Parts of the US, particularly Fort Collins, Colorado, are currently playing host to rabbits with black tentacles that are definitely not pleasing to look at. They have got black, spike-like growths sprouting from their faces, resembling something between sea anemone tentacles and mediaeval torture devices. And officials say you should absolutely avoid touching them.

The unsettling appearance is caused by the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), also known as the Shope papilloma virus. This rare condition causes wart-like tumours to erupt on or around the head of a rabbit, eventually hardening into horn-like growths made of keratin, the same stuff your fingernails are made of.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials say they do not believe the virus can spread to humans or pets, but the advice is still clear: do not attempt to handle, rescue, or play with these unfortunate creatures.

How It Spreads

CRPV is mostly spread via blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Once they bite an infected rabbit, they can pass the virus to the next one they feed on. The good news is that scientists say it is almost never transmitted by direct rabbit-to-rabbit contact and there is no evidence of insect bites passing the virus to humans.

First signs include small red bumps that eventually morph into grotesque growths. In extreme cases, these tumours can get so large they block the rabbit’s vision, hearing, or even ability to eat, leading to slow starvation.

To Save or Not to Save?

On social media, the debate is heating up over whether it is more humane to euthanise severely infected wild rabbits to prevent suffering.

Animal control officials have not endorsed any such measures. Their position is simple: the virus does not pose a public health threat, and interfering with wildlife generally causes more harm than good. The standing advice is to leave the animals undisturbed and let nature take its course, however grim it might seem.

What About Pet Rabbits?

For those with pet rabbits, the threat is real but manageable. Since the virus spreads via insects, the best prevention is pest control, keeping rabbits indoors during peak mosquito activity and using protective enclosures. If a pet does become infected, veterinarians can surgically remove the growths before they become malignant. Occasionally, tumours shrink on their own, but in wild rabbits, they often grow bigger year after year.

There is no cure for CRPV in wild rabbits, and the prognosis is rarely good once the growths interfere with basic functions like eating. Wildlife officials stress that the best way to help is to keep your distance, avoid feeding or attempting to “save” them, and report sightings if local authorities request it.

These infected rabbits are a reminder of how viruses can warp the natural world in unsettling ways.

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is urging residents to monitor for symptoms of measles after confirming the city’s fifth case of the year. Officials say the individual, who has not been identified, likely contracted the virus while travelling in western Canada. While the risk to the general public remains low, OPH warns that certain people may have been exposed at specific locations around the city between August 5 and 8.

Potential Exposure Sites in Ottawa

In its Thursday alert, OPH listed several businesses and venues where possible exposure could have occurred:

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 702 Bank St., Aug. 5 from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Michaels, 165 Trainyards Dr., Aug. 5 from 8:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Fitness Lab, 34 Beech St., Aug. 6 from 5:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
• Wilf and Ada’s, 510 Bank St., Aug. 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Izakaya Shingen, 201 Bank St., Aug. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cineplex Odeon, 2385 City Park Dr., Aug. 8 during the 6:50 p.m. screening of Fantastic Four: First Steps

Officials advise anyone who visited these locations during the listed times to watch for symptoms such as cough, fever, red eyes, and rash for 21 days after the possible exposure.

Exposure at Ottawa Hospital’s Emergency Department

The Ottawa Hospital has confirmed the same patient visited the General campus emergency department on August 11, waiting for several hours before being assessed in the early hours of August 12. Dr. Eric Eckbo, an infection control physician at the hospital, said measles was suspected during the examination. Infection control measures, including masking and isolation, were immediately implemented, and OPH was contacted.

Hospital staff are now following up with anyone who may have been exposed during that time, including immune-compromised individuals at higher risk of complications. Most people exposed will not develop measles due to immunity from vaccination or previous infection.

ALSO READ: Measles Death In Liverpool Highlights Vaccine Urgency For Children: Here's What Parents Need To know

Part of a Larger Outbreak

Ontario has been dealing with a significant measles outbreak this year, with 2,362 cases reported as of August 12, according to Public Health Ontario. Two of Ottawa’s five cases are linked to this provincial outbreak. Alberta is also experiencing a large number of cases, with dozens of new infections reported weekly.

No Local Transmission Detected

Despite these numbers, OPH says there is still no evidence of local measles transmission in Ottawa in 2025. Health officials credit this to high vaccination coverage in the community. However, they stress that measles remains one of the most contagious viruses and that the measles-containing vaccine is the most effective protection.

Advice for the Public

People who develop symptoms are urged to contact their primary healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility. If a hospital visit is necessary, they should wear a mask and inform staff immediately upon arrival. Those unable to get vaccinated, such as infants and people with compromised immune systems, are particularly vulnerable and should take extra precautions.

Canada eliminated measles in the 1990s due to strong vaccination programs, but declining immunization rates worldwide are fueling its return. Ottawa health officials are reminding residents that staying up to date on vaccinations remains the best way to prevent outbreaks.

From September, Eli Lilly will raise the UK price of its diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro by as much as 170%. The US pharmaceutical giant says the increase will align UK costs with those in other developed nations and address “pricing disparities.”

The NHS will not be affected for now. The price surge is aimed at private patients and providers, who often negotiate discounts behind closed clinic doors. But for those paying out of pocket, the jump is steep, the highest monthly dose will soar from £122 to £330, while lower doses will rise by 45 to 138 per cent.

For many, this is more than a wallet shock. It could mean rethinking whether to continue treatment, especially since Mounjaro is often taken long term to maintain results. With so much at stake, here’s a closer look at what the drug does, who it’s for, and the benefits and risks to consider.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, is an injectable medication, notes Diabetes UK, and is approved in the UK for type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for obesity. It is part of a newer class of drugs that not only control blood sugar but also promote significant weight loss.

Unlike earlier medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which were based on semaglutide, Mounjaro works by activating two hormone receptors: GLP-1 and GIP, at the same time. This “dual agonist” approach appears to produce greater weight loss than single-receptor drugs.

How Does it Work?

Mounjaro increases levels of natural hormones called incretins. These hormones help the body release more insulin when needed, reduce glucose production by the liver, and slow digestion so you feel fuller for longer.

The result is a two-pronged effect:

Better blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes

Reduced appetite and calorie intake leading to weight loss

In clinical trials, people taking the highest dose (15 mg weekly) lost up to 21 per cent of their body weight. That’s on par with some bariatric surgeries, but without the invasive procedure.

Who Can Take Mounjaro?

For type 2 diabetes

Adults aged 18 and over who have not been able to control blood sugar with other medications, or who cannot tolerate them due to side effects or other conditions.

Typically prescribed if the person also has a BMI of 35 kg/m² or higher with obesity-related health issues, though exceptions exist for those with lower BMIs in certain ethnic groups or specific medical needs.

For obesity

In England and Wales: Recommended for people with a BMI of at least 35 kg/m² and related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Lower thresholds apply for some ethnic groups.

In Scotland: Available for people with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m² plus one obesity-related condition.

The Benefits

Significant weight loss that can improve or reverse obesity-related health problems

Improved blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes

Once-weekly dosing with a pre-filled pen for convenience

May reduce risk of complications from diabetes, though more research is ongoing for cardiovascular benefits

The Risks and Side Effects

Like other drugs in its class, Mounjaro can cause:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion
• Risk of low blood sugar if taken with insulin or certain other diabetes drugs
• Possible risk of high blood sugar if insulin doses are cut too quickly
• In animal studies, an increased risk of thyroid tumors, whether this applies to humans is still unknown

Long-term safety data is limited since the drug is relatively new. Some people may also regain weight if they stop taking it.

Cost and Access Challenges

On the NHS, Mounjaro is free for those eligible under treatment guidelines, but rollout is gradual due to costs and support service limitations. Access for weight loss alone is prioritized for those with the highest clinical need.

Private prescriptions vary in cost and availability. After the September price hike, the financial burden will be significant for many patients, especially since ongoing treatment is often required to maintain benefits.

Life Without the Jab

If the higher cost puts Mounjaro out of reach, lifestyle changes can still deliver meaningful results. Strategies that mimic some of its effects include:

• Eating high-protein meals to promote satiety
• Choosing high-fibre foods to slow digestion
• Limiting ultra-processed foods that spike blood sugar
• Regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity

New blood pressure guidelines were released by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology this Thursday. These guidelines focus proactively look at blood pressure levels, meaning the focus is from early on, from prevention and early treatment. So, next time you get your blood pressure checked, you may expect your medical provider to be a bit more aggressive if high levels are seen.

Why New Blood Pressure Guidelines Now?

Since 2017, this is the first time a new set of guidelines has been issued. The reason being the growing numbers of heart diseases and for it persistently being the No. 1 killer in the world. The catch is, despite it being the top killer, blood pressure is one of the most easily modifiable ways to avoid such a death. Keeping your blood pressure in check can also reduce your risk of kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.

What Is Happening In The US?

In the US, nearly half of all adults population have higher than the normal levels of blood pressure. As per the guidelines, the normal pressure is less than 120/80mm Hg, and elevated blood pressure is 120-129/80mm Hg.

If you are at 130/80mm Hg or higher, the new guidelines allow the medical professional for you to make lifestyle changes.

What Is Blood Pressure, How Is It Measured?

As per the National Institute of Health, US (NIH), blood pressure is the pressure, measured in millimeters of mercury, within the major arterial system of the body. It is separated into systolic and diastolic determination.

Systolic means the maximum blood pressure during contraction of ventricles and diastolic pressure means the maximum pressure recorded just prior to the next contraction.

In simpler language, blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood.

The blood pressure is usually written as the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure, for instance 120/80mm Hg.

High blood pressure is also often called the "silent killer", because it rarely shows any symptoms However, it forces the hard and vessels to work harder. Without timely treatment, this can also damage arteries and raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney diseases and dementia.

What The New Blood Pressure Guideline Say

According to the updated blood pressure guidelines from the American Heart Association, the threshold for early intervention has changed.

If systolic blood pressure falls between 130 and 139, doctors are now advised to first recommend lifestyle changes rather than immediate medication.

After three to six months, if blood pressure remains above target despite these changes, medication should be introduced.

This marks a shift from 2017 recommendations, where anyone with a systolic reading above 140 was typically prescribed both medication and lifestyle modifications from the outset.

Why Does It Matter?

The goal is to control blood pressure earlier and more effectively to prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney damage, and cognitive decline.

“We now know that lowering blood pressure also helps reduce the risk for dementia,” said Dr. Daniel Jones, chair of the guideline writing committee, as reported by the CNN. “That’s a significant finding in this update.”

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help, As Per The New Blood Pressure Guidelines

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a heart-friendly diet
• Reducing salt intake
• Managing stress
• Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week
• Adding resistance training such as weightlifting

New Stance on Alcohol

One of the biggest changes is the recommendation to avoid alcohol altogether.

In 2017, the guidance allowed up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men. Now, evidence linking alcohol to elevated blood pressure is stronger, leading experts to set abstinence as the ideal.

For those who do choose to drink, the advice is to limit it to less than one drink a day for women and less than two for men.

Protecting Brain Health

Beyond heart and kidney protection, the guidelines underscore the importance of blood pressure control in lowering the risk of dementia. The link between high blood pressure and cognitive decline has been reinforced by new research, making early intervention even more crucial.