Tanya Dutt

Brain Teasers: Spot 4 Differences In This Buzzing Picture Of Bees In 7 Seconds!

Brain teaser

Brain quiz

Are you ready for a sweet puzzle? This photograph contains two endearing scenes of frolicking bees over a field of daisies. However, there are four significant differences in the pictures. Can you find all of them?

Look at all details: Bees' expressions, flowers' petals. Remember to look carefully in the background too-there might be a sneaky difference hiding there.

<h2>How do these <span rel="noindex">brain teasers</span> <span rel="noindex">boost brain function</span>?</h2>

Puzzles of the spot-the-difference kind are an excellent mental workout. They engage the visual cortex, thus making you extremely vigilant in noticing minute details and learning to recognize patterns. All brain stimulation that goes with such activities may improve your attention, thoughts, and creativity in general.

Your brain is hard at work when working on a puzzle to process information, make connections, and eventually end with a form of conclusion. This type of activity enhances the strength of pathways within the neural system and, therefore, cognitive function.

Did you see all four differences? Don't worry if you didn't: here are hints

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Unique Symptoms Of Seasonal Respiratory Virus In 2025 And How Long Does The Infection Last?

3-Day Mindfulness Challenge: Recharge Without Stepping Out This Long Weekend

Mounjaro Price Increase: Eli Lilly to Hike UK Cost of Weight-Loss Drug by 170%

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How To Stop Muscle Cramps Immediately

Are you ready for a sweet puzzle? This photograph contains two endearing scenes of frolicking bees over a field of daisies. However, there are four significant differences in the pictures. Can you find all of them?Look at all details: Bees' expressions, flowers' petals. Remember to look carefully in the background too-there might be a sneaky difference hiding there.How do these brain teasers boost brain function?Puzzles of the spot-the-difference kind are an excellent mental workout. They engage the visual cortex, thus making you extremely vigilant in noticing minute details and learning to recognize patterns. All brain stimulation that goes with such activities may improve your attention, thoughts, and creativity in general.Your brain is hard at work when working on a puzzle to process information, make connections, and eventually end with a form of conclusion. This type of activity enhances the strength of pathways within the neural system and, therefore, cognitive function.Did you see all four differences? Don't worry if you didn't: here are hints1. Missing bee2. Daisy flower missing3. One bee is missing a tentacle 4. Another bee is missing its legs

brain teasers: spot 4 differences in this buzzing picture of bees in 7 seconds!

Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Mounjaro’s UK Price Hike

Nutrition

This Naturally Occurring Molecule May Have Ozempic-like Benefits Without The Side Effects

this naturally occurring molecule may have ozempic-like benefits without the side effects

Boiled vs Cooled Potatoes: How Resistant Starch Affects Your Glycemic Index

boiled vs cooled potatoes: how resistant starch affects your glycemic index

Dietician Shares Tips To Prevent Osteoporosis, Calls It A 'Silent Thief'

dietician shares tips to prevent osteoporosis, calls it a "silent thief"

Pancreatic Cancer: New Study Warns How Your Alcohol Habit Could Be A Date With One Of The World’s Deadliest Cancers

pancreatic cancer: new study warns how your alcohol habit could be a date with one of the world’s deadliest cancers

Eli Lilly will significantly increase the UK price of its weight-loss and diabetes drug <span>Mounjaro</span> from September. The company says the rise is intended to align UK costs with those in other developed nations and address pricing disparities. The US pharma giant has announced it will raise the price of its popular drug, also prescribed for type 2 diabetes, by as much as 170 per cent.

According to Lilly, the hike will bring UK prices more in line with other wealthy nations in Europe and beyond.

Know that the NHS won't be hit by this increase. The higher prices are aimed squarely at private patients and providers, who can negotiate hush-hush discounts behind closed clinic doors. Reports suggest that the highest monthly dose will leap from £122 to £330, while lower doses will see bumps between 45 and 138 per cent.

If you have been relying on Mounjaro as your secret weapon against stubborn kilos, this could be the financial equivalent of your personal trainer suddenly charging three times more for the same number of push-ups.

Of course, for some, the looming price jump is more than a budget annoyance; it is a motivation crisis. But you do not actually need to stick a needle in your thigh to get “Mounjaro-like” weight loss.

<h5>Here is how to hack your habits so your body thinks it is on the metabolism-boosting fast track, without any pharmaceutical intervention.</h5>

Most of what Mounjaro does can be replicated through daily habits. Step one? Food. High-protein, high-fibre, healthy-fat meals keep you full longer, suppress sugar cravings, and make overeating less tempting. Avoid large meals, sugar, and processed food. And slow, mindful eating gives your brain time to catch up with your stomach.

Even your water bottle can become a weight-loss tool. A lot of what people think is hunger is actually dehydration. Electrolyte-rich water—with sodium, potassium, and magnesium—can curb cravings and keep energy levels stable.

While pounding the treadmill has its place, strength training is the real game-changer for long-term fat loss. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat. Plus, medications like Mounjaro and <span>Ozempic</span> can cause muscle loss if you are not lifting weights, leading to a slimmer but softer physique. Resistance training preserves muscle and shapes the body more effectively.

<h3>Sleep, Stress, and Staying the Course</h3>

Before you dismiss rest as “lazy time”, remember it is a weight-loss essential. Poor sleep and chronic stress raise cortisol and blood sugar, making fat loss harder. Consistency is king. A regular schedule for eating, exercising, and resting does more for your metabolism than any magic shot.

<h3>Surgery, Skincare, and Staying Realistic</h3>

Medication-induced weight loss can come with aesthetic and medical trade-offs. Rapid weight loss often means loose, sagging skin, and there are reports linking GLP-1 drugs to inflammatory issues and even certain cancers.

There are alternatives that avoid the “melted candle” effect of sudden slimming. <span>Swallowable balloons reduce stomach capacity</span> gradually, minimising skin laxity. For sculpting, there is 360 body contouring or liposuction with skin-tightening tech.

If you are needle-shy but still chasing definition, go for <span>cryotherapy or lipolytic injections</span> for stubborn fat. They are great for shape refinement, not full-body weight loss.

<h3>When the Price Tag Becomes the Push</h3>

For many, the new Mounjaro pricing might be the gentle nudge needed to ditch the drug and rediscover the old-school ways of getting lean: mindful eating, muscle-building, and sleep that actually lets your body recover. 

The reality is, drugs like Mounjaro can be revolutionary for people with serious metabolic issues, but for those using it as a shortcut, the financial bite may soon feel sharper than the injection. Whether you keep your jab or kick it, remember that sustainable weight loss has always been less about the price tag on your medicine cabinet and more about the habits that shape your daily life. 

mounjaro price increase

weight loss drug

ozempic

fatloss jabs

eli lilly mounjaro price increase

mounjaro

mounjaro price

mounjaro price increase uk

Swallowable balloons reduce stomach capacity

cryotherapy or lipolytic injections

Eli Lilly will significantly increase the UK price of its weight-loss and diabetes drug Mounjaro from September. The company says the rise is intended to align UK costs with those in other developed nations and address pricing disparities. The US pharma giant has announced it will raise the price of its popular drug, also prescribed for type 2 diabetes, by as much as 170 per cent.According to Lilly, the hike will bring UK prices more in line with other wealthy nations in Europe and beyond.The NHS Gets a Pass… For NowKnow that the NHS won't be hit by this increase. The higher prices are aimed squarely at private patients and providers, who can negotiate hush-hush discounts behind closed clinic doors. Reports suggest that the highest monthly dose will leap from £122 to £330, while lower doses will see bumps between 45 and 138 per cent.If you have been relying on Mounjaro as your secret weapon against stubborn kilos, this could be the financial equivalent of your personal trainer suddenly charging three times more for the same number of push-ups.Life Without the JabOf course, for some, the looming price jump is more than a budget annoyance; it is a motivation crisis. But you do not actually need to stick a needle in your thigh to get “Mounjaro-like” weight loss.Here is how to hack your habits so your body thinks it is on the metabolism-boosting fast track, without any pharmaceutical intervention.Eat Like You Mean ItMost of what Mounjaro does can be replicated through daily habits. Step one? Food. High-protein, high-fibre, healthy-fat meals keep you full longer, suppress sugar cravings, and make overeating less tempting. Avoid large meals, sugar, and processed food. And slow, mindful eating gives your brain time to catch up with your stomach.Even your water bottle can become a weight-loss tool. A lot of what people think is hunger is actually dehydration. Electrolyte-rich water—with sodium, potassium, and magnesium—can curb cravings and keep energy levels stable.Pick Up Heavy ThingsWhile pounding the treadmill has its place, strength training is the real game-changer for long-term fat loss. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat. Plus, medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic can cause muscle loss if you are not lifting weights, leading to a slimmer but softer physique. Resistance training preserves muscle and shapes the body more effectively.Sleep, Stress, and Staying the CourseBefore you dismiss rest as “lazy time”, remember it is a weight-loss essential. Poor sleep and chronic stress raise cortisol and blood sugar, making fat loss harder. Consistency is king. A regular schedule for eating, exercising, and resting does more for your metabolism than any magic shot.Surgery, Skincare, and Staying RealisticMedication-induced weight loss can come with aesthetic and medical trade-offs. Rapid weight loss often means loose, sagging skin, and there are reports linking GLP-1 drugs to inflammatory issues and even certain cancers.There are alternatives that avoid the “melted candle” effect of sudden slimming. Swallowable balloons reduce stomach capacity gradually, minimising skin laxity. For sculpting, there is 360 body contouring or liposuction with skin-tightening tech.If you are needle-shy but still chasing definition, go for cryotherapy or lipolytic injections for stubborn fat. They are great for shape refinement, not full-body weight loss.When the Price Tag Becomes the PushFor many, the new Mounjaro pricing might be the gentle nudge needed to ditch the drug and rediscover the old-school ways of getting lean: mindful eating, muscle-building, and sleep that actually lets your body recover. The reality is, drugs like Mounjaro can be revolutionary for people with serious metabolic issues, but for those using it as a shortcut, the financial bite may soon feel sharper than the injection. Whether you keep your jab or kick it, remember that sustainable weight loss has always been less about the price tag on your medicine cabinet and more about the habits that shape your daily life. 

mounjaro price increase: eli lilly to hike uk cost of weight-loss drug by 170%

XFG ‘Stratus’ COVID Now Dominant in US: States With Highest Cases and How to Spot Unique Symptoms

XFG ‘Stratus’ COVID Now Dominant in US

Health & Wellness

With A New 'Stratus' Strain In, These US States Record The Highest COVID Cases

with a new 'stratus' strain in, these us states record the highest covid cases

Experts Warn Against The Unique Symptoms Of 'Stratus' Covid Strain That Has Infected A Large UK Population; Can It Evade Antibodies?

experts warn against the unique symptoms of 'stratus' covid strain that has infected a large uk population; can it evade antibodies?

unique symptoms of seasonal respiratory virus like covid 19, flu or influenza and rsv in 2025 and how long does the infection last

Hidden Traces Of COVID Found In Blood Could Help Confirm The Symptoms Of Long COVID

hidden traces of covid found in blood could help confirm the symptoms of long covid

The XFG “Stratus” <span>COVID-19</span> variant is officially strutting into the pandemic spotlight. It is new, it is bold, and according to the latest data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is now the third most common variant in the US. But it is popping up in certain states more than others, and the way it announces its arrival could be by making your throat feel like you have swallowed a box of sandpaper.

While the national Covid-19 test positivity rate sits in the 5–9.9 per cent range, a dozen states are seeing significantly higher numbers.

According to CDC data, the states with the highest positivity rates are:

<ul><li>New Mexico (12%)</li><li>Texas (12%)</li><li>Oklahoma (12%)</li><li>Arkansas (12%)</li><li>Louisiana (12%)</li><li>Nevada (11.3%)</li><li>Arizona (11.3%)</li><li>California (11.3%)</li><li>Alaska (11.1%)</li><li>Washington (11.1%)</li><li>Oregon (11.1%)</li><li>Idaho (11.1%)</li></ul>

These states are not just reporting higher numbers but are also providing ideal conditions for <span>Stratus</span> to spread. With case trends officially “growing” according to the CDC, it is a situation that demands close attention.

Stratus is a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organisation (WHO). First detected in January, <span>XFG Stratus</span> now accounts for about 14 per cent of <span>Covid</span> cases in the US.

While theW says the health risk from Stratus remains low at a global level, this variant is still on a growth spurt, outpacing other circulating forms of the virus, including its sibling, the “Nimbus” NB.1.8.1 variant. The concerning bit is that the WHO says Stratus could be more adept at sidestepping immune defences. The reassuring bit is that the current <span>vaccines</span> are expected to continue protecting against symptomatic and severe disease caused by Stratus.

<h3>Spotting <span rel="noindex">Unique Stratus Symptoms</span> </h3>

The tricky thing about Stratus is that it is not trying to reinvent the Covid symptom wheel. According to experts, its symptoms look suspiciously similar to other recent <span>Omicron</span> descendants. But there is one possible stand-out, a sensation some patients are calling “razor blade throat”.

<ul><li>Sore throat (sometimes severe)</li><li>Cough</li><li>Congestion or runny nose</li><li>Fever or chills</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Loss of taste or smell</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Headache</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea</li></ul>

The “razor blade throat” description might sound too much, but anyone who has had that burning, scratchy pain knows it is no joke. Hoarseness has also been reported more often lately. Still, a sore throat has been a hallmark Covid symptom since the early days of the pandemic; Stratus just seems to be leaning into it.

<h3>Why the Positivity Spike Matters</h3>

Higher positivity rates do not just mean more people are testing positive; they can also signal under-testing. If more than 10 per cent of people tested are infected, it suggests many cases are flying under the radar, which means more opportunities for the virus to spread unchecked. That is especially risky when you have a variant with a knack for growing its share of cases quickly, like Stratus.

The fact that 12 states are sitting above the 11 per cent mark means public health teams will be watching these regions closely in the coming weeks. In the meantime, everyday precautions like masking in crowded places, testing if symptomatic, and staying up to date with vaccines remain the best tools in the toolbox.

<h3>Stratus vs. <span rel="noindex">Nimbus</span></h3>

While Stratus is currently the one hogging headlines, it is not alone. The “Nimbus” NB.1.8.1 variant is still in the mix, though it is being outpaced by Stratus globally. 

For now, Stratus is the one to watch and not because it is the most dangerous, but because it is the fastest climber.

The XFG Stratus variant is not changing anything, but it is a reminder that the virus is still evolving and still finding ways to make itself known. Got a sudden sore throat that feels like sandpaper? Do not brush it off. Stratus may not be a storm you can see on a weather map, but it is  definitely in the air.

stratus

xfg stratus

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omicron

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COVID Now Dominant in US

Unique Stratus Symptoms

COVID-19

The XFG “Stratus” COVID-19 variant is officially strutting into the pandemic spotlight. It is new, it is bold, and according to the latest data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is now the third most common variant in the US. But it is popping up in certain states more than others, and the way it announces its arrival could be by making your throat feel like you have swallowed a box of sandpaper.While the national Covid-19 test positivity rate sits in the 5–9.9 per cent range, a dozen states are seeing significantly higher numbers.According to CDC data, the states with the highest positivity rates are:New Mexico (12%)Texas (12%)Oklahoma (12%)Arkansas (12%)Louisiana (12%)Nevada (11.3%)Arizona (11.3%)California (11.3%)Alaska (11.1%)Washington (11.1%)Oregon (11.1%)Idaho (11.1%)These states are not just reporting higher numbers but are also providing ideal conditions for Stratus to spread. With case trends officially “growing” according to the CDC, it is a situation that demands close attention.Stratus is a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organisation (WHO). First detected in January, XFG Stratus now accounts for about 14 per cent of Covid cases in the US.While theW says the health risk from Stratus remains low at a global level, this variant is still on a growth spurt, outpacing other circulating forms of the virus, including its sibling, the “Nimbus” NB.1.8.1 variant. The concerning bit is that the WHO says Stratus could be more adept at sidestepping immune defences. The reassuring bit is that the current vaccines are expected to continue protecting against symptomatic and severe disease caused by Stratus.Spotting Unique Stratus Symptoms The tricky thing about Stratus is that it is not trying to reinvent the Covid symptom wheel. According to experts, its symptoms look suspiciously similar to other recent Omicron descendants. But there is one possible stand-out, a sensation some patients are calling “razor blade throat”.Here’s the full checklist:Sore throat (sometimes severe)CoughCongestion or runny noseFever or chillsShortness of breathLoss of taste or smellFatigueHeadacheMuscle achesNausea, vomiting or diarrhoeaThe “razor blade throat” description might sound too much, but anyone who has had that burning, scratchy pain knows it is no joke. Hoarseness has also been reported more often lately. Still, a sore throat has been a hallmark Covid symptom since the early days of the pandemic; Stratus just seems to be leaning into it.Why the Positivity Spike MattersHigher positivity rates do not just mean more people are testing positive; they can also signal under-testing. If more than 10 per cent of people tested are infected, it suggests many cases are flying under the radar, which means more opportunities for the virus to spread unchecked. That is especially risky when you have a variant with a knack for growing its share of cases quickly, like Stratus.The fact that 12 states are sitting above the 11 per cent mark means public health teams will be watching these regions closely in the coming weeks. In the meantime, everyday precautions like masking in crowded places, testing if symptomatic, and staying up to date with vaccines remain the best tools in the toolbox.Stratus vs. NimbusWhile Stratus is currently the one hogging headlines, it is not alone. The “Nimbus” NB.1.8.1 variant is still in the mix, though it is being outpaced by Stratus globally. For now, Stratus is the one to watch and not because it is the most dangerous, but because it is the fastest climber.Final ForecastThe XFG Stratus variant is not changing anything, but it is a reminder that the virus is still evolving and still finding ways to make itself known. Got a sudden sore throat that feels like sandpaper? Do not brush it off. Stratus may not be a storm you can see on a weather map, but it is  definitely in the air.

xfg ‘stratus’ covid now dominant in us: states with highest cases and how to spot unique symptoms

UK Health Chiefs Warn of Rising Cases of Deadly Chikungunya Virus That Can Cause Body to ‘Fold In on Itself’

Credits: Canva

Chikungunya Outbreak In China Has Prompted Canada To Update Its Travel Advisory

chikungunya outbreak in china has prompted canada to update its travel advisory

Monsoon, Mosquitoes And Measures: How To Safely Administer Mosquito Repellents To Ensure A Safe Rainy Season

monsoon, mosquitoes and measures: how to safely administer mosquito repellents to ensure a safe rainy season

Warning as ‘Frankenstein’ Rabbits With Spike-Like Growths Spotted in the US; Public Told to Keep Away

warning as ‘frankenstein’ rabbits with spike-like growths spotted in the us; public told to keep away

Could Your Air Conditioning System Be Increasing The Risk Of 'Sick Building Syndrome'

could your air conditioning system be increasing the risk of 'sick building syndrome'

Health authorities in the UK have reported a significant rise in chikungunya cases, a mosquito-borne disease known for causing <span>severe joint pain</span> that can leave sufferers hunched over. Between January and June 2025, there were 73 confirmed cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, more than double the 27 recorded during the same period in 2024. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says this is the highest number ever recorded, with nearly all linked to overseas travel.

Spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the <span>Aedes aegypti</span> and <span>Aedes albopictus</span> species, chikungunya is not usually deadly but can be devastating for the very young, the elderly, or those with underlying health conditions.

<ul><li>Excruciating joint pain that can leave sufferers bent over in agony</li><li>High fever and headaches</li><li>Muscle aches and swelling in the joints (especially hands and feet)</li><li>Nausea, fatigue, and a rash that’s red, bumpy, and decidedly not Instagrammable</li></ul>

In severe cases, the arthritis-like pain can linger for months or even years, turning every movement into a reminder that mosquitoes are not just a mild holiday nuisance.

The majority of UK cases this year were linked to travel to Sri Lanka, India, and Mauritius. All were reported in England, with London taking the dubious honour of having the most cases. However, the two mosquito species that spread the virus are not established in the UK, so there is no risk of it transmitting locally.

<h3>UK logs first cases of oropouche virus</h3>

As if one virus was not enough, the UK has also logged its first cases of the oropouche virus, also dubbed ‘sloth fever’. This one circulates in the wild between primates, sloths, and birds before occasionally hopping over to humans via midges or mosquitoes.

Found primarily in the Amazon basin, oropouche has recently started wandering further across the Americas. All the UK cases were linked to travel from Brazil, so unless your staycation involves tree-dwelling mammals and tropical insects, you are safe for now.

Chikungunya is typically found in Africa and southern Asia, but 2025 has seen it pop up in unexpected places. Outbreaks have been reported in China, the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius, and across the Americas. In southern China, more than 7,000 people have been infected since June, prompting COVID-style lockdowns in Foshan and at least a dozen other cities in Guangdong province. Hong Kong and Taiwan have also reported cases.

Health officials are urging travellers to take bite prevention seriously.

<h3>How to safeguard against mosquito bites </h3>

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your best defence is to stop mosquitoes from making contact in the first place. 

<ul><li>Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent </li><li>Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers (mosquitoes can’t bite what they can’t reach)</li><li>Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin for extra armour</li><li>Choose accommodation with air conditioning or window screens</li><li>If sleeping outdoors, use a mosquito net unless you enjoy sharing your bed with the local insect population</li></ul>

In addition to covering up and dousing yourself in repellent, some travellers may be advised to get the <span>chikungunya vaccine</span> before heading to certain destinations. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if this applies to your travel plans.

Several factors could be behind the sharp rise in cases. Increased international travel post-pandemic, changing weather patterns favouring mosquito breeding, and outbreaks in popular holiday destinations have created a perfect storm. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet conditions, and with climate change extending those conditions into more regions, these viruses are no longer staying politely within their old borders.

Chikungunya virus can turn a dream getaway into a painful endurance test, and once contracted, it is all about managing symptoms; there is no cure. The same goes for oropouche: prevention is your best friend. In the world of <span>tropical diseases</span>, an ounce of repellent really is worth a pound of cure.

uk chikungunya cases

oropouche virus uk

mosquito borne disease

aedes aegypti

aedes albopictus

severe joint pain

overseas travel health

mosquito bite prevention

chikungunya vaccine

tropical diseases

Health authorities in the UK have reported a significant rise in chikungunya cases, a mosquito-borne disease known for causing severe joint pain that can leave sufferers hunched over. Between January and June 2025, there were 73 confirmed cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, more than double the 27 recorded during the same period in 2024. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says this is the highest number ever recorded, with nearly all linked to overseas travel.What is Chikungunya? Spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, chikungunya is not usually deadly but can be devastating for the very young, the elderly, or those with underlying health conditions.Typical symptoms include:Excruciating joint pain that can leave sufferers bent over in agonyHigh fever and headachesMuscle aches and swelling in the joints (especially hands and feet)Nausea, fatigue, and a rash that’s red, bumpy, and decidedly not InstagrammableIn severe cases, the arthritis-like pain can linger for months or even years, turning every movement into a reminder that mosquitoes are not just a mild holiday nuisance.The majority of UK cases this year were linked to travel to Sri Lanka, India, and Mauritius. All were reported in England, with London taking the dubious honour of having the most cases. However, the two mosquito species that spread the virus are not established in the UK, so there is no risk of it transmitting locally.UK logs first cases of oropouche virusAs if one virus was not enough, the UK has also logged its first cases of the oropouche virus, also dubbed ‘sloth fever’. This one circulates in the wild between primates, sloths, and birds before occasionally hopping over to humans via midges or mosquitoes.Found primarily in the Amazon basin, oropouche has recently started wandering further across the Americas. All the UK cases were linked to travel from Brazil, so unless your staycation involves tree-dwelling mammals and tropical insects, you are safe for now.The Global Bug CrawlChikungunya is typically found in Africa and southern Asia, but 2025 has seen it pop up in unexpected places. Outbreaks have been reported in China, the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius, and across the Americas. In southern China, more than 7,000 people have been infected since June, prompting COVID-style lockdowns in Foshan and at least a dozen other cities in Guangdong province. Hong Kong and Taiwan have also reported cases.Health officials are urging travellers to take bite prevention seriously.How to safeguard against mosquito bites According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your best defence is to stop mosquitoes from making contact in the first place. Top tips include:Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers (mosquitoes can’t bite what they can’t reach)Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin for extra armourChoose accommodation with air conditioning or window screensIf sleeping outdoors, use a mosquito net unless you enjoy sharing your bed with the local insect populationVaccination In addition to covering up and dousing yourself in repellent, some travellers may be advised to get the chikungunya vaccine before heading to certain destinations. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if this applies to your travel plans.Why the Surge Now?Several factors could be behind the sharp rise in cases. Increased international travel post-pandemic, changing weather patterns favouring mosquito breeding, and outbreaks in popular holiday destinations have created a perfect storm. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet conditions, and with climate change extending those conditions into more regions, these viruses are no longer staying politely within their old borders.Chikungunya virus can turn a dream getaway into a painful endurance test, and once contracted, it is all about managing symptoms; there is no cure. The same goes for oropouche: prevention is your best friend. In the world of tropical diseases, an ounce of repellent really is worth a pound of cure.

uk health chiefs warn of rising cases of deadly chikungunya virus that can cause body to ‘fold in on itself’

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Brain Teasers: Spot 4 Differences In This Buzzing Picture Of Bees In 7 Seconds!

Quick Stories

Mounjaro Price Increase: Eli Lilly to Hike UK Cost of Weight-Loss Drug by 170%

XFG ‘Stratus’ COVID Now Dominant in US: States With Highest Cases and How to Spot Unique Symptoms

UK Health Chiefs Warn of Rising Cases of Deadly Chikungunya Virus That Can Cause Body to ‘Fold In on Itself’

Health Conditions A-Z

Unique Symptoms Of Seasonal Respiratory Virus In 2025 And How Long Does The Infection Last?

3-Day Mindfulness Challenge: Recharge Without Stepping Out This Long Weekend

Mounjaro Price Increase: Eli Lilly to Hike UK Cost of Weight-Loss Drug by 170%