Connect with us

Health

Growing number of whooping cough infections in the US and Europe raises concerns among medical professionals

Published

on

Cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, are increasing in the US and Europe. Experts claim they don’t know why. Health professionals throughout the European continent began to notice something strange in the winter of 2023. Pertussis, another name for whooping cough, was becoming more common. Furthermore, it wasn’t limited to Europe. Additionally, US health officials started to record an increase in instances of whooping cough. Furthermore, the number of cases in the UK has reached its highest level in twenty years.

The number of cases in Europe had increased by March 2024 compared to the previous ten years (the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) did not issue numbers before to 2011). In Europe, reports of 32,000 instances were received between January and March of 2024. The ECDC estimates that 38,000 cases of pertussis are reported annually on average throughout Europe. Whooping cough incidences could tenfold rise in 2024 compared to a normal year if the current trend persists.

The bulk of instances in Europe occurred among newborns, a population for which whooping cough can be fatal, according to data from the ECDC’s most recent study on the matter. Ten to fourteen-year-olds accounted for the second-highest reported case group.

Paul Hunter, an English professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, said DW that these numbers should be regarded cautiously. He indicated there might be more cases than were recorded. Babies are significantly more likely than other demographic groups to be diagnosed with whooping cough because they are at such a high risk of contracting it. It’s possible that a large number of elderly people suffer undiagnosed whooping cough as well.

However, Hunter added that there’s a chance that a similar spread is occurring. According to him, doctors may be more inclined to diagnose cases now that they are aware of whooping cough than they were in the past, which could further skew the statistics.

Use of vaccines during pregnancy

The symptoms of whooping cough initially resemble a cold. A low-grade fever, runny nose, sneezing, and sporadic coughing are possible symptoms for patients. However, after a few weeks of having pertussis, coughing fits that sound like a high-pitched “whoop” may begin. While minor cases might not have the accompanying whoop, the sickness is most severe in youngsters and newborns. Up to ten weeks may pass during this phase.

Advertisement

Say experts, they have no idea why there is a spike in instances. Like most infectious illness outbreaks, this one might be caused by a number of unrelated events happening all at once. It might be the outcome of the consistent drop in pertussis vaccinations given to expectant mothers throughout Europe, in addition to a general reduction in infant vaccination rates. This would provide some insight into the newborns’ situation. If their mothers did not receive a vaccination throughout their pregnancies, the newborns have no defence against whooping cough.

“​​You only start vaccinating children against whooping cough at about eight weeks,” Hunter stated. “And the majority of the most serious illnesses typically occur earlier than that.” The May ECDC report states that rates of pertussis immunisation during pregnancy vary greatly around the European continent. In 2023, 88% of expectant Spanish citizens received a pertussis vaccination. Just 1.6% of people in the Czech Republic, where instances of pertussis have sharply increased, had received the vaccination in the same year. Pregnant women’s uptake in the UK has decreased over the last ten years, going from over 70% in 2016 to roughly 60% in 2023.

The role of COVID
Furthermore, the increase may have resulted from a decline in population-wide immunity following the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by health experts. The pandemic’s stringent measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2, such as mask use, hand washing, and limiting social interaction in public areas, resulted in historically low levels of flu and strep infections.

Cases have resumed growing since the pandemic’s termination. However, according to Hunter, that is insufficient to account for the sharp rise in whooping cough cases. This is because, before to the pandemic, whooping cough was not a serious illness in the general population. It was uncommon, but it was there. Not the flu, though. In the years after the pandemic, the number of flu cases may have doubled.

vaccination against pertussis

According to specialists, the whooping cough vaccines themselves may be the third potential aggravating reason. Midway through the 20th century, developed nations including the US, Canada, and portions of Europe saw the introduction of the first pertussis vaccination. It has unfavourable side effects despite being incredibly powerful. The ensuing dramatic decline in uptake resulted in outbreaks during the 1970s and 1980s.

Advertisement

Countries started rolling out second-generation pertussis vaccines in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Instead of using a full cell, this new version used an acellular shot. It was somewhat less successful than the first vaccine, providing immunity for a shorter duration, even though it did not cause the side effects.

What should I do next?
According to Andrew Preston, a professor and whooping cough expert at the University of Bath in the UK, the increase in instances raises challenging questions for medical professionals treating whooping cough, as reported by DW. He stated that while using boosters to reduce spread would be a possibility, “it’s not entirely clear how often you can boost without losing effectiveness.”

Or are we content with the current state of affairs, where everyone else only has to occasionally deal with a persistent cough as long as we can prevent newborns from being seriously sick and dying? Preston mentioned that there are pertussis vaccinations available now, some of which have the potential to confer “far superior” immunity in comparison to the two now in use.

But he said that it would be difficult to include these doses into the present immunisation regimen. In the UK and much of Europe, the pertussis vaccination is given in combination with five other vaccines in a single shot; therefore, adding a new vaccine would need redesigning the existing combination vaccine. “You’d have to reformulate all those other vaccines, and that’s just a monstrous task,” Preston added.

General News Platform – https://ihtlive.com/
Entertainment News Platforms – anyflix.in 
Construction Infrastructure and Mining News Platform – https://cimreviews.com/
Podcast Platforms – https://anyfm.in/

Advertisement

Fashion

In a lavender Manish Malhotra saree, Hania Aamir sports her most gorgeous ethnic ensemble to date. View its astounding cost.

Published

on

Hania Aamir serves stunning ethnic fashion inspiration in lavender Manish Malhotra tissue saree. Wondering how much it costs? Scroll down for all the details.

Hania Aamir is leaving fashion lovers spellbound with her stunning ethnic diaries. The Pakistani actor has been rocking back-to-back traditional outfits by Indian designers, turning her Insta feed into a goldmine of fashion inspo. For her latest look, the 27-year-old slipped into six yards of grace and looked straight out of a royal fairytale. Let’s break down her saree look and steal some style tips for your ethnic wardrobe. Hania Aamir stuns in lavender saree
On Monday, Hania took to Instagram and uploaded a series of gorgeous snaps accompanied by the caption “gave mermaid.” Draped in a dreamy lavender saree, the star looked absolutely breathtaking while serving some striking glam poses. Let’s take a moment to soak in her ethereal beauty.

Hania’s saree is crafted from luxurious tissue fabric and features intricately embroidered borders, showcasing stunning zari work, beads, and sequin detailing throughout. Draped to perfection, she let the pallu elegantly cascade from her shoulder, adding a regal charm to her look. She teamed it up with a matching embroidered blouse, complete with delicate handmade tassels at the back.

How much does her saree cost?
Can’t stop swooning over Hania’s gorgeous saree? We’ve got all the details you need to add this stunner to your collection. Her six yards is straight from the shelves of ace designer Manish Malhotra and is priced at ₹3,95,000.

Hania accessorised her ethnic look with dazzling diamond jewellery, including statement drop earrings, a chic choker necklace, a sleek bracelet, and a stunning ring adorning her finger. Her dewy makeup featured shimmer eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, mascara-coated lashes, blushed cheeks, a luminous highlighter, and glossy nude lipstick. With her long, luscious tresses left loose in a side partition, she perfectly finished off her look.

Group Media Publications
Entertainment News Platforms – anyflix.in
Construction Infrastructure and Mining News Platform – https://cimreviews.com/
General News Platform – https://ihtlive.com/

Continue Reading

Health

Knowing the main distinctions and risks between HMPV and COVID-19.

Published

on

As India logs 5 cases of HMPV, here’s all you need to know about how human metapneumovirus is different from Covid-19 and warning signs to watch out for.

HMPV virus is not a novel virus – it was first isolated in 2001 by Van den Hoogen and her colleagues in Netherlands in the nasopharyngeal secretions of children with respiratory tract infections. The virus was named human metapneumovirus because it was a metapneumovirus that used humans as a host.

The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. Studies show it has circulated in human populations since the 1970s, though it was first identified by scientists in 2001.

The virus accounts for 4-16% of acute respiratory infections globally, with cases usually peaking between November and May. While most adults have developed immunity through previous exposure, hMPV can cause more severe symptoms in infants encountering it for the first time and in people with weakened immune systems.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sangeeta V Budur, Consultant – Paediatrics and Paediatric Intensive Care at Aster RV Hospital, shared, “It is known to cause a range of illnesses from mild upper respiratory infections to severe pneumonia , bronchiolitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. About 5 to 25% of the acute pediatric lower respiratory tract infections are associated with HMPV. The viral outbreaks peak in winter and spring season in northern hemisphere and June and July in southern hemisphere.”

Who are the vulnerable population?
Dr Sangeeta V Budur revealed, “No age group is immune to the virus, reinfection occurs throughout the life but subsequent infections are mild. Infants, children under 2 years, elderly, Immuno-compromised persons or those with underlying chronic medical conditions are more vulnerable to the severe disease. The HMPV infection appears to be ubiquitous, as virtually all children are exposed by the age of 5 years.”

How does it spread?
According to Dr Sangeeta V Budur, just like any other respiratory illness, HMPV spread via respiratory droplets i.e. coughing, sneezing or contact with infected secretions.

How is it different from Covid -19 ?
Dr Sangeeta V Budur informed, “Both viruses cause minor respiratory symptoms in most of the infected people but Covid -19 has a broader spectrum of symptoms involving multiple body systems and a higher potential for systemic complications. The comparison between the two viruses is difficult though the spread is through the droplets via the respiratory route in both. HMPV is less transmittable and has less severe symptoms as compared to Covid-19.”

What are the symptoms of HMPV virus?
Dr Sangeeta V Budur answered, “Most of the symptoms are mild flu like lasting 5- 7 days requiring outpatient visits. But in children under five , HMPV is responsible for 3-10% of hospital admissions. Among the hospitalized children high grade fever, respiratory distress, wheezing rare the predominant symptoms.”

What are the respiratory illnesses caused by HMPV?
As per Dr Sangeeta V Budur, HMPV is mainly known to cause upper respiratory tract infection in most of the children but bronchiolitis, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome in few which require hospitalization, oxygen therapy including mechanical ventilation.

How to diagnose HMPV infection?
Dr Sangeeta V Budur highlighted, “Diagnosing HMPV based solely on symptoms is difficult, as it mimics other respiratory infections like respiratory syncytial virus( RSV) and influenza. PCR testing on nasopharyngeal secretions for detecting HMPV RNA is the gold standard. In India, surveillance systems like ICMR and the Integrated disease surveillance Programme( IDSP) regularly test for respiratory viruses including HMPV.”

What are treatment options for HMPV?
There is no specific antiviral drug available. Dr Sangeeta V Budur said, “Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive with antipyretics and antihistaminics. Hospitalised children may need oxygen therapy , nebulizations and rarely mechanical ventilation among the severely infected.”

What are preventive measures for HMPV?
As of now there is no targeted therapy/vaccine available for HMPV. Dr Sangeeta V Budur suggested, “Proper hand hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Cough etiquette such as covering the nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing, wearing a mask can limit the spread of the virus. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals, regularly disinfecting touched surfaces are additional measures.”

Group Media Publications
Entertainment News Platforms – anyflix.in
Construction Infrastructure and Mining News Platform – https://cimreviews.com/
General News Platform – https://ihtlive.com/

Continue Reading

Health

HMPV: Bengaluru Hospital’s 8-month-old is said to have tested positive.

Published

on

The infant and its family had no history of recent travel and did not show any symptoms of concern.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens.

As part of ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses nationwide, the ICMR detected these two cases. One case involves an eight-month-old male infant in Bengaluru, whose sample collected on January 2 tested positive for HMPV. According to sources in the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) health department, the infant and their family had no recent travel history and showed no concerning symptoms.

The second case involves a three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia, who tested positive for HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has since been discharged and is recovering, the Union Health ministry said.

HMPV primarily affects children and is known to be present in about 0.7 per cent of flu cases globally. However, Karnataka health officials have stated that they lack detailed information on the specific strain in question.

Responding to the developments, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday, “This is not India’s first case. The virus has been around for years, but this could be a new strain. More details are needed to ascertain that.”

What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently garnered attention due to videos and reports circulating on social media, suggesting that hospitals in China are overwhelmed by a surge in respiratory illnesses, including HMPV. Posts also claim that outbreaks of multiple viruses, including HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, have contributed to overcrowding in both hospitals and cemeteries.

HMPV, first identified in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands, is a significant cause of acute respiratory infections, according to the American Lung Association. The virus primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, either through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or toys.

In the United States, HMPV typically circulates more frequently during the winter and spring months, overlapping with other respiratory infections like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu.

Symptoms of HMPV
The symptoms of HMPV can vary in severity and commonly include cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat. Some individuals may also experience wheezing and shortness of breath (dyspnea). In certain cases, a rash may develop as part of the infection.

According to Google Trends, searches for ‘HMPV virus symptoms’ surged on Sunday and peaked on Monday. Related queries included ‘fatigue,’ ‘fatigue meaning,’ ‘HPV virus cases in India news,’ ‘nasal congestion,’ and ‘HMPV virus in Bangalore’. Most searches originated from Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The spike followed reports of two HMPV cases detected in Karnataka on Monday.

Group Media Publications
Entertainment News Platforms – anyflix.in
Construction Infrastructure and Mining News Platform – https://cimreviews.com/
General News Platform – https://ihtlive.com/

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 India Hot Topics. Powered with Passion.