Schools in Iran's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-new-iran-sanctions-tehran-warns-us-against-attack-229649">Tehran </a>province have been ordered shut until Friday due to severe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/domestic-air-pollution-turning-homes-into-deathtraps-13750">air pollution</a>, authorities announced, extending their closure to a full week.&nbsp;

Tehran city was cloaked by thick toxic smog for a third successive day on Monday that blanketed out landmarks like Milad Tower and the snow-capped Alborz mountains.

"All of Tehran province's schools except Firuzkuh and Damavand counties are closed for the week due to increasing air pollution," governor Mohsen Bandpey told reporters.

He added that forecasts indicated stable weather and "increasing pollutant density" across urban areas.

The average airborne concentration of the finest and most hazardous particles was at 147 microgrammes per cubic meter in the 24 hours to midday Monday, according to government website air.tehran.ir.

That is close to six times the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-lifts-ban-on-world-health-organization-252047">World Health Organization</a>'s recommended maximum of 25 microgrammes per square meter.

Pollution worsens in Tehran during winter, when cold air and a lack of wind traps hazardous smog over the capital for days on end, a phenomenon known as thermal inversion.

Schools in northern Alborz province were also closed for the week, state news agency IRNA quoted the deputy governor as saying.

The measure aims to stop pollution-belching buses from traversing the city while also keeping vulnerable youngsters indoors.

Iranian media and officials have however slammed the school closures as a limited measure to address the problem.

Shutting schools on Saturday and Sunday had evidently "not helped to improve Tehran's air quality", Donya-e Eqtesad daily wrote, calling it the "minimum necessary measure" the authorities could take.

Iran's judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi said the "roots" of the problem must be addressed.

Tehran's mayor Pirouz Hanachi called for industries using the fuel oil mazut and gasoline to be targeted.

The sprawling capital is one of the world's most polluted cities.

According to a World Bank report last year, most of the pollution in the city of eight million is caused by heavy-duty vehicles, motorbikes, refineries and power plants

Schools in Iran's Tehran province have been ordered shut until Friday due to severe air pollution, authorities announced, extending their closure to a full week.

Schools in Iran's Tehran province have been ordered shut until Friday due to severe air pollution, authorities announced, extending their closure to a full week. Tehran city was cloaked by thick toxic smog for a third successive day on Monday that blanketed out landmarks like Milad Tower and the snow-capped Alborz mountains. "All of Tehran province's schools except Firuzkuh and Damavand counties are closed for the week due to increasing air pollution," governor Mohsen Bandpey told reporters. He added that forecasts indicated stable weather and "increasing pollutant density" across urban areas. The average airborne concentration of the finest and most hazardous particles was at 147 microgrammes per cubic meter in the 24 hours to midday Monday, according to government website air.tehran.ir. That is close to six times the World Health Organization's recommended maximum of 25 microgrammes per square meter. Pollution worsens in Tehran during winter, when cold air and a lack of wind traps hazardous smog over the capital for days on end, a phenomenon known as thermal inversion. Schools in northern Alborz province were also closed for the week, state news agency IRNA quoted the deputy governor as saying. The measure aims to stop pollution-belching buses from traversing the city while also keeping vulnerable youngsters indoors. Iranian media and officials have however slammed the school closures as a limited measure to address the problem. Shutting schools on Saturday and Sunday had evidently "not helped to improve Tehran's air quality", Donya-e Eqtesad daily wrote, calling it the "minimum necessary measure" the authorities could take. Iran's judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi said the "roots" of the problem must be addressed. Tehran's mayor Pirouz Hanachi called for industries using the fuel oil mazut and gasoline to be targeted. The sprawling capital is one of the world's most polluted cities. According to a World Bank report last year, most of the pollution in the city of eight million is caused by heavy-duty vehicles, motorbikes, refineries and power plants

Tehran air pollution forces week-long school closure

Just hours after Philippine President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-president-picks-top-drug-war-critic-as-his-drugs-tsar-260094">Rodrigo Duterte</a> announced he would ban<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/california-sues-e-cigarette-maker-juul-for-selling-nicotine-products-to-youth-263126"> e-cigarette</a> use, police were ordered on Wednesday to begin arresting people caught vaping in public and to confiscate the devices.

The abrupt prohibition, revealed by Duterte late Tuesday, adds to a growing global backlash against a product once promoted as less harmful than smoking.

Duterte called the devices "toxic" and said vaping introduced "chemicals" into the user's body.

He then threatened to arrest anyone vaping publicly in a country that already has some of Asia's toughest anti-smoking rules.

The president, a former smoker, is notorious internationally for his deadly anti-narcotics crackdown, but he has also targeted tobacco with a wide-ranging ban on smoking in public.

Citing "the order of the president", the head of the Philippine police ordered "effective today, all police units nationwide to enforce the ban on the use of vapes; ensure that all violators will be arrested," according to a statement.

Duterte's order came days after Philippine health authorities reported the nation's first vaping-related lung injury, which resulted in a 16-year-old girl being hospitalised.

About 24 per cent of Filipinos were tobacco users according to a 2015 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-deploys-new-vaccine-against-superbug-typhoid-outbreak-262349">World Health Organization </a>study, the most recent available.

E-cigarettes do not "burn" but instead heat up a liquid,&nbsp;tasting of anything from bourbon to bubble gum, and which usually contains nicotine,&nbsp;that turns into vapour and is inhaled.

Just hours after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would ban e-cigarette use, police were ordered on Wednesday to begin arresting people caught vaping in public and to confiscate the devices.

Just hours after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would ban e-cigarette use, police were ordered on Wednesday to begin arresting people caught vaping in public and to confiscate the devices. The abrupt prohibition, revealed by Duterte late Tuesday, adds to a growing global backlash against a product once promoted as less harmful than smoking. Duterte called the devices "toxic" and said vaping introduced "chemicals" into the user's body. He then threatened to arrest anyone vaping publicly in a country that already has some of Asia's toughest anti-smoking rules. The president, a former smoker, is notorious internationally for his deadly anti-narcotics crackdown, but he has also targeted tobacco with a wide-ranging ban on smoking in public. Citing "the order of the president", the head of the Philippine police ordered "effective today, all police units nationwide to enforce the ban on the use of vapes; ensure that all violators will be arrested," according to a statement. Duterte's order came days after Philippine health authorities reported the nation's first vaping-related lung injury, which resulted in a 16-year-old girl being hospitalised. About 24 per cent of Filipinos were tobacco users according to a 2015 World Health Organization study, the most recent available. E-cigarettes do not "burn" but instead heat up a liquid, tasting of anything from bourbon to bubble gum, and which usually contains nicotine, that turns into vapour and is inhaled.

Arrests ordered in Philippines after enforcement of vaping ban

Afghanistan's Taliban insurgency has lifted a ban on World Health Organization activities in areas the militants control, a spokesman for the Islamist group said, reversing a stance that had been complicating efforts to eradicate polio.

Afghanistan's Taliban insurgency has lifted a ban on World Health Organization activities in areas the militants control, a spokesman for the Islamist group said, reversing a stance that had been complicating efforts to eradicate polio. The Taliban had in April banned the WHO and International Committee of the Red Cross, citing their "suspicious activities" during vaccination campaigns, which threatened to deepen one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The health arm of the United Nations has been carrying out a vaccination campaign in Afghanistan, one of just three countries where polio is still endemic. "After realising its shortcomings and following constant contact and meetings with our representatives, the WHO received permission for their activities," said Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban in a statement. In the statement, the Taliban gave a guarantee of safety for WHO staff but also set conditions for its return, including only doing health work, getting the insurgency's permission before hiring workers and only carrying out polio vaccine campaigns in health centres. The WHO did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Earlier this month, the Taliban also lifted its ban on the Red Cross, which has been providing medical support for more than 30 years. Aid groups operating in Afghanistan stress that they do not take sides. The Taliban controls or contests more than half of Afghanistan's 410 Afghan districts. The Taliban controls or contests more than half of Afghanistan's 410 Afghan districts.

Afghanistan's Taliban lifts ban on World Health Organization

Tanzania is refusing to provide detailed information on suspected Ebola cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, a rare public rebuke as the region struggles to contain an outbreak already declared a global health emergency.

Transparency and speed are key to combating the deadly hemorrhagic fever because the disease can spread rapidly. Contacts of any potentially infected person must be quarantined and the public warned to step up precautions like handwashing.

WHO said in a statement released late on Saturday that it was made aware on September 10 of the death of a patient in Dar es Salaam, and unofficially told the next day that the person tested positive for Ebola. The woman had died on September 8.

"Identified contacts of the deceased were unofficially reported to be quarantined in various sites in the country," the statement said.

WHO said it was unofficially told that Tanzania had two other possible Ebola cases. One had tested negative and there was no information on the other one.

Officially, the Tanzanian government said last weekend it had no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola. The government did not address the death of the woman directly and did not provide any further information.

Despite several requests "clinical data, results of the investigations, possible contacts and potential laboratory tests performed have not been communicated to WHO," the UN health agency said.

"The limited available official information from Tanzanian authorities represents a challenge."

Authorities in the east and central Africa have been on high alert for possible spill-overs of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo where a year-long outbreak has killed more than 2,000 people.

'Fears Spread'

Last week the US health secretary, Alex Azar criticized Tanzania for its failure to share information on the possible outbreak. The next day he dispatched a senior US health official to Tanzania.

Uganda, which neighbours Congo, has already recorded several cases after sick patients crossed the border. A quick government response there prevented the disease spreading.

The 34-year-old woman who died in Dar es Salaam had travelled to Uganda, according to a leaked internal WHO document circulated earlier this month. She showed signs of Ebola including headache, fever, rash, bloody diarrhoea on August 10 and eventually died on September 8.

Tanzania is heavily reliant on tourism and an outbreak of Ebola would likely lead to a dip in visitor numbers.

The WHO statement is not the first time international organizations have queried information from the government of President John Magufuli, nicknamed The Bulldozer for his pugnacious ruling style.

Earlier this year both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund contradicted the government's economic growth figure for 2018.

Tanzania is refusing to provide detailed information on suspected Ebola cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, a rare public rebuke as the region struggles to contain an outbreak already declared a global health emergency.

Tanzania is refusing to provide detailed information on suspected Ebola cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, a rare public rebuke as the region struggles to contain an outbreak already declared a global health emergency. Transparency and speed are key to combating the deadly hemorrhagic fever because the disease can spread rapidly. Contacts of any potentially infected person must be quarantined and the public warned to step up precautions like handwashing. WHO said in a statement released late on Saturday that it was made aware on September 10 of the death of a patient in Dar es Salaam, and unofficially told the next day that the person tested positive for Ebola. The woman had died on September 8. "Identified contacts of the deceased were unofficially reported to be quarantined in various sites in the country," the statement said. WHO said it was unofficially told that Tanzania had two other possible Ebola cases. One had tested negative and there was no information on the other one. Officially, the Tanzanian government said last weekend it had no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola. The government did not address the death of the woman directly and did not provide any further information. Despite several requests "clinical data, results of the investigations, possible contacts and potential laboratory tests performed have not been communicated to WHO," the UN health agency said. "The limited available official information from Tanzanian authorities represents a challenge." Authorities in the east and central Africa have been on high alert for possible spill-overs of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo where a year-long outbreak has killed more than 2,000 people. 'Fears Spread' Last week the US health secretary, Alex Azar criticized Tanzania for its failure to share information on the possible outbreak. The next day he dispatched a senior US health official to Tanzania. Uganda, which neighbours Congo, has already recorded several cases after sick patients crossed the border. A quick government response there prevented the disease spreading. The 34-year-old woman who died in Dar es Salaam had travelled to Uganda, according to a leaked internal WHO document circulated earlier this month. She showed signs of Ebola including headache, fever, rash, bloody diarrhoea on August 10 and eventually died on September 8. Tanzania is heavily reliant on tourism and an outbreak of Ebola would likely lead to a dip in visitor numbers. The WHO statement is not the first time international organizations have queried information from the government of President John Magufuli, nicknamed The Bulldozer for his pugnacious ruling style. Earlier this year both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund contradicted the government's economic growth figure for 2018.

Tanzania not sharing information on Ebola: World Health Organization

How Malaria vaccine can save Africa, Asia from killer disease

Measles cases nearly tripled globally during the first seven months of the year compared to the same period in 2018, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organization-says-e-cigarettes-undoubtedly-harmful-238779">World Health Organization said Tuesday</a>, amid growing concern over public resistance to the vaccine.

So far this year, 364,808 measles cases were reported around the world, compared to 129,239 cases during the first seven months a year earlier.&nbsp;

These numbers are "the highest (registered) since 2006," WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva.

The numbers are especially worrying since only about one in 10 actual measles cases are believed to be reported worldwide, according to WHO.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-says-investigators-conclude-ebola-victim-did-not-enter-rwanda-237160">Measles, which is highly contagious</a>, can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has in recent months sounded the alarm overslipping vaccination rates.&nbsp;

Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Ukraine registered the highest number of cases, WHO said.

In Madagascar, which registered around 127,500 cases during the first half of this year alone, numbers have meanwhile dropped considerably in recent months following an emergency national vaccination campaign, the UN health agency stressed.

Measles cases have soared worldwide, with the African region seeing a 900 per cent jump in cases year-on-year, while cases rose 230 per cent in the western Pacific.

Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sudan, South Sudan and Thailand have all seen major outbreaks of the disease.

The United States has meanwhile registered 1,164 cases so far this year, compared to 372 for all of 2018 and the highest number on record in a quarter-century.

And in the European region, nearly 90,000 cases have been registered this year, well above the 84,462 cases registered last year.

Measles, an airborne infection causing fever, coughing and rashes that can be deadly in rare cases had been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced healthcare systems.

But the so-called anti-vax movement, driven by fraudulent claims linking the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, and risk of autism in children has gained traction.

WHO pointed out that the reasons for people not being vaccinated vary significantly between communities and countries, with a lack of access to quality healthcare or vaccination services hindering some from getting the jabs, while others are led astray by "misinformation about vaccines, or low awareness about the need to vaccinate."

The measles vaccine is a "safe and highly effective vaccine", WHO stressed in a statement, urging "everyone to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date."

Measles cases nearly tripled globally during the first seven months of the year compared to the same period in 2018, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, amid growing concern over public resistance to the vaccine.

Measles cases nearly tripled globally during the first seven months of the year compared to the same period in 2018, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, amid growing concern over public resistance to the vaccine. So far this year, 364,808 measles cases were reported around the world, compared to 129,239 cases during the first seven months a year earlier. These numbers are "the highest (registered) since 2006," WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva. The numbers are especially worrying since only about one in 10 actual measles cases are believed to be reported worldwide, according to WHO. Measles, which is highly contagious, can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has in recent months sounded the alarm overslipping vaccination rates. Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Ukraine registered the highest number of cases, WHO said. In Madagascar, which registered around 127,500 cases during the first half of this year alone, numbers have meanwhile dropped considerably in recent months following an emergency national vaccination campaign, the UN health agency stressed. Measles cases have soared worldwide, with the African region seeing a 900 per cent jump in cases year-on-year, while cases rose 230 per cent in the western Pacific. Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sudan, South Sudan and Thailand have all seen major outbreaks of the disease. The United States has meanwhile registered 1,164 cases so far this year, compared to 372 for all of 2018 and the highest number on record in a quarter-century. And in the European region, nearly 90,000 cases have been registered this year, well above the 84,462 cases registered last year. Measles, an airborne infection causing fever, coughing and rashes that can be deadly in rare cases had been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced healthcare systems. But the so-called anti-vax movement, driven by fraudulent claims linking the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, and risk of autism in children has gained traction. WHO pointed out that the reasons for people not being vaccinated vary significantly between communities and countries, with a lack of access to quality healthcare or vaccination services hindering some from getting the jabs, while others are led astray by "misinformation about vaccines, or low awareness about the need to vaccinate." The measles vaccine is a "safe and highly effective vaccine", WHO stressed in a statement, urging "everyone to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date."

Global measles cases triple year-on-year: World Health Organization

Scientists are a step closer to finding the first effective treatments for the deadly<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ebola-case-in-congo-city-of-goma-detected-236094"> Ebola haemorrhagic fever </a>after two potential drugs showed the survival rate of as much as 90per cent in a clinical trial in Congo.

Two experimental drugs - Regeneron's&nbsp;and a monoclonal antibody called mAb114 - were both developed using antibodies harvested from survivors of Ebola infection.

The treatments are now going to be offered to all patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

They showed 'clearly better' results in patients in a trial of four potential treatments being conducted during the world's second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, now entering its second year in DRC.

The drugs improved survival rates from the disease more than two other treatments being tested - ZMapp, made by Mapp Biopharmaceutical, and Remdesivir, made by Gilead Sciences&nbsp;- and those products will be now dropped, said Anthony Fauci, one of the researchers co-leading the trial.

The agency said 49per cent of the patients on ZMapp and 53per cent on remdesivir died in the study.&nbsp;

In comparison, 29per cent of the patients on REGN-EB3 and 34per cent on mAb-114 died.

Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told reporters in a telebriefing the results were "very good news" for the fight against Ebola.

"What this means is that we do now have what look like (two) treatments for a disease for which not long ago we had no approach at all," he said.

The agency said of the patients who were brought into treatment centres with low levels of virus detected in their blood, 94per cent who got REGN-EB3 and 89per cent on mAb114 survived.

In comparison, two-thirds of the patients who got remdesivir and nearly three-fourth on ZMapp survived.

Ebola has been spreading in eastern Congo since August 2018 in an outbreak that has now become the second-largest, killing at least 1,800 people.

&nbsp;Efforts to control it have been hampered by militia violence and some local resistance to outside help.

A vast Ebola outbreak in West Africa become the world's largest-ever when it spread through Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone from 2013 to 2016 and killed more than 11,300 people.

The Congo treatment trial, which began in November last year, is being carried out by an international research group coordinated by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organization-says-e-cigarettes-undoubtedly-harmful-238779">World Health Organisation </a>(WHO).

Mike Ryan, head of the WHO's emergencies programme, said the trial's positive findings were encouraging but would not be enough on their own to bring the epidemic to an end.

"The news today is fantastic. It gives us a new tool in our toolbox against Ebola, but it will not in itself stop Ebola," he told reporters.

Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, also hailed the success of the trial's findings, saying they would 'undoubtedly save lives'.

"The more we learn about these two treatments, the closer we can get to turning Ebola from a terrifying disease to one that is preventable and treatable," he said in a statement.

"We won't ever get rid of Ebola but we should be able to stop these outbreaks from turning into major national and regional epidemics."

Some 681 patients at four separate treatment centres in Congo have already been enrolled in the Congo treatment clinical trial, Fauci said. The study aims to enrol a total of 725.

The decision to drop two of the trial drugs was based on data from almost 500 patients, he said, which showed that those who got REGN-EB3 or mAb114 "had a greater chance of survival compared to those participants in the other two arms".

Scientists are a step closer to finding the first effective treatments for the deadly Ebola haemorrhagic fever after two potential drugs showed the survival rate of as much as 90per cent in a clinical trial in Congo.

Scientists are a step closer to finding the first effective treatments for the deadly Ebola haemorrhagic fever after two potential drugs showed the survival rate of as much as 90per cent in a clinical trial in Congo. Two experimental drugs - Regeneron's and a monoclonal antibody called mAb114 - were both developed using antibodies harvested from survivors of Ebola infection. The treatments are now going to be offered to all patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. They showed 'clearly better' results in patients in a trial of four potential treatments being conducted during the world's second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, now entering its second year in DRC. The drugs improved survival rates from the disease more than two other treatments being tested - ZMapp, made by Mapp Biopharmaceutical, and Remdesivir, made by Gilead Sciences - and those products will be now dropped, said Anthony Fauci, one of the researchers co-leading the trial. The agency said 49per cent of the patients on ZMapp and 53per cent on remdesivir died in the study. In comparison, 29per cent of the patients on REGN-EB3 and 34per cent on mAb-114 died. Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told reporters in a telebriefing the results were "very good news" for the fight against Ebola. "What this means is that we do now have what look like (two) treatments for a disease for which not long ago we had no approach at all," he said. The agency said of the patients who were brought into treatment centres with low levels of virus detected in their blood, 94per cent who got REGN-EB3 and 89per cent on mAb114 survived. In comparison, two-thirds of the patients who got remdesivir and nearly three-fourth on ZMapp survived. Ebola has been spreading in eastern Congo since August 2018 in an outbreak that has now become the second-largest, killing at least 1,800 people. Efforts to control it have been hampered by militia violence and some local resistance to outside help. A vast Ebola outbreak in West Africa become the world's largest-ever when it spread through Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone from 2013 to 2016 and killed more than 11,300 people. The Congo treatment trial, which began in November last year, is being carried out by an international research group coordinated by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Mike Ryan, head of the WHO's emergencies programme, said the trial's positive findings were encouraging but would not be enough on their own to bring the epidemic to an end. "The news today is fantastic. It gives us a new tool in our toolbox against Ebola, but it will not in itself stop Ebola," he told reporters. Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, also hailed the success of the trial's findings, saying they would 'undoubtedly save lives'. "The more we learn about these two treatments, the closer we can get to turning Ebola from a terrifying disease to one that is preventable and treatable," he said in a statement. "We won't ever get rid of Ebola but we should be able to stop these outbreaks from turning into major national and regional epidemics." Some 681 patients at four separate treatment centres in Congo have already been enrolled in the Congo treatment clinical trial, Fauci said. The study aims to enrol a total of 725. The decision to drop two of the trial drugs was based on data from almost 500 patients, he said, which showed that those who got REGN-EB3 or mAb114 "had a greater chance of survival compared to those participants in the other two arms".

Scientists hail promise of first effective Ebola treatments in Congo trial

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a "public health emergency of international concern", saying the recent risk of its spread in the city of Goma and into Uganda had increased the threat.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he had accepted the recommendations of a committee of international experts which stressed there should be no restrictions on travel or trade, and no entry screening of passengers at ports or airports outside the immediate region.

The committee said there were worrying signs of possible extension of the epidemic and that the recent case in Goma was a cause for concern.

But it also maintained that although the risk was very high at national and regional level it was not a global threat.

The WHO has warned that the nearby countries of Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and Uganda are the most at risk, while Central African Republic, Angola, Tanzania, Republic of Congo and Zambia are in a second tier.

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a "public health emergency of international concern", saying the recent risk of its spread in the city of Goma and into Uganda had increased the threat.

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a "public health emergency of international concern", saying the recent risk of its spread in the city of Goma and into Uganda had increased the threat. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he had accepted the recommendations of a committee of international experts which stressed there should be no restrictions on travel or trade, and no entry screening of passengers at ports or airports outside the immediate region. The committee said there were worrying signs of possible extension of the epidemic and that the recent case in Goma was a cause for concern. But it also maintained that although the risk was very high at national and regional level it was not a global threat. The WHO has warned that the nearby countries of Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and Uganda are the most at risk, while Central African Republic, Angola, Tanzania, Republic of Congo and Zambia are in a second tier.

WHO declares Ebola outbreak is international health emergency, but not global threat

The first Ebola patient in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's largest city, Goma, has died, the government said on Tuesday.

The spread of the virus to Goma, a city of roughly 1 million people on the border with Rwanda, has raised fears the outbreak, which is already the second deadliest Ebola epidemic ever, could spread more widely.

The patient was a priest who became infected during a visit to the town of Butembo, one of the epicentres of the outbreak, before taking a bus to Goma, according to Congo's health ministry.

He was being driven from Goma to a clinic in Butembo on Monday to receive treatment when he died, North Kivu province's Governor Carly Nzanzu told an Ebola response meeting.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that health officials had identified 60 people who had come into contact with the pastor since he was taken ill and that half of them had been vaccinated.

Goma, a lakeside city more than 350 kilometres (220 miles) south of where Ebola was first detected a year ago, is the largest city to be affected by the outbreak, which has infected more than 2,500 people and killed nearly 1,700.

Three Ebola cases which originated in Congo were confirmed in neighbouring Uganda a month ago, but no new cases have since been registered in that country.

The first Ebola patient in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's largest city, Goma, has died, the government said on Tuesday. The spread of the virus to Goma, a city of roughly 1 million people on the border with Rwanda, has raised fears the outbreak, which is already the second deadliest Ebola epidemic ever, could spread more widely.

The first Ebola patient in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's largest city, Goma, has died, the government said on Tuesday. The spread of the virus to Goma, a city of roughly 1 million people on the border with Rwanda, has raised fears the outbreak, which is already the second deadliest Ebola epidemic ever, could spread more widely. The patient was a priest who became infected during a visit to the town of Butembo, one of the epicentres of the outbreak, before taking a bus to Goma, according to Congo's health ministry. He was being driven from Goma to a clinic in Butembo on Monday to receive treatment when he died, North Kivu province's Governor Carly Nzanzu told an Ebola response meeting. The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that health officials had identified 60 people who had come into contact with the pastor since he was taken ill and that half of them had been vaccinated. Goma, a lakeside city more than 350 kilometres (220 miles) south of where Ebola was first detected a year ago, is the largest city to be affected by the outbreak, which has infected more than 2,500 people and killed nearly 1,700. Three Ebola cases which originated in Congo were confirmed in neighbouring Uganda a month ago, but no new cases have since been registered in that country.

First Ebola patient in eastern Congo's main city dies

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-defers-hearing-on-naming-lok-sabha-opposition-leader-230569">Delhi High Court </a>on Monday sought the response of the government and police on a plea seeking its direction for the constitution of government bodies at district or group of districts level to enforce the provisions of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-ak-sikri-raises-concern-on-rights-of-mentally-ill-persons-heres-what-sc-judge-says-188435">Mental Health Care Act, 2017</a>.

A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Harishankar issued a notice to respondents based on the petition filed by social activist and advocate Amit Sahani.&nbsp;

The court asked the respondents to file their replies within four weeks and posted the matter for hearing on September 11. In his plea, Sahani sought the court`s direction to constitute the State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards for district or group of the district as mandated by the Mental Health Care Act, 2017.

"Section 33 and Section 45 of the Act mandates for the establishment for the Central Mental Health Authority and State Mental health Authority respectively within 9 months from the date on which the Act receives the assent of the Hon`ble President of India," the plea said.&nbsp;

Citing a WHO study, the plea said one in five Indians may suffer from depression in their lifetime and submitted that most people who experience mental health problems can recover fully if they get appropriate treatment.

"Due to the social stigma attached to mental ill-health, people with mental health problems can experience discrimination in all aspects of their lives. Many people`s problems are made worse by the stigma and discrimination they experience - not only from society but also from families, friends, and employers," the plea read.

"The Act asserts that no person or authority shall classify an individual as a person with mental illness unless indirectly about the treatment of the illness," it added.&nbsp;

The Act has decriminalized attempted suicide which was punishable under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the response of the government and police on a plea seeking its direction for the constitution of government bodies at district or group of districts level to enforce the provisions of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017.

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the response of the government and police on a plea seeking its direction for the constitution of government bodies at district or group of districts level to enforce the provisions of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017. A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Harishankar issued a notice to respondents based on the petition filed by social activist and advocate Amit Sahani. The court asked the respondents to file their replies within four weeks and posted the matter for hearing on September 11. In his plea, Sahani sought the court`s direction to constitute the State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards for district or group of the district as mandated by the Mental Health Care Act, 2017. "Section 33 and Section 45 of the Act mandates for the establishment for the Central Mental Health Authority and State Mental health Authority respectively within 9 months from the date on which the Act receives the assent of the Hon`ble President of India," the plea said. Citing a WHO study, the plea said one in five Indians may suffer from depression in their lifetime and submitted that most people who experience mental health problems can recover fully if they get appropriate treatment. "Due to the social stigma attached to mental ill-health, people with mental health problems can experience discrimination in all aspects of their lives. Many people`s problems are made worse by the stigma and discrimination they experience - not only from society but also from families, friends, and employers," the plea read. "The Act asserts that no person or authority shall classify an individual as a person with mental illness unless indirectly about the treatment of the illness," it added. The Act has decriminalized attempted suicide which was punishable under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.

Delhi High Court seeks state government, police's response on mental health plea

A Myanmar doctor and model who had her medical licence revoked for posting lingerie photos of herself blasted the government for "interfering" with personal freedoms, vowing Saturday to appeal against the medical council's decision in a deeply conservative country.&nbsp;

Nang Mwe San frequently updates her Facebook -- the main mode of online communication in Myanmar -- with photos of herself dressed in swimsuits and lingerie, mimicking US model Kendall Jenner's sheer outfits, as well as form-fitting Myanmar traditional wear.&nbsp;

But while the country's youth have embraced modern clothing and pop culture, attitudes are slow to evolve and the conservative society still frowns on any depictions of overt sexuality.&nbsp;

Her risque outfits ran afoul of the Myanmar Medical Council, who issued her a letter dated June 3 revoking her license for "her dressing style which is against Myanmar culture and tradition".

The notice came after a warning in January, making her promise to take down the Facebook posts, Nang Mwe San said, which she signed but did not comply with.&nbsp;

The 29-year-old, who worked for five years as a general practitioner before pursuing a modelling career in 2017, said there are no specific restrictions on dress code in medical ethics.&nbsp;

"I am not dressed like that when I am treating patients," Nang Mwe San said, adding that this was "unacceptable" and she plans to appeal the council's decision within the month.&nbsp;

"I don’t think they should interfere with personal freedoms and it is not their business," she said, adding that she still hopes to return to medicine in the future.&nbsp;

Myanmar currently faces a "critical shortage" of trained health workers, according to the World Health Organization.

The medical council members could not be reached for comment.&nbsp;

But local netizens had plenty to say, with some harpooning her for criticising a lack of human rights and democracy in Myanmar.&nbsp;

"Human rights is not about exposing your body," said commenter Shwe Thu Razza. "You should maintain a Myanmar culture."&nbsp;

But others came down on the model's side.&nbsp;

"What she wears... outside of work should not matter to her profession," said Swa Win Kyaw.

A Myanmar doctor and model who had her medical licence revoked for posting lingerie photos of herself blasted the government for "interfering" with personal freedoms, vowing Saturday to appeal against the medical council's decision in a deeply conservative country.

A Myanmar doctor and model who had her medical licence revoked for posting lingerie photos of herself blasted the government for "interfering" with personal freedoms, vowing Saturday to appeal against the medical council's decision in a deeply conservative country. Nang Mwe San frequently updates her Facebook -- the main mode of online communication in Myanmar -- with photos of herself dressed in swimsuits and lingerie, mimicking US model Kendall Jenner's sheer outfits, as well as form-fitting Myanmar traditional wear. But while the country's youth have embraced modern clothing and pop culture, attitudes are slow to evolve and the conservative society still frowns on any depictions of overt sexuality. Her risque outfits ran afoul of the Myanmar Medical Council, who issued her a letter dated June 3 revoking her license for "her dressing style which is against Myanmar culture and tradition". The notice came after a warning in January, making her promise to take down the Facebook posts, Nang Mwe San said, which she signed but did not comply with. The 29-year-old, who worked for five years as a general practitioner before pursuing a modelling career in 2017, said there are no specific restrictions on dress code in medical ethics. "I am not dressed like that when I am treating patients," Nang Mwe San said, adding that this was "unacceptable" and she plans to appeal the council's decision within the month. "I don’t think they should interfere with personal freedoms and it is not their business," she said, adding that she still hopes to return to medicine in the future. Myanmar currently faces a "critical shortage" of trained health workers, according to the World Health Organization. The medical council members could not be reached for comment. But local netizens had plenty to say, with some harpooning her for criticising a lack of human rights and democracy in Myanmar. "Human rights is not about exposing your body," said commenter Shwe Thu Razza. "You should maintain a Myanmar culture." But others came down on the model's side. "What she wears... outside of work should not matter to her profession," said Swa Win Kyaw.

Myanmar doctor-turned-model hits back at ban over revealing photos

Fighting near Tripoli has killed 121 people and wounded 561 since strongman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-pm-accuses-rival-khalifa-haftar-of-betrayal-over-tripoli-offensive-208472">Khalifa Haftar</a> launched an offensive earlier this month to take the Libyan capital, the World Health Organization said Sunday.

WHO's Libya account said on Twitter the organisation was sending medical supplies and more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-united-nations-chief-urges-ceasefire-to-avert-bloody-battle-for-tripoli-209548">staff to Tripoli,</a> and denounced "repeated attacks on health care workers, vehicles" during the fighting which erupted on April 4.

Haftar's forces, which control swathes of the country's east, have defied international calls to halt their battle against fighters loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord based in Tripoli.

The United Nations' office for humanitarian affairs said more than 13,500 people had been displaced by the clashes, while more than 900 residents are living in shelters.

"Three medical personnel have been killed and five ambulances have been incapacitated by shrapnel," OCHA said in a Saturday statement.

As well as fighting on the ground, the two sides have launched daily air raids and accuse each other of targeting civilians.

The north African country has been in turmoil since the NATO-backed overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, which has led to the creation of a bewildering array of militias all seeking to take control.

Haftar backs a rival administration based in eastern Libya that refuses to recognise the UN-backed unity government led by Fayez al-Sarraj.

Fighting near Tripoli has killed 121 people and wounded 561 since strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive earlier this month to take the Libyan capital, the World Health Organization said Sunday.

Fighting near Tripoli has killed 121 people and wounded 561 since strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive earlier this month to take the Libyan capital, the World Health Organization said Sunday. WHO's Libya account said on Twitter the organisation was sending medical supplies and more staff to Tripoli, and denounced "repeated attacks on health care workers, vehicles" during the fighting which erupted on April 4. Haftar's forces, which control swathes of the country's east, have defied international calls to halt their battle against fighters loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord based in Tripoli. The United Nations' office for humanitarian affairs said more than 13,500 people had been displaced by the clashes, while more than 900 residents are living in shelters. "Three medical personnel have been killed and five ambulances have been incapacitated by shrapnel," OCHA said in a Saturday statement. As well as fighting on the ground, the two sides have launched daily air raids and accuse each other of targeting civilians. The north African country has been in turmoil since the NATO-backed overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, which has led to the creation of a bewildering array of militias all seeking to take control. Haftar backs a rival administration based in eastern Libya that refuses to recognise the UN-backed unity government led by Fayez al-Sarraj.

121 killed, nearly 600 wounded in Libya fighting: WHO

Road accidents kill someone every 24 seconds, with a total of 1.35 million traffic deaths around the world each year, the World Health Organization said Friday, demanding global action.

The number of fatalities annually has swelled by around 100,000 in just three years, with road accidents now the leading killer of children and young people between the ages of five and 29, the UN health agency said in a new report.

"These deaths are an unacceptable price to pay for mobility," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.&nbsp;

"There is no excuse for inaction. This is a problem with proven solutions," he said.

The WHO's Global Status Report on Road Safety, based on data from 2016, showed that the situation is worsening.

In its last report, based on data from 2013, the number of road traffic deaths was estimated at 1.25 million annually.

But despite the increase in the overall number of deaths, the rate of death compared to the growing number of people and cars in the world has stabilised in recent years.

"This suggests that existing road safety efforts in some middle and high-income countries have mitigated the situation," WHO said.

This is largely due to better legislation around key risks, including speeding, drinking and driving, and failing to use a seatbelt, child restraints or helmets, the report found.

Safer infrastructure like sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes and better vehicle standards have also paid off.&nbsp;

But while many countries have stepped up efforts to improve the situation, many poorer nations are lagging way behind.

According to Friday's report, "not a single low-income country has demonstrated a reduction in overall deaths", adding that the risk of a road traffic death remains three times higher there than in high-income countries.

The death rate in Africa is particularly high, counting 26.6 annual traffic deaths for every 100,000 citizens, compared with 9.3 in Europe, where the death rate is the lowest.

Friday's report also shows a devastating disregard for the most vulnerable in traffic, with more than half of all those killed in road accidents either walking or on two wheels.

Pedestrians and cyclists account for 26 per cent of all traffic deaths, with the figure as high as 44 per cent in Africa.

Motorcyclists and their passengers meanwhile account for 28 per cent of all road deaths, but the figure soars to 43 per cent in Southeast Asia, the report said.

Road accidents kill someone every 24 seconds, with a total of 1.35 million traffic deaths around the world each year, the World Health Organization said Friday, demanding global action.

Road accidents kill someone every 24 seconds, with a total of 1.35 million traffic deaths around the world each year, the World Health Organization said Friday, demanding global action. The number of fatalities annually has swelled by around 100,000 in just three years, with road accidents now the leading killer of children and young people between the ages of five and 29, the UN health agency said in a new report. "These deaths are an unacceptable price to pay for mobility," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. "There is no excuse for inaction. This is a problem with proven solutions," he said. The WHO's Global Status Report on Road Safety, based on data from 2016, showed that the situation is worsening. In its last report, based on data from 2013, the number of road traffic deaths was estimated at 1.25 million annually. But despite the increase in the overall number of deaths, the rate of death compared to the growing number of people and cars in the world has stabilised in recent years. "This suggests that existing road safety efforts in some middle and high-income countries have mitigated the situation," WHO said. This is largely due to better legislation around key risks, including speeding, drinking and driving, and failing to use a seatbelt, child restraints or helmets, the report found. Safer infrastructure like sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes and better vehicle standards have also paid off. But while many countries have stepped up efforts to improve the situation, many poorer nations are lagging way behind. According to Friday's report, "not a single low-income country has demonstrated a reduction in overall deaths", adding that the risk of a road traffic death remains three times higher there than in high-income countries. The death rate in Africa is particularly high, counting 26.6 annual traffic deaths for every 100,000 citizens, compared with 9.3 in Europe, where the death rate is the lowest. Friday's report also shows a devastating disregard for the most vulnerable in traffic, with more than half of all those killed in road accidents either walking or on two wheels. Pedestrians and cyclists account for 26 per cent of all traffic deaths, with the figure as high as 44 per cent in Africa. Motorcyclists and their passengers meanwhile account for 28 per cent of all road deaths, but the figure soars to 43 per cent in Southeast Asia, the report said.

Road accident deaths swell to 1.35 million each year: WHO

Dozens of Yemeni rebels have been killed in battles and air strikes in Hodeida, medics said Sunday, as pro-government forces advanced in the insurgent-held Red Sea port city.

The bloodshed comes despite growing international pressure to end a years-long conflict that has left thousands dead.

Fifty-three Huthi rebels were killed and dozens were injured over the past 24 hours, medical sources in Hodeida told AFP.

Clashes intensified in the city and centred around its university on Saturday and Sunday morning, a pro-government military official said.

Huthi media reported air strikes in Hodeida on Sunday but did not give a fighter casualty toll.

Military officials said Saudi-led coalition warplanes carried out dozens of air strikes to support pro-government forces in the fighting which began on Thursday evening.

Thirteen pro-government troops were killed, medical sources in Aden and Mokha -- where the fighters were transported -- told AFP.

The clashes erupted just hours after the government said Thursday it was ready to restart peace talks with the Iran-backed Huthis.

The offer followed a surprise call by the United States for an end to the Yemen war, including air strikes by the coalition.

Hodeida port is the entry point for more than 70 per cent of imports into the impoverished country, which is teetering on the edge of famine.

'Shamefully slow to act'

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, a special envoy for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), appealed for an immediate ceasefire.

"As an international community we have been shamefully slow to act to end the crisis in Yemen," she said in a statement during a trip to South Korea.

"We have watched the situation deteriorate to the point that Yemen is now on the brink of man-made famine, and facing the worst cholera epidemic in the world in decades," Jolie added.

"The only way to enable refugees to return home, and to bring down the overall numbers worldwide, is to end conflicts themselves."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday had called for a halt to violence to pull Yemen back from the "precipice".

After UN-backed peace talks collapsed in September, the coalition announced it was relaunching an assault on Hodeida.

Yemeni government officials said Tuesday that the coalition had sent more than 10,000 new troops towards the battleground city.

Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in the war in 2015 to bolster Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the rebels took over the capital Sanaa and drove the government further south to Aden.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 10,000 people have since been killed.&nbsp;

Some rights groups estimate the toll could be five times higher.

Dozens of Yemeni rebels have been killed in battles and air strikes in Hodeida, medics said Sunday, as pro-government forces advanced in the insurgent-held Red Sea port city.

Dozens of Yemeni rebels have been killed in battles and air strikes in Hodeida, medics said Sunday, as pro-government forces advanced in the insurgent-held Red Sea port city. The bloodshed comes despite growing international pressure to end a years-long conflict that has left thousands dead. Fifty-three Huthi rebels were killed and dozens were injured over the past 24 hours, medical sources in Hodeida told AFP. Clashes intensified in the city and centred around its university on Saturday and Sunday morning, a pro-government military official said. Huthi media reported air strikes in Hodeida on Sunday but did not give a fighter casualty toll. Military officials said Saudi-led coalition warplanes carried out dozens of air strikes to support pro-government forces in the fighting which began on Thursday evening. Thirteen pro-government troops were killed, medical sources in Aden and Mokha -- where the fighters were transported -- told AFP. The clashes erupted just hours after the government said Thursday it was ready to restart peace talks with the Iran-backed Huthis. The offer followed a surprise call by the United States for an end to the Yemen war, including air strikes by the coalition. Hodeida port is the entry point for more than 70 per cent of imports into the impoverished country, which is teetering on the edge of famine. 'Shamefully slow to act' Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, a special envoy for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), appealed for an immediate ceasefire. "As an international community we have been shamefully slow to act to end the crisis in Yemen," she said in a statement during a trip to South Korea. "We have watched the situation deteriorate to the point that Yemen is now on the brink of man-made famine, and facing the worst cholera epidemic in the world in decades," Jolie added. "The only way to enable refugees to return home, and to bring down the overall numbers worldwide, is to end conflicts themselves." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday had called for a halt to violence to pull Yemen back from the "precipice". After UN-backed peace talks collapsed in September, the coalition announced it was relaunching an assault on Hodeida. Yemeni government officials said Tuesday that the coalition had sent more than 10,000 new troops towards the battleground city. Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in the war in 2015 to bolster Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the rebels took over the capital Sanaa and drove the government further south to Aden. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 10,000 people have since been killed. Some rights groups estimate the toll could be five times higher.

Dozens of Yemeni rebels killed in Red Sea port city: Medics

Indian health officials were checking on Wednesday if a rare, brain-damaging virus had spread to a second state after two suspected cases reported in southern Karnataka, as the death toll in adjacent Kerala, where the outbreak began, rose to 11.

The world's second most populous country suffers hundreds of deaths from infectious diseases every year because of weak disease surveillance and infection control systems, leading health experts to worry about the risks of such outbreaks.

There is no vaccine for the&nbsp;Nipah&nbsp;virus, carried by fruit bats and spread through contact with bodily fluids, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-may-spread-to-mumbai-goa-all-travellers-from-kerala-to-be-checked--138809">After </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-may-spread-to-mumbai-goa-all-travellers-from-kerala-to-be-checked--138809">outbreak</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-may-spread-to-mumbai-goa-all-travellers-from-kerala-to-be-checked--138809"> in Kerala, Nipah virus may spread to Mumbai, Goa</a>

Treatment for the virus, which has a mortality rate of about 70 percent, is supportive care.

Symptoms of the virus surfaced in a 20-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man in the port city of Mangalore after they travelled to neighbouring Kerala and had contact with infected patients, said Rajesh BV, a health official in Karnataka.

"They are not confirmed&nbsp;Nipah&nbsp;cases yet, so there is no need to panic," he said by telephone. "The situation is under control."

The patients are being treated and samples of their blood have been sent for screening, with results expected by Thursday, he added.

Health officials investigating the outbreak in Kerala, where the first death happened on Friday, have traced it to a well infested with bats from which the victims drew water.

Human-to-human transmission of the virus has been recorded in previous outbreaks in India that killed as many as 50 people.

Travel to Kerala, a popular tourist destination, was declared safe by Rajeev Sadanandan, a state health official, who said the outbreak "remains highly localised", with all cases linked to one family.

He declined to comment on the Mangalore cases but identified the districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad for tourists in Kerala to avoid, as being close to the outbreak and under scrutiny by health officials.

"Since there are many foreigners who travel to Kerala, we are advising they can avoid these districts for abundant caution," he told.

A nurse who treated three of the Kerala victims succumbed to the infection on Monday, Health Minister K.K. Shailaja told a news briefing, where she announced payment of compensation to her family and others who lost family members to the infection.

At least 17 patients are under treatment, Shailaja added.

"All steps to prevent the spread of the virus have been taken," she added, urging people not to destroy colonies of fruit bats.

The virus has so far killed 11 people in Kerala. The World Health Organisation says there is no vaccine

Indian health officials were checking on Wednesday if a rare, brain-damaging virus had spread to a second state after two suspected cases reported in southern Karnataka, as the death toll in adjacent Kerala, where the outbreak began, rose to 11. The world's second most populous country suffers hundreds of deaths from infectious diseases every year because of weak disease surveillance and infection control systems, leading health experts to worry about the risks of such outbreaks. There is no vaccine for the Nipah virus, carried by fruit bats and spread through contact with bodily fluids, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Also read: After outbreak in Kerala, Nipah virus may spread to Mumbai, Goa Treatment for the virus, which has a mortality rate of about 70 percent, is supportive care. Symptoms of the virus surfaced in a 20-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man in the port city of Mangalore after they travelled to neighbouring Kerala and had contact with infected patients, said Rajesh BV, a health official in Karnataka. "They are not confirmed Nipah cases yet, so there is no need to panic," he said by telephone. "The situation is under control." The patients are being treated and samples of their blood have been sent for screening, with results expected by Thursday, he added. Health officials investigating the outbreak in Kerala, where the first death happened on Friday, have traced it to a well infested with bats from which the victims drew water. Human-to-human transmission of the virus has been recorded in previous outbreaks in India that killed as many as 50 people. Travel to Kerala, a popular tourist destination, was declared safe by Rajeev Sadanandan, a state health official, who said the outbreak "remains highly localised", with all cases linked to one family. He declined to comment on the Mangalore cases but identified the districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad for tourists in Kerala to avoid, as being close to the outbreak and under scrutiny by health officials. "Since there are many foreigners who travel to Kerala, we are advising they can avoid these districts for abundant caution," he told. A nurse who treated three of the Kerala victims succumbed to the infection on Monday, Health Minister K.K. Shailaja told a news briefing, where she announced payment of compensation to her family and others who lost family members to the infection. At least 17 patients are under treatment, Shailaja added. "All steps to prevent the spread of the virus have been taken," she added, urging people not to destroy colonies of fruit bats.

Two suspected cases of Nipah virus reported from Karnataka