As per the National Institute of Environmental Health Studies (NIEHS), Autism or autism spectrum disorder is a broad range of conditions that affect communication and behavior, usually appearing by age 2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that autism affects 1 in 36 children. People with autism may also have difficulty with communication and social interaction, they may have restricted interests, repetitive behaviors and inability to perform effectively in school, work, or other areas of life.

Who might be at more risk of autism?

• Anyone's sibling with autism
• Kids whose parents are older
• Anyone with certain genetic conditions, such as Down, fragile X, and Rett syndromes
• Very low birth weight

Why it happens?

The NIEHS states that the rate of autism is rising, though the causes are not well-understood. Experts have found rare gene changes or mutation and genetic variation in people with autism. Furthermore, a woman's exposure to harmful contaminants during pregnancy could also trigger a genetic mutation leading to autism in her child.

Can vaccine cause autism?

Some claims, especially by Robert F Kennedy Jr., who is also nominated as the head of health secretary are made that vaccine causes autism. Kennedy has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. In a 2023 podcast interview, he said, "there is no vaccine that is safe and effective" and told Fox News that he still believes that vaccines can cause autism. In a 2021 podcast, he urged people to "resist" CDC guidelines on when kids should get vaccines. “I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, better not get them vaccinated,” Kennedy said.

However many studies report that vaccines are not associated with autism. A 2014 study reports that authors conducted a meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies that examined relationship between the receipt of vaccines and development of autism. It involved more than 1.2 million children and five case-control studies involving more than 9,000 children and the authors concluded that vaccinations or components of vaccines and combination vaccines were not associated with development of autism.

Another 2017 study notes, "Myths that vaccines or mercury are associated with autism have been amplified by misguided scientists; frustrated, but effective parent groups; and politicians."

Autism Rate In US

According to data collected by Autism and Developmental Disabilities Network (ADDM) in 2020 and released by CDC in May 2023, data from 11 states across the US was collected. The national average of children with autism was 1 in 36. The data also shows that boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder than girls.

As per the CDC report, it is more prevalent in Asian, Hispanic, and Black children.

US states with highest autism rates

As per the World Population Review, California has the most rate with 701,669 cases.

Next up is Texas, at 449,631 cases.

New York: 342,280 cases

Florida: 329,131 cases

Pennsylvania: 228,572 cases

Illinois: 223,353 cases

Ohio: 185,315 cases

Georgia: 174,612 cases

Michigan: 164,360 cases

New Jersey: 157,245 cases

Recent studies, including the one co-led by Ruben Juarez of the University of Hawaii has revealed the devastating and long-lasting health impacts of wildfires across the United States, far beyond what is reflected in official death tolls or injury reports. Studies focused on the aftermath of recent fires in Hawaii and California show that the true costs include a rise in mental health issues, respiratory damage, and deaths from disruptions in healthcare.

Beyond the Flames: Wildfires and Public Health

Three newly published studies have examined the lasting impact of the wildfires that devastated Maui in August 2023 and Los Angeles earlier this year. The Maui blazes, the deadliest in over a century in the US, killed more than 100 people and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina. In Los Angeles, fires that swept through areas like Altadena and the Pacific Palisades resulted in 31 confirmed deaths and the destruction of over 18,000 structures.

But new data suggests the indirect toll is even greater. Health outcomes linked to these events include a rise in suicides and overdose deaths, a significant decline in lung function, increased fatigue and weakness, and ongoing economic instability.

Maui’s Lingering Respiratory and Mental Health Crisis

One of the studies, by Juarez, focused on over 1,100 adults living in affected areas of Maui six to 14 months after the fires. The findings are concerning. People living close to the fire zone had notably lower lung function compared to those in areas with less smoke exposure. About 22% of participants experienced below-normal lung performance.

Nearly 40% of those surveyed said their overall health had worsened since the fires. Many reported symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Additionally, almost half of the participants displayed signs of depression.

Juarez emphasized the importance of understanding that wildfires can leave "an invisible but lasting scar on respiratory health," long after the visible damage has been cleared.

Suicide and Overdose Deaths Surge in Maui

Another study highlighted the mental health toll of the Maui wildfires. In the month of the fires, suicide and overdose deaths in Maui nearly doubled. There were 13 such deaths during that time, with most being suicides. That marked a 97% increase on the island. A 46% spike was observed across Hawaii’s five counties, likely influenced by displaced residents relocating from Maui to other islands.

The rise in such deaths returned to normal in the following months, but the short-term spike has raised alarms about the psychological trauma triggered by these disasters.

Los Angeles Fires and the Hidden Death Count

A separate study led by Finnish researchers focused on the Los Angeles fires. While the direct death toll was 31, the researchers estimated that over 400 additional deaths occurred between January and February due to indirect consequences such as healthcare disruptions. These deaths would not typically be included in official wildfire statistics but are part of the broader public health burden caused by such disasters.

Dr. Jonathan Patz, an environmental public health expert from the University of Wisconsin, said the findings add critical knowledge to the true health risks of extreme climate events, reports the Guardian.

The Growing Concern Over Wildfire Smoke

As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to climate change, scientists are paying closer attention to the dangers of wildfire smoke. It is now believed that this smoke may be more toxic than regular air pollution. Kristie Ebi of the University of Washington explained that wildfire smoke is a mixture of many dangerous substances, reports the Guardian. It includes not only burning trees and vegetation, but also chemicals released from gasoline stations, old homes containing asbestos, and vehicles.

Ebi noted that the Maui study hints at the potential for long-term lung damage, though more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects.

Economic Fallout: Housing and Income Loss

Beyond health, the economic impact of wildfires can be long-lasting. A new report by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), based on nearly a year of data, showed that many families in Maui are still struggling. While some have managed to find permanent housing and regain financial stability, a significant number remain displaced, with high rent burdens and income loss.

Poverty in the region has almost doubled since the fire. Full-time employment has not yet returned to pre-fire levels, and 60% of households report lower income.

Daniela Bond-Smith, a UHERO research economist, as reported by the Guardianm described the community as facing "two realities." While some are rebuilding their lives, others—especially those who were already marginalized—are living in continued uncertainty and hardship.

In today’s fitness-obsessed world, being in good shape is often equated with being healthy. But that assumption is increasingly being challenged. You might clock your daily steps, hit the gym, and look lean in the mirror, yet your body may still be signalling distress from the inside. And the problem usually lies in the gut.

The growing evidence shows how a well-sculpted exterior does not always reflect internal well-being. Fitness is not enough to ensure health. The gut microbiome may be the silent disruptor behind many metabolic issues, even in those who appear outwardly fit.

In fact, a review by the Indian Council of Medical Research found that more than 71 per cent of Indian adults are metabolically unhealthy despite looking lean. This startling figure highlights a crucial gap in our understanding of what it really means to be healthy.

Also Read: As China Revives COVID-Era Measures To Beat Chikungunya Virus, Here's All You Should Know About This Mosquito-borne Disease

What Does “Fit but Not Healthy” Mean? Expert Explains

“Even top-level athletes can develop overtraining syndrome,” Dr. Dhar explains, describing this as a condition marked by systemic inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and metabolic dysfunction. And at the heart of it, he notes, is often a disrupted gut microbiome.

He warns that a dysfunctional gut flora does not just impact digestion; it can lead to inflammation, reduce insulin sensitivity, interfere with lipid metabolism, and elevate the risk of chronic conditions. “Even world-class athletes are not immune,” he adds.

The Gut-Fitness Connection

But, he cautions, “Overtraining or intense workout regimens can backfire.” When pushed too far, physical activity can damage the gut lining, increase inflammation, and throw off microbial balance, a state known as dysbiosis.

“So, while exercise is crucial, it has to be done in a way that complements gut health,” he advises.

Gut Microbiome Plays A Crucial Role

“When this balance is disturbed, we see the emergence of conditions like chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even obesity,” he says. This microbial imbalance often remains hidden, as most people rely on weight or BMI as their main health markers.

He points out how even something seemingly harmless, like eating a few cookies a day, can slowly tip the scales of gut balance and trigger low-grade inflammation. “This kind of hidden obesity often flies under the radar,” says Dr. Dhar.

Moving Toward True Health

• Focus on dietary diversity: Eating a wide variety of plant-based foods supports microbial diversity and resilience.
• Include prebiotics and probiotics: He recommends incorporating fermented foods and fibre-rich legumes, noting their benefits for mood, weight, and metabolic health.
• Balance exercise intensity: Moderate exercise enhances gut health, but too much intensity can be harmful.
• Monitor metabolic health: He urges people not to rely solely on weigh-ins. Regular metabolic screenings and, where possible, microbiome testing can uncover hidden health risks early.

Being in shape is not a guarantee of being healthy. Without good gut health, even disciplined exercise and a lean appearance can mask deeper problems like inflammation or insulin resistance. Dr. Dhar calls the gut our “second brain” and insists it deserves more attention than it typically receives. It is time to stop obsessing over what we see in the mirror and start listening to the internal cues.

True health, he concludes, lies in nurturing the gut through balanced movement, diverse diets, quality sleep, and stress management.

China Chikungunya Virus: More than 7,000 cases of Chikungunya have been reported from China's Foshan, confirmed the government report. The Chinese authorities, as a result, have taken measures to curb the spread of chikungunya, a virus known for causing fever and joint pain. The Health and Me has reported on the methods, including the use of biological weapons as the different breed of mosquitoes, namely, the elephant mosquitoes to combat the larvae carrying the chikungunya virus. Other health measures like tests, complying by the government orders, and fines if not, have been taken too, which has resulted it into being called the 'COVID-era' measure.

How Did China Combat COVID-19?

A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, criminal acts that seriously violated pandemic prevention and control provisions were subjected to criminal punishment.

For instance, acts casing the spread of coronavirus, or posing a serious risk of spreading would constitute as a crime under the Article 330 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China.

If one obstructs the state functionaries from carrying out pandemic investigation to the law by means of violence or threat would be considered a crime under Article 277.

Driving up prices or seeking exorbitant profits or making illegal income would be considered a crime under Article 225.

For those who spread false information online would also be considered criminals under the Article 291.

Chinese courts have tried criminal cases involving pandemic prevention and control in accordance with the law, punished criminal acts that harmed the public interest and the quality of health and life, and demonstrated the important role of judicial bodies in ensuring the quality of public health and life.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to control the situation and ensure public order, Chinese government departments at all levels gained more administrative law enforcement authority, notes the study.

ALSO READ: Mosquitoes Deployed To Kill Virus-Carrying Mosquito Larvae: How China Is Using Biological Weapons To Wage War Against Chikungunya

How Has China 'Revived' Covid-Era Measures For Chikungunya Outbreak?

Foshan has asked pharmacies to report identities of people who buy any of the 47 drugs to relieve chikungunya symptoms such as fever, rash, and join pain. The notice was issued by the city's Market Supervision Bureau. This is a similar policy adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where pharmacies would trigger a pop-up on an individual's health code, for the government to track. This will also limit their movement and subject them for a mandatory test.

Like COVID-19 measures, a campaign for disinfecting areas has been launched in Foshan, for seven days, which will also include community mobilization to clear stagnant water and promoting use of window screens and mosquito nets.

In pandemic, those who failed to comply by the government rules were expected to submit a fine, or were punished. In a similar manner, hotels, restaurants and companies that failed to clean up stagnant water would face a fine up to 1,000 yuan, which is roughly $139. As per an illustrated government explainer, those who do not cooperate could be fined, or face criminal charges for "obstructing the prevention of infectious diseases". In fact, five households had their electricity cut for not cooperating.

Travellers directories are also being maintained, especially of those who have symptoms such as fever, headache, and joint pain.

ALSO READ: US Weighs China Travel Warning As Chikungunya Cases Near 5,000: Report

What Is Chikungunya?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral illness that causes fever and intense joint pain, often leaving patients debilitated for days or even weeks. Though it shares symptoms with dengue and Zika, chikungunya is a distinct disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite mostly during daylight and breed in stagnant water.

Global Distribution and Outbreaks

CHIKV was first identified in Tanzania in 1952, notes WHO. Initially seen in Africa and Asia, the virus has since spread rapidly. Since 2004, it has caused outbreaks in over 110 countries, including those in the Americas and Europe. The increase in cases is partly due to viral mutations that make it easier for Aedes albopictus to transmit the virus, and partly due to the virus entering populations with no prior immunity. In places where most of the population gets infected and recovers, transmission often slows down. However, in regions with low infection rates, the virus continues to circulate.

How It Spreads

Symptoms and Risks

Symptoms usually appear 4–8 days after being bitten. The illness begins with sudden fever and severe joint pain, especially in the hands and feet, which may last from days to months. Other symptoms include muscle pain, fatigue, rash, nausea, and headache. Because these overlap with dengue and Zika, misdiagnosis is common.

While most patients recover fully, some develop eye, heart, or neurological complications. Infants and older adults, especially those with existing health conditions, are more prone to severe illness and may need hospitalization. Thankfully, fatalities are rare. Once recovered, individuals are believed to have lifelong immunity.

ALSO READ: Medical Memoir: How Chikungunya, A Tanzinian Virus Affected Millions Throughout The World

Diagnosis and Treatment

CHIKV can be confirmed using RT-PCR tests in the first week of illness. Antibody tests can also detect past infections within the first two months after symptoms begin. There is no specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care includes paracetamol for pain and fever, rest, and plenty of fluids. NSAIDs should be avoided until dengue is ruled out, due to bleeding risks.

Vaccines and Prevention

Two vaccines have received regulatory approvals in some countries but are not yet in widespread use. WHO is reviewing data to decide on future vaccine recommendations. Until then, the best protection is prevention.

Key steps include:

• Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by emptying water containers weekly
• Wearing long clothing
• Using window screens and insect repellents containing DEET, IR3535 or icaridin
• Using insecticide-treated nets, especially for those sleeping during the day
• Avoiding mosquito bites during the first week of illness to stop further spread