Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Child Dies Of Measles In UK Hospital As Health Officials Warn Of Rapid Community Spread

A tragic <span>measles outbreak</span> has claimed the life of a child at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, marking the UK’s second child death from the disease in the last ten years. While the identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, The Mirror reports that <span>measles</span> played a significant role in the child’s illness, which was worsened by underlying health conditions.

Hospital authorities have not confirmed whether the child had received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, public health officials continue to emphasize the high effectiveness of the vaccine — around 97% when both doses are administered — in preventing serious illness or death.

With measles cases climbing and vaccination uptake declining in Merseyside, local health officials are concerned that the virus could “spread like wildfire.” Statistics suggest that as many as 288 out of every 1,000 people in the region may be vulnerable to infection.

<h4>“We’re Deeply Concerned,” Says Alder Hey Hospital</h4>

In an open letter issued to parents, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust expressed growing concern over the surge in measles-related hospitalizations. “We are concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles,” the hospital said in a statement to The Daily Star. “It’s a highly contagious viral illness which can cause children to be seriously unwell, requiring hospital treatment and, in rare cases, death.”

The hospital revealed that 17 children have been treated for complications related to measles since June alone. Many of these patients include immunocompromised children already dealing with other medical conditions, making them particularly susceptible to infections.

Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, told The Mirror, “I’m extremely worried that the potential is there for measles to really grab hold in our community. My concern is the unprotected population. That’s why we’re trying to be proactive. It’s really important people understand the seriousness of this.”

<h4>Understanding Measles and Its Symptoms</h4>

Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms: high fever, runny nose, cough, sneezing, and sore, red eyes. These symptoms are often followed by a distinctive rash, which starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading across the body. The rash may appear red or brown on lighter skin and less visible on darker skin, according to NHS guidelines. Small white spots inside the mouth may also develop.

Although the illness usually resolves within 7 to 10 days, it can cause severe complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

The World Health Organization recommends a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity. However, falling rates of MMR vaccination in parts of the UK have compromised this protective barrier.

<h4>What To Do If You Suspect Measles</h4>

NHS guidance urges people to seek immediate medical advice if they or their child show symptoms of measles, especially if the child is under one year old, pregnant, or immunocompromised. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect exposure or experience symptoms such as persistent fever, breathing difficulties, poor feeding in infants, or reduced urination.

Infected individuals should avoid attending school, nursery, or work for at least four days after the rash appears and limit contact with vulnerable groups.

The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses — the first at around 12 months and the second at 18 months. Those who missed their childhood vaccinations can still receive the vaccine at any time. Experts continue to urge families to check their vaccination records and ensure both doses have been administered.

“We can prevent people, including children, from contracting measles through vaccination,” Alder Hey Children’s Hospital stated. “Please protect yourself and vulnerable children and young people by ensuring you are fully vaccinated.”

<h4>A Growing Global Concern: Measles in the United States</h4>

The UK’s current outbreak mirrors a troubling global trend. The United States is currently battling its worst measles outbreak in 25 years. As of mid-2025, over 1,270 cases have been confirmed — already surpassing the previous high in 2019.

Health officials across both countries are urging vigilance, stressing that measles is not just a childhood illness of the past. It remains a very real, preventable threat that can quickly spiral out of control in communities with low vaccination coverage.

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A tragic measles outbreak has claimed the life of a child at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, marking the UK’s second child death from the disease in the last ten years. While the identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, The Mirror reports that measles played a significant role in the child’s illness, which was worsened by underlying health conditions.Hospital authorities have not confirmed whether the child had received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, public health officials continue to emphasize the high effectiveness of the vaccine — around 97% when both doses are administered — in preventing serious illness or death.With measles cases climbing and vaccination uptake declining in Merseyside, local health officials are concerned that the virus could “spread like wildfire.” Statistics suggest that as many as 288 out of every 1,000 people in the region may be vulnerable to infection.“We’re Deeply Concerned,” Says Alder Hey HospitalIn an open letter issued to parents, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust expressed growing concern over the surge in measles-related hospitalizations. “We are concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles,” the hospital said in a statement to The Daily Star. “It’s a highly contagious viral illness which can cause children to be seriously unwell, requiring hospital treatment and, in rare cases, death.”The hospital revealed that 17 children have been treated for complications related to measles since June alone. Many of these patients include immunocompromised children already dealing with other medical conditions, making them particularly susceptible to infections.Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, told The Mirror, “I’m extremely worried that the potential is there for measles to really grab hold in our community. My concern is the unprotected population. That’s why we’re trying to be proactive. It’s really important people understand the seriousness of this.”Understanding Measles and Its SymptomsMeasles typically begins with cold-like symptoms: high fever, runny nose, cough, sneezing, and sore, red eyes. These symptoms are often followed by a distinctive rash, which starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading across the body. The rash may appear red or brown on lighter skin and less visible on darker skin, according to NHS guidelines. Small white spots inside the mouth may also develop.Although the illness usually resolves within 7 to 10 days, it can cause severe complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.The World Health Organization recommends a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity. However, falling rates of MMR vaccination in parts of the UK have compromised this protective barrier.What To Do If You Suspect MeaslesNHS guidance urges people to seek immediate medical advice if they or their child show symptoms of measles, especially if the child is under one year old, pregnant, or immunocompromised. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect exposure or experience symptoms such as persistent fever, breathing difficulties, poor feeding in infants, or reduced urination.Infected individuals should avoid attending school, nursery, or work for at least four days after the rash appears and limit contact with vulnerable groups.Vaccination Is the Best DefenceThe MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses — the first at around 12 months and the second at 18 months. Those who missed their childhood vaccinations can still receive the vaccine at any time. Experts continue to urge families to check their vaccination records and ensure both doses have been administered.“We can prevent people, including children, from contracting measles through vaccination,” Alder Hey Children’s Hospital stated. “Please protect yourself and vulnerable children and young people by ensuring you are fully vaccinated.”A Growing Global Concern: Measles in the United StatesThe UK’s current outbreak mirrors a troubling global trend. The United States is currently battling its worst measles outbreak in 25 years. As of mid-2025, over 1,270 cases have been confirmed — already surpassing the previous high in 2019.Health officials across both countries are urging vigilance, stressing that measles is not just a childhood illness of the past. It remains a very real, preventable threat that can quickly spiral out of control in communities with low vaccination coverage.

child dies of measles in uk hospital as health officials warn of rapid community spread

TFC Star Tsubasa Endoh Announces Retirement After Leukemia Battle

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<span>TFC</span> player Tsubasa <span>Endoh</span>, 31, who was diagnosed with <span>acute undifferentiated leukemia</span> in December 2021, has retired as a Toronto FC player. 

On Friday, Toronto announced that it had signed Endoh to a one-day contract to officially retire as a TFC player. He had also been honored before Saturday's game against Atlanta United. Toronto GM Jason Hernandez in a state said, "It is truly a special moment for Toronto FC to have Tsubasa come back and officially retire as a Red. The club wanted to give him this recognition for all his contributions over six years and celebrate his career."

His contract with TFC had expired following the 2021 season, after that he signed Melbourne City FC in Australia's A-League in early 2022. It was later the same year when he joined Los Angeles Galaxy reserve side. It was when he was in LA that his body was malfunctioning. 

Blood work showed an alarming white blood cell count. A trip to ER then turned into an 8-day hospital stay, it was there when he was told that he may have <span>cancer</span>. He returned to Japan to be with his family and was diagnosed with the rare form of leukemia. 

He is also battling a lot of other things on the side, like it is said that cancer does not come alone. His battle also includes chronic GvHDs (graft-versus-host disease), a systemic disorder occurring when immune cells from transplanted tissue recognize the recipient's body as foreign and attack its cells.

He has also been through four rounds of chemotherapy until now, radiation and also a bone marrow transplant. However, during his last round of chemotherapy, which lasted for 8 weeks, no visitor was allowed. 

"You spend so much time alone … It's not easy," he said. "The silver lining was to get all the support from TFC fans and the Galaxy, the guys from Maryland."

He is also suffering from debilitating body cramps and is currently on 15 different medications. He also is suffering from fascia inflammation (fascia is the thin cover of tissue that holds muscles in place), which means picking something up on the floor can be difficult because his muscles tighten so much. He sometimes has to stop typing when his fingers cramp. Putting on socks is painfully hard, reports TSN. 

"Those are the little things that add up. But this is my life now. I try not to focus on negative things in life. It's what it is. You just have to adapt and accept it," he says. 

<h4>What Is Acute Undifferentiated Leukemia?</h4>

As per the National Cancer Institute, USA, leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and whether it grows quickly or slowly. Leukemia occurs most often in adults older than 55, but it is also the most common cancer in children younger than 15.

However, acute undifferentiated leukemia is different, notes the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The ASH publication from 2019, notes that it is a rare and by definition, has neither lymphoid nor myeloid lineage specific markers. Given its rarity, little is known about its incidence, survival, and optimal management. 

National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program (SEER), notes that this cancer affects the bone marrow and peripheral blood. There are too few cases to know whether there is a predilection for other sites. These leukemias are very rare and nothing substantial is known about their frequency. While anecdotal experience generally considers these leukemias to be of poor prognosis, information is too scanty to make any definitive statements.

The National Institute of Health (NIH), USA also notes that there are no established treatment for this condition. However, chemotherapy, allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, radiation, etc. could work, but an optimal strategy remains undefined due to rarity of this cancer.

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TFC player Tsubasa Endoh, 31, who was diagnosed with acute undifferentiated leukemia in December 2021, has retired as a Toronto FC player. On Friday, Toronto announced that it had signed Endoh to a one-day contract to officially retire as a TFC player. He had also been honored before Saturday's game against Atlanta United. Toronto GM Jason Hernandez in a state said, "It is truly a special moment for Toronto FC to have Tsubasa come back and officially retire as a Red. The club wanted to give him this recognition for all his contributions over six years and celebrate his career."Once a Red. Always a Red ♥️Former Toronto FC player Tsubasa Endoh signs one-day contract to retire as a RedRead More 📰: https://t.co/YfAdSCdYQL pic.twitter.com/2oB86VbgmL&mdash; Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) July 11, 2025 ]]>How Was He Diagnosed?His contract with TFC had expired following the 2021 season, after that he signed Melbourne City FC in Australia's A-League in early 2022. It was later the same year when he joined Los Angeles Galaxy reserve side. It was when he was in LA that his body was malfunctioning. Blood work showed an alarming white blood cell count. A trip to ER then turned into an 8-day hospital stay, it was there when he was told that he may have cancer. He returned to Japan to be with his family and was diagnosed with the rare form of leukemia. He is also battling a lot of other things on the side, like it is said that cancer does not come alone. His battle also includes chronic GvHDs (graft-versus-host disease), a systemic disorder occurring when immune cells from transplanted tissue recognize the recipient's body as foreign and attack its cells.He has also been through four rounds of chemotherapy until now, radiation and also a bone marrow transplant. However, during his last round of chemotherapy, which lasted for 8 weeks, no visitor was allowed. "You spend so much time alone … It's not easy," he said. "The silver lining was to get all the support from TFC fans and the Galaxy, the guys from Maryland."Yet, to all these, he says, "It's OK."He is also suffering from debilitating body cramps and is currently on 15 different medications. He also is suffering from fascia inflammation (fascia is the thin cover of tissue that holds muscles in place), which means picking something up on the floor can be difficult because his muscles tighten so much. He sometimes has to stop typing when his fingers cramp. Putting on socks is painfully hard, reports TSN. "Those are the little things that add up. But this is my life now. I try not to focus on negative things in life. It's what it is. You just have to adapt and accept it," he says. What Is Acute Undifferentiated Leukemia?As per the National Cancer Institute, USA, leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and whether it grows quickly or slowly. Leukemia occurs most often in adults older than 55, but it is also the most common cancer in children younger than 15.However, acute undifferentiated leukemia is different, notes the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The ASH publication from 2019, notes that it is a rare and by definition, has neither lymphoid nor myeloid lineage specific markers. Given its rarity, little is known about its incidence, survival, and optimal management. National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program (SEER), notes that this cancer affects the bone marrow and peripheral blood. There are too few cases to know whether there is a predilection for other sites. These leukemias are very rare and nothing substantial is known about their frequency. While anecdotal experience generally considers these leukemias to be of poor prognosis, information is too scanty to make any definitive statements.The National Institute of Health (NIH), USA also notes that there are no established treatment for this condition. However, chemotherapy, allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, radiation, etc. could work, but an optimal strategy remains undefined due to rarity of this cancer.

tfc star tsubasa endoh announces retirement after leukemia battle

Vanessa Hudgens, Gina Rodriguez Announce Baby Number 2: Does Becoming A Mother After 35 Carry Risks?

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On Friday, July 11, <span>Gina Rodriguez</span> announced her pregnancy with her second child at the red carpet for Netflix' Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3. She, 40, was joined by her husband, 38, Joe LoCicero, and both were beaming with joy of happiness. 

Just a day after, on July 12, <span>Vanessa Hudgens</span>, 36, announced the arrival of her baby No. 2. She is expecting her second child with her husband <span>Cole Tucker</span>, nearly a year after giving birth to their first child. She also posted a photo with her baby bump and captioned, "Round two!!!"

Both have shared their news of pregnancy with their second child after they have crossed their 30s. While this, as also published in many studies including on Office for National Statistics titled<em> Childbearing for women born in different years, England and Wales: 2020</em>, does point out that more and more women are having their first child in their 30s. Another recent study published in 2023, in BMC journal Reproductive Health also notes that "in recent decades women's age at birth of their first child has risen markedly in many countries, and an increasing number of women do not establish a family until their late-twenties to mid-thirties." However, a question that continues to linger around is whether it is safe for the woman and the child to have a pregnancy after 30?

As per National Institute of Health (NIH), US, about 20% of women in the US have their first child at the age of 35. However, it does not mean that it does not have its own problem. 

While factors like financial stability and better and timely family planning may have resulted in a so-called 'later' pregnancy. However, it does come with its own risks.

NIH notes that concievng becomes more difficult as you age. This is constant for both men and women. Women are born with a set number of eggs. Each month, a woman's ovary releases an egg to be fertilized. This is called ovulation. However, before that, her body recruits many eggs in preparation for this process. A handful of eggs are developed and matured, but usually only one makes it to ovulation. 

“As women age, they’re still fertile, but their odds of pregnancy are decreased because they’re not making as many good eggs that will fertilize and divide normally and turn out to be an embryo,” explains Dr. Alan Decherney, an NIH fertility expert, mentioned on NIH website.

A woman’s fertility begins to gradually decline after the age of 30, as both the number and quality of her eggs decrease over time. This decline continues until menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. At that point, periods stop and natural fertility ends.

Men also experience age-related changes. As they grow older, they may produce fewer sperm, and the quality of their sperm may decrease. In both men and women, this age-related drop in reproductive health is linked to a higher risk of certain conditions in their children, such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and schizophrenia.

Another risk during 'late' pregnancies are the increasing risks of miscarriage. Anja Bisgaard Pinborg, head of the fertility department at Copenhagen's Rigshopitalet and clinical medicine professor at the University of Copenhagen tells BBC, "The other thing that that happens in the late 30s is that the chromosomes in the X (chromosome) are getting more unstable – that's why there's an increased risk of chromosomal aberrations, such as Down syndrome. So, many of the pregnancies will end up in a miscarriage."

As per the National Health Service, UK, In women under 30, 1 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, while in women aged 35 to 39, up to 2 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage. The number goes up to 5 in 10 pregnancies, as the age increases to 45. 

A 2021 study published in the I<em>nternational Journal of Women's Health</em>, titled <em>Management of Pregnancy in Women of Advanced Maternal Age: Improving Outcomes for Mother and Baby</em>, notes that pregnancy at advanced maternal age, which means 35 or more, is considered a risk factor for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Possible complications include: 

<ul><li>Increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage</li><li>Preterm labor</li><li>Gestational diabetes mellitus</li><li>Pre-eclampsia, stillbirth</li><li>Chromosomal abnormalities</li><li>Cesarean delivery</li></ul>

The study also notes possible adverse fetal outcomes, which include infants small for gestational age and intrauterine growth restrictions, low Apgar score, admission to neonatal intensive care units, and an autism spectrum disorder.

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On Friday, July 11, Gina Rodriguez announced her pregnancy with her second child at the red carpet for Netflix' Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3. She, 40, was joined by her husband, 38, Joe LoCicero, and both were beaming with joy of happiness. Just a day after, on July 12, Vanessa Hudgens, 36, announced the arrival of her baby No. 2. She is expecting her second child with her husband Cole Tucker, nearly a year after giving birth to their first child. She also posted a photo with her baby bump and captioned, "Round two!!!"Both have shared their news of pregnancy with their second child after they have crossed their 30s. While this, as also published in many studies including on Office for National Statistics titled Childbearing for women born in different years, England and Wales: 2020, does point out that more and more women are having their first child in their 30s. Another recent study published in 2023, in BMC journal Reproductive Health also notes that "in recent decades women's age at birth of their first child has risen markedly in many countries, and an increasing number of women do not establish a family until their late-twenties to mid-thirties." However, a question that continues to linger around is whether it is safe for the woman and the child to have a pregnancy after 30?Having Kids Later In LifeAs per National Institute of Health (NIH), US, about 20% of women in the US have their first child at the age of 35. However, it does not mean that it does not have its own problem. While factors like financial stability and better and timely family planning may have resulted in a so-called 'later' pregnancy. However, it does come with its own risks.Fertility And AgeNIH notes that concievng becomes more difficult as you age. This is constant for both men and women. Women are born with a set number of eggs. Each month, a woman's ovary releases an egg to be fertilized. This is called ovulation. However, before that, her body recruits many eggs in preparation for this process. A handful of eggs are developed and matured, but usually only one makes it to ovulation. “As women age, they’re still fertile, but their odds of pregnancy are decreased because they’re not making as many good eggs that will fertilize and divide normally and turn out to be an embryo,” explains Dr. Alan Decherney, an NIH fertility expert, mentioned on NIH website.A woman’s fertility begins to gradually decline after the age of 30, as both the number and quality of her eggs decrease over time. This decline continues until menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. At that point, periods stop and natural fertility ends.Men also experience age-related changes. As they grow older, they may produce fewer sperm, and the quality of their sperm may decrease. In both men and women, this age-related drop in reproductive health is linked to a higher risk of certain conditions in their children, such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and schizophrenia.Miscarriage Another risk during 'late' pregnancies are the increasing risks of miscarriage. Anja Bisgaard Pinborg, head of the fertility department at Copenhagen's Rigshopitalet and clinical medicine professor at the University of Copenhagen tells BBC, "The other thing that that happens in the late 30s is that the chromosomes in the X (chromosome) are getting more unstable – that's why there's an increased risk of chromosomal aberrations, such as Down syndrome. So, many of the pregnancies will end up in a miscarriage."As per the National Health Service, UK, In women under 30, 1 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, while in women aged 35 to 39, up to 2 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage. The number goes up to 5 in 10 pregnancies, as the age increases to 45. Other Maternal ComplicationsA 2021 study published in the International Journal of Women's Health, titled Management of Pregnancy in Women of Advanced Maternal Age: Improving Outcomes for Mother and Baby, notes that pregnancy at advanced maternal age, which means 35 or more, is considered a risk factor for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Possible complications include: Increased risk of spontaneous miscarriagePreterm laborGestational diabetes mellitusPre-eclampsia, stillbirthChromosomal abnormalitiesCesarean deliveryThe study also notes possible adverse fetal outcomes, which include infants small for gestational age and intrauterine growth restrictions, low Apgar score, admission to neonatal intensive care units, and an autism spectrum disorder.

vanessa hudgens, gina rodriguez announce baby number 2: does becoming a mother after 35 carry risks?

A Ugandan Scientist's Photos Reveal How Marburg Virus Can Spread To Different Species

The Marburg Virus Is Back In Focus Thanks To A Ugandan Scientist, Here's What We Know So Far

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<span>Marburg virus</span> is one of the world’s deadliest pathogens. Closely related to Ebola, it causes hemorrhagic fever with mortality rates as high as 88%. First identified in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Germany and Serbia, it is classified as a zoonotic disease — one that jumps from animals to humans. The primary reservoir of the virus is the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus), which lives in large colonies in African caves and mines.

Outbreaks in countries like Uganda and Angola have been linked to contact with bat excreta or shared fruit. Until now, however, little visual evidence existed of how <span>Marburg</span> might be moving across species in the wild. A new discovery at Python Cave in Uganda could change that.

<h4>Extraordinary Discovery from an Unlikely Source</h4>

In early 2025, a remarkable discovery came not from a laboratory or global health agency but from a young Ugandan undergraduate, Bosco Atukwatse. As part of a leopard-monitoring project in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Atukwatse installed camera traps near a known bat cave to monitor predator activity.

What he captured over just four months stunned his team: 261 instances of predation and scavenging around the bat colony, involving at least 14 different species—including crowned eagles, Nile monitors, blue monkeys, and leopards. These bats, crucially, are documented carriers of the Marburg virus.

Atukwatse, working with the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project, had set out to study leopard movements. Instead, he captured unprecedented visual evidence of what disease ecologists call a "spillover interface"—a location where a virus might leap from animals into new hosts, including humans.

<h4>New Spillover Pathway: Predation</h4>

Until recently, two major spillover pathways for Marburg were recognized:

<ul><li>Direct contact—through cave exploration or exposure to guano.</li><li>Contaminated fruit—eaten by bats and later consumed by humans or other animals.</li></ul>

Now, Atukwatse's footage suggests a third: predation. Species ranging from blue monkeys to fish eagles were recorded feeding on the bats. This finding indicates a potentially overlooked transmission route in which predators may act as intermediate hosts, spreading the virus to humans or other wildlife.

This is the first time such a large-scale, visual dataset has documented predator-prey interactions involving a known viral reservoir in nature. While individual cases of monkeys or birds feeding on bats have been observed, never before has evidence of repeated, multi-species predation at a virus site been systematically captured.

Perhaps even more concerning, the cameras recorded over 400 human visitors—many tourists—approaching the cave mouth without protective equipment. While the Uganda Wildlife Authority has set up a viewing platform 35 meters away, many visitors ignored safety protocols, walking within two meters of the bat colony.

This proximity to a Marburg hotspot, combined with the newly observed predator activity, presents a chilling risk. In the past, tourists have contracted the virus in the same region, and now more evidence suggests that such spillover scenarios may be far more complex and frequent than previously thought.

<h4>A Wake-Up Call for Global Health</h4>

Atukwatse’s discovery underscores the critical role of local scientists in uncovering potential pandemic threats. Unlike multimillion-dollar surveillance programs, this breakthrough came from ecological instinct and basic camera equipment. It points to a vital gap in global health: the need to fund and empower local field researchers who are closest to where such threats emerge.

Disease ecologists have long warned that the next pandemic may begin in remote animal-human interfaces. But until now, these warnings were largely based on models and assumptions. This footage shifts that narrative—providing real, observable evidence of a spillover ecosystem in action.

This discovery could mark a pivotal moment in spillover research. It not only confirms theories about how viruses like Marburg may spread through predator chains but also highlights the danger of human encroachment into such ecosystems.

In the future, early warning systems must include support for grassroots surveillance, like the kind Atukwatse led. The next deadly virus may already be circulating—visible not only under a microscope, but also through the lens of a trail camera in the hands of a watchful local scientist.

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marburg virus outbreak

Marburg virus is one of the world’s deadliest pathogens. Closely related to Ebola, it causes hemorrhagic fever with mortality rates as high as 88%. First identified in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Germany and Serbia, it is classified as a zoonotic disease — one that jumps from animals to humans. The primary reservoir of the virus is the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus), which lives in large colonies in African caves and mines.Outbreaks in countries like Uganda and Angola have been linked to contact with bat excreta or shared fruit. Until now, however, little visual evidence existed of how Marburg might be moving across species in the wild. A new discovery at Python Cave in Uganda could change that.Extraordinary Discovery from an Unlikely SourceIn early 2025, a remarkable discovery came not from a laboratory or global health agency but from a young Ugandan undergraduate, Bosco Atukwatse. As part of a leopard-monitoring project in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Atukwatse installed camera traps near a known bat cave to monitor predator activity.What he captured over just four months stunned his team: 261 instances of predation and scavenging around the bat colony, involving at least 14 different species—including crowned eagles, Nile monitors, blue monkeys, and leopards. These bats, crucially, are documented carriers of the Marburg virus.Atukwatse, working with the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust Kyambura Lion Project, had set out to study leopard movements. Instead, he captured unprecedented visual evidence of what disease ecologists call a "spillover interface"—a location where a virus might leap from animals into new hosts, including humans.New Spillover Pathway: PredationUntil recently, two major spillover pathways for Marburg were recognized:Direct contact—through cave exploration or exposure to guano.Contaminated fruit—eaten by bats and later consumed by humans or other animals.Now, Atukwatse's footage suggests a third: predation. Species ranging from blue monkeys to fish eagles were recorded feeding on the bats. This finding indicates a potentially overlooked transmission route in which predators may act as intermediate hosts, spreading the virus to humans or other wildlife.This is the first time such a large-scale, visual dataset has documented predator-prey interactions involving a known viral reservoir in nature. While individual cases of monkeys or birds feeding on bats have been observed, never before has evidence of repeated, multi-species predation at a virus site been systematically captured.Human Risk: A Ticking Time BombPerhaps even more concerning, the cameras recorded over 400 human visitors—many tourists—approaching the cave mouth without protective equipment. While the Uganda Wildlife Authority has set up a viewing platform 35 meters away, many visitors ignored safety protocols, walking within two meters of the bat colony.This proximity to a Marburg hotspot, combined with the newly observed predator activity, presents a chilling risk. In the past, tourists have contracted the virus in the same region, and now more evidence suggests that such spillover scenarios may be far more complex and frequent than previously thought.A Wake-Up Call for Global HealthAtukwatse’s discovery underscores the critical role of local scientists in uncovering potential pandemic threats. Unlike multimillion-dollar surveillance programs, this breakthrough came from ecological instinct and basic camera equipment. It points to a vital gap in global health: the need to fund and empower local field researchers who are closest to where such threats emerge.Disease ecologists have long warned that the next pandemic may begin in remote animal-human interfaces. But until now, these warnings were largely based on models and assumptions. This footage shifts that narrative—providing real, observable evidence of a spillover ecosystem in action.A New Era of Spillover ScienceThis discovery could mark a pivotal moment in spillover research. It not only confirms theories about how viruses like Marburg may spread through predator chains but also highlights the danger of human encroachment into such ecosystems.In the future, early warning systems must include support for grassroots surveillance, like the kind Atukwatse led. The next deadly virus may already be circulating—visible not only under a microscope, but also through the lens of a trail camera in the hands of a watchful local scientist.

a ugandan scientist's photos reveal how marburg virus can spread to different species

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