Health and Me

Ishita Roy

West Nile Virus Spotted In Weld County Mosquitoes, Here’s What You Need To Know

Weld County officials announced on July 7 that mosquito samples collected from two of the county’s three designated trap zones have tested positive for <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/west-nile-virus">West Nile Virus</a></span> (WNV). The affected areas include Greeley, Evans, Kersey, and LaSalle (Zone One), as well as Johnstown, Milliken, and Platteville (Zone Two).

Mosquitoes from the third trap zone—covering Firestone, Dacono, and Fort Lupton—tested negative for the <span>virus</span>.

Though no human cases have been reported in the county so far this year, health officials are warning residents to be prepared. With the arrival of hotter temperatures in July and August, Culex mosquitoes—the primary carriers of WNV—become more active and more numerous.

<h4>“A Permanent Summer Presence”</h4>

Jason Chessher, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department, emphasized the seasonal nature of the virus. “The increasing hot weather often leads to favorable conditions for the Culex mosquito that carries West Nile Virus,” he said. “The public needs to be vigilant, because West Nile Virus has a permanent summer presence in Colorado.”

Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but those who do may begin to feel unwell three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes a rash.

While these symptoms may resemble the flu, WNV can lead to more serious complications in some cases, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV, which makes prevention especially important. Weld County health authorities recommend seeking medical care promptly if any symptoms arise.

Health experts advise residents to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and virus transmission. These include:

<ul><li>Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, or pet bowls, as these are prime mosquito breeding grounds.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside during these peak hours.</li></ul>

Colorado saw a significant spike in WNV cases in 2023, recording 631 infections, 398 hospitalizations, and 51 deaths—the highest in the country that year. In contrast, 2024 has been comparatively mild, with just 76 reported cases statewide, 24 hospitalizations, and no fatalities to date.

Still, with Culex mosquito populations on the rise, officials say it’s crucial not to let your guard down. Weld County will continue monitoring mosquito activity closely and urges the community to follow safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus this summer.

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Weld County officials announced on July 7 that mosquito samples collected from two of the county’s three designated trap zones have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The affected areas include Greeley, Evans, Kersey, and LaSalle (Zone One), as well as Johnstown, Milliken, and Platteville (Zone Two).Mosquitoes from the third trap zone—covering Firestone, Dacono, and Fort Lupton—tested negative for the virus.Though no human cases have been reported in the county so far this year, health officials are warning residents to be prepared. With the arrival of hotter temperatures in July and August, Culex mosquitoes—the primary carriers of WNV—become more active and more numerous.“A Permanent Summer Presence”Jason Chessher, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department, emphasized the seasonal nature of the virus. “The increasing hot weather often leads to favorable conditions for the Culex mosquito that carries West Nile Virus,” he said. “The public needs to be vigilant, because West Nile Virus has a permanent summer presence in Colorado.”What Are The Risks?Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but those who do may begin to feel unwell three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes a rash.While these symptoms may resemble the flu, WNV can lead to more serious complications in some cases, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV, which makes prevention especially important. Weld County health authorities recommend seeking medical care promptly if any symptoms arise.Steps to Stay SafeHealth experts advise residents to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and virus transmission. These include:Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, or pet bowls, as these are prime mosquito breeding grounds.Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol.Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside during these peak hours.Cases In The Past and PresentColorado saw a significant spike in WNV cases in 2023, recording 631 infections, 398 hospitalizations, and 51 deaths—the highest in the country that year. In contrast, 2024 has been comparatively mild, with just 76 reported cases statewide, 24 hospitalizations, and no fatalities to date.Still, with Culex mosquito populations on the rise, officials say it’s crucial not to let your guard down. Weld County will continue monitoring mosquito activity closely and urges the community to follow safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus this summer.

west nile virus spotted in weld county mosquitoes, here’s what you need to know

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London is currently dealing with a serious lung sickness called <span>Legionnaires</span>' disease. So far, one person has died, and more than 40 people have gotten sick in just the past week. The Middlesex-London Health Unit has announced this as an outbreak. 

The Health Unit UK is working closely with provincial health groups to find out where this sickness started. This involves taking samples from different cooling systems, which can take some time. Officials know people are eager to find the source, and they are too, but they don't have an exact location yet. Teams are busy collecting water samples and swabs from cooling systems. They'll then compare these to samples from the sick people, hoping to find a common source. 

Normally, only a few cases of Legionella, the bacteria that causes the disease, are reported each month. However, the number suddenly jumped to 43 new cases, which is why the outbreak was declared. Health officials think the recent warm weather probably played a role in this increase, as the number of cases was much higher than what they usually see at this time of year. 

The National Health Services UK explains that Legionnaires' disease is caused by tiny bugs called <span>Legionella bacteria</span>. These bugs are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large pipes, and parts of air conditioning systems. 

It's important to understand that this sickness does not spread from person to person. People get sick when they breathe in tiny drops of water or mist that contain these bacteria. Most people who are exposed to the bacteria don't get sick, but some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac fever. 

Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and parts of air-conditioning systems. People get sick if these bacteria become airborne as mist (from wind or fans) and are then inhaled. 

Most people exposed to Legionella don't get sick, though some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac Fever, which usually goes away on its own. People who are older, have lung problems, or have weaker immune systems are at a higher risk of getting a serious infection. It's important to remember that Legionella does not spread from person to person. 

<h2>Important Health Guidelines to Follow </h2>

If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention right away. 

The Health Unit asks all business owners and property managers to make sure their cooling equipment is regularly maintained and cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the best way to prevent future outbreaks. The Middlesex-London Health Unit also listed some commonly asked questions regarding the disease, 

While face masks can reduce your risk of getting respiratory illnesses, including Legionella, the general public's risk for Legionnaires' disease is currently low. Because of this, the Health Unit is not recommending widespread community masks to use specifically to prevent this disease. 

Legionella bacteria can spread over a large area through the air. The exact source of this current outbreak hasn't been found yet. At this time, it's not known if this outbreak is from the same location as last year's Legionella outbreak. However, this possibility is being considered as part of the ongoing investigation. 

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how to deal with legionnaires Outbreak

London is currently dealing with a serious lung sickness called Legionnaires' disease. So far, one person has died, and more than 40 people have gotten sick in just the past week. The Middlesex-London Health Unit has announced this as an outbreak. The Health Unit UK is working closely with provincial health groups to find out where this sickness started. This involves taking samples from different cooling systems, which can take some time. Officials know people are eager to find the source, and they are too, but they don't have an exact location yet. Teams are busy collecting water samples and swabs from cooling systems. They'll then compare these to samples from the sick people, hoping to find a common source. Normally, only a few cases of Legionella, the bacteria that causes the disease, are reported each month. However, the number suddenly jumped to 43 new cases, which is why the outbreak was declared. Health officials think the recent warm weather probably played a role in this increase, as the number of cases was much higher than what they usually see at this time of year. What is Legionnaires' Disease? The National Health Services UK explains that Legionnaires' disease is caused by tiny bugs called Legionella bacteria. These bugs are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large pipes, and parts of air conditioning systems. It's important to understand that this sickness does not spread from person to person. People get sick when they breathe in tiny drops of water or mist that contain these bacteria. Most people who are exposed to the bacteria don't get sick, but some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac fever. Where Is This Bacteria Found? Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and parts of air-conditioning systems. People get sick if these bacteria become airborne as mist (from wind or fans) and are then inhaled. Most people exposed to Legionella don't get sick, though some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac Fever, which usually goes away on its own. People who are older, have lung problems, or have weaker immune systems are at a higher risk of getting a serious infection. It's important to remember that Legionella does not spread from person to person. Important Health Guidelines to Follow If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention right away. The Health Unit asks all business owners and property managers to make sure their cooling equipment is regularly maintained and cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the best way to prevent future outbreaks. The Middlesex-London Health Unit also listed some commonly asked questions regarding the disease, Will Masks Help? While face masks can reduce your risk of getting respiratory illnesses, including Legionella, the general public's risk for Legionnaires' disease is currently low. Because of this, the Health Unit is not recommending widespread community masks to use specifically to prevent this disease. Legionella bacteria can spread over a large area through the air. The exact source of this current outbreak hasn't been found yet. At this time, it's not known if this outbreak is from the same location as last year's Legionella outbreak. However, this possibility is being considered as part of the ongoing investigation. 

1 Dead And 40 Sick With Legionnaires Outbreak In London– What You Need To Know

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Growing up, a lot of us may have played with <span>Barbie</span>. Back then, there was a one-size-fits-all Barbie for everyone, unlike today, where the makers have finally understood that representation matters. In this new understanding of representation, even in dolls, the latest Barbie in chic blue-polka crop top and a miniskirt with chunky heels, is not just ready for summer, but also carries an insulin pump. The Barbie also has a continuous glucose monitor on her arm, and the button is held on by a strip of heart-shaped Barbie-pink tape. Her phone also shows an app with glucose readings. She also carries a light blue purse that holds all her supplies, including snacks that can help her manage her blood sugar throughout the day.

This is the brand's first doll with type 1 diabetes.

Why Does This Barbie With Type 1 Diabetes Matter?<h4></h4>

Dollmaker Mattel worked with Breakthrough T1D, which was earlier known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, to design the doll and to represent the 304,000 kids and teens, as noted by the American Diabetes Association. who are living with type 1 diabetes in the United States.

The doll was launched on Tuesday with an aim to ask Congress to renew funding for the Special Diabetes Program, which had been first allocated by Congress in 1997. Currently, the program's funding will end after September.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/man-walks-into-er-feeling-unwell-hours-later-starts-hallucinatingnow-hes-battling-a-rare-disorder-that-mimics-mental-illness-article-152245248" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Man Walks Into ER Feeling Unwell, Hours Later Starts Hallucinating—Now He’s Battling A Rare Disorder That Mimics Mental Illness</a>

The launch of the Barbie also focuses on the immense cuts made to federally funded projects in the past months, and thus, this launch is a way to draw people's attention on the said program that focuses on children with type 1 diabetes.

As per the American Diabetes Association, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system mistakenly treats the beta cells in your pancreas that create insulin as foreign invaders and destroys them. When enough beta cells are destroyed, your pancreas cannot make more insulin, or makes so little that you need to take insulin to live.

It is a hormone that helps blood glucose enter your body's cells so that it can be used as energy. If you have diabetes, blood glucose cannot enter your cells, so it builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood glucose or hyperglycemia. Over time, high blood glucose harms your body and can lead to diabetes-related complications if not treated.

<h2>Common Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes</h2>

<ul><li>Urinating often</li><li>Feeling very thirsty</li><li>Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating</li><li>Extreme fatigue</li><li>Blurry vision</li><li>Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal</li><li>Weight loss—even though you are eating more</li></ul><h2></h2>

<span>Type 1 Diabetes In Children</span><h4></h4>

A 2024 study published in JAMA Network, titled: <em>Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes Among US Children and Adults by Age, Sex, Race, and Ethnicity</em>, notes that nearly 4 in every 1000 youths in the US reported having type 1 diabetes from 2019 to 2022. As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, of the 38.4 million people who had diabetes in 2021, 352,000 were children and adolescents younger than age 20, including 304,000 with type 1 diabetes.

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that even in type 1 diabetes, there are broadly two types:

<strong>Immune-mediated diabetes:</strong> This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system damages the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This is the most common kind of type 1 diabetes.

<strong>Idiopathic type 1: </strong>This refers to rare forms of the disease with no known cause.

In children, there could be many factors that can cause type 1 diabetes, including if a family member has a condition, if the child is White, is from Finland or Sardinia, or is aged between 4 and 6 or 10 and 14.

<h2>How Is Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed In Children?</h2>

To diagnose type 1 diabetes, the healthcare provider will start by asking about your child’s symptoms and overall health history. They may also ask questions about your family’s medical background. A physical exam will be done, and your child may need some blood tests, such as:

<strong>Fasting plasma glucose test:</strong> This checks blood sugar levels after your child hasn’t eaten for at least 8 hours.

<strong>Random plasma glucose test: </strong>This measures blood sugar at any time, especially if your child is showing symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, or increased hunger.

<strong>A1C test:</strong> This gives an average of your child’s blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. A high A1C level can help confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

<h2>How is Type 1 Diabetes Treated in Children?</h2>

Children with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin to manage their blood sugar. Insulin can be given either through injections or an insulin pump. Your child’s healthcare team will teach you how to use whichever method is best for your child.

<strong>Healthy eating:</strong> This includes planning meals carefully, counting carbohydrates, and eating at regular times to help control blood sugar.

<strong>Physical activity:</strong> Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar levels.

<strong>Monitoring blood sugar:</strong> This includes checking levels several times a day, often using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

<strong>Testing urine:</strong> To check for ketones, which can be a sign of a serious complication if blood sugar is too high.

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Growing up, a lot of us may have played with Barbie. Back then, there was a one-size-fits-all Barbie for everyone, unlike today, where the makers have finally understood that representation matters. In this new understanding of representation, even in dolls, the latest Barbie in chic blue-polka crop top and a miniskirt with chunky heels, is not just ready for summer, but also carries an insulin pump. The Barbie also has a continuous glucose monitor on her arm, and the button is held on by a strip of heart-shaped Barbie-pink tape. Her phone also shows an app with glucose readings. She also carries a light blue purse that holds all her supplies, including snacks that can help her manage her blood sugar throughout the day.This is the brand's first doll with type 1 diabetes.Why Does This Barbie With Type 1 Diabetes Matter?Dollmaker Mattel worked with Breakthrough T1D, which was earlier known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, to design the doll and to represent the 304,000 kids and teens, as noted by the American Diabetes Association. who are living with type 1 diabetes in the United States.The doll was launched on Tuesday with an aim to ask Congress to renew funding for the Special Diabetes Program, which had been first allocated by Congress in 1997. Currently, the program's funding will end after September.Also Read: Man Walks Into ER Feeling Unwell, Hours Later Starts Hallucinating—Now He’s Battling A Rare Disorder That Mimics Mental IllnessThe launch of the Barbie also focuses on the immense cuts made to federally funded projects in the past months, and thus, this launch is a way to draw people's attention on the said program that focuses on children with type 1 diabetes.What Is Type 1 Diabetes?As per the American Diabetes Association, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system mistakenly treats the beta cells in your pancreas that create insulin as foreign invaders and destroys them. When enough beta cells are destroyed, your pancreas cannot make more insulin, or makes so little that you need to take insulin to live.What Is Insulin?It is a hormone that helps blood glucose enter your body's cells so that it can be used as energy. If you have diabetes, blood glucose cannot enter your cells, so it builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood glucose or hyperglycemia. Over time, high blood glucose harms your body and can lead to diabetes-related complications if not treated.Common Symptoms of Type 1 DiabetesUrinating oftenFeeling very thirstyFeeling very hungry—even though you are eatingExtreme fatigueBlurry visionCuts/bruises that are slow to healWeight loss—even though you are eating moreType 1 Diabetes In ChildrenA 2024 study published in JAMA Network, titled: Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes Among US Children and Adults by Age, Sex, Race, and Ethnicity, notes that nearly 4 in every 1000 youths in the US reported having type 1 diabetes from 2019 to 2022. As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, of the 38.4 million people who had diabetes in 2021, 352,000 were children and adolescents younger than age 20, including 304,000 with type 1 diabetes.Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that even in type 1 diabetes, there are broadly two types:Immune-mediated diabetes: This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system damages the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This is the most common kind of type 1 diabetes.Idiopathic type 1: This refers to rare forms of the disease with no known cause.In children, there could be many factors that can cause type 1 diabetes, including if a family member has a condition, if the child is White, is from Finland or Sardinia, or is aged between 4 and 6 or 10 and 14.How Is Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed In Children?To diagnose type 1 diabetes, the healthcare provider will start by asking about your child’s symptoms and overall health history. They may also ask questions about your family’s medical background. A physical exam will be done, and your child may need some blood tests, such as:Fasting plasma glucose test: This checks blood sugar levels after your child hasn’t eaten for at least 8 hours.Random plasma glucose test: This measures blood sugar at any time, especially if your child is showing symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, or increased hunger.A1C test: This gives an average of your child’s blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. A high A1C level can help confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.How is Type 1 Diabetes Treated in Children?Children with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin to manage their blood sugar. Insulin can be given either through injections or an insulin pump. Your child’s healthcare team will teach you how to use whichever method is best for your child.Treatment also involves:Healthy eating: This includes planning meals carefully, counting carbohydrates, and eating at regular times to help control blood sugar.Physical activity: Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar levels.Monitoring blood sugar: This includes checking levels several times a day, often using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).Testing urine: To check for ketones, which can be a sign of a serious complication if blood sugar is too high.

hundreds of us children have type 1 diabetes, now their barbie has it too

Tanya Dutt

First-Ever Malaria Drug For Infants Approved, Here’s What It Means

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The world has finally reached a milestone in the fight against malaria: the first-ever treatment specifically designed for newborns and very young infants has been approved. Until now, these vulnerable patients—often weighing less than 4.5 kilograms—were treated with medications intended for older children, risking overdoses and under-dosing due to immature metabolism. With the approval of Coartem Baby—also marketed as Riamet Baby—health authorities and families in malaria-endemic regions now have a safer, customized option.

Global malaria statistics are sobering. In 2023, there were approximately 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide—94% of cases and 95% of deaths occurred in Africa, and children under five accounted for nearly three-quarters of fatalities.

Treating infants using formulations developed for larger children carried significant risks. Their livers process drugs differently, making standardized dosing unreliable—and in some cases dangerous.

Developed by Novartis with support from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Coartem Baby combines artemether and lumefantrine in doses appropriate for infants weighing between 2 and 5 kg (4.4–11 lbs). Approved by Swissmedic under its Global Health Products fast-track, it is expected to swiftly receive authorization in eight African countries—including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Its design addresses key challenges: the medicine dissolves easily—even when mixed into breast milk—has a sweet cherry flavor to aid dosing, and is suitable for field distribution 

This development marks a major advance in improving access to malaria care for the youngest and most vulnerable. Until now, infants under 11 pounds were unable to receive approved treatments or vaccines—which only start at five months of age.

Professor Umberto D’Alessandro from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine emphasized that immature liver function in newborns necessitates tailored dosing—older-child formulations are simply unsuitable.

This is a rare moment of alignment, easy-to-administer drug formulation, rapid regulatory approval, and readiness for deployment.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Malaria Drug</span> for Babies: Dosing &amp; Safety Trials</h2>

Approval was based on a combined Phase II/III trial—CALINA—which tested dosage accuracy and safety in infants between 2–5 kg. These trials confirmed that the drug is effective and safe when administered in adjusted doses for neonatal metabolism.

The core months of malaria treatment—during wet seasons—now will include safer options for infants, helping treat early-life P. falciparum infections before they evolve into severe disease.

While malaria vaccines—such as RTS,S (Mosquirix) and R21—have been rolled out for children aged five months and older, infants still face a vulnerability gap.

Preventive interventions like insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying have saved lives—yet funding remains insufficient. The recent decline in malaria aid further threatens progress. In this context, Coartem Baby offers a practical treatment solution during peak malaria risk periods, when vaccine coverage may still be pending.

Novartis plans to introduce the drug largely on a not-for-profit basis, especially in African regions where it is most needed. Existing global health financing channels—like the Global Fund and PMI—will likely support distribution. However, sustaining coverage depends on ongoing investment.

With global aid tightening and climate change expanding malaria zones, this infant treatment could become vital—but only if maintained through consistent support.

Following Swiss approval, rapid reviews are underway in eight African countries, expected to conclude within 90 days. Monitoring effectiveness, adverse events, and real-world outcomes will be key. Longitudinal studies that track infant recovery, recurrence, and safety post-discharge will provide critical data.

Malaria poses a severe threat to infants, leading to high mortality rates if left untreated. With this new formulation, babies who previously lacked options can now receive age-appropriate, safe treatment—preferably administered in combination with preventive strategies like bed nets and future vaccines.

Because for malaria—and especially for its youngest victims—the difference between no care and the right care can mean life or death.

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malaria deaths africa

malaria drug rollout

The world has finally reached a milestone in the fight against malaria: the first-ever treatment specifically designed for newborns and very young infants has been approved. Until now, these vulnerable patients—often weighing less than 4.5 kilograms—were treated with medications intended for older children, risking overdoses and under-dosing due to immature metabolism. With the approval of Coartem Baby—also marketed as Riamet Baby—health authorities and families in malaria-endemic regions now have a safer, customized option.Global malaria statistics are sobering. In 2023, there were approximately 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide—94% of cases and 95% of deaths occurred in Africa, and children under five accounted for nearly three-quarters of fatalities.Treating infants using formulations developed for larger children carried significant risks. Their livers process drugs differently, making standardized dosing unreliable—and in some cases dangerous.Developed by Novartis with support from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Coartem Baby combines artemether and lumefantrine in doses appropriate for infants weighing between 2 and 5 kg (4.4–11 lbs). Approved by Swissmedic under its Global Health Products fast-track, it is expected to swiftly receive authorization in eight African countries—including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.Its design addresses key challenges: the medicine dissolves easily—even when mixed into breast milk—has a sweet cherry flavor to aid dosing, and is suitable for field distribution novartis.com.Why It Matters Now?This development marks a major advance in improving access to malaria care for the youngest and most vulnerable. Until now, infants under 11 pounds were unable to receive approved treatments or vaccines—which only start at five months of age.Professor Umberto D’Alessandro from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine emphasized that immature liver function in newborns necessitates tailored dosing—older-child formulations are simply unsuitable.This is a rare moment of alignment, easy-to-administer drug formulation, rapid regulatory approval, and readiness for deployment.Malaria Drug for Babies: Dosing & Safety TrialsApproval was based on a combined Phase II/III trial—CALINA—which tested dosage accuracy and safety in infants between 2–5 kg. These trials confirmed that the drug is effective and safe when administered in adjusted doses for neonatal metabolism.The core months of malaria treatment—during wet seasons—now will include safer options for infants, helping treat early-life P. falciparum infections before they evolve into severe disease.While malaria vaccines—such as RTS,S (Mosquirix) and R21—have been rolled out for children aged five months and older, infants still face a vulnerability gap.Preventive interventions like insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying have saved lives—yet funding remains insufficient. The recent decline in malaria aid further threatens progress. In this context, Coartem Baby offers a practical treatment solution during peak malaria risk periods, when vaccine coverage may still be pending.Novartis plans to introduce the drug largely on a not-for-profit basis, especially in African regions where it is most needed. Existing global health financing channels—like the Global Fund and PMI—will likely support distribution. However, sustaining coverage depends on ongoing investment.With global aid tightening and climate change expanding malaria zones, this infant treatment could become vital—but only if maintained through consistent support.Following Swiss approval, rapid reviews are underway in eight African countries, expected to conclude within 90 days. Monitoring effectiveness, adverse events, and real-world outcomes will be key. Longitudinal studies that track infant recovery, recurrence, and safety post-discharge will provide critical data.Malaria poses a severe threat to infants, leading to high mortality rates if left untreated. With this new formulation, babies who previously lacked options can now receive age-appropriate, safe treatment—preferably administered in combination with preventive strategies like bed nets and future vaccines.Because for malaria—and especially for its youngest victims—the difference between no care and the right care can mean life or death.

first-ever malaria drug for infants approved, here’s what it means

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