The rise of dengue cases in America The rise of dengue cases in America Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma March 5, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research And Policy Communicable diseases, Outbreaks In the Americas, the number of dengue cases has been increasing rapidly . In the first five weeks of 2024, 11 countries have reported a rise in the number of infections. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiologic alert, stating that compared to the same period in 2023, cases have increased by 157% and are 225% above the five-year average. Last year, the Americas recorded over 4.5 million cases , and this year they have already recorded more than 6,73,000 dengue infections , including 700 severe cases and 102 deaths. Brazil has reported the highest number of dengue infections with over 4,55,000 cases . All four serotypes of the virus are circulating in the Americas region this year, with varying proportions in different countries. However, Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico are experiencing a circulation of all four serotypes. In January, Brazil launched a dengue vaccination campaign, targeting 3.2 million people with the Qdenga vaccine manufactured by Takeda . This made Brazil the first country to offer a dengue vaccine through its public health system. PAHO, in its latest alert, urged countries to intensify efforts to control Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, enhance surveillance, and ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

The hidden health risks of "acceptable" air quality The hidden health risks of "acceptable" air quality Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi July 11, 2024 The Lancet Planetary Health Journal Air quality, air pollution, Health risks The objectives of the study were as follows: To investigate the association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and daily mortality in multiple Indian cities To estimate the mortality attributable to PM 2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines for safe exposure(24 h ambient PM 2·5 standards of 15 μg/m3 not to be exceeded more than three to four times per year) and even exceeding India's own less stringent ambient air quality standards for 24 h ambient exposure (i.e., 60 μg/m3). For the study, data was collected from daily all-cause mortality records maintained by the death registries of ten municipal corporations in India. These areas represent the five climate-zone classifications needed to perform time-series analysis. The following interpretations have been made: 1. Short-term PM 2.5 exposure is associated with a high risk of death in India, even at levels below the Indian standard. 2. Associations were stronger for locally generated pollutants, supporting a causal link through causal modeling methods compared to conventional time-series analysis. The study underscores the urgent need for improved air quality management in India by providing critical evidence that short-term exposure to locally generated PM 2.5 significantly increases daily mortality rates, even at levels below current national standards. Thus, it highlights the profound impact of air pollution on public health. Click here to read more .

The outbreak of Legionnaire's: Lenient regulations lead to multiple cases The outbreak of Legionnaire's: Lenient regulations lead to multiple cases Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav November 6, 2024 Centre for Infectious Disease and Research Policy Infectious diseases, Outbreak investigations, International health Twelve cases of Legionnaires' disease were reported among passengers on two cruise ships between November 2022 and June 2024. The regulations applied to private hot tubs are lenient, and when improperly maintained and run, they provide ideal conditions for Legionella development and transmission. Aerosols from private hot tubs can transfer diseases to public spaces. The researchers advise cruise ship water management personnel to inventory and assess private balcony hot tubs and modify public hot tub maintenance and operating protocols for private outdoor hot tubs.

Air quality crisis: Report by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal August 7, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Air pollution, National Ambient Air Quality Standards The data shows that 140 localities were listed on the daily list of the most polluting cities from January to June. 51 of these cities showed up at least ten times during the six months. Assam/Meghalaya's Byrnihat was found to be the most polluted city in India in July 2024 , with an average monthly PM2.5 concentration of 90 µg/m³, exceeding the daily National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Of India's ten most polluted cities, two were found in Bihar and Haryana , three were in Rajasthan, and one in Punjab, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh. In July 2024, the daily list of the top 10 most polluted cities included 61 cities; only 20 are included in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). There is no action plan for the remaining 41 to lower dangerously high levels of air pollution. CREA's monitoring of India's air quality, exemplified by such a devastating ranking, underscores the urgent need for effective pollution control to safeguard public health. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Earth with Faith: Interfaith Harmony Week Content Editor: Dr. Gopika February 19, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Interfaith, Climate change, SDG February 1-7 every year is observed as World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) It was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 Mutual apprehension & interreligious dialogue account for important dimensions of a culture of peace and non-violence. The General Assembly established WIHW as a way to encourage harmony between all people, irrespective of faith. Religious & spiritual communities are key to fighting against climate change and achieving SDGs. The UNEP promotes faith-based organizations to work collectively with them. They’re working against erratic climate events by: Spreading the science of climate change through preachers Transforming worship places into renewable infrastructure Advocating for climate justice Promoting tree-growing projects The concept was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the UN in 2010 The proposal was adopted by the General Assembly after acknowledging the immediate need to foster better relationships between different religious groups This observance offers a platform for people to come together & celebrate their differences in a world frequently divided by religious conflicts & misunderstandings The various activities done during this week include: Cultural exchange Interfaith dialogue & discussions Community service projects Click here to read more. Previous Next

Teleophthalmology: The environmental and economic impact Teleophthalmology: The environmental and economic impact Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel April 16, 2024 Eye Journal Teleophthalmology, Telemedicine, Carbon Emissions, Research findings A study conducted by the LV Prasad Eye Institute at Hyderabad, Telangana assessed the economic and environmental impact of teleophthalmology services provided by them at their primary (rural) and tertiary (urban) eyecare networks . The findings from the study were as follows - The environmental impact was assessed by the “carbon emissions saved” by various potential transport methods utilized by the patients. The economic impact was calculated by the “potential direct (travel expenses) and indirect (wages lost, food expenses) costs saved” by the patient . Among 173 patients seen at the primary setup, 2.89 kg of CO2 emissions and 80 km of travel were saved per person, while INR 19970 and INR 29100 were saved in direct and indirect costs, respectively. For 151 patients seen at the urban setup, 176.6 kg of CO2 emissions and 1666 km of travel per person were saved, while INR 758870 and INR 347800 were saved in direct and indirect costs, respectively. Thus, the authors called for greater emphasis on telemedicine as an economically and environmentally viable mode of treatment. Click here to read more

Hepatitis E outbreak in Chad, reports say 2092 suspected cases, including seven deaths Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar May 25, 2024 at 3:04:05 PM Disease Outbreak, International Health Two health districts in Ouaddai province, Adre and Hadjer-Hadid, reported a total of 2092 suspected cases, including seven deaths, between January 2 and April 28. Ninety-five percent of these came from seven camps and transit locations for refugees. There were 27 pregnant women among the suspected cases, and the age categories most afflicted were 18–59 (representing 23.9%) and 6–17 (53.2%). Hepatitis-E cases have been documented from camps in the Ouaddai district of eastern Chad that house Sudanese refugees and returnees from Chad. In the impacted districts, response efforts are underway with assistance from UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, MSF Spain, MSF Switzerland, and WHO. The activities include epidemiological surveillance, laboratory confirmation of cases, Infection prevention and control, Water, sanitation and hygiene(WASH), risk communication and community engagement (RCCE). MSF Switzerland and WHO have educated community health professionals to assist with response efforts. Click here to read more Previous Next

Climate change and biodiversity loss: The global health emergency Climate change and biodiversity loss: The global health emergency Content Editor: Dr Anamika July 6, 2024 Indian Journal Of Medical Research Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Environment Over 200 health journals have recognized climate change and biodiversity loss as an indivisible global health emergency. Currently, efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss are largely fragmented , with separate discussions and actions at upcoming COPs on climate and biodiversity. With planetary health, the world has recognized that everything is made up of one overall interdependent system. Disruptions in ecosystems threaten food and water security , increase poverty, and exacerbate social inequalities , leading to mass migration and conflict on top of risks of environmental damage leading to various diseases.. Despite international commitments made at previous COPs, many pledges remain unfulfilled, pushing ecosystems closer to irreversible tipping points. The urgency of these challenges necessitates immediate action . The World Health Organization is urged to declare the combined climate and biodiversity crises a global health emergency , given their severity, global reach, and the imperative for coordinated international responses. Addressing this emergency demands integrated approaches that align climate and biodiversity agendas with broader societal changes. Health professionals must play a pivotal role as advocates for comprehensive action, while political leaders must recognize the dual threat to health and the potential benefits of holistic crisis management . Click here to read more.

FSSAI tightens antibiotic residue limits in food products PHC Editor November 16, 2024 at 2:15:58 PM FSSAI, Antibiotic residues, Food safety, Antimicrobial resistance The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has revised antibiotic residue norms for meat, milk, poultry, eggs, and aquaculture products to combat antimicrobial resistance. The new regulations, effective April 1, 2025, lower permissible antibiotic levels and expand the list of monitored drugs. The FSSAI has also banned antibiotic use in honey production and set new limits for contaminants like ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol in wheat, barley, rye, and coffee. These measures aim to address the rise of 'superbugs'—bacteria and fungi resistant to antibiotics —resulting from misuse in agriculture and healthcare. Experts emphasize that strict enforcement of these regulations is crucial to ensure consumer safety and mitigate antimicrobial resistance. Previous Next

How has maternal mental health been following the COVID-19 pandemic? Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 18, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Maternal health, mental health, COVID-19 Recently, a review was published on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of mothers and their caregivers. Two of the astounding effects of the pandemic are as follows: 1. The mental health crises 2. Stagnation or reversal of improvements in maternal mortality. It was reported that due to the pandemic, numerous healthcare providers engaged in providing maternal care fell ill, lost their lives, or left the profession. This significantly affected maternal care and thus had a great impact on maternal mental health. Despite the high burden, a 90% treatment gap exists in low and middle-income countries. Regardless of the mounting evidence, there is a lack of integration of mental health services with that of maternal care. Maternal health plays a significant role in child and family health, thus affecting the socioeconomic development of a country. The review envisions developing healthcare that is whole-person, family-centered, and context-responsive. Click here to read more Previous Next