Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

6 Test Positive For Measles In Texas As RFK Jr Touts Vitamin A As Possible Cure

Six young children at a Lubbock, <span>Texas</span>, day care center have tested positive for <span>measles</span>—a dreaded scenario with the potential to accelerate an already out-of-control outbreak that has spread to at least two other states. More than a dozen other states and Washington, DC are dealing with cases of measles unrelated to Texas. As per the Centres For Diseases Control And Prevention (CDC), 22 jurisdictions have been hit by measles as of now. 

On Friday, the Texas Department of State Health Services said the toll rose to 481 confirmed cases, a 14% jump over last week. Fifty-six people have been hospitalized in the area since the disease started spreading in late January.

<h2>What Do We Know About The Case In Texas?</h2>

Measles outbreak in Texas began on March 24, when a little girl at Tiny Tots U Learning Academy, who had been sick with fever and vomiting tested positive. She later needed to be hospitalized for pneumonia and trouble breathing. Kids who have tested positive at the day care so far are between the ages of 5 months and 3 years old, said Maegan Messick, a co-owner of the center. None was fully vaccinated against measles. 

For nearly two weeks, Messick has been working with local health officials who are in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the situation. Messick said she’s not been given clear guidance on how to handle measles in such a large day care with so many vulnerable kids. "From what I’m being told, the CDC doesn’t have a playbook for this," Messick said. "We’ve just had to make judgment calls."

Donald Trump lead US is facing the largest measles outbreak in six years, but the CDC has remained relatively silent on the public health threat, providing just weekly updates on its website and sending an alert to doctors last month. The agency sent 2,000 doses of the MMR vaccine to Texas health officials at their request but hasn't held a news briefing about measles since 2019, when two large outbreaks in New York threatened to reverse the United States’ status of having eliminated the virus.

<h2>RFK JR Suggests Vitamin A As Possible Treatment, Posioning Reported</h2>

Meanwhile, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr has touted Vitamin A as a potential treatment option against measles. For decades, RFK Jr has been openly discrediting vaccines, linking them to Autism and other diseases. On Friday, it was reported that children who were infected with measles and given Vitamin A in Texas were found to be suffering from liver toxicity. Speaking to USA Today, Dr Lara Johnson, a pediatric hospitalist and chief medical officer of the Covenant Health-Lubbock service area, stated that all the children underwent routine lab testing, which showed abnormal liver function believed to be caused by Vitamin A toxicity. 

First symptoms show after 7–14 days after a measles infection. They include: 

<ul><li>High fever (may spike to more than 104°)</li><li>Cough</li><li>Runny nose (coryza)</li><li>Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)</li><li>2–3 days after symptoms begin: Koplik spots</li><li>Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.</li></ul>3–5 days after symptoms begin, a measles rash appear. 

Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.

<ul><li>Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.</li><li>The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.</li><li>When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit. </li></ul>

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Six young children at a Lubbock, Texas, day care center have tested positive for measles—a dreaded scenario with the potential to accelerate an already out-of-control outbreak that has spread to at least two other states. More than a dozen other states and Washington, DC are dealing with cases of measles unrelated to Texas. As per the Centres For Diseases Control And Prevention (CDC), 22 jurisdictions have been hit by measles as of now. On Friday, the Texas Department of State Health Services said the toll rose to 481 confirmed cases, a 14% jump over last week. Fifty-six people have been hospitalized in the area since the disease started spreading in late January.What Do We Know About The Case In Texas?Measles outbreak in Texas began on March 24, when a little girl at Tiny Tots U Learning Academy, who had been sick with fever and vomiting tested positive. She later needed to be hospitalized for pneumonia and trouble breathing. Kids who have tested positive at the day care so far are between the ages of 5 months and 3 years old, said Maegan Messick, a co-owner of the center. None was fully vaccinated against measles. For nearly two weeks, Messick has been working with local health officials who are in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the situation. Messick said she’s not been given clear guidance on how to handle measles in such a large day care with so many vulnerable kids. "From what I’m being told, the CDC doesn’t have a playbook for this," Messick said. "We’ve just had to make judgment calls."How Is US Dealing With Measles?Donald Trump lead US is facing the largest measles outbreak in six years, but the CDC has remained relatively silent on the public health threat, providing just weekly updates on its website and sending an alert to doctors last month. The agency sent 2,000 doses of the MMR vaccine to Texas health officials at their request but hasn't held a news briefing about measles since 2019, when two large outbreaks in New York threatened to reverse the United States’ status of having eliminated the virus.RFK JR Suggests Vitamin A As Possible Treatment, Posioning ReportedMeanwhile, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr has touted Vitamin A as a potential treatment option against measles. For decades, RFK Jr has been openly discrediting vaccines, linking them to Autism and other diseases. On Friday, it was reported that children who were infected with measles and given Vitamin A in Texas were found to be suffering from liver toxicity. Speaking to USA Today, Dr Lara Johnson, a pediatric hospitalist and chief medical officer of the Covenant Health-Lubbock service area, stated that all the children underwent routine lab testing, which showed abnormal liver function believed to be caused by Vitamin A toxicity. How To Identify Measles?First symptoms show after 7–14 days after a measles infection. They include: High fever (may spike to more than 104°)CoughRunny nose (coryza)Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)2–3 days after symptoms begin: Koplik spotsTiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.3–5 days after symptoms begin, a measles rash appear. Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit. 

6 test positive for measles in texas as rfk jr touts vitamin a as possible cure

Tanya Dutt

COVID-19 Cases In India Surges Past 5,000 With More Than 50% Affecting Adults Aged Between 25-50, State Officials Report

COVID-19 Cases In India Reach Nearly 5,000 With More Than 50% Affecting Adults Aged Between 25-50, State Officials Report

India Reports 7 COVID Deaths In 24 Hours As Active Cases Near 5000

india reports 7 covid deaths in 24 hours as active cases near 5000

Health & Wellness

New COVID-19 Variants Are Not Serious Threats, Say Doctors

new covid-19 variants are not serious threats, say doctors

US Faces Biggest Measles Spike In Three Decades- What’s Driving The Surge?

us faces biggest measles spike in three decades- what’s driving the surge?

2 Infants Died Of Whooping Cough In Kentucky, Health Officials Report; Who Should Get A Booster Shot?

2 infants died of whooping cough in kentucky, health officials report; who should get a booster shot?

India is witnessing a concerning surge in COVID-19 cases with active cases jumping over 5,364 as of June 7, as per the COVID dashboard, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The figure marks a sharp increase from only 257 active cases on May 22. More importantly, more than 50% of the new infections are in the 25-to-50-year age group the working population which has caused alarm among public health officials.

The number of new COVID-19 infections reported on a daily basis continues to slowly rise. On June 6, 564 cases were added in India, increasing the active caseload to 5,364. The number has now crossed 5,364, indicating an upward trend. Along with the increasing infections, at least seven fatalities were recorded within a 24-hour period, with the departed including those from West Bengal (4), Maharashtra (3), Delhi (2), Kerela (2) and Karnataka (3). All six of the seven deaths were older patients with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, or pneumonia. The youngest death was in a five-month-old male infant with pre-existing respiratory problems.

These new cases are caused, according to experts, by newly emerging subvariants such as LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and more recently identified NB.1.8.1. These variants are said to be more transmissible and have partial immune escape characteristics but, as of yet, have not shown increased disease severity.

Experts are seeing a trend towards mild to moderate symptoms, but the rate of infection is worrying as it is impacting the productive segment of the population and may stretch the healthcare machinery if not contained.

<h2>Kerala, Delhi, and Maharashtra Among Worst-Hit States</h2>

Kerala is still the hotbed of this new wave, with more than 1,487 active cases according to the latest report. Delhi (562), West Bengal (538), Maharashtra (526), and Gujarat (508) take second place. The Gujarat state has registered a high count of infections in the age group of 25-50 years, which has contributed to more than 50% of its 700+ total cases.

Surprisingly, officials also noted that around 10% of new cases in Gujarat were infants under the age of one. The elderly population, which bore the brunt of earlier waves, has seen relatively fewer infections in the current resurgence. This shift in demographic impact is being closely monitored by epidemiologists.

In contrast to the previous waves where dramatic cases of anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste) were observed, present patients are reporting a different constellation of symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms are high-grade fever, intense muscle aches (myalgia), and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. 

This wave clinically is presenting differently. Patients, particularly those in younger age groups, are presenting with intense body pains and fever instead of respiratory complaints.

<h2>Hospitalization Rates and Deaths</h2>

Whilst the figure of cases is rising, hospitalization rates continue to be fairly low — ranging at about 5%. Nevertheless, the seven recent deaths serve as a stark reminder of the risk posed to vulnerable groups. Ministry data show all victims had comorbidities such as seizures, respiratory failure, kidney disease, and cancer.

Three of the recent Gujarat fatalities included young women aged 18, 20, and 47, all from Ahmedabad. "This is not common and highlights the need to not ignore any symptoms," said a senior health official.

The Indian government has sent advisories to every state and union territory in order to be prepared. This involves keeping proper stocks of oxygen, antiviral drugs, and ICU beds. States have also been instructed to distinguish between COVID-19 and other viral fevers, which have common symptoms.

A ministry senior official observed, "We are calling for all states to be on their toes and to intensify surveillance, particularly in urban areas and public transport hubs."

Hospitals and clinics in major metros are keeping a lookout, with training and testing protocols of the staff being revised to account for the evolving clinical presentation of the disease.

<h2>Vigilance Needed Even With Vaccination Efforts</h2>

India has come a long way in COVID-19 vaccination with more than 2.2 billion doses given so far, but the new variants have again pushed to the forefront the question of booster doses, particularly among frontline workers and the elderly.

Vaccination is not a static shield. As the virus mutates, so should our immunity. It's important to remain current with booster doses if they are suggested.

Although hospitalization and serious cases are still low, the recent spurt in COVID-19 cases in India is a stark reminder of how unpredictable the virus has been. With variants spreading and attacking younger people, a joint effort through vigilance, prompt testing, booster vaccinations, and responsible public action is a must.

For the time being, health authorities keep a close watch on trends, advising people not to ignore mild symptoms and to follow basic precautions such as hand hygiene, wearing a mask in crowded places, and seeking a test when symptomatic.

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covid deaths india

India is witnessing a concerning surge in COVID-19 cases with active cases jumping over 5,364 as of June 7, as per the COVID dashboard, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The figure marks a sharp increase from only 257 active cases on May 22. More importantly, more than 50% of the new infections are in the 25-to-50-year age group the working population which has caused alarm among public health officials.The number of new COVID-19 infections reported on a daily basis continues to slowly rise. On June 6, 564 cases were added in India, increasing the active caseload to 5,364. The number has now crossed 5,364, indicating an upward trend. Along with the increasing infections, at least seven fatalities were recorded within a 24-hour period, with the departed including those from West Bengal (4), Maharashtra (3), Delhi (2), Kerela (2) and Karnataka (3). All six of the seven deaths were older patients with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, or pneumonia. The youngest death was in a five-month-old male infant with pre-existing respiratory problems.These new cases are caused, according to experts, by newly emerging subvariants such as LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and more recently identified NB.1.8.1. These variants are said to be more transmissible and have partial immune escape characteristics but, as of yet, have not shown increased disease severity.Experts are seeing a trend towards mild to moderate symptoms, but the rate of infection is worrying as it is impacting the productive segment of the population and may stretch the healthcare machinery if not contained.Kerala, Delhi, and Maharashtra Among Worst-Hit StatesKerala is still the hotbed of this new wave, with more than 1,487 active cases according to the latest report. Delhi (562), West Bengal (538), Maharashtra (526), and Gujarat (508) take second place. The Gujarat state has registered a high count of infections in the age group of 25-50 years, which has contributed to more than 50% of its 700+ total cases.Surprisingly, officials also noted that around 10% of new cases in Gujarat were infants under the age of one. The elderly population, which bore the brunt of earlier waves, has seen relatively fewer infections in the current resurgence. This shift in demographic impact is being closely monitored by epidemiologists.New COVID Symptoms To NoteIn contrast to the previous waves where dramatic cases of anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste) were observed, present patients are reporting a different constellation of symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms are high-grade fever, intense muscle aches (myalgia), and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. This wave clinically is presenting differently. Patients, particularly those in younger age groups, are presenting with intense body pains and fever instead of respiratory complaints.Hospitalization Rates and DeathsWhilst the figure of cases is rising, hospitalization rates continue to be fairly low — ranging at about 5%. Nevertheless, the seven recent deaths serve as a stark reminder of the risk posed to vulnerable groups. Ministry data show all victims had comorbidities such as seizures, respiratory failure, kidney disease, and cancer.Three of the recent Gujarat fatalities included young women aged 18, 20, and 47, all from Ahmedabad. "This is not common and highlights the need to not ignore any symptoms," said a senior health official.The Indian government has sent advisories to every state and union territory in order to be prepared. This involves keeping proper stocks of oxygen, antiviral drugs, and ICU beds. States have also been instructed to distinguish between COVID-19 and other viral fevers, which have common symptoms.A ministry senior official observed, "We are calling for all states to be on their toes and to intensify surveillance, particularly in urban areas and public transport hubs."Hospitals and clinics in major metros are keeping a lookout, with training and testing protocols of the staff being revised to account for the evolving clinical presentation of the disease.Vigilance Needed Even With Vaccination EffortsIndia has come a long way in COVID-19 vaccination with more than 2.2 billion doses given so far, but the new variants have again pushed to the forefront the question of booster doses, particularly among frontline workers and the elderly.Vaccination is not a static shield. As the virus mutates, so should our immunity. It's important to remain current with booster doses if they are suggested.Although hospitalization and serious cases are still low, the recent spurt in COVID-19 cases in India is a stark reminder of how unpredictable the virus has been. With variants spreading and attacking younger people, a joint effort through vigilance, prompt testing, booster vaccinations, and responsible public action is a must.For the time being, health authorities keep a close watch on trends, advising people not to ignore mild symptoms and to follow basic precautions such as hand hygiene, wearing a mask in crowded places, and seeking a test when symptomatic.

covid-19 cases in india reach nearly 5,000 with more than 50% affecting adults aged between 25-50, state officials report

Two babies in Kentucky have lost their lives to pertussis, also known as whooping cough, as recently reported by the Kentucky Department for Public Health. These deaths, the first pertussis-related since 2018, have refocused attention on a resurging danger once thought largely brought under control in America- vaccine-preventable illnesses.

With over 10,000 cases reported across the country in the first six months of 2025, close to twice as many as the same six months a year ago public health officials are warning an alarm. The epidemic, which tracks with trends in other diseases like measles, coincides with declining childhood vaccination rates, anti-vaccination sentiment, and pandemic-period interruptions of routine vaccination activities.

Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory infection that is brought on by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, originally described in 1906 by French scientists. Nevertheless, centuries ago, there were mentions of the illness—its earliest probable epidemic was seen in Paris in 1578.

The disease is notorious for its intense, hacking cough that is followed by a piercingly high-pitched "whoop" upon inhalation. In newborns, particularly those too young to be vaccinated, pertussis may cause lethal complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and respiratory distress. Some doctors call it "the 100-day cough" because its duration lasts for many weeks or even months.

According to the World Health Organization, pertussis still causes approximately 160,700 deaths annually in children under the age of five worldwide, a statistic that highlights the ongoing global burden of the disease, especially in settings with limited vaccine coverage.

The two infants who perished in Kentucky in the last six months were not vaccinated, and neither were their mothers while pregnant. These events highlight a key gap in protection that maternal vaccination seeks to close. Babies under 6 weeks are too young to get their first dose of <span>pertussis vaccine</span>, and so remain extremely exposed early in life.

Third-trimester maternal immunization allows for the passing on of protective antibodies to the newborn, protecting them until they are of age to start their own vaccine regimen. Without the added layer of protection, there is a marked increase in risk of severe illness or mortality.

Through June 2025, the U.S. has reported a minimum of 8,485 confirmed cases of pertussis, already passing the 4,266 cases reported for the same period in 2024. For 2024, as reported by the CDC, a combined total of 35,435 cases were reported—more than five times that of 2023 and close to twice that of 2019, the final year before the pandemic.

Kentucky alone has reported 247 cases of pertussis through 2025, after reporting 543 cases in 2024—the largest number in the state since 2012. Across the country, from October 2024 through April 2025, four deaths from pertussis have been reported: two infants, one school-age child, and one adult.

<h2>Why Are Whooping Cough Cases Increasing Again?</h2>

The return of pertussis in the United States is being fueled by a mix of related factors. One major cause is the cyclical pattern of the disease, since pertussis has epidemic patterns with episodes peaking every two to five years. Although such peaks are anticipated, experts note that the current peak is more severe compared to what is normally seen during normal peaks. Post-pandemic immunity gap is also a crucial factor. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that occurred during 2020 and 2022, pertussis rates decreased significantly because of widespread public health interventions like masking, physical distancing, and closing schools. Since those measures are no longer in effect, numerous persons including children who were left unvaccinated or were missed during their periodic vaccinations since then are now at increased risk for infection. Adding to this problem is the decrease in vaccination coverage, driven by increased misinformation, increased skepticism about the vaccine, and interruptions in access to health care. That decline in immunization, especially in infants and pregnant women, is one of the most urgent priorities driving the national epidemic of pertussis.

<h2>How Effective Are Vaccines Against Pertussis?</h2>

The pertussis vaccine itself has changed dramatically over the years since it was first introduced in the U.S. in 1914.

Today's acellular form—DTaP for infants and children and Tdap for teens and adults—was introduced in the 1990s as a way to reduce side effects like seizures and high fevers that were caused by the older whole-cell vaccine. Although the acellular vaccine offers robust protection initially, the immunity fades with time. During the first year after completion of the five-dose course of childhood pertussis vaccination, some 98% of children are protected against pertussis. 

By the fifth year after the last dose, however, that immunity declines to roughly 65%. This drop highlights the necessity of booster shots in young adulthood and adolescence to ensure sustained protection. While immunity from the current vaccine is not long-term, it still represents the best weapon against severe disease, complications, and mortality. The unvaccinated are 13 times more likely to develop pertussis compared to their vaccinated counterparts, and they have much greater risks of being hospitalized or killed by the disease. 

<h2>Who Should Be Vaccinated, and When?</h2>

The CDC and other top public health organizations suggest:

Infants: Shots at 2, 4, and 6 months, with boosters at 15 months and 4 years.

Adolescents: A Tdap booster dose at 11 or 12 years.

Adults: One Tdap booster in adulthood, with re-vaccination every 10 years.

Pregnant Women: One dose of Tdap between weeks 27–36 of every pregnancy to confer immunity to the newborn through passive antibody transfer.

Local health departments might even suggest extra boosters for people who reside in outbreak-facilitating areas particularly on the West Coast, where states such as California, Washington, and Oregon have seen high case totals this year.

<h2>How Can You Protect Yourself and Your Family?</h2>

The increase in pertussis cases—and its disastrous effect on babies—underscores the necessity of public education, uniform messaging by health workers, and availability of immunization services. Parents and caregivers should be motivated to keep their own and children's vaccination schedules up to date, especially in communities where disease outbreaks are reported.

Clinicians have a key role in advising maternal immunization and informing families about the signs of whooping cough, which is likely to be confused with the common cold at its initial onset.

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pertussis vaccine

kentucky infant deaths

whooping cough 2025

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Two babies in Kentucky have lost their lives to pertussis, also known as whooping cough, as recently reported by the Kentucky Department for Public Health. These deaths, the first pertussis-related since 2018, have refocused attention on a resurging danger once thought largely brought under control in America- vaccine-preventable illnesses.With over 10,000 cases reported across the country in the first six months of 2025, close to twice as many as the same six months a year ago public health officials are warning an alarm. The epidemic, which tracks with trends in other diseases like measles, coincides with declining childhood vaccination rates, anti-vaccination sentiment, and pandemic-period interruptions of routine vaccination activities.Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory infection that is brought on by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, originally described in 1906 by French scientists. Nevertheless, centuries ago, there were mentions of the illness—its earliest probable epidemic was seen in Paris in 1578.The disease is notorious for its intense, hacking cough that is followed by a piercingly high-pitched "whoop" upon inhalation. In newborns, particularly those too young to be vaccinated, pertussis may cause lethal complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and respiratory distress. Some doctors call it "the 100-day cough" because its duration lasts for many weeks or even months.According to the World Health Organization, pertussis still causes approximately 160,700 deaths annually in children under the age of five worldwide, a statistic that highlights the ongoing global burden of the disease, especially in settings with limited vaccine coverage.The two infants who perished in Kentucky in the last six months were not vaccinated, and neither were their mothers while pregnant. These events highlight a key gap in protection that maternal vaccination seeks to close. Babies under 6 weeks are too young to get their first dose of pertussis vaccine, and so remain extremely exposed early in life.Third-trimester maternal immunization allows for the passing on of protective antibodies to the newborn, protecting them until they are of age to start their own vaccine regimen. Without the added layer of protection, there is a marked increase in risk of severe illness or mortality.Through June 2025, the U.S. has reported a minimum of 8,485 confirmed cases of pertussis, already passing the 4,266 cases reported for the same period in 2024. For 2024, as reported by the CDC, a combined total of 35,435 cases were reported—more than five times that of 2023 and close to twice that of 2019, the final year before the pandemic.Kentucky alone has reported 247 cases of pertussis through 2025, after reporting 543 cases in 2024—the largest number in the state since 2012. Across the country, from October 2024 through April 2025, four deaths from pertussis have been reported: two infants, one school-age child, and one adult.Why Are Whooping Cough Cases Increasing Again?The return of pertussis in the United States is being fueled by a mix of related factors. One major cause is the cyclical pattern of the disease, since pertussis has epidemic patterns with episodes peaking every two to five years. Although such peaks are anticipated, experts note that the current peak is more severe compared to what is normally seen during normal peaks. Post-pandemic immunity gap is also a crucial factor. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that occurred during 2020 and 2022, pertussis rates decreased significantly because of widespread public health interventions like masking, physical distancing, and closing schools. Since those measures are no longer in effect, numerous persons including children who were left unvaccinated or were missed during their periodic vaccinations since then are now at increased risk for infection. Adding to this problem is the decrease in vaccination coverage, driven by increased misinformation, increased skepticism about the vaccine, and interruptions in access to health care. That decline in immunization, especially in infants and pregnant women, is one of the most urgent priorities driving the national epidemic of pertussis.How Effective Are Vaccines Against Pertussis?The pertussis vaccine itself has changed dramatically over the years since it was first introduced in the U.S. in 1914.Today's acellular form—DTaP for infants and children and Tdap for teens and adults—was introduced in the 1990s as a way to reduce side effects like seizures and high fevers that were caused by the older whole-cell vaccine. Although the acellular vaccine offers robust protection initially, the immunity fades with time. During the first year after completion of the five-dose course of childhood pertussis vaccination, some 98% of children are protected against pertussis. By the fifth year after the last dose, however, that immunity declines to roughly 65%. This drop highlights the necessity of booster shots in young adulthood and adolescence to ensure sustained protection. While immunity from the current vaccine is not long-term, it still represents the best weapon against severe disease, complications, and mortality. The unvaccinated are 13 times more likely to develop pertussis compared to their vaccinated counterparts, and they have much greater risks of being hospitalized or killed by the disease. Who Should Be Vaccinated, and When?The CDC and other top public health organizations suggest:Infants: Shots at 2, 4, and 6 months, with boosters at 15 months and 4 years.Adolescents: A Tdap booster dose at 11 or 12 years.Adults: One Tdap booster in adulthood, with re-vaccination every 10 years.Pregnant Women: One dose of Tdap between weeks 27–36 of every pregnancy to confer immunity to the newborn through passive antibody transfer.Local health departments might even suggest extra boosters for people who reside in outbreak-facilitating areas particularly on the West Coast, where states such as California, Washington, and Oregon have seen high case totals this year.How Can You Protect Yourself and Your Family?The increase in pertussis cases—and its disastrous effect on babies—underscores the necessity of public education, uniform messaging by health workers, and availability of immunization services. Parents and caregivers should be motivated to keep their own and children's vaccination schedules up to date, especially in communities where disease outbreaks are reported.Clinicians have a key role in advising maternal immunization and informing families about the signs of whooping cough, which is likely to be confused with the common cold at its initial onset.

Ishita Roy

Is It The Next Pandemic? New COVID-19 Like Virus From China Raises Global Health Concerns

A new strain of <span>coronavirus</span> discovered in China, known as HKU5-CoV-2, could be only a few mutations away from triggering the next deadly pandemic, say American scientists. The virus was identified by researchers at Washington State University (WSU). The researchers have said that it shares close genetic similarities with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)—a highly lethal virus that kills nearly a third of those it infects. The findings have raised serious concern in the global scientific community.

MERS, which emerged in 2012 and has caused sporadic outbreaks primarily in the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its severe respiratory symptoms and high mortality rate. HKU5-CoV-2, the new virus under scrutiny, belongs to the merbecovirus family—a group of viruses that includes MERS. While not yet known to infect humans, scientists warn that a minor genetic mutation could allow it to do so, raising the possibility of another global health emergency similar to <span>COVID-19</span>.

“This virus may be only a small step away from being able to spill over into humans,” said Professor Michael Letko, a virologist at WSU and co-lead author of the study.

The study focused on how HKU5-CoV-2 interacts with human cells. Originally found in bats, this virus was identified by Chinese scientists from the same lab some speculate may have been linked to the origins of COVID-19. In the new study, WSU researchers examined the virus's ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors—proteins located in the nose, mouth, and throat that serve as entry points for coronaviruses.

Using advanced cryo-electron microscopy, researchers captured detailed images of the virus's spike protein, revealing that key segments of the spike often remain “closed.” This closed structure typically makes infection harder—but not impossible.

The team observed that while human cells generally resist infection from HKU5-CoV-2, the virus could latch onto human ACE2 receptors if specific mutations occur. These mutations could enable the virus to enter human cells more effectively, increasing its potential to cause disease.

<h4>Risks from Intermediate Animal Hosts</h4>

Another concern is the possibility of the virus mutating in intermediate animal hosts, such as mink or civets, before jumping to humans. Such transmission chains have been seen in other coronavirus outbreaks, including both SARS and MERS. If HKU5-CoV-2 were to infect these animals, it might gain the ability to infect humans more efficiently, scientists warn.

“Viruses that are already this close to MERS in structure and function are definitely worth monitoring,” Letko emphasized.

Earlier in 2025, researchers in Wuhan reported that one strain of HKU5—Lineage 2—already shows the ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors without further mutation. This suggests that some forms of the virus may already be equipped to infect humans.

Building on that discovery, the WSU team expanded their research to look at the entire merbecovirus family. Their findings indicate that several other strains, not just Lineage 2, may only require minimal changes to become capable of infecting humans.

As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists stress the importance of ongoing surveillance and pre-emptive research into emerging viruses like HKU5-CoV-2. Even if they cannot yet infect humans, understanding their structure and behavior is crucial for early intervention.

"The lesson from COVID-19 is clear—we cannot afford to ignore even small viral threats," Letko concluded.

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A new strain of coronavirus discovered in China, known as HKU5-CoV-2, could be only a few mutations away from triggering the next deadly pandemic, say American scientists. The virus was identified by researchers at Washington State University (WSU). The researchers have said that it shares close genetic similarities with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)—a highly lethal virus that kills nearly a third of those it infects. The findings have raised serious concern in the global scientific community.A Close Cousin of MERSMERS, which emerged in 2012 and has caused sporadic outbreaks primarily in the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its severe respiratory symptoms and high mortality rate. HKU5-CoV-2, the new virus under scrutiny, belongs to the merbecovirus family—a group of viruses that includes MERS. While not yet known to infect humans, scientists warn that a minor genetic mutation could allow it to do so, raising the possibility of another global health emergency similar to COVID-19.“This virus may be only a small step away from being able to spill over into humans,” said Professor Michael Letko, a virologist at WSU and co-lead author of the study.What the Study FoundThe study focused on how HKU5-CoV-2 interacts with human cells. Originally found in bats, this virus was identified by Chinese scientists from the same lab some speculate may have been linked to the origins of COVID-19. In the new study, WSU researchers examined the virus's ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors—proteins located in the nose, mouth, and throat that serve as entry points for coronaviruses.Using advanced cryo-electron microscopy, researchers captured detailed images of the virus's spike protein, revealing that key segments of the spike often remain “closed.” This closed structure typically makes infection harder—but not impossible.The team observed that while human cells generally resist infection from HKU5-CoV-2, the virus could latch onto human ACE2 receptors if specific mutations occur. These mutations could enable the virus to enter human cells more effectively, increasing its potential to cause disease.Risks from Intermediate Animal HostsAnother concern is the possibility of the virus mutating in intermediate animal hosts, such as mink or civets, before jumping to humans. Such transmission chains have been seen in other coronavirus outbreaks, including both SARS and MERS. If HKU5-CoV-2 were to infect these animals, it might gain the ability to infect humans more efficiently, scientists warn.“Viruses that are already this close to MERS in structure and function are definitely worth monitoring,” Letko emphasized.Lineage 2 and Immediate ThreatsEarlier in 2025, researchers in Wuhan reported that one strain of HKU5—Lineage 2—already shows the ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors without further mutation. This suggests that some forms of the virus may already be equipped to infect humans.Building on that discovery, the WSU team expanded their research to look at the entire merbecovirus family. Their findings indicate that several other strains, not just Lineage 2, may only require minimal changes to become capable of infecting humans.Vigilance NeededAs the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists stress the importance of ongoing surveillance and pre-emptive research into emerging viruses like HKU5-CoV-2. Even if they cannot yet infect humans, understanding their structure and behavior is crucial for early intervention."The lesson from COVID-19 is clear—we cannot afford to ignore even small viral threats," Letko concluded.

is it the next pandemic? new covid-19 like virus from china raises global health concerns

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