The US is again gripped in the news due to yet another listeria outbreak due to the Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettucine Alfredo. On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update that showed that the recent listeria outbreak has led to 20 cases, including 19 hospitalizations and four deaths. As of now, the outbreak is spanned over 15 states.

The CDC noted that while the products that are linked to the outbreak may no longer be in the stores, it could be in consumers' fridges or freezers, if they have purchased recently. The update notes that recalled products must be thrown away or returned at the place of purchase.

The CDC update also notes that consumers must not eat the food and must clean their refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched the affected surface of the contaminated food. As these bacteria can survive in the fridge due to cold temperature and also spread on to other foods or surfaces.

The Marketside meatball linguine was also recalled from Walmart. As of now the products bearing the "best by" dates of:

• September 20
• September 24
• September 27

What Is Listeria?

As per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), listeria is a type of disease-causing bacteria that can be found in many places. These places include soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals. It can also survive and in fact grow in under refrigeration. It is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, which can thrive in unsanitary food production conditions and lead to contamination of food. People who consumed the contaminated food could develop a disease called listeriosis.

L. monocytogenes is transmitted when food is harvested, processed, prepared, packed, transported or stored in manufacturing or production environments contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Environment can also become contaminated by raw materials, water, soil, and incoming air. Pets can also spread the bacteria in the home if they eat food contaminated with L. monocytogenes.

Listeria: What Are The Symptoms?

There are two ways in which Listeriosis can present:

Non-invasive gastrointestinal listeriosis: the milder form, limited to the digestive system.

Invasive listeriosis: the more dangerous form, which occurs when the bacteria spread beyond the intestines to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Non-invasive listeriosis mostly has short-lived symptoms:

• fever
• muscle aches
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

These symptoms usually last for 1 to 3 days.

Invasive listeriosis is a more severe form and could be life-threatening. The symptoms include:

• headache
• stiff neck
• confusion
• loss of balance
• seizures.

This type is more dangerous towards newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.

Who Is Most at Risk?

There are certain groups who are at more risk than others for Listeriosis, they are:

• Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn babies
• Adults aged 65 and older
• People with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant Women and Newborns

Novo Nordisk is all set to launch Ozempic, a popular drug for diabetes and weight loss, administered through a shot, in India. As per the Diabetes Organization, UK, it semaglutide, sold under the brand name of Ozempic, which belongs to a group of drugs called the GLP-1 agonists, also the GLP-1 analogues, GLP-1 RAs, and incretin mimetics.

It treats type 2 diabetes, which can help you manage your blood sugar levels.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic increases the levels of incretins, which are hormones naturally produced in the stomach when you eat. This then helps your body to produce more insulin when needed and reducing the amount of glucose or sugar produced by the liver. The drug is also known for slowing down how quickly food is digested and thus helps in maintaining a lower blood sugar level and HbA1c.

How To Administer Ozempic?

The main question is, how must one take Ozempic? As per the Diabetes Organization, UK, you take this once a week. Your healthcare team will also give you instruction on how to inject it.

The Diabetes Organization, UK, also notes that those above the age of 18 with type 2 diabetes can take Ozempic.

Vikrant Shrotiya, who is the India Head of the Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk told India Today, "“With the highly anticipated launch expected soon, Novo Nordisk will now complete its semaglutide portfolio in India, providing a range of treatments to address diverse patient needs— oral semaglutide for diabetes, advanced obesity management through Injectable.”

Read: How To Identify A Counterfeit Ozempic? Look For These Signs

Why Does India Need Ozempic?

"India is the diabetic capital," said Dr Hitendra Mehta, Head, Clinical Services, at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital in Tardeo at a conference on how diabetes impacts vision loss.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), in India, there are around 77 million people above the age of 18 who are suffering from type 2 and nearly 25 million prediabetics patients. More than 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status which leads to health complications if not detected and treated early.

WHO also notes that diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness and occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure too. This is why, the India head has called this launch a "much-needed move", as the India Today reported.

Is Ozempic Safe To Use?

Ozempic is generally considered safe for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity when prescribed and closely monitored by a healthcare professional. However, there have been studies that do point out that it is not suitable for everyone.

People with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or serious kidney or liver problems should avoid it, the Ozempic website mentions.

Read: Is Ozempic Really Safe? Health Canada Logs Nearly 12,000 Side Secondary Effect Cases

Who Else Are Advised Against It: Pregnant or mothers who are breastfeeding are also advised against its use, as safety data remains limited.

The patients who are advised to consume the drug, Ozempic can provide major benefits, including improved blood sugar control, reduced cardiovascular risk, and significant weight loss.

What Are The Side Effects?

Read: Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic, Mounjaro And Wegovy Under Scrutiny After Deaths And Pancreatitis Reports in UK

The side effects could range from nausea and fatigue to rare but serious complications such as pancreatitis or gallbladder issues should be carefully monitored during treatment.

Zack Grossi, the pass game specialist for the football team Denver Broncos, who was diagnosed with yolk sac tumor has returned to his position on the sidelines, and has been cancer free. The team now, is making their mark on NFL's Crucial Catch initiative by being the first time to extend support for all cancers.

The owner of the team and Foundation Board Chair Carrie Walton Penner, along with the Bronco organization is now taking its cancer-fighting efforts one step further. On Monday night's "Fight Like a Bronco" game against the Bengals, the team will be unveiling a special cancer bell at the Empower Field at Mil High. This bell would be a symbol for patients to ring once they are declared cancer free.

The bell was built and designed by the students from Eaglecrest High School and the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus(CCIC). Th bell will be making its debut during a pregame reception hosted by Penner.

The event will honor the survivors as well as their caregivers before the kickoff. The bell will also travel to hospitals across Denver metro area throughout the month of October.

“Built with care by the amazing Eaglecrest High School students at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, the ‘Fight Like a Bronco’ bell is a unique way to celebrate every victory in the fight against cancer,” said Allie Engelken, the Broncos’ vice president of community impact.

The reception day will also have survivors and caregivers take part in the national anthem and hold the Colorado flag in the field.

With Coach Grossi's return and being declared as cancer-free, his name will also appear on the 'Fight Like a Bronco' flag, which will be carried by a Mascot.

It was in 2015, that the team first launched its cancer-inclusive imitative 'Fight Like a Bronco'. This was inspired by former assistant turf manager Luke Kellerman, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Kellerman passed away in 2017 at the age of 34.

Ever since, Broncos have expanded their initiative to promote prevention, screenings, and support for all cancer patients. It has become the first NFL team to broaden its focus on cancer in this way.

The Cancer That The Broncos Coach Had

Grossi was diagnosed with a yolk sac tumor, which is also known as an endodermal sinus tumor. It is a malignant cancer that starts in germ cells, which are immature cells that develop into sperm or eggs. Although they most commonly occur in the gonads (testicles or ovaries), they can also appear in other parts of the body, such as the brain, chest, or abdomen. Yolk sac tumors are aggressive and require treatment, but early diagnosis offers a good chance of a cure.

Grossi was diagnosed with this condition in 2024 and underwent his treatment at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. “Once I got the treatment plan, it became a very clear opponent,” he says. “It was fourth-and-1 every day.”

Symptoms Grossi Experienced before his cancer diagnosis:

• Unexpected weight gain despite working out
• Shortness of breath / getting winded easily
• Difficulty sleeping, even when extremely tired
• Noticeable heartbeat when pressing on the left side of rib cage
• Persistent, deep, body-racking cough
• Overall fatigue and feeling unwell

Children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball spoke openly on Monday’s Good Morning Britain about his prostate cancer diagnosis from 2022. During the ITV show, hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid discussed Ball’s health and recovery. The 87-year-old, father of radio host Zoe Ball and well-known for shows like Play School, revealed that he successfully completed treatment and is now in good health.

Reflecting on his experience, Ball said, “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022. Thankfully, after three months of daily radiation therapy starting in September, I’m through it and feeling well.” He acknowledged that the disease can be fatal, citing friends who lost their lives to it, including Goon Show star Harry Secombe and comedian Bob Monkhouse. “I’m 20 years younger than them, and I feel fortunate because today we can treat it successfully,” he added.

Ball also stressed the importance of regular check-ups. Despite showing no symptoms, his cancer was discovered during a routine GP visit. His PSA levels were at 30, far above the normal threshold of three, highlighting the value of screening even in the absence of symptoms.

What Is Prostate Cancer?Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system responsible for producing fluid that forms part of semen. The condition occurs when cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably, potentially forming a tumor. While some forms grow slowly and may not immediately threaten health, the cancer can be dangerous if it spreads beyond the prostate. Factors that increase risk include age, genetics, and ethnicity.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder in men. Its primary role is to produce seminal fluid, which helps nourish and transport sperm.

How Does Prostate Cancer Develop?

Cancer in the prostate begins when certain cells start growing abnormally. These cells multiply faster than normal, eventually forming a tumor.

Early Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they usually involve changes in urination:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
• Weak or interrupted stream
• Urgency, or a sudden, hard-to-control need to urinate
• Feeling of incomplete emptying after urination

Other possible signs include:

• Blood in urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation
• Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or upper thighs
• Weakness or numbness in later stages

Because early prostate cancer often produces few or no obvious symptoms, regular check-ups and screenings are crucial, particularly for men with risk factors. Anyone noticing these signs should seek medical advice promptly.