Hospitals in China have been overwhelmed by a mysterious pneumonia outbreak. The infection has reached several cities including Beijing. China is brushing aside the outbreak- calling it a seasonal surge is pneumonia. World Health Organization hints something is amiss.

Gravitas: Mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China: Is the next killer pandemic on its way?

The worst of the Covid pandemic may be over and scientists and researchers are now in somewhat of a 'looking-back' mode during the period the world stood still. Academics at the Bangor University in Wales have found in a study that people who followed Covid restrictions more closely were prone to suffer from stress, depression and anxiety after the lockdown was lifted.

They of course do not say that Covid restrictions or any other curbs prescribed by authorities in view of a health crisis should not be followed. The study is more observational.

The study says that people who are more sensitive, caring and aware about other people's needs (communal personalities) followed the lockdown rules more strictly than people who were more independent, competitive and who wanted to have more control on their lives (agentic personalities).

“The more individuals complied with health advice during lockdown, the worse their wellbeing post-lockdown,” said Dr Marley Willegers and colleagues as quoted by The Guardian.

The researchers observed that there were upsides as well as downsides to the fear of catching Covid.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dutch-man-records-mating-bats-in-church-attic-helps-scientists-solve-long-standing-mystery-661042">Sex ritual of this bat isn't quite how mammals copulate, video recorded in Netherlands shows</a>

“While increasing individuals’ worry of infection can effectively drive compliance, it also has negative consequences on people’s wellbeing and recovery,” they said.

The studied how compliant 1729 people in Wales were to restrictions during first UK-wide lockdown. This took place from March to September 2020. The researchers then measured depression, stress and anxiety levels in these people this year during February and May.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientist-develops-robotic-technique-to-understand-why-people-hear-their-dead-661010">Scientist develops robotic technique to understand why people hear ‘their dead’</a>

It was reportedly found that people with 'communal' personalities still had disturbance to their mental wellbeing while 'agentic' people were able to 'bounce back' better.

Dr Willegers, who is an academic at institute for the psychology of elite performance at Bangor University, said that for some people, the transition from getting repeated health advice to no advice post-lockdown proved difficult.

“Throughout the pandemic messaging campaigns were designed to ensure people continued to follow the rules. But there was no messaging campaign as we came out of the pandemic to help everyone safely transition back to normality."

“Without this, certain personality types have retained infection prevention behaviour and anxiety that undermines their mental wellbeing,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The worst of the Covid pandemic may be over and scientists and researchers are now in somewhat of a 'looking-back' mode during the period the world stood still. Academics at the Bangor University in Wales have found in a study that people who followed Covid restrictions more closely were prone to suffer from stress, depression and anxiety after the lockdown was lifted.

The worst of the Covid pandemic may be over and scientists and researchers are now in somewhat of a 'looking-back' mode during the period the world stood still. Academics at the Bangor University in Wales have found in a study that people who followed Covid restrictions more closely were prone to suffer from stress, depression and anxiety after the lockdown was lifted. They of course do not say that Covid restrictions or any other curbs prescribed by authorities in view of a health crisis should not be followed. The study is more observational. The study says that people who are more sensitive, caring and aware about other people's needs (communal personalities) followed the lockdown rules more strictly than people who were more independent, competitive and who wanted to have more control on their lives (agentic personalities). “The more individuals complied with health advice during lockdown, the worse their wellbeing post-lockdown,” said Dr Marley Willegers and colleagues as quoted by The Guardian. The researchers observed that there were upsides as well as downsides to the fear of catching Covid. Also Read | Sex ritual of this bat isn't quite how mammals copulate, video recorded in Netherlands shows “While increasing individuals’ worry of infection can effectively drive compliance, it also has negative consequences on people’s wellbeing and recovery,” they said. The studied how compliant 1729 people in Wales were to restrictions during first UK-wide lockdown. This took place from March to September 2020. The researchers then measured depression, stress and anxiety levels in these people this year during February and May. Also Read | Scientist develops robotic technique to understand why people hear ‘their dead’ It was reportedly found that people with 'communal' personalities still had disturbance to their mental wellbeing while 'agentic' people were able to 'bounce back' better. Dr Willegers, who is an academic at institute for the psychology of elite performance at Bangor University, said that for some people, the transition from getting repeated health advice to no advice post-lockdown proved difficult. “Throughout the pandemic messaging campaigns were designed to ensure people continued to follow the rules. But there was no messaging campaign as we came out of the pandemic to help everyone safely transition back to normality." “Without this, certain personality types have retained infection prevention behaviour and anxiety that undermines their mental wellbeing,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

People who strictly adhered to Covid rules have bad mental health now: Study

Do pets make you happy? As per a new study they did not during the pandemic pets have been recognized for their positive impact on human well-being both mentally and physically but a recent study by Michigan State University contradicts this the study.

Pets did not improve emotional well-being during pandemic

More than seven out of ten Singaporean employees show a larger preference for remote work than do employees worldwide. The pair cited a 2022 report by professional services firm PwC, which said that 73% of Singaporean workers indicated a strong preference for a hybrid work model in the next 12 months starting from June 2022. This is substantially higher than the global average of 63%.

Rise in remote working: Majority in Singapore favour remote work

&nbsp;As COVID-19 has turned into a recurring and familiar health issue, healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom are now preparing for a potential new pandemic called "Disease X." The healthcare experts have issued a caution that the new virus can be as devastating as was the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920.

Health experts are now sounding the alarm around "Disease X," after the World Health Organization coined the term. The experts have issued a warning that this potential new pandemic can lead to 20 times more fatalities compared to the coronavirus.

In 2020, the world saw the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which tragically claimed the lives of more than 2.5 million people worldwide.&nbsp;

Speaking to the Daily Mail Kate Bingham, who was chairperson of the UK's Vaccine Taskforce from May to December 2020, said that she believed Disease X can turn out to be considerably more perilous than COVID-19.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-early-signs-of-nipah-virus-in-children-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention-639429">Early signs of Nipah virus in children: Symptoms, treatment and prevention</a>

<h2>Disease X can lead to 50 million fatalities</h2>

Based on estimates by experts, Disease X carries the potential to lead to around 50 million fatalities. "Let me put it this way: the 1918-19 flu pandemic killed at least 50 million people worldwide, twice as many as were killed in World War I. Today, we could expect a similar death toll from one of the many viruses that already exist," she said while speaking to the Daily Mail.

Bingham emphasised that “the world will have to prepare for mass vaccination drives and deliver the doses in record time."

She stated that although 25 virus families were identified by the scientists encompassing thousands of individual viruses, she feels that experts need to discover millions of viruses as of yet and they carry the potential to evolve into pandemics.

"In a sense, we got lucky with COVID-19, despite the fact that it caused 20 million or more deaths across the world. The point is that the vast majority of people infected with the virus managed to recover. Imagine Disease X is as infectious as measles with the fatality rate of Ebola [67%]. Somewhere in the world, it's replicating, and sooner or later, somebody will start feeling sick," Bingham said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Another deadly bat virus is here: Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, should you be scared?

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As per Bingham, the increase in outbreaks can be attributed to the growing trend of more people gathering in urban areas. She further emphasised that the increase has also taken place because of the continual destruction of millions of acres of natural habitat every year.

"This reason is particularly important because around three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals and then leap from species to species until they can, in certain circumstances, infect human beings," she said.

According to her, one of the initial actions required is to allocate the necessary financial resources, which mainly means putting "the money on the table." " The monetary cost of inaction is seismic. After all, even Covid-19 - a milder virus than Disease X - managed to leave us holding a bill for $16 trillion in both lost output and public health expenditure," Bingham said.&nbsp;

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As COVID-19 has turned into a recurring and familiar health issue, healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom are now preparing for a potential new pandemic called "Disease X.

As COVID-19 has turned into a recurring and familiar health issue, healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom are now preparing for a potential new pandemic called "Disease X." The healthcare experts have issued a caution that the new virus can be as devastating as was the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920. Health experts are now sounding the alarm around "Disease X," after the World Health Organization coined the term. The experts have issued a warning that this potential new pandemic can lead to 20 times more fatalities compared to the coronavirus. In 2020, the world saw the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which tragically claimed the lives of more than 2.5 million people worldwide. Speaking to the Daily Mail Kate Bingham, who was chairperson of the UK's Vaccine Taskforce from May to December 2020, said that she believed Disease X can turn out to be considerably more perilous than COVID-19. ALSO READ | Early signs of Nipah virus in children: Symptoms, treatment and prevention Disease X can lead to 50 million fatalities Based on estimates by experts, Disease X carries the potential to lead to around 50 million fatalities. "Let me put it this way: the 1918-19 flu pandemic killed at least 50 million people worldwide, twice as many as were killed in World War I. Today, we could expect a similar death toll from one of the many viruses that already exist," she said while speaking to the Daily Mail. Bingham emphasised that “the world will have to prepare for mass vaccination drives and deliver the doses in record time." She stated that although 25 virus families were identified by the scientists encompassing thousands of individual viruses, she feels that experts need to discover millions of viruses as of yet and they carry the potential to evolve into pandemics. "In a sense, we got lucky with COVID-19, despite the fact that it caused 20 million or more deaths across the world. The point is that the vast majority of people infected with the virus managed to recover. Imagine Disease X is as infectious as measles with the fatality rate of Ebola [67%]. Somewhere in the world, it's replicating, and sooner or later, somebody will start feeling sick," Bingham said. WATCH | Gravitas | Another deadly bat virus is here: Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, should you be scared? As per Bingham, the increase in outbreaks can be attributed to the growing trend of more people gathering in urban areas. She further emphasised that the increase has also taken place because of the continual destruction of millions of acres of natural habitat every year. "This reason is particularly important because around three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals and then leap from species to species until they can, in certain circumstances, infect human beings," she said. According to her, one of the initial actions required is to allocate the necessary financial resources, which mainly means putting "the money on the table." " The monetary cost of inaction is seismic. After all, even Covid-19 - a milder virus than Disease X - managed to leave us holding a bill for $16 trillion in both lost output and public health expenditure," Bingham said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Disease X' likely to prove 20 times deadlier compared to COVID-19, hints expert

Shi Zhengli, a prominent Chinese virologist famously known as "batwoman" owing to her extensive research on viruses originating from animals, has issued an alarming warning. In a recent paper co-authored with colleagues, Shi stressed that it is "highly likely" that another coronavirus will emerge in the future.

This cautionary note is based on her expertise, as coronaviruses have previously caused major outbreaks like the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, reported the South China Morning Post.

Shi and her team from the Wuhan Institute of Virology conducted an evaluation of 40 different coronavirus species to assess their potential for spillover into human populations.

Alarming findings emerged, with half of these species categorised as "highly risky." Among these, six had already caused diseases in humans, while evidence suggested that three had infected other animal species.

The research concludes that "future disease emergence" is nearly certain, with a high likelihood of another coronavirus-related outbreak.

This prediction is grounded in an analysis of various viral characteristics, including population dynamics, genetic diversity, host species, and the history of zoonotic transmission (diseases transmissible from animals to humans).&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;No vaccine for new Covid variant 'Pirola'

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<h2>Controversy surrounding Shi's work</h2>

Shi Zhengli's work has been shrouded in controversy, with suspicions, particularly among some US politicians, that COVID-19 originated from a potential lab leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The lab-leak theory remains contentious, with many scientists favoring the hypothesis that the virus likely originated in animals, possibly bats, before transmitting to humans through an intermediary host.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-organ-damage-in-long-covid-patients-who-required-hospitalisation-638826">Study reveals organ damage in long covid patients who required hospitalisation</a>

Declassified US intelligence documents released in June noted that while there was no conclusive evidence supporting the lab leak theory, it could not be definitively ruled out.

Separately, an anonymous scientist from China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted a perceptible shift in China's handling of COVID-19, suggesting that Chinese authorities may be downplaying the virus's significance. Some cities have ceased releasing infection data, signalling a shift in public health priorities.

&nbsp;

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Shi Zhengli, a prominent Chinese virologist famously known as "batwoman" owing to her extensive research on viruses originating from animals, has issued an alarming warning.

Shi Zhengli, a prominent Chinese virologist famously known as "batwoman" owing to her extensive research on viruses originating from animals, has issued an alarming warning. In a recent paper co-authored with colleagues, Shi stressed that it is "highly likely" that another coronavirus will emerge in the future. This cautionary note is based on her expertise, as coronaviruses have previously caused major outbreaks like the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, reported the South China Morning Post. Shi and her team from the Wuhan Institute of Virology conducted an evaluation of 40 different coronavirus species to assess their potential for spillover into human populations. Alarming findings emerged, with half of these species categorised as "highly risky." Among these, six had already caused diseases in humans, while evidence suggested that three had infected other animal species. The research concludes that "future disease emergence" is nearly certain, with a high likelihood of another coronavirus-related outbreak. This prediction is grounded in an analysis of various viral characteristics, including population dynamics, genetic diversity, host species, and the history of zoonotic transmission (diseases transmissible from animals to humans). Also watch | No vaccine for new Covid variant 'Pirola' Controversy surrounding Shi's work Shi Zhengli's work has been shrouded in controversy, with suspicions, particularly among some US politicians, that COVID-19 originated from a potential lab leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The lab-leak theory remains contentious, with many scientists favoring the hypothesis that the virus likely originated in animals, possibly bats, before transmitting to humans through an intermediary host. Also read | Study reveals organ damage in long covid patients who required hospitalisation Declassified US intelligence documents released in June noted that while there was no conclusive evidence supporting the lab leak theory, it could not be definitively ruled out. Separately, an anonymous scientist from China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted a perceptible shift in China's handling of COVID-19, suggesting that Chinese authorities may be downplaying the virus's significance. Some cities have ceased releasing infection data, signalling a shift in public health priorities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Another coronavirus on the way? This is what China's top virologist 'batwoman' thinks

Amid a lot of buzz, the ‘special’ session of Parliament kicked off yesterday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the house on day two of the special session of the parliament from the new building.

Parliament Special Session: PM Modi underlines state, centre unity during the pandemic

New data has revealed that more than one in five kids in England are frequently missing school as they are struggling to get back to their pre-pandemic schedule.&nbsp;

Dame Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner said some children play truant while others experience anxiety or have educational needs so find it easier to stay at home. She urged parents to get their children back to school, BBC reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-suggests-brain-stimulation-enhances-mathematical-skills-631806">Study suggests brain stimulation enhances mathematical skills</a>

Department for Education (DfE) figures showed 22.3 per cent of children in England were persistently absent over the last academic year. A breakdown of figures further, shows that the problem is most marked among children on free school meals (37.9 per cent) and those with an education, health and care plan (33.4 per cent).

Before the pandemic, just one in every 10 students used to be absent.&nbsp;

The major absenteeism was on Fridays since the parents were at home.&nbsp;

Speaking to BBC, Dame said that in 1.8 million children, an estimated 100,000 were playing truant.&nbsp;

"We've got a real problem post-pandemic around attendance. 1.8 million of an eight million cohort is huge... that's double the number from before the pandemic." She said it is really important for children who are anxious to go back to school.&nbsp;

Following this, Labour's shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said that she was very concerned about young people and their futures. She added that her party would deliver breakfast for every primary school child in England and improve mental health support for the children.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/there-were-once-only-1280-early-humans-left-to-breed-claim-chinese-scientists-631716">There were once only 1,280 early humans left to breed, claim Chinese scientists</a>

She also mentioned increasing truancy fines for parents who do not ensure their children attend school. Currently, parents pay a fine of &nbsp;£60 ($74.7)&nbsp; which will rise to &nbsp;£120 ($151) if they do not pay in 21 days.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for DfE said,&nbsp;"Attending school is vital for children's development and while it's encouraging that attendance is improving, there is more to be done for the year to come to ensure children are in regular education. We are prioritising driving up attendance rates, including for vulnerable children, building on existing attendance programmes including our attendance hubs and mentors, and updating our guidance to help directly support children, teachers and schools."

"We are also increasing high needs funding by a further £440 million ($555 million) for 24/25, bringing total funding to £10.5 billion ($ 13.2 billion)- an increase of over 60 per cent&nbsp;since 2019-20."

(With inputs from agencies)

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New data has revealed that more than one in five kids in England are frequently missing school as they are struggling to get back to their pre-pandemic schedule.

New data has revealed that more than one in five kids in England are frequently missing school as they are struggling to get back to their pre-pandemic schedule. Dame Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner said some children play truant while others experience anxiety or have educational needs so find it easier to stay at home. She urged parents to get their children back to school, BBC reported. Also read | Study suggests brain stimulation enhances mathematical skills Department for Education (DfE) figures showed 22.3 per cent of children in England were persistently absent over the last academic year. A breakdown of figures further, shows that the problem is most marked among children on free school meals (37.9 per cent) and those with an education, health and care plan (33.4 per cent). Before the pandemic, just one in every 10 students used to be absent. The major absenteeism was on Fridays since the parents were at home. Speaking to BBC, Dame said that in 1.8 million children, an estimated 100,000 were playing truant. "We've got a real problem post-pandemic around attendance. 1.8 million of an eight million cohort is huge... that's double the number from before the pandemic." She said it is really important for children who are anxious to go back to school. Following this, Labour's shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said that she was very concerned about young people and their futures. She added that her party would deliver breakfast for every primary school child in England and improve mental health support for the children. Also read | There were once only 1,280 early humans left to breed, claim Chinese scientists She also mentioned increasing truancy fines for parents who do not ensure their children attend school. Currently, parents pay a fine of £60 ($74.7) which will rise to £120 ($151) if they do not pay in 21 days. A spokesperson for DfE said, "Attending school is vital for children's development and while it's encouraging that attendance is improving, there is more to be done for the year to come to ensure children are in regular education. We are prioritising driving up attendance rates, including for vulnerable children, building on existing attendance programmes including our attendance hubs and mentors, and updating our guidance to help directly support children, teachers and schools." "We are also increasing high needs funding by a further £440 million ($555 million) for 24/25, bringing total funding to £10.5 billion ($ 13.2 billion)- an increase of over 60 per cent since 2019-20." (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.

Data reveals one in every five children regularly skips school in the UK. Know why

Teach for America, the non-profit organization known for placing college graduates in underserved schools across the US is making waves once again. With a surge of nearly 40% in recruits for the upcoming academic year, the program's popularity is on the rise.

Teach for America recruits surge by 40% amid pandemic

Cyprus which is fondly known as the island of cats is swiftly changing into the island of dead cats.

Cat pandemic in Cyprus: Feline Corona virus kills thousands

Mental health has been a burning issue in India and the conversations around it are newfound but the lockdown during the pandemic triggered a wider need to have open conversations around mental health. Reports from a recent study have shed light on the need for Indians particularly the youth to seek help.

Study reveals, 90% of Indian youth does not seek help for mental health issues

About 735 million people worldwide faced chronic hunger in 2022, a figure much higher than before the pandemic and which threatens progress towards a global goal to end hunger by 2030, the United Nations said. Take a look.

World off-track to meet 2030 goal of ending hunger: UN

No direct evidence proving that coronavirus was created in any incident which took place at China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology was found by United States intelligence agencies, said a report declassified on Friday. 
 
The Office of the Director of national intelligence's (ODNI) four-page report stated that the United States intelligence community cannot still rule out the possibility of the virus emerging from the laboratory, however, they have not been able to find evidence that proves the pandemic originated from the lab in any incident. 
 
“The Central Intelligence Agency and another agency remain unable to determine the precise origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, as both (natural and lab) hypotheses rely on significant assumptions or face challenges with conflicting reporting,” the ODNI report stated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-data-scepticism-china-didnt-release-cremation-data-in-quarterly-report-605268">Covid scepticism deepens as China fails to release cremation data in quarterly report</a>

The report stated that while they have conducted “extensive work” on coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute (WIV), no evidence of a specific incident has been found by the agencies that proves to have caused the outbreak. 
 
“We continue to have no indication that the WIV’s pre-pandemic research holdings included SARS-CoV-2 or a close progenitor, nor any direct evidence that a specific research-related incident occurred involving WIV personnel before the pandemic that could have caused the Covid pandemic,” the report stated.

<h2 lang="en-US">China obstructing independent reviews: Lawmakers</h2>

Lawmakers have asked intelligence officials to share more materials about the origins of coronavirus. However, the officials have argued repeatedly that the official obstruction created by China in independent reviews makes it impossible to find the origin of the pandemic. 
 
The report emerged three months after a fuller explanation of the information, that the US intelligence has on the pandemic's origin, was demanded by the lawmakers. 
 
Few lawmakers have alleged that the virus was produced from the gain-of-function genetic engineering research which was carried out in the Wuhan lab and that the evidence has been covered up by Beijing. 
 
Reiterating a conclusion which was reached in March, the ODNI report stated that "almost all" of its constituent agencies, which include the CIA, FBI and NSA have assessed that the coronavirus was not engineered genetically, however, many believe that it was not laboratory-adapted.

WATCH |&nbsp;Why India need not worry about China’s recent COVID surge

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<h2 lang="en-US">COVID-19 not developed as bioweapon?</h2>

The report stated that pathogen research was conducted by Wuhan lab as well as vaccine development along with with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) "for public health needs."

However, the use of coronaviruses in this research "were too distantly related to have led to the creation of SARS-CoV-2," the report claimed. The report also strongly rejected the allegations the virus was developed as a bio-weapon by the PLA.

<main>
<section>
(With inputs from agencies)

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No direct evidence proving that coronavirus was created in any incident which took place at China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology was found by United States intelligence agencies, said a report declassified on Friday.

No direct evidence proving that coronavirus was created in any incident which took place at China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology was found by United States intelligence agencies, said a report declassified on Friday. The Office of the Director of national intelligence's (ODNI) four-page report stated that the United States intelligence community cannot still rule out the possibility of the virus emerging from the laboratory, however, they have not been able to find evidence that proves the pandemic originated from the lab in any incident. “The Central Intelligence Agency and another agency remain unable to determine the precise origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, as both (natural and lab) hypotheses rely on significant assumptions or face challenges with conflicting reporting,” the ODNI report stated. ALSO READ | Covid scepticism deepens as China fails to release cremation data in quarterly report The report stated that while they have conducted “extensive work” on coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute (WIV), no evidence of a specific incident has been found by the agencies that proves to have caused the outbreak. “We continue to have no indication that the WIV’s pre-pandemic research holdings included SARS-CoV-2 or a close progenitor, nor any direct evidence that a specific research-related incident occurred involving WIV personnel before the pandemic that could have caused the Covid pandemic,” the report stated. China obstructing independent reviews: Lawmakers Lawmakers have asked intelligence officials to share more materials about the origins of coronavirus. However, the officials have argued repeatedly that the official obstruction created by China in independent reviews makes it impossible to find the origin of the pandemic. The report emerged three months after a fuller explanation of the information, that the US intelligence has on the pandemic's origin, was demanded by the lawmakers. Few lawmakers have alleged that the virus was produced from the gain-of-function genetic engineering research which was carried out in the Wuhan lab and that the evidence has been covered up by Beijing. Reiterating a conclusion which was reached in March, the ODNI report stated that "almost all" of its constituent agencies, which include the CIA, FBI and NSA have assessed that the coronavirus was not engineered genetically, however, many believe that it was not laboratory-adapted. WATCH | Why India need not worry about China’s recent COVID surge COVID-19 not developed as bioweapon? The report stated that pathogen research was conducted by Wuhan lab as well as vaccine development along with with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) "for public health needs." However, the use of coronaviruses in this research "were too distantly related to have led to the creation of SARS-CoV-2," the report claimed. The report also strongly rejected the allegations the virus was developed as a bio-weapon by the PLA. (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. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US intelligence: No direct evidence found to prove coronavirus created in Wuhan lab, China obstructing review

Wuhan virus has often been used as a synonym for Covid-19. As the entire world & many of the reports claimed the leak of the virus from China's Wuhan Laboratory. But many kinds of research were conducted on Coronavirus before the outbreak. An independent watchdog agency found that U.S. taxpayer funds flowed to Chinese entities for a research.

Did US taxpayers fund $2M worth of research in Wuhan before the COVID-19 outbreak?

As cases of COVID-19 and RSV decline, another respiratory virus called HMPV has started&nbsp;spreading its tentacles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In March, around 11 per cent of PCR tests and 20 per cent of antigen tests for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were positive in the US.&nbsp;

The positivity rate has increased by 36 per cent in comparison to the pre-pandemic levels. Although the percentages were high in April, they decreased in May.&nbsp;

A report published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that there has been a decrease in positivity rates during the warmer months, which is similar to what has been observed in flu and colds.&nbsp;

The data states that the Antigen detection rate and PCR detection rate as observed on April 3, 2023, were 19.395 and 10.368, respectively, which decreased to the rate of 0.000 and 2.558, respectively, when observed on May 20, 2023.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report states that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can affect a person's upper and lower respiratory tracts irrespective of their age and have higher vulnerability in older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

HMPV's severe cases can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. The incubation period for HMPV is around three&nbsp;to six&nbsp;days, and the recovery period from the illness depends on its severity. However, it is similar to other respiratory infections, such as colds.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sars-cov-2-virus-can-alter-our-dna-lead-to-long-covid-study-575438">SARS-CoV-2 virus can alter our DNA, lead to long Covid: Study</a>

<h2>What is human metapneumovirus?</h2>

First discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands, human metapneumovirus is a type of paramyxovirus, which is a family of viruses that cause multiple common infections.&nbsp;

Other paramyxoviruses include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, measles and mumps.

"This one usually causes a cold — not a big deal in most individuals,” stated Monica Gandhi, an infectious-disease expert at the University of California in San Francisco.

In 2001, experts collected 28 samples from children who were suffering from unexplained respiratory infections. A few children were very ill and needed mechanical ventilation, but their test results didn't show positive for any known pathogens.

<h2>Why is metapneumovirus being discussed?</h2>

There has been a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus, just like other respiratory illnesses.

This month, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported unusual spikes in cases across the United States.

According to virus experts, there has been an increase in the number of viruses, which include RSV. The experts have speculated that this may have occurred as an aftereffect of lockdowns and masking due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

As per experts, if our systems have small interactions with viruses, it prepares our body to better handle exposure to viruses in future.&nbsp;

However, after years of social distancing and masking in school, children are left with fewer biological defences to fight the exposure to multiple viruses at once.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Wuhan Virus wave grips China, again

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<h2>What are the symptoms of HPMV?</h2>

The virus, which has been observed to usually make its appearance in spring and winter, most commonly affects the body's upper respiratory tract and leads to nasal congestion, cough and shortness of breath, along with fever. &nbsp;The illness generally lasts three to seven days.&nbsp;

<h2>Can HPMV turn into a serious illness?</h2>

Usually, human metapneumovirus is mild, however, the infection can lead to more serious consequences for older adults, young children, older adults and those people with weakened immune systems.&nbsp;

Human metapneumovirus has been spreading similarly to other viruses through airborne particles which are produced by sneezing or coughing, by coming in physical contact with a person who is carrying the virus, or by handling objects which are contaminated by the virus and then touching the nose, eyes or mouth, according to the CDC.

Gandhi emphasised that the virus can spread even from someone who is asymptomatic. As per a study, at least 38 per cent of infections are recorded as asymptomatic human metapneumovirus infections.

“But the time you’re most infectious in all infectious diseases is when you’re having active symptoms because you’re spreading it — you’re coughing it out through your mouth, you’re sneezing it out through your nose,” Gandhi stated.

<h2>Is there a vaccine for the virus? How is HMPV treated?</h2>

No vaccines have till now being created for human metapneumovirus, and medical treatment for the illness remains limited to supportive care.

“We try to make you feel better and make sure that your breathing is okay while your body fights off the virus,” stated William Schaffner, who is a professor of infectious diseases and preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University.&nbsp;

Schaffner said that severe cases are rare in which people have been reported to be facing difficulty in breathing. However, he added, “We can put them in an intensive care unit and treat them there,” but generally people fully recover on their own.

"Unlike the novel coronavirus and its variants that cause covid, human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that has been around for decades," Gandhi said.

“Hopefully, in the future, we will actually see advances against human metapneumovirus. But we’ve been living with it for a long time. This is not one that is going to cause a pandemic," she stated.&nbsp;

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As cases of COVID-19 and RSV decline, another respiratory virus called HMPV has started spreading its tentacles. In March, around 11 per cent of PCR tests and 20 per cent of antigen tests for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were positive in the US.

As cases of COVID-19 and RSV decline, another respiratory virus called HMPV has started spreading its tentacles. In March, around 11 per cent of PCR tests and 20 per cent of antigen tests for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were positive in the US. The positivity rate has increased by 36 per cent in comparison to the pre-pandemic levels. Although the percentages were high in April, they decreased in May. A report published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that there has been a decrease in positivity rates during the warmer months, which is similar to what has been observed in flu and colds. The data states that the Antigen detection rate and PCR detection rate as observed on April 3, 2023, were 19.395 and 10.368, respectively, which decreased to the rate of 0.000 and 2.558, respectively, when observed on May 20, 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report states that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can affect a person's upper and lower respiratory tracts irrespective of their age and have higher vulnerability in older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. HMPV's severe cases can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. The incubation period for HMPV is around three to six days, and the recovery period from the illness depends on its severity. However, it is similar to other respiratory infections, such as colds. ALSO READ | SARS-CoV-2 virus can alter our DNA, lead to long Covid: Study What is human metapneumovirus? First discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands, human metapneumovirus is a type of paramyxovirus, which is a family of viruses that cause multiple common infections. Other paramyxoviruses include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, measles and mumps. "This one usually causes a cold — not a big deal in most individuals,” stated Monica Gandhi, an infectious-disease expert at the University of California in San Francisco. In 2001, experts collected 28 samples from children who were suffering from unexplained respiratory infections. A few children were very ill and needed mechanical ventilation, but their test results didn't show positive for any known pathogens. Why is metapneumovirus being discussed? There has been a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus, just like other respiratory illnesses. This month, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported unusual spikes in cases across the United States. According to virus experts, there has been an increase in the number of viruses, which include RSV. The experts have speculated that this may have occurred as an aftereffect of lockdowns and masking due to the coronavirus pandemic. As per experts, if our systems have small interactions with viruses, it prepares our body to better handle exposure to viruses in future. However, after years of social distancing and masking in school, children are left with fewer biological defences to fight the exposure to multiple viruses at once. WATCH | Gravitas: Wuhan Virus wave grips China, again What are the symptoms of HPMV? The virus, which has been observed to usually make its appearance in spring and winter, most commonly affects the body's upper respiratory tract and leads to nasal congestion, cough and shortness of breath, along with fever. The illness generally lasts three to seven days. Can HPMV turn into a serious illness? Usually, human metapneumovirus is mild, however, the infection can lead to more serious consequences for older adults, young children, older adults and those people with weakened immune systems. Human metapneumovirus has been spreading similarly to other viruses through airborne particles which are produced by sneezing or coughing, by coming in physical contact with a person who is carrying the virus, or by handling objects which are contaminated by the virus and then touching the nose, eyes or mouth, according to the CDC. Gandhi emphasised that the virus can spread even from someone who is asymptomatic. As per a study, at least 38 per cent of infections are recorded as asymptomatic human metapneumovirus infections. “But the time you’re most infectious in all infectious diseases is when you’re having active symptoms because you’re spreading it — you’re coughing it out through your mouth, you’re sneezing it out through your nose,” Gandhi stated. Is there a vaccine for the virus? How is HMPV treated? No vaccines have till now being created for human metapneumovirus, and medical treatment for the illness remains limited to supportive care. “We try to make you feel better and make sure that your breathing is okay while your body fights off the virus,” stated William Schaffner, who is a professor of infectious diseases and preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University. Schaffner said that severe cases are rare in which people have been reported to be facing difficulty in breathing. However, he added, “We can put them in an intensive care unit and treat them there,” but generally people fully recover on their own. "Unlike the novel coronavirus and its variants that cause covid, human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that has been around for decades," Gandhi said. “Hopefully, in the future, we will actually see advances against human metapneumovirus. But we’ve been living with it for a long time. This is not one that is going to cause a pandemic," she stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | What is HMPV respiratory virus? The most important virus still unheard of

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un had embarked on a big exercise to seal its borders with Russia and China, cutting off routes which were being used by defectors and smugglers, in 2020 when the world was battling the Covid pandemic. 
 
Since then hundreds of kilometres of upgraded or new border fences, guard posts and walls have been built by Pyongyang, as per commercial satellite imagery. 
 
These steps helped the government in tightening the flow of goods and information in the country and also ensured that foreign elements are kept out and its people remain inside, according to a report published by Reuters. 
 
"The traditional North Korea-China route is now effectively over, unless there is a major change in the situation," stated Kim, who is a South Korean pastor. Kim along with others has helped North Koreans defect.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-criticises-sinister-south-as-live-fire-exercises-with-us-start-596632">North Korea criticises ‘sinister’ South as live-fire exercises with US start</a>

Last year, only 67 defectors could reach South Korea compared to 1,047 in 2019, as per official data. There was a decline in the figure even before the pandemic because of tighter restrictions in China, the route towards which is preferred by defectors.

<h2>How border walls helped North Korea keep out coronavirus and 'alien things'?</h2>

The government of North Korea and state media have spoken little about the construction of the wall at the border. However, the country's official organisations have noted that the security was beefed up to ensure that coronavirus and other "alien things" stay out of the country. 
 
In his speech in which Kim Jong Un&nbsp;declared victory over COVID-19, he had asked officials to "ensure perfection" of an "overall multiple blockade wall in the border, frontline and coast areas and in the seas and air". 
 
The sealing of the border will have a lasting effect on the nascent mercantile class of North Korea and over towns where thriving informal trade earlier offered the opportunity to people to make their own way, stated Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein, a non-resident fellow at the US-based Stimson Center who researches on the economy of North Korea. 
 
Those towns "benefited from formal and informal trade since the famine in the 1990s, but really don't have many other economic advantages," he stated. "So the crackdowns are hitting two vulnerable groups, women and the population of the geographic periphery,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Why is North Korea constructing a satellite launch pad with 'new urgency'?

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<h2>Are these border walls choking people's lifelines?</h2>

Google Earth Pro satellite imagery of the northern frontier of North Korea, which was collected at various time intervals from 2019 and early 2023, was examined by Reuters and Middlebury. 
 
Middlebury research associate Dave Schmerler said that they could see new or expanded security infrastructure along at least 489 km of the border, which included the robust concrete wall, simple wire fencing, additional guard posts and double fencing. 
 
He added that apparent changes were also seen in other areas, however, limitations in the imagery stopped them from reaching conclusive determinations. 
 
Schmerler stated that many installations could be seen around populated areas that lacked natural obstacles like mountains. However, they also noticed new features in agricultural, flat areas near the country's northeastern border. 
 
"Those areas don't necessarily have larger city or village infrastructure but lack the natural boundaries that could act as a barrier from getting into or leaving the country," added Schmerler. 
 
Human rights activists and defectors in China, who are involved in smuggling people or goods across the border, stated that the new security features have been choking vulnerable people's economic lifelines, closing their paths to escape the country that has an authoritarian regime and limiting access to North Korea to the outside information. 
 
One defector stated that the officials have placed security cameras at regular intervals and have installed multiple layers of fencing, which includes electric fencing and barbed wire. 
 
In a statement sent to Reuters, China's foreign ministry stated it was not aware of the situation, but added that "China and North Korea have been maintaining communication and working together to maintain the security and stability of the border".

<h2>Did North Korea use COVID-19 as an excuse to build border fences?</h2>

The government of North Korea gave&nbsp;orders to border guards to immediately shoot anyone who is seen trying to cross, as per official notices issued by Chinese authorities in 2020, which were released to warn people about the risks involved. 
 
Human rights organisations have confirmed that the shooting orders still remain in effect. 
 
In December 2022, the US Treasury Department sanctioned North Korea's Border Guard General Bureau over human rights abuses, "including land mines and shoot-on-sight orders that have resulted in the deaths of numerous North Koreans". 
 
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch's senior Korean researcher Lina Yoon said, "The North Korean government has been using COVID-19 as an excuse to build these new fences, guard posts and other infrastructure.” 
 
Sokeel Park, who is associated with Liberty – an organisation that works with defectors, stated that as the pandemic subsides, it may become harder for the government to justify the restrictions. 
 
"It's all the more reason for the international community to step up efforts to support North Korean rights," he added.

<main>
<section>
(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un had embarked on a big exercise to seal its borders with Russia and China, cutting off routes which were being used by defectors and smugglers, in 2020 when the world was battling the Covid pandemic.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un had embarked on a big exercise to seal its borders with Russia and China, cutting off routes which were being used by defectors and smugglers, in 2020 when the world was battling the Covid pandemic. Since then hundreds of kilometres of upgraded or new border fences, guard posts and walls have been built by Pyongyang, as per commercial satellite imagery. These steps helped the government in tightening the flow of goods and information in the country and also ensured that foreign elements are kept out and its people remain inside, according to a report published by Reuters. "The traditional North Korea-China route is now effectively over, unless there is a major change in the situation," stated Kim, who is a South Korean pastor. Kim along with others has helped North Koreans defect. ALSO READ | North Korea criticises ‘sinister’ South as live-fire exercises with US start Last year, only 67 defectors could reach South Korea compared to 1,047 in 2019, as per official data. There was a decline in the figure even before the pandemic because of tighter restrictions in China, the route towards which is preferred by defectors. How border walls helped North Korea keep out coronavirus and 'alien things'? The government of North Korea and state media have spoken little about the construction of the wall at the border. However, the country's official organisations have noted that the security was beefed up to ensure that coronavirus and other "alien things" stay out of the country. In his speech in which Kim Jong Un declared victory over COVID-19, he had asked officials to "ensure perfection" of an "overall multiple blockade wall in the border, frontline and coast areas and in the seas and air". The sealing of the border will have a lasting effect on the nascent mercantile class of North Korea and over towns where thriving informal trade earlier offered the opportunity to people to make their own way, stated Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein, a non-resident fellow at the US-based Stimson Center who researches on the economy of North Korea. Those towns "benefited from formal and informal trade since the famine in the 1990s, but really don't have many other economic advantages," he stated. "So the crackdowns are hitting two vulnerable groups, women and the population of the geographic periphery,” he added. WATCH | Why is North Korea constructing a satellite launch pad with 'new urgency'? Are these border walls choking people's lifelines? Google Earth Pro satellite imagery of the northern frontier of North Korea, which was collected at various time intervals from 2019 and early 2023, was examined by Reuters and Middlebury. Middlebury research associate Dave Schmerler said that they could see new or expanded security infrastructure along at least 489 km of the border, which included the robust concrete wall, simple wire fencing, additional guard posts and double fencing. He added that apparent changes were also seen in other areas, however, limitations in the imagery stopped them from reaching conclusive determinations. Schmerler stated that many installations could be seen around populated areas that lacked natural obstacles like mountains. However, they also noticed new features in agricultural, flat areas near the country's northeastern border. "Those areas don't necessarily have larger city or village infrastructure but lack the natural boundaries that could act as a barrier from getting into or leaving the country," added Schmerler. Human rights activists and defectors in China, who are involved in smuggling people or goods across the border, stated that the new security features have been choking vulnerable people's economic lifelines, closing their paths to escape the country that has an authoritarian regime and limiting access to North Korea to the outside information. One defector stated that the officials have placed security cameras at regular intervals and have installed multiple layers of fencing, which includes electric fencing and barbed wire. In a statement sent to Reuters, China's foreign ministry stated it was not aware of the situation, but added that "China and North Korea have been maintaining communication and working together to maintain the security and stability of the border". Did North Korea use COVID-19 as an excuse to build border fences? The government of North Korea gave orders to border guards to immediately shoot anyone who is seen trying to cross, as per official notices issued by Chinese authorities in 2020, which were released to warn people about the risks involved. Human rights organisations have confirmed that the shooting orders still remain in effect. In December 2022, the US Treasury Department sanctioned North Korea's Border Guard General Bureau over human rights abuses, "including land mines and shoot-on-sight orders that have resulted in the deaths of numerous North Koreans". Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch's senior Korean researcher Lina Yoon said, "The North Korean government has been using COVID-19 as an excuse to build these new fences, guard posts and other infrastructure.” Sokeel Park, who is associated with Liberty – an organisation that works with defectors, stated that as the pandemic subsides, it may become harder for the government to justify the restrictions. "It's all the more reason for the international community to step up efforts to support North Korean rights," he added. (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. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | When world was battling pandemic, why North Korea was busy sealing borders with China and Russia

Are you ready for new bat viruses? China, the birthing ground of the covid-19 pandemic, might be on track to create yet another global health crisis. More than 9 million square kilometres on earth have suitable conditions for a bat-borne virus to spill over. These areas are termed "jump zones". Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: China set to birth another global pandemic? | What are jump zones & should you be scared?

Is the next pandemic going to emerge from Brazil's Amazon? What is the link between bats and viruses? Molly Gambhir tells you what scientists are saying.

Gravitas: The next pandemic to emerge from Brazil's amazon?

According to scientists, the next deadly pandemic of the world can start in the depths of the Amazon rainforest from caves like the Planaltina cave, which is more than 1.5 kilometres deep and houses thousands of bats. 
 
More such caves exist throughout the rainforest increasing the chances of an outbreak of a pandemic like coronavirus. A countless number of bat species and their habitats remain undiscovered and unexplored. 
 
Brazil has been ranked in third place in hosting the highest number of bat species across the world. Some of the most devastating viruses in the world have emerged from bats. 
 
Scientists are studying the emergence of such viruses to prevent any future pandemics like COVID-19. However, because of limited funding, scientists fear that they will fail to unravel these pathogenic mysteries in the near time.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-covid-like-deadly-pandemic-might-resurface-in-10-years-says-study-582386">Another Covid-like deadly pandemic might grip the world in 10 years, says study</a>

 
Researchers claim that humans have been lucky in avoiding any major virus getting spread from the rainforest. 
 
“If you don't do this now, there may be other outbreaks in the future and end up in the situation we are in today of not knowing where this outbreak comes from, where SARS-CoV-2 comes from. And that's a big problem, because if we don't know how to identify the path that this virus took, the evolutionary question and how it got to man, we can't fight it," said Sebastien Charneau, a professor at the Biology Institute at the University of Brasilia, while speaking to Reuters.

<h2>Rampant deforestation cause of another pandemic? 
&nbsp;</h2>

As per the Brazilian ecologist David Lapola, the next pandemic can emerge from the Amazon rainforest because of “rampant deforestation” which has resulted because of human encroachment on animal habitats. 
 
According to World Health Organisation's expert in zoonotic diseases, Peter Ben Embarek, the novel coronavirus emerges from a group of viruses which originate or spread in bats, although it remains unclear which animal transmitted the infection to humans. 
 
Lapola, speaking to the news agency AFP, said that the same processes are taking place in the Amazon. 
 
“The Amazon is a huge reservoir of viruses,” Lapola said, who studies how human activity will shape the future of tropical forests' ecosystems. “We’d better not try our luck,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Is Brazil the next pandemic hot-spot? | Why do bats have so many viruses? | World DNA

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The risk of another pandemic keeps on increasing with the Amazon rainforest's rapid deforestation. Scientists explain that deforestation leads to stress in bats and studies suggest that stressed bats can carry more viruses and release more germs through their saliva, urine and feces. 
 
“It is very sad to know that we have great potential to discover and prevent new epidemics, new pandemics and this is not being taken into account, nobody is thinking about it. On the contrary, we are currently having a very large investment in dismantling the environment," said Ludmilla Aguiar, who works as a biologist at the University of Brasilia.

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You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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According to scientists, the next deadly pandemic of the world can start in the depths of the Amazon rainforest from caves like the Planaltina cave, which is more than 1.

According to scientists, the next deadly pandemic of the world can start in the depths of the Amazon rainforest from caves like the Planaltina cave, which is more than 1.5 kilometres deep and houses thousands of bats. More such caves exist throughout the rainforest increasing the chances of an outbreak of a pandemic like coronavirus. A countless number of bat species and their habitats remain undiscovered and unexplored. Brazil has been ranked in third place in hosting the highest number of bat species across the world. Some of the most devastating viruses in the world have emerged from bats. Scientists are studying the emergence of such viruses to prevent any future pandemics like COVID-19. However, because of limited funding, scientists fear that they will fail to unravel these pathogenic mysteries in the near time. ALSO READ | Another Covid-like deadly pandemic might grip the world in 10 years, says study Researchers claim that humans have been lucky in avoiding any major virus getting spread from the rainforest. “If you don't do this now, there may be other outbreaks in the future and end up in the situation we are in today of not knowing where this outbreak comes from, where SARS-CoV-2 comes from. And that's a big problem, because if we don't know how to identify the path that this virus took, the evolutionary question and how it got to man, we can't fight it," said Sebastien Charneau, a professor at the Biology Institute at the University of Brasilia, while speaking to Reuters. Rampant deforestation cause of another pandemic? As per the Brazilian ecologist David Lapola, the next pandemic can emerge from the Amazon rainforest because of “rampant deforestation” which has resulted because of human encroachment on animal habitats. According to World Health Organisation's expert in zoonotic diseases, Peter Ben Embarek, the novel coronavirus emerges from a group of viruses which originate or spread in bats, although it remains unclear which animal transmitted the infection to humans. Lapola, speaking to the news agency AFP, said that the same processes are taking place in the Amazon. “The Amazon is a huge reservoir of viruses,” Lapola said, who studies how human activity will shape the future of tropical forests' ecosystems. “We’d better not try our luck,” he added. WATCH | Is Brazil the next pandemic hot-spot? | Why do bats have so many viruses? | World DNA The risk of another pandemic keeps on increasing with the Amazon rainforest's rapid deforestation. Scientists explain that deforestation leads to stress in bats and studies suggest that stressed bats can carry more viruses and release more germs through their saliva, urine and feces. “It is very sad to know that we have great potential to discover and prevent new epidemics, new pandemics and this is not being taken into account, nobody is thinking about it. On the contrary, we are currently having a very large investment in dismantling the environment," said Ludmilla Aguiar, who works as a biologist at the University of Brasilia. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amazon rainforest can gift world its next deadly pandemic, warn scientists

The head of the primary US public health organisation, the Centers for Disease Control, Dr&nbsp;Rochelle Walensky said on Friday that she will resign from&nbsp;her position at the end of June.&nbsp;Walensky&nbsp;submitted her resignation saying the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a good time to make a transition.

Walensky, who played a significant role in the Biden administration's response to COVID-19, did not provide a specific explanation for her resignation but claimed that the easing&nbsp;of the coronavirus pandemic had brought her stay at the CDC to a natural endpoint.

According to CDC authorities, Walensky will step down on June 30. An interim director was not immediately announced. She informed the CDC staff of her retirement at a staff meeting after submitting a letter of resignation to President Joe Biden, reported Reuters.

Considering that Walensky, 54, has only been the agency's director for a little over two years, many health professionals were caught off guard by the announcement. She didn't provide any specific reasons for her resignation in her letter to Biden, but she did state that the country is going through a transition as emergency declarations come to an end. She also expressed "mixed feelings" about her decision.&nbsp;

“I have never been prouder of anything I have done in my professional career,” she wrote.

“The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency marks a tremendous transition for our country, for public health, and in my tenure as CDC Director,” she said&nbsp;said in a letter to Biden which was released to the public.

In December 2020, Biden appointed Walensky as the head of the CDC. She stated that she had taken on the position about two years prior with the goal of "leaving behind the dark days of the pandemic."

She arrived with a reputation for being a vocal opponent of the government's response to the outbreak. She was hired to boost morale at the CDC, restore public faith in the organisation, and enhance its occasionally inept response to the pandemic.

Biden's administration attempted to steer the country clear of the pandemic when Walensky was in charge of the CDC, which oversaw a remarkable vaccination programme.

She frequently made appearances on television to convey preventative messages to Americans and to detail the most recent safety precautions. Throughout the pandemic, she received criticism as well, particularly for her agency's occasionally disorganised communications.

She leaves as the COVID-19 death toll in the country approaches 1.1 million. For months, there has been a downward trend in reported cases, hospitalisations, and deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The head of the primary US public health organisation, the Centers for Disease Control, Dr Rochelle Walensky said on Friday that she will resign from her position at the end of June.

The head of the primary US public health organisation, the Centers for Disease Control, Dr Rochelle Walensky said on Friday that she will resign from her position at the end of June. Walensky submitted her resignation saying the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a good time to make a transition. Walensky, who played a significant role in the Biden administration's response to COVID-19, did not provide a specific explanation for her resignation but claimed that the easing of the coronavirus pandemic had brought her stay at the CDC to a natural endpoint. According to CDC authorities, Walensky will step down on June 30. An interim director was not immediately announced. She informed the CDC staff of her retirement at a staff meeting after submitting a letter of resignation to President Joe Biden, reported Reuters. Considering that Walensky, 54, has only been the agency's director for a little over two years, many health professionals were caught off guard by the announcement. She didn't provide any specific reasons for her resignation in her letter to Biden, but she did state that the country is going through a transition as emergency declarations come to an end. She also expressed "mixed feelings" about her decision. “I have never been prouder of anything I have done in my professional career,” she wrote. “The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency marks a tremendous transition for our country, for public health, and in my tenure as CDC Director,” she said said in a letter to Biden which was released to the public. In December 2020, Biden appointed Walensky as the head of the CDC. She stated that she had taken on the position about two years prior with the goal of "leaving behind the dark days of the pandemic." She arrived with a reputation for being a vocal opponent of the government's response to the outbreak. She was hired to boost morale at the CDC, restore public faith in the organisation, and enhance its occasionally inept response to the pandemic. Biden's administration attempted to steer the country clear of the pandemic when Walensky was in charge of the CDC, which oversaw a remarkable vaccination programme. She frequently made appearances on television to convey preventative messages to Americans and to detail the most recent safety precautions. Throughout the pandemic, she received criticism as well, particularly for her agency's occasionally disorganised communications. She leaves as the COVID-19 death toll in the country approaches 1.1 million. For months, there has been a downward trend in reported cases, hospitalisations, and deaths. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: CDC chief Rochelle Walensky resigns, says Covid-19 waning good time for transition

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the Covid-19 emergency, signaling that one of the most deadly and economically devastating pandemics in modern history is receding as the disease that caused it becomes a routine illness.

WHO declares end to Covid-19 global health emergency

WHO declares Covid-19 pandemic is over; restrictions lifted globally

More than 270 subvariants of Covid have been discovered in China. On the other hand, China seems to be relaxing Covid restrictions. Will China be the cause of another pandemic? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas : Over 270 Covid subvariants found in China

There is reportedly a 27.5 per cent chance of a deadly pandemic like COVID-19 occurring in the next decade. This is likely to happen as viruses are emerging more frequently. Watch this to know more.

World has 28% risk of new Covid-like pandemic within 10 years: Study

Another COVID-19-like pandemic might hit the world&nbsp;in the next decade or so, study by a health intelligence firm noted, claiming that viruses are emerging&nbsp;more frequently.

According to a study by London-based Airfinity Ltd, there is a “27.5 per cent chance” that another deadly virus could grip the world in the next 10 years.

It cited climate change, growth in international travel, increasing populations and the threat posed by zoonotic diseases as major contributors to the frequency of outbreak.

The study, however, pointed out that vaccine rollout and pandemic preparedness would play a key role in reducing fatalities.

The firm observed that if vaccines are rolled out within&nbsp;100 days of the discovery of a new pathogen, then the likelihood of a deadly pandemic would drop to 8.1 per cent from 27.5 per cent.

"This new risk assessment outlines the likelihood of future pandemics under varying degrees of severity. It shows that in a worst-case scenario, an avian flu type mutation that transmits from human to human could kill as many as 15,000 in a single day in the UK," Airfinity said in a release, according to Bloomberg.

"Our modelling shows that the risk of a pandemic as deadly as COVID-19 in the next 10 years is 71 per cent less with these countermeasures in place," it added.

According to its website, Airfinity Ltd is an independent health intelligence firm that "tracks, predicts and simulates population-level disease outcomes in real-time to inform decisions that can increase the global life span."

Their modelling took note of the lack of vaccines for high-risk pathogens, including Zika, MERS, and Marburg virus.

<h2>H3N8 bird flu: Everything you need to know about the virus</h2>

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"High-risk pathogens including Zika, MERS and Marburg virus don’t have approved vaccines or treatments, and existing surveillance policies are unlikely to detect a new pandemic before it is too late. This highlights the urgent need for new and data-driven pandemic preparedness measures," Airfinity said.

"A robust pandemic preparedness system is the world’s insurance against a Covid-19-like pandemic or something even worse," Rasmus Bech Hansen, Airfinity’s CEO, and co-founder, said in a statement.

It also pointed out towards the potential rapid spread of the H5N1 bird flu strain.

“While so far, just a small number of people have been infected and there are no signs of it having made the jump to human-to-human transmission, skyrocketing rates in birds and increasing incursions in mammals have led to concern among scientists and governments that the virus may be mutating in ways that could make it easier to spread,” it said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
&nbsp;

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Another COVID-19-like pandemic might hit the world in the next decade or so, study by a health intelligence firm noted, claiming that viruses are emerging more frequently.

Another COVID-19-like pandemic might hit the world in the next decade or so, study by a health intelligence firm noted, claiming that viruses are emerging more frequently. According to a study by London-based Airfinity Ltd, there is a “27.5 per cent chance” that another deadly virus could grip the world in the next 10 years. It cited climate change, growth in international travel, increasing populations and the threat posed by zoonotic diseases as major contributors to the frequency of outbreak. The study, however, pointed out that vaccine rollout and pandemic preparedness would play a key role in reducing fatalities. The firm observed that if vaccines are rolled out within 100 days of the discovery of a new pathogen, then the likelihood of a deadly pandemic would drop to 8.1 per cent from 27.5 per cent. "This new risk assessment outlines the likelihood of future pandemics under varying degrees of severity. It shows that in a worst-case scenario, an avian flu type mutation that transmits from human to human could kill as many as 15,000 in a single day in the UK," Airfinity said in a release, according to Bloomberg. "Our modelling shows that the risk of a pandemic as deadly as COVID-19 in the next 10 years is 71 per cent less with these countermeasures in place," it added. According to its website, Airfinity Ltd is an independent health intelligence firm that "tracks, predicts and simulates population-level disease outcomes in real-time to inform decisions that can increase the global life span." Their modelling took note of the lack of vaccines for high-risk pathogens, including Zika, MERS, and Marburg virus. H3N8 bird flu: Everything you need to know about the virus "High-risk pathogens including Zika, MERS and Marburg virus don’t have approved vaccines or treatments, and existing surveillance policies are unlikely to detect a new pandemic before it is too late. This highlights the urgent need for new and data-driven pandemic preparedness measures," Airfinity said. "A robust pandemic preparedness system is the world’s insurance against a Covid-19-like pandemic or something even worse," Rasmus Bech Hansen, Airfinity’s CEO, and co-founder, said in a statement. It also pointed out towards the potential rapid spread of the H5N1 bird flu strain. “While so far, just a small number of people have been infected and there are no signs of it having made the jump to human-to-human transmission, skyrocketing rates in birds and increasing incursions in mammals have led to concern among scientists and governments that the virus may be mutating in ways that could make it easier to spread,” it said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Another Covid-like deadly pandemic might grip the world in 10 years, says study

New research is claiming to be the strongest proof that the Covid virus jumped from animals to humans. The study is based on analysis of samples collected from an animal market in Wuhan, China, from the initial days of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The samples discovered evidence of the novel coronavirus' presence along with genetic material in various animals, including raccoon dogs which are highly susceptible to the virus, as per a report published on the Zenodo.org open science website on Monday. &nbsp;

According to the report, in a few samples, more animal genetic material was found compared to human genetic material which indicates the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals.&nbsp;

"The sequences showed that raccoon dogs and other animals susceptible to the coronavirus were present in the market and may have been infected, providing a new clue in the chain of transmission that eventually reached humans," the report stated.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-icc-to-avoid-double-standards-after-putins-arrest-warrant-573942">China calls ICC to avoid 'double standards' after Putin's arrest warrant</a>

"This adds to the body of evidence identifying the Huanan market as the spillover location of Sars-CoV-2 and the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic," it added.&nbsp;

The virus was identified for the first time in Wuhan in December 2019 as many suspected the Huanan live animal market can be the source of pandemic. 
The study has till now not been reviewed by the scientific community. China has been called out by the World Health Organization for fully sharing the genetic data which was analysed by the researchers.&nbsp;

“I worry a lot about our jumping on tidbits that are incomplete and cannot be verified,” stated David Relman, who works as a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University. “I think we need to take a deep breath and insist on the kind of process and science that any important issue, especially this one, deserves," he added.&nbsp;

This is the latest report that has emerged from the researchers' frantic search for answers on how the pandemic started. On Monday, a bill was signed into law by US President Joe Biden to declassify intelligence on COVID-19's origin.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Wary West tries to decode China's motives in Ukraine-Russia war

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In a press conference on Friday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “These data do not provide a definitive answer to the question of how the pandemic began but every piece of data is important in moving us closer to that answer.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Goldstein, a virologist at the University of Utah who participated in the analysis, said, “It’s the first time we’ve been able to identify a genetic fingerprint of the virus and a potential intermediate host in the exact same place. It’s completely consistent and expected from what you’d see in a zoonotic spillover event.”&nbsp;

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that the country has "always supported and participated in global scientific co-operation on origin tracing" and it will continue to do so, but added that the international scientific community should also share "their research on the virus originating from other regions of the world with China".

(With inputs from agencies)

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New research is claiming to be the strongest proof that the Covid virus jumped from animals to humans. The study is based on analysis of samples collected from an animal market in Wuhan, China, from the initial days of the pandemic.

New research is claiming to be the strongest proof that the Covid virus jumped from animals to humans. The study is based on analysis of samples collected from an animal market in Wuhan, China, from the initial days of the pandemic. The samples discovered evidence of the novel coronavirus' presence along with genetic material in various animals, including raccoon dogs which are highly susceptible to the virus, as per a report published on the Zenodo.org open science website on Monday. According to the report, in a few samples, more animal genetic material was found compared to human genetic material which indicates the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals. "The sequences showed that raccoon dogs and other animals susceptible to the coronavirus were present in the market and may have been infected, providing a new clue in the chain of transmission that eventually reached humans," the report stated. ALSO READ | China calls ICC to avoid 'double standards' after Putin's arrest warrant "This adds to the body of evidence identifying the Huanan market as the spillover location of Sars-CoV-2 and the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic," it added. The virus was identified for the first time in Wuhan in December 2019 as many suspected the Huanan live animal market can be the source of pandemic. The study has till now not been reviewed by the scientific community. China has been called out by the World Health Organization for fully sharing the genetic data which was analysed by the researchers. “I worry a lot about our jumping on tidbits that are incomplete and cannot be verified,” stated David Relman, who works as a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University. “I think we need to take a deep breath and insist on the kind of process and science that any important issue, especially this one, deserves," he added. This is the latest report that has emerged from the researchers' frantic search for answers on how the pandemic started. On Monday, a bill was signed into law by US President Joe Biden to declassify intelligence on COVID-19's origin. WATCH | Wary West tries to decode China's motives in Ukraine-Russia war In a press conference on Friday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “These data do not provide a definitive answer to the question of how the pandemic began but every piece of data is important in moving us closer to that answer.” Meanwhile, Stephen Goldstein, a virologist at the University of Utah who participated in the analysis, said, “It’s the first time we’ve been able to identify a genetic fingerprint of the virus and a potential intermediate host in the exact same place. It’s completely consistent and expected from what you’d see in a zoonotic spillover event.” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that the country has "always supported and participated in global scientific co-operation on origin tracing" and it will continue to do so, but added that the international scientific community should also share "their research on the virus originating from other regions of the world with China". (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. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Traces of COVID-19 in Wuhan's animal market spark debate over origin of pandemic

The WhatsApp messages shared between Italian politicians and senior health officials when the coronavirus pandemic had just started indicate how they tried to protect the image of the country while appearing to joke about the role of Italy in the spread of the virus in the continent. Italy was the first one to be hit hard by Covid-19 in Europe.

The messages have emerged as the basis of which the prosecutors placed former prime minister Giuseppe Conte, former health minister Roberto Speranza along with 17 other officials under investigation under suspicion of having a role to play in “aggravated culpable epidemic” and manslaughter in relation to the response of the government at the beginning of the pandemic.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smugglers-threw-kids-into-sea-to-lighten-boat-italy-boat-tragedy-gets-murkier-566963">Italy boat tragedy gets murkier: Smugglers 'threw kids into sea' to lighten vessel's load</a>

Italy emerged as the first European country which was engulfed by the coronavirus outbreak after the first locally transmitted case was confirmed in Codogno, southern Lombardy, on February 21, 2020.

In a WhatsApp message which was written on March 5, 2020, Speranza said that “we must exploit” a report which claimed that the first coronavirus case in Europe was detected in Germany. The minister was planning to take the step to protect Italy’s image.

Giuseppe Ruocco, who was the health ministry's secretary general at the time and is being investigated, next day mocked the coronavirus cases detected among travellers returning from Italy in Europe.

WATCH | India and Italy celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations

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“Today we gave away 2 covid cases in Austria, 1 in France and 1 in Spain … and maybe 1 in Germany,” he said in a message.

The investigation, which was launched by prosecutors in Bergamo – a Lombardy province which was worst hit during the pandemic's first wave – focuses on the authorities' alleged failure in taking adequate measures to prevent coronavirus' spread.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The WhatsApp messages shared between Italian politicians and senior health officials when the coronavirus pandemic had just started indicate how they tried to protect the image of the country while appearing to joke about the role of Italy in the spread of the virus in the continent.

The WhatsApp messages shared between Italian politicians and senior health officials when the coronavirus pandemic had just started indicate how they tried to protect the image of the country while appearing to joke about the role of Italy in the spread of the virus in the continent. Italy was the first one to be hit hard by Covid-19 in Europe. The messages have emerged as the basis of which the prosecutors placed former prime minister Giuseppe Conte, former health minister Roberto Speranza along with 17 other officials under investigation under suspicion of having a role to play in “aggravated culpable epidemic” and manslaughter in relation to the response of the government at the beginning of the pandemic. ALSO READ | Italy boat tragedy gets murkier: Smugglers 'threw kids into sea' to lighten vessel's load Italy emerged as the first European country which was engulfed by the coronavirus outbreak after the first locally transmitted case was confirmed in Codogno, southern Lombardy, on February 21, 2020. In a WhatsApp message which was written on March 5, 2020, Speranza said that “we must exploit” a report which claimed that the first coronavirus case in Europe was detected in Germany. The minister was planning to take the step to protect Italy’s image. Giuseppe Ruocco, who was the health ministry's secretary general at the time and is being investigated, next day mocked the coronavirus cases detected among travellers returning from Italy in Europe. WATCH | India and Italy celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations “Today we gave away 2 covid cases in Austria, 1 in France and 1 in Spain … and maybe 1 in Germany,” he said in a message. The investigation, which was launched by prosecutors in Bergamo – a Lombardy province which was worst hit during the pandemic's first wave – focuses on the authorities' alleged failure in taking adequate measures to prevent coronavirus' spread. (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. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Revealed: How Italian leaders joked about country's role in spread of virus at start of pandemic

A new study suggests that the mental health impact of Covid-19 on the general population may not have been as significant as previously thought. Researchers at McGill University in Canada reviewed 137 studies from around the world and found minimal changes in mental health symptoms among most people during the pandemic. However, experts have disputed this, pointing out that the impact on specific groups such as children, women, and people with low incomes or pre-existing mental health problems cannot be overlooked.

The senior author of the study, Brett Thombs, said that some of the public narrative around the mental health impacts of Covid-19 was based on poor-quality studies and anecdotes that became self-fulfilling prophecies. He added that there was a need for more rigorous science in this area. The researchers at McGill found their findings consistent with the largest study on suicide during the pandemic, which found no increase, and applied to most groups, including different ages, sexes, genders, and those with pre-existing conditions.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Did the US help China cover up Covid-19 outbreak?

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However, the researchers acknowledged that women had experienced worsening anxiety, depression, or general mental health symptoms during the pandemic, possibly due to juggling more family responsibilities, working in health or social care, or domestic abuse. The team also noted that depression symptoms had worsened by “minimal to small amounts” for older adults, university students, people who self-identified as belonging to a sexual or gender minority group, and parents.

The study's authors concluded that governments and health agencies need to produce better quality and more timely mental health data to better target resources and that governments should continue to properly fund services, especially for the groups worst affected by the pandemic. However, other research has suggested that the mental health impact of the pandemic has been much more severe.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-claims-covid-19-has-basically-ended-is-it-really-565282">China claims COVID-19 has 'basically' ended. Has it really?</a>

Commenting on the study, Gemma Knowles from the Centre for Society and Mental Health at King’s College London said that the findings echoed other research showing that some people’s mental health improved and others’ deteriorated during the pandemic, which could mean no overall increase. She added that the study risks obscuring important effects among the most affected and disadvantaged groups and, from that, obscuring possible widening of inequalities in mental distress that occurred because of the pandemic.

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A new study suggests that the mental health impact of Covid-19 on the general population may not have been as significant as previously thought. Researchers at McGill University in Canada reviewed 137 studies from around the world and found minimal changes in mental health symptoms among most people during the pandemic.

A new study suggests that the mental health impact of Covid-19 on the general population may not have been as significant as previously thought. Researchers at McGill University in Canada reviewed 137 studies from around the world and found minimal changes in mental health symptoms among most people during the pandemic. However, experts have disputed this, pointing out that the impact on specific groups such as children, women, and people with low incomes or pre-existing mental health problems cannot be overlooked. The senior author of the study, Brett Thombs, said that some of the public narrative around the mental health impacts of Covid-19 was based on poor-quality studies and anecdotes that became self-fulfilling prophecies. He added that there was a need for more rigorous science in this area. The researchers at McGill found their findings consistent with the largest study on suicide during the pandemic, which found no increase, and applied to most groups, including different ages, sexes, genders, and those with pre-existing conditions. Watch: Gravitas: Did the US help China cover up Covid-19 outbreak? × However, the researchers acknowledged that women had experienced worsening anxiety, depression, or general mental health symptoms during the pandemic, possibly due to juggling more family responsibilities, working in health or social care, or domestic abuse. The team also noted that depression symptoms had worsened by “minimal to small amounts” for older adults, university students, people who self-identified as belonging to a sexual or gender minority group, and parents. The study's authors concluded that governments and health agencies need to produce better quality and more timely mental health data to better target resources and that governments should continue to properly fund services, especially for the groups worst affected by the pandemic. However, other research has suggested that the mental health impact of the pandemic has been much more severe. Also Read | China claims COVID-19 has 'basically' ended. Has it really? Commenting on the study, Gemma Knowles from the Centre for Society and Mental Health at King’s College London said that the findings echoed other research showing that some people’s mental health improved and others’ deteriorated during the pandemic, which could mean no overall increase. She added that the study risks obscuring important effects among the most affected and disadvantaged groups and, from that, obscuring possible widening of inequalities in mental distress that occurred because of the pandemic. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

COVID-19 pandemic had minimal impact on mental health: Study

After an interruption that lasted two years due to the pandemic, carnival returned to the streets of Bissau bringing together all ethnic groups in a show of colour and unity. Here's a report from Guinea-Bissau.

Carnival returns to the streets of Bissau

A severe form of mpox virus - formerly known as monkeypox - has been found in immunosuppressed people living with HIV in advanced stage, a new study has underlined. The study - published in The Lancet journal - underlined that the virus was fatal in 15 per cent of those who were affected. "Emerging data suggest worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality in people with more advanced HIV," the report underlines. Professor Chloe Orkin, at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS trust, and colleagues carried out the study following reports of particularly severe mpox infections. A total of 382 cases were examined as a part of the study.

<h2>Defining symptoms of severe mpox</h2>

On Twitter, the scientist explained defining symptoms. "Skin rash was prolonged. The hallmark feature of this severe disseminated form of MPOX was large coalescing and necrotising lesions which occurred in 93 per cent of those who died. Sepsis occurred in 89 per cent of those who died and respiratory symptoms in 85 per cent," Orkin tweeted.

An immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome to mpox, researchers pointed out, was suspected in 21 (25 per cent) of 85 people initiated, of whom 12 (57 per cent) of 21 died.&nbsp; Of the total 382 cases, 367 were men.

Also Watch| WION Fineprint: Monkeypox gets new name Mpox

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<h2>The multicountry mpox outbreak</h2>

The multicountry mpox outbreak triggered massive concerns last year as experts feared another pandemic. More than 85,000 cases have been so far reported, as of February 15, linked to the virus which was at one time largely confined to Africa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the total cases, 84,590 patients were registered in locations that have not historically reported mpox.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-maintains-its-stance-public-health-emergency-alert-for-mpox-562453">WHO maintains its stance; public health emergency alert for mpox to continue</a>

In November, the World Health Organization (WHO) changed the name of the virus from monkeypox to mpox over concerns of stigma associated with the name. "When the outbreak of monkeypox expanded earlier this year, racist and stigmatising language online, in other settings and in some communities was observed and reported to WHO. In several meetings, public and private, a number of individuals and countries raised concerns and asked WHO to propose a way forward to change the name," the global health body noted.

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A severe form of mpox virus - formerly known as monkeypox - has been found in immunosuppressed people living with HIV in advanced stage, a new study has underlined.

A severe form of mpox virus - formerly known as monkeypox - has been found in immunosuppressed people living with HIV in advanced stage, a new study has underlined. The study - published in The Lancet journal - underlined that the virus was fatal in 15 per cent of those who were affected. "Emerging data suggest worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality in people with more advanced HIV," the report underlines. Professor Chloe Orkin, at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS trust, and colleagues carried out the study following reports of particularly severe mpox infections. A total of 382 cases were examined as a part of the study. Defining symptoms of severe mpox On Twitter, the scientist explained defining symptoms. "Skin rash was prolonged. The hallmark feature of this severe disseminated form of MPOX was large coalescing and necrotising lesions which occurred in 93 per cent of those who died. Sepsis occurred in 89 per cent of those who died and respiratory symptoms in 85 per cent," Orkin tweeted. An immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome to mpox, researchers pointed out, was suspected in 21 (25 per cent) of 85 people initiated, of whom 12 (57 per cent) of 21 died. Of the total 382 cases, 367 were men. Also Watch| WION Fineprint: Monkeypox gets new name Mpox × The multicountry mpox outbreak The multicountry mpox outbreak triggered massive concerns last year as experts feared another pandemic. More than 85,000 cases have been so far reported, as of February 15, linked to the virus which was at one time largely confined to Africa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the total cases, 84,590 patients were registered in locations that have not historically reported mpox. Also read: WHO maintains its stance; public health emergency alert for mpox to continue In November, the World Health Organization (WHO) changed the name of the virus from monkeypox to mpox over concerns of stigma associated with the name. "When the outbreak of monkeypox expanded earlier this year, racist and stigmatising language online, in other settings and in some communities was observed and reported to WHO. In several meetings, public and private, a number of individuals and countries raised concerns and asked WHO to propose a way forward to change the name," the global health body noted. 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.

Deadlier mpox virus found in people with advanced HIV: Lancet Study

If you have been staying late at work and sitting on your desk well after working hours to finish that important project, you will be jealous to know that an Indian firm is actually forcing its employees to leave on time. How? Indian firm SoftGrid Computers, an Indian tech start-up based in Indore in Indian state of Madhya Pradesh sends out a message on the employees' computers prompting them to leave work.&nbsp;

After 10 minutes of the message at sharp 7 PM, which is the shift end timing, Voila !... The computer automatically shuts down.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-baby-aya-born-under-turkey-quake-rubble-adopted-by-her-aunt-uncle-564352">Miracle baby 'Aya', born under Turkey quake rubble, adopted by her aunt, uncle</a>

"Your shift time is over. The office system will shut down in 10 mins. PLEASE GO HOME!" reads the warning message on the employees' computers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Media portals quoting Shweta Shukla, CEO and co-founder of SoftGrid said, "The Covid-19 pandemic threw our work days out of balance and we all began working long hours. I was struggling to make time for my child."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-poet-javed-akhtar-at-lahore-event-says-2611-terrorists-roaming-free-in-pakistan-564306">Indian Poet Javed Akhtar, at Lahore event, says 26/11 terrorists roaming free in Pakistan</a>

She shared that work life balance for her other colleagues was also thrown out of the window because of the pandemic. At this point, they asked a colleague to create a software which would tackle the pressing issue in a most easy fashion.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/air-india-begins-massive-hiring-pilots-salary-crosses-rs-2-crore-564293">Air India begins massive hiring, pilots' salary crosses Rs 2 crore</a>

Tanvi Khandelwal, who works at company's human resources division shared a post on how the company is asking her to leave work by flashing a warning. Soon after, the post went viral and received lakhs of likes and was flooded with thousands of comments. Netizens were fascinated by the idea and welcomed the initiative taken by the company.&nbsp;

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If you have been staying late at work and sitting on your desk well after working hours to finish that important project, you will be jealous to know that an Indian firm is actually forcing its employees to leave on time.

If you have been staying late at work and sitting on your desk well after working hours to finish that important project, you will be jealous to know that an Indian firm is actually forcing its employees to leave on time. How? Indian firm SoftGrid Computers, an Indian tech start-up based in Indore in Indian state of Madhya Pradesh sends out a message on the employees' computers prompting them to leave work. After 10 minutes of the message at sharp 7 PM, which is the shift end timing, Voila !... The computer automatically shuts down. Also Read | Miracle baby 'Aya', born under Turkey quake rubble, adopted by her aunt, uncle "Your shift time is over. The office system will shut down in 10 mins. PLEASE GO HOME!" reads the warning message on the employees' computers. Media portals quoting Shweta Shukla, CEO and co-founder of SoftGrid said, "The Covid-19 pandemic threw our work days out of balance and we all began working long hours. I was struggling to make time for my child." Also Read | Indian Poet Javed Akhtar, at Lahore event, says 26/11 terrorists roaming free in Pakistan She shared that work life balance for her other colleagues was also thrown out of the window because of the pandemic. At this point, they asked a colleague to create a software which would tackle the pressing issue in a most easy fashion. Watch | Air India begins massive hiring, pilots' salary crosses Rs 2 crore Tanvi Khandelwal, who works at company's human resources division shared a post on how the company is asking her to leave work by flashing a warning. Soon after, the post went viral and received lakhs of likes and was flooded with thousands of comments. Netizens were fascinated by the idea and welcomed the initiative taken by the company. 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.

ARE YOU JEALOUS? This Indian firm is forcing staff to go home on time

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