rare monkeypox outbreak: The US reports the first case of monkeypox

Monkeypox, which is quite common in remote parts of Central & West Africa, has taken the world by storm after reports emerged of its outbreak in many western nations.

Monkeypox spread: What we know so far

In fight against coronavirus, North Korea claims to be achieving "good results", the state media KCNA said on Friday. This comes as more than 2 million people of the country have witnessed fever symptoms in the first confirmed COVID-19 outbreak of the nation. The country has till now not reported the number of confirmed cases of Covid.&nbsp;Around 263,370 more people have been reported to have fever symptoms in the country. Two more deaths were also registered. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-covid-outbreak-turns-messier-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-slams-immature-response-479974" hreflang="en">As Covid outbreak turns messier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un slams 'immature' response &nbsp;</a>

The total fever caseload reached 2.24 million on Thursday evening. Around 65 deaths have also been reported, as per the KCNA. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Even under the maximum emergency epidemic prevention situation, normal production is kept at key industrial sectors and large-scale construction projects are propelled without let-up. Good results are reported steadily in the ongoing anti-epidemic war," KCNA said. &nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;North Korea COVID: US &amp; South Korea offer to help fight the outbreak

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Despite the outbreak, the nation says it is functioning normally as farming is continuing, factories are working, etc. It seems to have also been planning a state funeral for a former general. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Help has been offered to North Korea for fighting the virus by South Korea and the United States, Seoul's deputy national security advisor said on Wednesday. But no response has been received till now. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In fight against coronavirus, North Korea claims to be achieving "good results", the state media KCNA said on Friday. This comes as more than 2 million people of the country have witnessed fever symptoms in the first confirmed COVID-19 outbreak of the nation.

In fight against coronavirus, North Korea claims to be achieving "good results", the state media KCNA said on Friday. This comes as more than 2 million people of the country have witnessed fever symptoms in the first confirmed COVID-19 outbreak of the nation. The country has till now not reported the number of confirmed cases of Covid. Around 263,370 more people have been reported to have fever symptoms in the country. Two more deaths were also registered. Also Read: As Covid outbreak turns messier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un slams 'immature' response The total fever caseload reached 2.24 million on Thursday evening. Around 65 deaths have also been reported, as per the KCNA. "Even under the maximum emergency epidemic prevention situation, normal production is kept at key industrial sectors and large-scale construction projects are propelled without let-up. Good results are reported steadily in the ongoing anti-epidemic war," KCNA said. Also watch | North Korea COVID: US & South Korea offer to help fight the outbreak Despite the outbreak, the nation says it is functioning normally as farming is continuing, factories are working, etc. It seems to have also been planning a state funeral for a former general. Help has been offered to North Korea for fighting the virus by South Korea and the United States, Seoul's deputy national security advisor said on Wednesday. But no response has been received till now. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Is it true? Even as Covid outbreak worsens, North Korea claims to achieve 'good results'

The first officially acknowledged COVID-19 outbreak seems to have been worsening in North Korea. The country's response has been slammed by the leader Kim Jong Un as "immature". He accused government officials of inadequacies and inertia, state media reported on Wednesday.

The country has witnessed a huge spike in the number of fever cases. Around 232,880 more people have been reported to have fever symptoms in North Korea. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Six more deaths have also been declared by the country. However, the nation did not say how many people had tested positive for the virus. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-orders-north-koreas-military-to-stabilise-medicine-supply-as-covid-19-outbreak-surges-479276" hreflang="en">Kim Jong Un orders North Korea's military to 'stabilise' medicine supply as COVID-19 outbreak surges</a>

On Tuesday, a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party was organised. While presiding over it, Kim said the "immaturity in the state capacity for coping with the crisis" increased the "complexity and hardships" in fighting the pandemic when "time is the life", as per the KCNA. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 1.72 million patients with fever symptoms have been reported by the country since the acknowledgement of the Covid outbreak. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Can North Korea battle ‘deadly’ coronavirus wave?&nbsp;

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Around 62 deaths have also been reported till Tuesday evening. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A Covid treatment guide has been developed by the health officials to prevent drug overdoses and other mistreatments, which has led to several reported deaths, the KCNA said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

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The first officially acknowledged COVID-19 outbreak seems to have been worsening in North Korea. The country's response has been slammed by the leader Kim Jong Un as "immature".

The first officially acknowledged COVID-19 outbreak seems to have been worsening in North Korea. The country's response has been slammed by the leader Kim Jong Un as "immature". He accused government officials of inadequacies and inertia, state media reported on Wednesday. The country has witnessed a huge spike in the number of fever cases. Around 232,880 more people have been reported to have fever symptoms in North Korea. Six more deaths have also been declared by the country. However, the nation did not say how many people had tested positive for the virus. Also Read: Kim Jong Un orders North Korea's military to 'stabilise' medicine supply as COVID-19 outbreak surges On Tuesday, a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party was organised. While presiding over it, Kim said the "immaturity in the state capacity for coping with the crisis" increased the "complexity and hardships" in fighting the pandemic when "time is the life", as per the KCNA. Around 1.72 million patients with fever symptoms have been reported by the country since the acknowledgement of the Covid outbreak. Watch: Can North Korea battle ‘deadly’ coronavirus wave? × Around 62 deaths have also been reported till Tuesday evening. A Covid treatment guide has been developed by the health officials to prevent drug overdoses and other mistreatments, which has led to several reported deaths, the KCNA said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

As Covid outbreak turns messier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un slams 'immature' response  

After over two years, North Korea has officially confirmed Covid outbreak for the first time on Thursday, media reports said. &nbsp;

The nation has also ordered a nation-wide lockdown. A sub-variant of Omicron has been found in Pyongyang, state media reported. &nbsp;

"There has been the biggest emergency incident in the country, with a hole in our emergency quarantine front, that has been kept safely over the past two years and three months since February 2020," official KCNA news agency said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-yoon-asks-north-to-embark-on-path-of-complete-denuclearisation-477830" hreflang="en">South Korea's President Yoon asks North to embark on path of complete denuclearisation</a>

The people of Pyongyang have contracted the Omicron variant of virus, the report said, without providing much details. &nbsp;

The infected people’s samples were taken on May 8, it added. &nbsp;

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered all cities and counties of the nation to "strictly lock down" their regions, as per KCNA. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea speeds up weapon testing, launches ballistic missile

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Emergency reserve medical supplies should be mobilised, added Kim. &nbsp;

At a Workers' Party meeting called to discuss responses to the first outbreak of the coronavirus, Kim said that the latest emergency quarantine system looks to stably control and manage the spread of the coronavirus. It is also aimed at quickly healing infected people to end the source of transmission in the shortest period, the KCNA said. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After over two years, North Korea has officially confirmed Covid outbreak for the first time on Thursday, media reports said. The nation has also ordered a nation-wide lockdown.

After over two years, North Korea has officially confirmed Covid outbreak for the first time on Thursday, media reports said. The nation has also ordered a nation-wide lockdown. A sub-variant of Omicron has been found in Pyongyang, state media reported. "There has been the biggest emergency incident in the country, with a hole in our emergency quarantine front, that has been kept safely over the past two years and three months since February 2020," official KCNA news agency said. Also Read: South Korea's President Yoon asks North to embark on path of complete denuclearisation The people of Pyongyang have contracted the Omicron variant of virus, the report said, without providing much details. The infected people’s samples were taken on May 8, it added. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered all cities and counties of the nation to "strictly lock down" their regions, as per KCNA. Watch: North Korea speeds up weapon testing, launches ballistic missile × Emergency reserve medical supplies should be mobilised, added Kim. At a Workers' Party meeting called to discuss responses to the first outbreak of the coronavirus, Kim said that the latest emergency quarantine system looks to stably control and manage the spread of the coronavirus. It is also aimed at quickly healing infected people to end the source of transmission in the shortest period, the KCNA said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 in North Korea: After official confirmation of outbreak, Kim orders lockdown

There seems to be no end to rising COVID-19 cases in China’s capital city of Beijing. The authorities maintained tightened COVID-19 amid the ongoing elusive outbreak.

No end to COVID-19 woes in China’s capital city of Beijing

Two mayors have been dismissed in northeastern China, and Shanghai has closed its school system and shifted to online instruction, as a coronavirus outbreak in mainland China gathers speed.

China’s National Health Commission announced on Saturday that another 1,524 locally transmitted coronavirus cases had been detected in provinces across mainland China. That was up from 1,100 cases reported a day earlier, and a couple hundred cases per day a week ago.

Though China suffered heavy loss of life when COVID-19 first emerged in the city of Wuhan more than two years ago, it has had much more success than any other large country in controlling the virus since then. The surge in cases in the last few days, fueled by the omicron variant, still leaves China far below the daily infection count of about 35,000 in the United States, which has less than a quarter of China’s population.

The current spike in cases still poses a significant challenge for China. After adopting a zero-tolerance strategy toward the virus for most of the past two years, China has shifted in recent months to a “dynamic zero” strategy. Under the new strategy, national leaders have tolerated the occasional emergence of a handful of cases in a city, provided that city leaders then quickly stamp out all further cases.

Now the omicron variant is proving so infectious that local leaders no longer seem able to stamp out each outbreak. The cases reported on Saturday were scattered across 20 of China’s 31 provinces.

The mayors of Jilin City and the Jiutai district of the city of Changchun have both been dismissed, the state-run Xinhua news agency announced on Saturday, without specifying exactly when the dismissals had happened. Both places have had rapidly expanding outbreaks.

Jilin City has an urban population of 1.8 million, while the mostly rural Jiutai district had 826,000 people in 2014, the last year for which the National Bureau of Statistics has released its population data.

Changchun, which has 9 million people, was placed under partial lockdown on Friday, with each household only allowed to send out a member every other day to buy supplies. Jilin City, with over 1,000 cases in the past 10 days, has had a sustained outbreak at a local agricultural university.

China’s system for detecting and tracing infections has relied heavily on mandatory testing for anyone with a fever. Temperature checks are common at entrances to shopping malls and office complexes. Furthermore, people who try to buy fever-relieving medicine are tested for the coronavirus.

But two-thirds of the cases reported nationwide on Saturday involved people with no symptoms, possibly because China has a nearly 90% vaccination rate. Infected yet asymptomatic people can spread the virus to others, but finding these people is hard, Chinese officials have said.

Two mayors have been dismissed in northeastern China, and Shanghai has closed its school system and shifted to online instruction, as a coronavirus outbreak in mainland China gathers speed.

Two mayors have been dismissed in northeastern China, and Shanghai has closed its school system and shifted to online instruction, as a coronavirus outbreak in mainland China gathers speed. China’s National Health Commission announced on Saturday that another 1,524 locally transmitted coronavirus cases had been detected in provinces across mainland China. That was up from 1,100 cases reported a day earlier, and a couple hundred cases per day a week ago. Though China suffered heavy loss of life when COVID-19 first emerged in the city of Wuhan more than two years ago, it has had much more success than any other large country in controlling the virus since then. The surge in cases in the last few days, fueled by the omicron variant, still leaves China far below the daily infection count of about 35,000 in the United States, which has less than a quarter of China’s population. The current spike in cases still poses a significant challenge for China. After adopting a zero-tolerance strategy toward the virus for most of the past two years, China has shifted in recent months to a “dynamic zero” strategy. Under the new strategy, national leaders have tolerated the occasional emergence of a handful of cases in a city, provided that city leaders then quickly stamp out all further cases. Now the omicron variant is proving so infectious that local leaders no longer seem able to stamp out each outbreak. The cases reported on Saturday were scattered across 20 of China’s 31 provinces. The mayors of Jilin City and the Jiutai district of the city of Changchun have both been dismissed, the state-run Xinhua news agency announced on Saturday, without specifying exactly when the dismissals had happened. Both places have had rapidly expanding outbreaks. Jilin City has an urban population of 1.8 million, while the mostly rural Jiutai district had 826,000 people in 2014, the last year for which the National Bureau of Statistics has released its population data. Changchun, which has 9 million people, was placed under partial lockdown on Friday, with each household only allowed to send out a member every other day to buy supplies. Jilin City, with over 1,000 cases in the past 10 days, has had a sustained outbreak at a local agricultural university. China’s system for detecting and tracing infections has relied heavily on mandatory testing for anyone with a fever. Temperature checks are common at entrances to shopping malls and office complexes. Furthermore, people who try to buy fever-relieving medicine are tested for the coronavirus. But two-thirds of the cases reported nationwide on Saturday involved people with no symptoms, possibly because China has a nearly 90% vaccination rate. Infected yet asymptomatic people can spread the virus to others, but finding these people is hard, Chinese officials have said.

China fires mayors and closes schools as an outbreak spreads

After four people died in Isiolo County, Kenya declared an outbreak of yellow fever. Fifteen others have also been diagnosed with the same and are recovering at a hospital.&nbsp;

Patrick Amoth, director general of Kenya's health ministry, while speaking to AFP said, "We have an additional death to the three that we had reported earlier."

He further said that the risk of further spread is low as the outbreak is in a sparsely populated region.

"Because of the demographics of Isiolo, in terms of the number of people and how people are widely spread apart, it makes it a little easy to control," Amoth said.

The first case was detected on January 12, 2022.&nbsp;

What is yellow fever? 
Yellow fever is an acute and contagious viral disease. It is transmitted by the same mosquitoes which spread Zika and dengue. 
The World Health Organisation defines it as an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The "yellow" in the name refers to jaundice that affects some patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/here-is-how-people-can-fight-climate-change-by-making-these-six-lifestyle-changes-459874">Also read |&nbsp;Here is how people can fight climate change by making these six lifestyle changes</a>

The infection is most common in areas of Africa and South America.&nbsp;

The symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. It is usually mild. However, it can become more serious, causing heart, liver and kidney problems along with bleeding.

If one is given good supportive treatment in hospitals, it improves survival rates. There is currently no specific anti-viral drug for yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccinations, however, are routinely recommended for travellers going on safaris in Kenya.&nbsp;

The disease is usually difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. A more severe case can be confused with severe malaria, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis (especially fulminant forms), other haemorrhagic fevers, infection with other flaviviruses (such as dengue haemorrhagic fever), and poisoning.

In the early stages, the virus can be sometimes detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in blood and urine. In later stages, testing to identify antibodies is needed (ELISA and PRNT).

(With inputs from agencies)

After four people died in Isiolo County, Kenya declared an outbreak of yellow fever. Fifteen others have also been diagnosed with the same and are recovering at a hospital.

After four people died in Isiolo County, Kenya declared an outbreak of yellow fever. Fifteen others have also been diagnosed with the same and are recovering at a hospital. Patrick Amoth, director general of Kenya's health ministry, while speaking to AFP said, "We have an additional death to the three that we had reported earlier." He further said that the risk of further spread is low as the outbreak is in a sparsely populated region. "Because of the demographics of Isiolo, in terms of the number of people and how people are widely spread apart, it makes it a little easy to control," Amoth said. The first case was detected on January 12, 2022. What is yellow fever? Yellow fever is an acute and contagious viral disease. It is transmitted by the same mosquitoes which spread Zika and dengue. The World Health Organisation defines it as an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The "yellow" in the name refers to jaundice that affects some patients. Also read | Here is how people can fight climate change by making these six lifestyle changes The infection is most common in areas of Africa and South America. The symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. It is usually mild. However, it can become more serious, causing heart, liver and kidney problems along with bleeding. If one is given good supportive treatment in hospitals, it improves survival rates. There is currently no specific anti-viral drug for yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccinations, however, are routinely recommended for travellers going on safaris in Kenya. The disease is usually difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. A more severe case can be confused with severe malaria, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis (especially fulminant forms), other haemorrhagic fevers, infection with other flaviviruses (such as dengue haemorrhagic fever), and poisoning. In the early stages, the virus can be sometimes detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in blood and urine. In later stages, testing to identify antibodies is needed (ELISA and PRNT). (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya declares yellow fever outbreak as 4 people die, here is what you should know

As the US is experiencing a downward trend in cases, states and cities are lifting remaining restrictions. However, several public health experts are urging leaders to prepare for future outbreaks. This comes in as the &nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new guidelines for judging community risk.

The US is now seeing an average of 54,000 cases and 1,300 deaths each day. However, only 65 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

As per the CDC, over 90 per cent of the US is now at low risk of overwhelming the health systems, meaning that requirements for masks and other precautions will be decreased.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pandemic-enters-third-year-covid-related-deaths-to-soon-reach-6-million-459928">Also read |&nbsp;As pandemic enters third year, Covid related deaths to soon reach 6 million</a>

This comes in as the world is very close to recording its six millionth official death due to the deadly virus. As per Johns Hopkins University, the death toll stood at 59,99,158 as of March 7.&nbsp;

Top US officials recently laid out a plan to move the nation to a new stage of the pandemic. The new plan focuses on four goals, to help the nation move forward safely. This includes protection against COVID, preparing for new variants, preventing shutdowns and continuing to vaccinate the world.&nbsp;

The US has the biggest official death toll in the world.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the US is experiencing a downward trend in cases, states and cities are lifting remaining restrictions. However, several public health experts are urging leaders to prepare for future outbreaks.

As the US is experiencing a downward trend in cases, states and cities are lifting remaining restrictions. However, several public health experts are urging leaders to prepare for future outbreaks. This comes in as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new guidelines for judging community risk. The US is now seeing an average of 54,000 cases and 1,300 deaths each day. However, only 65 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated. As per the CDC, over 90 per cent of the US is now at low risk of overwhelming the health systems, meaning that requirements for masks and other precautions will be decreased. Also read | As pandemic enters third year, Covid related deaths to soon reach 6 million This comes in as the world is very close to recording its six millionth official death due to the deadly virus. As per Johns Hopkins University, the death toll stood at 59,99,158 as of March 7. Top US officials recently laid out a plan to move the nation to a new stage of the pandemic. The new plan focuses on four goals, to help the nation move forward safely. This includes protection against COVID, preparing for new variants, preventing shutdowns and continuing to vaccinate the world. The US has the biggest official death toll in the world. (With inputs from agencies)

As Omicron cases decrease, experts urge US to prepare for future outbreaks

Holding supposedly the world's biggest nuclear arsenal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed strategic forces on high alert on Sunday as his forces are embroiled in conflict with Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Monday, Russia's defence ministry said its nuclear missile forces and Northern and Pacific fleets had been placed on "enhanced" combat duty. The decision has been made in line with Putin’s order. &nbsp;

As there is a fear of an outbreak of nuclear war, let’s get acquainted with the capabilities of Russia. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-using-brutal-cluster-explosives-vacuum-bombs-in-ukraine-say-rights-groups-ukraines-envoy-to-us-457658">'Russia using ‘brutal’ cluster explosives, vacuum bombs in Ukraine'</a>

Russia has the largest number of nuclear warheads in the world. It has 6,255 warheads, while the US commands 5,550. China follows behind with 350 and France has 290, said SIPRI, a research institute in Stockholm. &nbsp;

In 2020, Russia spent $8 billion on the building and maintenance of nuclear arsenal, as per Nobel peace prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). &nbsp;

The Russian constitution grants control of the nuclear weapons to the president, but the transmission of any order for its use, and the authentication of it, also includes the defence minister and the chief of staff of armed forces. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/64-km-long-russian-military-convoy-heads-for-kyiv-show-satellite-images-457667">64-km-long Russian military convoy heads for Kyiv, show satellite images</a>

But will the Russian president go for nuclear weapons? Or will the military implement the order, if it comes? Experts are still in doubt. &nbsp;

"I personally don't think the Russian military elite will cheer at the idea of limited nuclear use in or about Ukraine," tweeted Kristin Ven Bruusgaard at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Holding supposedly the world's biggest nuclear arsenal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed strategic forces on high alert on Sunday as his forces are embroiled in conflict with Ukraine.

Holding supposedly the world's biggest nuclear arsenal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed strategic forces on high alert on Sunday as his forces are embroiled in conflict with Ukraine. On Monday, Russia's defence ministry said its nuclear missile forces and Northern and Pacific fleets had been placed on "enhanced" combat duty. The decision has been made in line with Putin’s order. As there is a fear of an outbreak of nuclear war, let’s get acquainted with the capabilities of Russia. Also Read: 'Russia using ‘brutal’ cluster explosives, vacuum bombs in Ukraine' Russia has the largest number of nuclear warheads in the world. It has 6,255 warheads, while the US commands 5,550. China follows behind with 350 and France has 290, said SIPRI, a research institute in Stockholm. In 2020, Russia spent $8 billion on the building and maintenance of nuclear arsenal, as per Nobel peace prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The Russian constitution grants control of the nuclear weapons to the president, but the transmission of any order for its use, and the authentication of it, also includes the defence minister and the chief of staff of armed forces. Also Read: 64-km-long Russian military convoy heads for Kyiv, show satellite images But will the Russian president go for nuclear weapons? Or will the military implement the order, if it comes? Experts are still in doubt. "I personally don't think the Russian military elite will cheer at the idea of limited nuclear use in or about Ukraine," tweeted Kristin Ven Bruusgaard at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia?  

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, war experts said that a nuclear strike would be unlikely, but nonetheless a matter of concern, considering that the invasion launched Europe's greatest military campaign since WWII.&nbsp;

Fresh weaponry and other supplies continue to flow into Ukraine from both the European Union and the United States, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to continue fighting.&nbsp;

On the ground, the balance of forces is not totally or perfectly equal, but what was originally a completely disproportioned asymmetry of forces has been steadily re-equilibrated in favour of Ukrainian troops.&nbsp;

The crisis has now become a war of endurance.

If you're worried about the present crisis in Ukraine, you're acting rationally.

We are closer to a full-blown war than we have been since the early 1980s between the two greatest nuclear-armed states.

The US and Russia are not exactly at odds, and President Joe Biden has sensibly decided against sending US troops to Ukraine. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-5-videos-that-tell-the-story-russias-ukraine-invasion-457619/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Neither country would deliberately launch a "bolt-out-of-the-blue" nuclear attack.&nbsp;

Putin's plan to employ tactical nuclear weapons does not seem that farfetched any longer.

In reality, on Sunday, he raised the alert level for Russia's nuclear forces, but it was unclear what that meant in practise.

At all times, Russia and the United States are assumed to keep their land-based and submarine-based nuclear missiles in high readiness.

While they carefully select which instruments of coercion to use, they have both established "integrated deterrence" doctrines during the last decade that include nuclear weapons among the coercive alternatives they use.&nbsp;

What are the potential dangers?

Even if Putin's statement is intended as a warning rather than a declaration of war, there is always the potential for a mistake if one side misinterprets the other or events spiral out of control.

Putin has become isolated and out of touch, with few of his advisers ready to tell him the truth, which is a source of concern.

Some believe his judgement is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Some hope, though, that if he goes too far, others further up the line of command will refuse to carry out orders.

The chances of a nuclear war have increased marginally, although they remain low.

What is the state of Russia's nuclear arsenal? How does it compare to other countries?

Russia has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, with over 6,000 warheads.

Most of those warheads were in reserve when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, with just roughly 1,600 deployed as land, sea, and air-based weapons, such as missiles in silos or bombs dropped by planes. (Nuclear weapons were left on Ukrainian land when the USSR came apart at the conclusion of the Cold War, but Ukraine returned them to Russia.)&nbsp;

Russia, United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, North Korea, and Pakistan are known to possess nuclear weapons.

This includes every permanent member of the United Nations Security Council who has worked for decades to update it's nuclear weapons, as well as three NATO countries.

Since the conclusion of the Cold War, the overall number of weapons has decreased by nearly 80%, from an estimated 70,300 in 1986 to 12,700 in early 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, war experts said that a nuclear strike would be unlikely, but nonetheless a matter of concern, considering that the invasion launched Europe's greatest military campaign since WWII.

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, war experts said that a nuclear strike would be unlikely, but nonetheless a matter of concern, considering that the invasion launched Europe's greatest military campaign since WWII. Fresh weaponry and other supplies continue to flow into Ukraine from both the European Union and the United States, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to continue fighting. On the ground, the balance of forces is not totally or perfectly equal, but what was originally a completely disproportioned asymmetry of forces has been steadily re-equilibrated in favour of Ukrainian troops. The crisis has now become a war of endurance. If you're worried about the present crisis in Ukraine, you're acting rationally. We are closer to a full-blown war than we have been since the early 1980s between the two greatest nuclear-armed states. The US and Russia are not exactly at odds, and President Joe Biden has sensibly decided against sending US troops to Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion Neither country would deliberately launch a "bolt-out-of-the-blue" nuclear attack. Putin's plan to employ tactical nuclear weapons does not seem that farfetched any longer. In reality, on Sunday, he raised the alert level for Russia's nuclear forces, but it was unclear what that meant in practise. At all times, Russia and the United States are assumed to keep their land-based and submarine-based nuclear missiles in high readiness. While they carefully select which instruments of coercion to use, they have both established "integrated deterrence" doctrines during the last decade that include nuclear weapons among the coercive alternatives they use. What are the potential dangers? Even if Putin's statement is intended as a warning rather than a declaration of war, there is always the potential for a mistake if one side misinterprets the other or events spiral out of control. Putin has become isolated and out of touch, with few of his advisers ready to tell him the truth, which is a source of concern. Some believe his judgement is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Some hope, though, that if he goes too far, others further up the line of command will refuse to carry out orders. The chances of a nuclear war have increased marginally, although they remain low. What is the state of Russia's nuclear arsenal? How does it compare to other countries? Russia has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, with over 6,000 warheads. Most of those warheads were in reserve when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, with just roughly 1,600 deployed as land, sea, and air-based weapons, such as missiles in silos or bombs dropped by planes. (Nuclear weapons were left on Ukrainian land when the USSR came apart at the conclusion of the Cold War, but Ukraine returned them to Russia.) Russia, United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, North Korea, and Pakistan are known to possess nuclear weapons. This includes every permanent member of the United Nations Security Council who has worked for decades to update it's nuclear weapons, as well as three NATO countries. Since the conclusion of the Cold War, the overall number of weapons has decreased by nearly 80%, from an estimated 70,300 in 1986 to 12,700 in early 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Will there be a nuclear war? Your questions answered

India has delivered medical supplies to Kiribati as the island is dealing with the Covid outbreak for the first time in two years. The government of India sent a consignment of medical supplies, containing PPEs and medications, states the Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

The relief material also includes pulse oximeters, swabs with VTM, specimen bags for swabs, PPE kits (surgical masks, gloves, N95 masks, shoe covers, hair caps) and emergency Covid medication supplies.

The Ministry claimed that this shows India’s commitment to providing "Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support," as an early responder in the Pacific region. "India remains committed to extend full support to Kiribati’s national efforts in mitigating the challenges arising from the pandemic," the statement read.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remote-pacific-island-which-had-only-2-two-cases-until-now-goes-into-lockdown-446741">Also read |&nbsp;Remote Pacific island which had only 2 two cases until now goes into lockdown</a>

The Covid outbreak in Kiribati can be attributed to the low vaccination rate as only 33 per cent of 113,000 residents are fully vaccinated. Also, 59 per cent have received just one shot. &nbsp;

As per President Taneti Maamau the administration is using all of its resources to deal with the crisis. He also urged the citizens to get vaccinated.&nbsp;

There was no sign of an outbreak in the Pacific island because it was closed for two years. However, it reopened last month and this is when a jet transported 54 of the island nation's people back home.

Kiribati is one of the most isolated islands in the world. It is some 5,000km (3,100 miles) from its nearest continent, North America.

India has delivered medical supplies to Kiribati as the island is dealing with the Covid outbreak for the first time in two years. The government of India sent a consignment of medical supplies, containing PPEs and medications, states the Ministry of External Affairs.

India has delivered medical supplies to Kiribati as the island is dealing with the Covid outbreak for the first time in two years. The government of India sent a consignment of medical supplies, containing PPEs and medications, states the Ministry of External Affairs. The relief material also includes pulse oximeters, swabs with VTM, specimen bags for swabs, PPE kits (surgical masks, gloves, N95 masks, shoe covers, hair caps) and emergency Covid medication supplies. The Ministry claimed that this shows India’s commitment to providing "Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support," as an early responder in the Pacific region. "India remains committed to extend full support to Kiribati’s national efforts in mitigating the challenges arising from the pandemic," the statement read. Also read | Remote Pacific island which had only 2 two cases until now goes into lockdown The Covid outbreak in Kiribati can be attributed to the low vaccination rate as only 33 per cent of 113,000 residents are fully vaccinated. Also, 59 per cent have received just one shot. As per President Taneti Maamau the administration is using all of its resources to deal with the crisis. He also urged the citizens to get vaccinated. There was no sign of an outbreak in the Pacific island because it was closed for two years. However, it reopened last month and this is when a jet transported 54 of the island nation's people back home. Kiribati is one of the most isolated islands in the world. It is some 5,000km (3,100 miles) from its nearest continent, North America.

India sends medical supplies to Kiribati as the island struggles with its first Covid outbreak

None of the crew on the Navy combat ship USS Milwaukee who have been infected with the coronavirus have needed hospitalisation, the Guantánamo Bay base hospital said Sunday, two days after the Navy disclosed an outbreak among fully vaccinated sailors aboard the ship.

The Milwaukee departed its home port in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 14 with a crew of 105 sailors, including a Navy helicopter combat crew and a Coast Guard law enforcement unit as part of the U.S. Southern Command’s efforts to fight drug trafficking in the Caribbean. It reached Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, on Monday for a refuelling and resupply stop and extended its stay there because of the outbreak.

“Our medical and public health teams are in close contact with medical on board ship,” hospital spokesperson Dawn Grimes said Sunday. At the request of the ship, she added, the hospital was providing medical staff on board with COVID-19 vaccine booster doses “to administer to those” who want an extra shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-lethal-virus-and-alien-invasion-here-is-what-baba-vanga-predicted-for-2022-440276">Also read |&nbsp;New lethal virus and alien invasion? Here is what Baba Vanga predicted for 2022</a>

None of the Milwaukee’s crew members were permitted to leave the ship and adjoining pier after docking at the base, Cmdr. Kate Meadows said Saturday, sparing the 6,000 residents at Guantánamo Bay the risk of being exposed. The ship held its own open-air, socially distanced Christmas service on the pier, rather than attending services at the base chapel, and chefs on board prepared a holiday meal instead of joining Guantánamo personnel for their meals.

Active-duty troops in the Army and Navy were fired this month over their refusal to get vaccinated after President Joe Biden in August mandated vaccination for the armed services. But there were only a small group of holdouts last week, with the Navy reporting that more than 98% of its members had been vaccinated.

Only 85% of the residents of the base were fully vaccinated as of Sunday, Grimes said.

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The outbreak aboard the Milwaukee is the first significant COVID-related health crisis aboard a U.S. ship sailing for the Southern Command since April 2020, when the Navy sent the USS Kidd from similar drug-interdiction operations back to San Diego with dozens of infected sailors on board. That episode occurred before the development of a vaccine.

In March 2020, one of the military’s first encounters with the virus occurred aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. The ship docked in Guam, in the South Pacific, and ended up stranded there for months after dozens of sailors were infected and one died. The ship’s commander at the time sent a letter to Navy officials pleading for help tackling the outbreak and criticising the Navy’s failure to provide the proper resources. He was later removed from command of the ship.

None of the crew on the Navy combat ship USS Milwaukee who have been infected with the coronavirus have needed hospitalisation, the Guantánamo Bay base hospital said Sunday, two days after the Navy disclosed an outbreak among fully vaccinated sailors aboard the ship.

None of the crew on the Navy combat ship USS Milwaukee who have been infected with the coronavirus have needed hospitalisation, the Guantánamo Bay base hospital said Sunday, two days after the Navy disclosed an outbreak among fully vaccinated sailors aboard the ship. The Milwaukee departed its home port in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 14 with a crew of 105 sailors, including a Navy helicopter combat crew and a Coast Guard law enforcement unit as part of the U.S. Southern Command’s efforts to fight drug trafficking in the Caribbean. It reached Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, on Monday for a refuelling and resupply stop and extended its stay there because of the outbreak. “Our medical and public health teams are in close contact with medical on board ship,” hospital spokesperson Dawn Grimes said Sunday. At the request of the ship, she added, the hospital was providing medical staff on board with COVID-19 vaccine booster doses “to administer to those” who want an extra shot. Also read | New lethal virus and alien invasion? Here is what Baba Vanga predicted for 2022 None of the Milwaukee’s crew members were permitted to leave the ship and adjoining pier after docking at the base, Cmdr. Kate Meadows said Saturday, sparing the 6,000 residents at Guantánamo Bay the risk of being exposed. The ship held its own open-air, socially distanced Christmas service on the pier, rather than attending services at the base chapel, and chefs on board prepared a holiday meal instead of joining Guantánamo personnel for their meals. Active-duty troops in the Army and Navy were fired this month over their refusal to get vaccinated after President Joe Biden in August mandated vaccination for the armed services. But there were only a small group of holdouts last week, with the Navy reporting that more than 98% of its members had been vaccinated. Only 85% of the residents of the base were fully vaccinated as of Sunday, Grimes said. Also read | Spanish minister says people should cut on eating meat to curb climate crisis The outbreak aboard the Milwaukee is the first significant COVID-related health crisis aboard a U.S. ship sailing for the Southern Command since April 2020, when the Navy sent the USS Kidd from similar drug-interdiction operations back to San Diego with dozens of infected sailors on board. That episode occurred before the development of a vaccine. In March 2020, one of the military’s first encounters with the virus occurred aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. The ship docked in Guam, in the South Pacific, and ended up stranded there for months after dozens of sailors were infected and one died. The ship’s commander at the time sent a letter to Navy officials pleading for help tackling the outbreak and criticising the Navy’s failure to provide the proper resources. He was later removed from command of the ship.

No sailors on a navy ship have needed hospitalisation after outbreak

China's disciplinary body said that dozens of officials were punished in the locked-down city of Xi'an over a virus outbreak. After the city reported 52 new Covid cases on Wednesday, authorities ordered a strict lockdown.&nbsp;

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said that 26 Communist Party officials had been punished for "insufficient rigour in preventing and controlling the outbreak". Chinese officials who are believed to have failed in controlling the outbreak are regularly sacked or reprimanded.&nbsp;

As per the statement, the outbreak in Xi'an can be attributed to the negligent attitude of the officials.&nbsp;

A party discipline official said that the authorities would clamp down on "bureaucratic issues in disease control work such as shirking responsibility, not taking action, passing the buck and dealing with things in a negative way."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-millions-under-lockdown-after-virus-outbreak-in-xian-city-439025">Also read |&nbsp;China puts millions under lockdown after virus outbreak in Xi'an city</a>

Under the new lockdown rules, only one household member will be allowed to go out of the house to purchase necessities. The authorities have also put restrictions on residents leaving the city.

In October, a party secretary in Inner Mongolia was sacked after his area was hit by multiple cases. Also, the head of Zhengzhou city's health commission was sacked in August after several cases were recorded.

This year, the country has reported one death due to the virus amid tough measures as the Xi regime continues to follow the "zero-Covid" strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China's disciplinary body said that dozens of officials were punished in the locked-down city of Xi'an over a virus outbreak. After the city reported 52 new Covid cases on Wednesday, authorities ordered a strict lockdown.

China's disciplinary body said that dozens of officials were punished in the locked-down city of Xi'an over a virus outbreak. After the city reported 52 new Covid cases on Wednesday, authorities ordered a strict lockdown. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said that 26 Communist Party officials had been punished for "insufficient rigour in preventing and controlling the outbreak". Chinese officials who are believed to have failed in controlling the outbreak are regularly sacked or reprimanded. As per the statement, the outbreak in Xi'an can be attributed to the negligent attitude of the officials. A party discipline official said that the authorities would clamp down on "bureaucratic issues in disease control work such as shirking responsibility, not taking action, passing the buck and dealing with things in a negative way." Also read | China puts millions under lockdown after virus outbreak in Xi'an city Under the new lockdown rules, only one household member will be allowed to go out of the house to purchase necessities. The authorities have also put restrictions on residents leaving the city. In October, a party secretary in Inner Mongolia was sacked after his area was hit by multiple cases. Also, the head of Zhengzhou city's health commission was sacked in August after several cases were recorded. This year, the country has reported one death due to the virus amid tough measures as the Xi regime continues to follow the "zero-Covid" strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics. (With inputs from agencies)

Multiple officials in China's X'ian city punished over virus outbreak

Vaccinations offer better protection against COVID-19 than immunity from a prior infection, health officials have said. A new study by CDC has concluded that unvaccinated people who had contracted the virus months earlier were five times more likely to contract it again than fully vaccinated people who did not have any prior infection.&nbsp;

The study analysed data from nearly 190 hospitals in nine states. The researchers counted 7,000 adult patients who were hospitalised this year with respiratory illnesses or symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. It was concluded that about 6,000 of them had been fully vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines three to six months before getting hospitalised.&nbsp;

The remaining 1,000 were unvaccinated but had been infected with the deadly virus.

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Dr Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who was not involved in the study was quoted by The Associated Press, "These data show, pretty strongly, that the vaccines are more protective against symptomatic Covid."

Saag deemed the research as convincing. He also said that it is important information for parents as the government is now expanding its vaccination campaign to more children.

“There have been many people who have advocated, ‘Well, let’s just let the kids get infected.’ I think these data support the notion that the vaccines work better in general, and likely work better for 5- to 11-year-olds,” Saag said.

Vaccinations offer better protection against COVID-19 than immunity from a prior infection, health officials have said. A new study by CDC has concluded that unvaccinated people who had contracted the virus months earlier were five times more likely to contract it again than fully vaccinated people who did not have any prior infection.

Vaccinations offer better protection against COVID-19 than immunity from a prior infection, health officials have said. A new study by CDC has concluded that unvaccinated people who had contracted the virus months earlier were five times more likely to contract it again than fully vaccinated people who did not have any prior infection. The study analysed data from nearly 190 hospitals in nine states. The researchers counted 7,000 adult patients who were hospitalised this year with respiratory illnesses or symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. It was concluded that about 6,000 of them had been fully vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines three to six months before getting hospitalised. The remaining 1,000 were unvaccinated but had been infected with the deadly virus. Also read | Documents Trump wants to shield from Capitol riots investigators revealed Dr Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who was not involved in the study was quoted by The Associated Press, "These data show, pretty strongly, that the vaccines are more protective against symptomatic Covid." Saag deemed the research as convincing. He also said that it is important information for parents as the government is now expanding its vaccination campaign to more children. “There have been many people who have advocated, ‘Well, let’s just let the kids get infected.’ I think these data support the notion that the vaccines work better in general, and likely work better for 5- to 11-year-olds,” Saag said.

Vaccines against coronavirus more protective than prior infection: Study

With the rising Covid infections on the mind, organisers have postponed the weekend’s Beijing marathon in China. The country also seeks to return to zero cases ahead of the Winter Olympics. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-uphold-world-peace-says-xi-on-anniversary-of-return-to-un-423776" hreflang="en">China will uphold world peace, says Xi on anniversary of return to UN</a>

On Monday, China reported 39 new domestic infections. The cases are rising after an outbreak spread by a travelling group of tourists in the latest test of the country’s zero-tolerance approach with just over 100 days until the start of the Games. &nbsp;

Until further notice, Beijing marathon’s organisers have postponed the run “to prevent the risk of the epidemic spreading (and) effectively protect the health and safety of the majority of runners, staff and residents.” On October 31, some 30,000 people were expected to take part in the race.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-will-end-when-world-chooses-to-end-it-says-who-chief-423790" hreflang="en">Pandemic will end when world chooses to end it, says WHO chief</a> &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Wuhan Marathon, which was due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, just ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. &nbsp;

Authorities have been making attempts to contain virus infections using mass testing of residents and targeted lockdowns. However, with a rise in cases, organisers of the Wuhan Marathon said in a statement released that they would postpone Sunday's event in the central Chinese city "to prevent the risk of epidemic spread". &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

With the rising Covid infections on the mind, organisers have postponed the weekend’s Beijing marathon in China. The country also seeks to return to zero cases ahead of the Winter Olympics.

With the rising Covid infections on the mind, organisers have postponed the weekend’s Beijing marathon in China. The country also seeks to return to zero cases ahead of the Winter Olympics. Also Read: China will uphold world peace, says Xi on anniversary of return to UN On Monday, China reported 39 new domestic infections. The cases are rising after an outbreak spread by a travelling group of tourists in the latest test of the country’s zero-tolerance approach with just over 100 days until the start of the Games. Until further notice, Beijing marathon’s organisers have postponed the run “to prevent the risk of the epidemic spreading (and) effectively protect the health and safety of the majority of runners, staff and residents.” On October 31, some 30,000 people were expected to take part in the race. Also Read: Pandemic will end when world chooses to end it, says WHO chief Meanwhile, the Wuhan Marathon, which was due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, just ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Authorities have been making attempts to contain virus infections using mass testing of residents and targeted lockdowns. However, with a rise in cases, organisers of the Wuhan Marathon said in a statement released that they would postpone Sunday's event in the central Chinese city "to prevent the risk of epidemic spread". (With inputs from agencies)

With Covid outbreak on mind, organisers postpone Beijing marathon in China

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

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

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

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

New Zealand's coronavirus outbreak grew to 31 people and spread to capital Wellington.

The first case in the outbreak emerged in Auckland on Tuesday as the government put the entire country into a level-4 lockdown, which means&nbsp;the highest level of restrictions.

As per genome sequencing, the cluster has been linked to a returnee from Australia.

Ever since then, some of the cases that have emerged include a high school teacher, students at two more high schools, a nurse at Auckland City Hospital and an Air New Zealand cabin crew member.

On Friday, another 11 cases were announced, including a patient at Auckland’s North Shore Hospital.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-poses-a-greater-threat-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-defends-lockdown-call-406553">Also read |&nbsp;'Delta poses a greater threat': New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern defends lockdown call</a>

This forced the emergency care and short-stay surgical care departments to close, and a postal worker.

A total of 19 of the cases are linked to the first case, which is a 58-year-old man.&nbsp;

The Air New Zealand worker is not linked, while the rest of the cases are yet to be genome-sequenced.

 
Initial investigations show they are likely to be connected to the first case.

On Friday afternoon, Jacinda Ardern said the infectious period of the emerging positive cases still reached back into the period before lockdown. She said, "Soon, that should stop being the case, and that will definitely help us get that outbreak under control. Until then, though, we just don’t quite know the full scale of this Delta outbreak.

“This tells us we need to continue to be cautious, and that we need more time before we have the complete picture.” 
&nbsp;

New Zealand's coronavirus outbreak grew to 31 people and spread to capital Wellington. The first case in the outbreak emerged in Auckland on Tuesday as the government put the entire country into a level-4 lockdown, which means the highest level of restrictions.

New Zealand's coronavirus outbreak grew to 31 people and spread to capital Wellington. The first case in the outbreak emerged in Auckland on Tuesday as the government put the entire country into a level-4 lockdown, which means the highest level of restrictions. As per genome sequencing, the cluster has been linked to a returnee from Australia. Ever since then, some of the cases that have emerged include a high school teacher, students at two more high schools, a nurse at Auckland City Hospital and an Air New Zealand cabin crew member. On Friday, another 11 cases were announced, including a patient at Auckland’s North Shore Hospital. Also read | 'Delta poses a greater threat': New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern defends lockdown call This forced the emergency care and short-stay surgical care departments to close, and a postal worker. A total of 19 of the cases are linked to the first case, which is a 58-year-old man. The Air New Zealand worker is not linked, while the rest of the cases are yet to be genome-sequenced. Initial investigations show they are likely to be connected to the first case. On Friday afternoon, Jacinda Ardern said the infectious period of the emerging positive cases still reached back into the period before lockdown. She said, "Soon, that should stop being the case, and that will definitely help us get that outbreak under control. Until then, though, we just don’t quite know the full scale of this Delta outbreak. “This tells us we need to continue to be cautious, and that we need more time before we have the complete picture.”

New Zealand's COVID-19 outbreak spreads to capital Wellington

New Zealand reported a breakthrough Thursday in tracing the source of a Covid-19 outbreak that plunged the nation into lockdown, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern saying it should help "stamp out" the virus.

Health officials have been trying to determine how an Auckland man contracted the coronavirus this week, ending a six-month run of no community cases in New Zealand.

Tests showed the man had a version of the Delta strain found in Australia, and Ardern said investigations narrowed down the origin to a person who arrived from Sydney on August 7.

She said the traveller had been in quarantine and hospital since touching down, indicating the virus had not been in the community as long as initially feared.

"We believe we have uncovered the piece of the puzzle we were looking for," Ardern told reporters.

She said finding the outbreak's source also increased the "ability to circle the virus, lock it down and stamp it out".

Case numbers grew by 11 overnight to a total of 21, she said.

Ardern ordered a three-day national lockdown, New Zealand's first in 15 months, when the first case emerged on Tuesday, with Auckland and nearby Coromandel facing restrictions for a week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-wildfire-explodes-near-california-state-capital-406713">Also read |&nbsp;New wildfire explodes near California state capital</a>

"We're all prepared for cases to get worse before they get better, that's always the pattern in these outbreaks," she said.

But she said there were grounds for cautious optimism "because we believe it wasn't here for long before it was found".

The infected traveller arrived from Sydney on a so-called "red zone" flight, arranged to bring back New Zealanders stranded when Wellington suspended a trans-Tasman travel bubble due to multiple outbreaks in Australia.

The person tested positive two days later and was hospitalised a week after that.

Officials said it was still unclear how the virus spread into the community and 1,000 close contacts of positive cases were being assessed.

A decision is due Friday on whether the three-day lockdown will be extended or end by Saturday.

'Covid zero' strategy

New Zealand has adopted a policy of eliminating the virus in the community, rather than containing it, which has resulted in only 26 deaths in a population of five million.

Neighbouring Australia has been pursuing a similar "Covid zero" strategy, but is struggling to contain outbreaks of the Delta variant.

Health authorities on Thursday urged mass COVID-19&nbsp;testing for an entire Outback town in far western New South Wales, where an outbreak that began in Sydney two months ago is spreading.

The area is grappling with Australia's first significant outbreak in Aboriginal communities, with specialist military health teams deployed this week to boost sluggish vaccination efforts.

Early in the pandemic, Wilcannia's roughly 750 residents put up signs on the town's limits asking travellers not to stop, fearing the virus could obliterate an already vulnerable community, where more than 60 percent identify as Indigenous.

New Zealand reported a breakthrough Thursday in tracing the source of a Covid-19 outbreak that plunged the nation into lockdown, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern saying it should help "stamp out" the virus.

New Zealand reported a breakthrough Thursday in tracing the source of a Covid-19 outbreak that plunged the nation into lockdown, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern saying it should help "stamp out" the virus. Health officials have been trying to determine how an Auckland man contracted the coronavirus this week, ending a six-month run of no community cases in New Zealand. Tests showed the man had a version of the Delta strain found in Australia, and Ardern said investigations narrowed down the origin to a person who arrived from Sydney on August 7. She said the traveller had been in quarantine and hospital since touching down, indicating the virus had not been in the community as long as initially feared. "We believe we have uncovered the piece of the puzzle we were looking for," Ardern told reporters. She said finding the outbreak's source also increased the "ability to circle the virus, lock it down and stamp it out". Case numbers grew by 11 overnight to a total of 21, she said. Ardern ordered a three-day national lockdown, New Zealand's first in 15 months, when the first case emerged on Tuesday, with Auckland and nearby Coromandel facing restrictions for a week. Also read | New wildfire explodes near California state capital "We're all prepared for cases to get worse before they get better, that's always the pattern in these outbreaks," she said. But she said there were grounds for cautious optimism "because we believe it wasn't here for long before it was found". The infected traveller arrived from Sydney on a so-called "red zone" flight, arranged to bring back New Zealanders stranded when Wellington suspended a trans-Tasman travel bubble due to multiple outbreaks in Australia. The person tested positive two days later and was hospitalised a week after that. Officials said it was still unclear how the virus spread into the community and 1,000 close contacts of positive cases were being assessed. A decision is due Friday on whether the three-day lockdown will be extended or end by Saturday. 'Covid zero' strategy New Zealand has adopted a policy of eliminating the virus in the community, rather than containing it, which has resulted in only 26 deaths in a population of five million. Neighbouring Australia has been pursuing a similar "Covid zero" strategy, but is struggling to contain outbreaks of the Delta variant. Health authorities on Thursday urged mass COVID-19 testing for an entire Outback town in far western New South Wales, where an outbreak that began in Sydney two months ago is spreading. The area is grappling with Australia's first significant outbreak in Aboriginal communities, with specialist military health teams deployed this week to boost sluggish vaccination efforts. Early in the pandemic, Wilcannia's roughly 750 residents put up signs on the town's limits asking travellers not to stop, fearing the virus could obliterate an already vulnerable community, where more than 60 percent identify as Indigenous.

New Zealand says it has solved COVID-19 outbreak 'puzzle'

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