There are different blood types everywhere, and in the US, while different blood types are prevalent in different parts, AB-negative is the rarest across the country, with O-positive being the most common blood type.

What are blood types?

Blood drops contain red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. It also contains white blood cells, which helps fight infection, and platelets, which helps your blood clot, especially when there is an injury and you need to stop bleeding.

However, this is not it, there are at least 33 blood typing systems, but only two are widely used. The ABO and the Rh factor, that considers the Rh-positive or Rh-negative blood group systems.

ABO system

The two most important antigens here are A and B. A person can either have both or just one of the antigens in your blood cells, which is determined by your genetics. If neither of these antigens are present, then your blood type is O.

Rh factor

Blood is also typed according to this, found on red blood cells. If the cells have the Rh antigen, then they are Rh-positive, if they do not have it, then they are Rh-negative.

These two factors determine the blood types, forming 8 basic blood types:

• A positive
• B positive
• AB positive
• O positive
• A negative
• B negative
• AB negative
• O negative

What is the rarest blood type in US?

The Stanford School of Medicine Blood Center, ranks blood types in US, and it ranks AB-negative at the top for the rarest blood type, with .6% of the population with the blood type.

As per the institution, the ranking are as followed:

• AB negative at .6%
• B negative at 1.5%
• AB positive at 3.4%
• A negative at 6.3%
• O negative at 6.6%
• B positive at 8.5%
• A positive at 35.7%
• O positive 37.4%

However, this ranking is not universal. For instance, in India, the most common blood type is B-positive, whereas in Denmark, it is A-positive. The variation could be seen in ethnic groups. As per the Red Cross, Asian Americans are much more likely to have B-positive blood type than Latin Americans and white Americans.

Other countries with most and least common blood types

Philippines - the most common here is O positive, accounting for 36.9%, whereas the least common is AB negative with only .03% of the population.

Thailand - the most common here is O positive, accounting for 40.8%, whereas the least common is AB negative with only .03% of the population.

Australia - the most common here is O positive, accounting for 40%, whereas the least common is AB negative with only 1% of the population.

Nigeria - the most common blood type here is O positive, accounting for 51.3% of the population, whereas the least common is AB negative, with only .1% of the population.

France - the most common blood type here is A positive, accounting for 37% of the population, whereas the least common are B negative and AB negative, with only 1% each for the entire population.

How are they inherited?

Blood types are inherited through genetics. You might inherit A gene from one parent and B gene from another. Your blood type could be AB type, if you get B antigens from both the parents, then it could be a B type.

This is how it works for blood types, depending on which antigen is dominant and which is recessive.

Globally, provides the World Health Organization (WHO) data, 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually. In other words, it means, 3 children are diagnosed with cancer every 4 minutes in the world. Of these, says WHO, 90% cases come from low-or-middle-income countries, where only a fifth of the diagnosed children survive. These numbers are heart wrenching, and so to make more and more people aware about the reality, September has been designated as the month for Childhood Cancer.

It is observed annually as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM), to focus on raising awareness about the impact of childhood cancer and also highlighting the strength of the young ones and their family. The universal symbol for CCAM is the gold ribbon, which represents the precious nature of children and the urgent need for a cure.

Childhood Cancer In The Indian Context

As per the Indian Cancer Society, every year, nearly more than 50,000 new childhood cancer cases occur. As per a 2020 study published in Cancer Epidemiology, in India, pediatric cancer accounts for less than 5% of all cancer cases, with leukemia, lymphoma, and central nervous system tumors being the most prevalent types in children.

Dr Joydeep Chakrabartty, HOD & Sr Consultant Haemato-Oncology, HCG Cancer Center, Kolkata, notes that childhood cancers are being recognized as a major public health challenge in the country. However, he points out that while hospitals in metropolitan centres are better equipped to handle such cases, "but in smaller towns and few of the north-eastern states, delayed diagnosis remains a recurring challenge."

"Limited access to specialized paediatric haemato-oncologists and a lack of awareness among families means that many children arrive at hospitals in advanced stages of the disease. Strengthening early detection and awareness campaigns in such regions could drastically change outcomes for thousands of young lives," he says.

How Can Awareness Save Lives?

Dr Chakrabartty notes, "Blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, affect the bone marrow and blood cells, disrupting the body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, or control bleeding. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type in children, followed by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and certain lymphomas."

Several studies that have been conducted in India show that thousands of children are diagnosed with these cancers annually, yet many cases go undetected until it’s too late. "Lack of awareness, financial constraints, and myths about cancer often delay diagnosis and treatment," he points out.

"Awareness is critical because early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Unlike adults, children may not articulate their symptoms clearly, and parents may dismiss early signs as minor ailments. Educating families, teachers, and communities about blood cancer can bridge this gap, ensuring children get the care they need when it matters most."

What Are The Signs Of Childhood Cancer

Dr Chakrabartty points out eight signs parents must look out for:

Prolonged fever without an obvious cause – A fever that lingers for more than two weeks may signal something more than a viral infection.

Extreme fatigue or paleness – Ongoing tiredness or looking unusually pale can point to problems with blood cells.

Frequent infections that don’t resolve – If your child seems to be constantly battling infections, it could be a warning sign.

Unexplained bleeding – Nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or bleeding that seems out of proportion should not be overlooked.

Easy bruising – Unusual or frequent bruises, especially without clear injury, may be a red flag.

Persistent bone or joint pain – Pain that limits normal play or movement shouldn’t be dismissed as just “growing pains.”

Swollen lymph nodes – Lumps in the neck, underarms, or groin that persist need medical attention.

Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite – Unexpected changes in eating habits or weight should be checked by a doctor.

If these symptoms last more than two weeks, consult a doctor. A simple blood test, such as a complete blood count (CBC), can provide crucial early clues.

Fear Of Cancer And Debunking Myths

Fear of cancer often comes from outdated ideas of painful, ineffective treatments. But, as Dr. Chakrabartty stresses, “Treatment for childhood blood cancers has advanced tremendously in India.”

Chemotherapy, still the mainstay, is now child-friendly, often given orally or through short hospital visits to reduce long stays. In higher-risk cases, bone marrow transplants are available in advanced centres across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Newer targeted options like CAR T cell therapy are also showing promise by focusing only on cancer cells.

While treatment for leukemia may stretch over two to three years, children adapt well. “With the right medical care and emotional support, kids can continue schooling and even enjoy play during treatment,” says Dr. Chakrabartty.

Financial worries are real, but government schemes like Ayushman Bharat and help from NGOs ease the burden. “No family should delay care because of cost, support systems exist,” he adds.

Myths still hold many back, beliefs that cancer is untreatable, contagious, or fate-driven. Awareness is key. Schools can help by encouraging health check-ups, and communities can spread information about aid and treatment access. The reality is clear: childhood blood cancers today are highly treatable with timely, modern care.

Colorectal cancer is a major health concern, ranking as the second deadliest cancer worldwide. The good news is that if doctors find it early, it's very treatable. The problem is, the main way to diagnose it is with a colonoscopy, which can be uncomfortable and expensive.

Because of this, many people put off getting tested, which leads to late diagnosis. This is especially worrying now, as more young people are getting this type of cancer for reasons doctors don't fully understand yet. But a team from the University of Geneva has found a new, simple way to check for it using a stool sample.

Can Stool Samples Reveal Colon Cancer?

For a long time, we've known that the bacteria living in our gut play a role in whether we get colorectal cancer. However, turning that knowledge into a useful test has been tricky. The main reason is that even bacteria from the same family can act completely differently. Some might encourage cancer, while others do nothing at all.

To get around this, the researchers decided to look at a new level of detail: bacterial subspecies. This lets them see how specific groups of bacteria function without getting confused by tiny, individual differences, making the test much more reliable across different people.

How Is A Colonoscopy Done?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to look at the inside of your entire large intestine, also called the colon.

To perform the procedure, a long, flexible tube with a small camera and a light on the end is gently inserted into your rectum and guided through your colon. This tube, called a colonoscope, sends images to a monitor so the doctor can see everything inside. Beyond just looking, the colonoscope is a versatile tool. It allows the doctor to:

• Use a jet of water to rinse the colon lining.
• Use a small suction device to clear any liquid stool.
• Inject air to make it easier to get a clear view of the lining.
• Use special tools that fit through the tube to work inside your colon.

During the procedure, your doctor can also remove small pieces of tissue or abnormal growths called polyps for further testing. They can also treat certain problems they find on the spot.

How Accurate Is The Stool Test For Cancer?

To make this new test a reality, the researchers had to process a massive amount of information. Using a powerful computer program called machine learning, they created the first-ever detailed catalog of human gut bacteria subspecies.

They then fed this information into a model, which learned how to spot the signs of colorectal cancer just by analyzing the bacteria in a stool sample. The results were amazing: the test was able to detect 90% of cancer cases. This is very close to the accuracy of a colonoscopy (94%) and is a huge improvement over all other non-invasive tests currently available.

The potential for this discovery is huge. The researchers are already starting a new study to make the test even better, so it can detect different stages of cancer. In the future, this simple stool test could become a regular part of cancer screening. If the test came back positive, a person would then get a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. This would save many people from having to go through a colonoscopy when they don't need one. But the possibilities don't stop there. The same method could eventually be used to create simple tests for a wide range of diseases, all from just one gut bacteria sample.

West Nile Cases in the US: The United States seems to be facing a fresh health challenge this season. After a rise in COVID-19 cases, Los Angeles County has now confirmed its first human infections of West Nile virus for 2025.

According to LA County Department of Public Health officials, four residents have been hospitalised with the mosquito-borne illness between late July and late August. The patients are from the Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, and central Los Angeles, and all are currently recovering.

With West Nile virus once again making its presence felt, it is important to understand the disease and the precautionary steps that can help lower the risk of infection.

West Nile Virus: How the Virus Is Spreading In The US

West Nile virus continues to be the most widespread mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States. The World Health Organization warns that while most infections are mild or even unnoticed, the virus can, in rare cases, lead to fatal neurological disease.

Roughly 80% of people who contract West Nile show no symptoms at all. Transmission occurs primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The first confirmed cases of the 2025 season were reported this week by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

ALSO READ: West Nile Virus Isn't Over Yet, New Cases In US On Rise

“The first human cases of West Nile virus are an important reminder that we all need to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding,” said Dr Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. He added that mosquitoes flourish in hot weather, which raises the risk of both bites and mosquito-borne illness.

West Nile virus is usually detected in LA County during the summer months, when warm overnight temperatures help mosquito populations thrive. On average, the county records about 56 human cases each year. Officials believe the real number is much higher, since most infections either cause no illness or only mild symptoms. Of those reported, however, three-quarters are considered severe, and about 10% of those cases result in death from complications.

What Are the First Signs of West Nile Virus?

Most people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms, about 80% remain asymptomatic. For the remaining 20%, the illness typically appears as West Nile fever, which includes flu-like signs such as fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a rash on the trunk or swollen lymph nodes, according to the World Health Organization.

In rare cases, the infection can progress to a severe neuroinvasive disease such as encephalitis, meningitis, or poliomyelitis. Symptoms of this form include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, stupor, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis, and in extreme cases, coma. Around 1 in 150 infected individuals develop such severe illness.

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

Although serious disease can occur at any age, people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems such as transplant recipients face the highest risk of complications. The incubation period for West Nile virus usually ranges from 3 to 14 days after a mosquito bite.

West Nile Virus Treatment: Do We Have a Vaccine Yet?

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus in humans. Care is supportive, especially for patients with neuroinvasive disease. Severe cases may require hospitalization, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and measures to prevent secondary infections.

West Nile Virus Precaution Tips

Since no licensed vaccine or medication exists to prevent West Nile virus, the most effective protection is avoiding mosquito bites. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps:

• Use insect repellent that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Wear long, loose-fitting clothing to reduce exposed skin.
• Limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, when the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active.
• Keep mosquitoes out by using window and door screens or air conditioning where possible.

Prevention is always better than cure, and the simplest way to stay protected from West Nile virus is by keeping mosquitoes at bay.