The World Health Organization (WHO) says the public health risk from the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius remains very low despite several infections and deaths associated with the vessel. Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, May 8, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier explained that the virus spreads only through…
The new National President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti, has described the country’s healthcare system as being in a troubling state, drawing attention to the difficult conditions many doctors face. “In some hospitals, doctors stay in rooms not even suitable for domestic animals, yet they are expected to deliver at their…
The United States has reversed a policy that had suspended visa processing for foreign-trained doctors, allowing physicians from Nigeria and roughly 38 other countries to continue their applications. According to a report by The New York Times, the restriction, introduced in January, had paused decisions on visa extensions, work permits, and green card applications for…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that Nigeria and nine other countries accounted for the majority of global hepatitis-related deaths in 2024. In its 2026 Global Hepatitis Report, the WHO stated that hepatitis B and C—responsible for about 95 percent of hepatitis deaths—claimed roughly 1.34 million lives in 2024, with an estimated 1.8 million…
The Oyo State Government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever, including one fatality, and says emergency response measures have been activated to contain the outbreak. At a press briefing, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed that affected patients are receiving treatment at designated isolation centres, including the State Infectious Disease Centre and the…
Both chambers of the Parliament of the United Kingdom have passed landmark legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation by preventing anyone currently aged 17 or younger from ever legally purchasing cigarettes. The proposed measure, known as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, would prohibit the sale of tobacco products to individuals born on or after…
The Cross River State Government says it has identified and isolated 10 individuals who had contact with a Chinese national linked to a new COVID-19 case in the country. The state epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, said the individuals were traced during contact tracing efforts by health officials. She explained that her team also visited the patient’s…
California is grappling with a growing measles outbreak after two additional cases were confirmed in Sacramento County, raising the statewide total to 34. The latest infections involve unvaccinated children. Health officials noted that while vaccinated individuals are generally well protected, the disease can be serious for those who are not immunized. “The continued identification of…
Bangladesh is experiencing a surge in suspected measles cases, with officials reporting that at least 98 children may have died over the past three weeks as authorities ramp up vaccination efforts. Data from the health ministry indicates that 6,476 children between six months and five years old have shown symptoms consistent with measles—a sharp rise…
A new study has linked two chemicals commonly used to make plastics more flexible to nearly 2 million premature births and about 74,000 newborn deaths worldwide in 2018. A baby is considered premature when born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Health experts warn that those who survive early birth may experience serious complications, including breathing…
