Name: Cancer Can’t Wait For Peace: Oncologist Dr Varun Goel Shares How War Disrupts Life-Saving Treatment
Uploaded: 2026-04-01T18:40:12+05:30
Duration: 3 min 33 s
Description: Cancer Can’t Wait For Peace: Oncologist Dr Varun Goel Shares How War Disrupts Life-Saving Treatment

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Cancer Can’t Wait For Peace: Oncologist Dr Varun Goel Shares How War Disrupts Life-Saving Treatment

cancer can’t wait for peace: oncologist dr varun goel shares how war disrupts life-saving treatment

National Dengue Day 2026: Dengue Warning Signs in Children Parents Should Never Ignore

national dengue day 2026: dengue warning signs in children parents should never ignore

Ebola Resurfaces In Eastern DR Congo In 17th Outbreak, Claims 65 Lives: All You Need To Know

ebola resurfaces in eastern dr congo in 17th outbreak, claims 65 lives: all you need to know

Why Rebranding PCOS As PMOS Could Mark A New Era In Women’s Health

why rebranding pcos as pmos could mark a new era in women’s health

Shocking Study Finds Andes Hantavirus Could Linger In Semen For Years, Pose Transmission Risk

shocking study finds andes hantavirus could linger in semen for years, pose transmission risk

watermelon

watermelon food poisoning

Food Poisoning

chemical dyes

mumbai

Can Watermelon Kill? Doctor Explains The Possible Link In Mumbai Deaths

can watermelon kill? doctor explains the possible link in mumbai deaths

National Dengue Day 2026: India Reports 6,927 Cases And 10 Deaths In 2026

national dengue day 2026: india reports 6,927 cases and 10 deaths in 2026

Dengue Is Spreading Beyond Monsoons And Into New Regions Across India, Says Expert

dengue is spreading beyond monsoons and into new regions across india, says expert

Ebola Outbreak: Rare Bundibugyo Strain Confirmed In DR Congo And Uganda

ebola outbreak: rare bundibugyo strain confirmed in dr congo and uganda

U win

India Dengue Vaccine

Dengue Vaccine

Vaccine Immunization

Immunization Week

From U-WIN Success To India's Dengue Vaccine, Immunization Expert Shares Roadmap

from u-win success to india's dengue vaccine, immunization expert shares roadmap

Hantavirus Outbreak: Critically Ill French Patient On Artificial Lung Support

hantavirus outbreak: critically ill french patient on artificial lung support

Why High Blood Pressure Is More Than Just A Heart Problem

world hypertension day why high blood pressure is more than just a heart problem

Another Meningitis Outbreak In UK: One Dead, Two Others Ill

another meningitis outbreak in uk: one dead, two others ill

India Gets Its First Alzheimer’s Drug: Know All About Eli Lilly’s Lormalzi

india gets its first alzheimer’s drug: know all about eli lilly’s lormalzi

April Heatwave

Heatwave

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Heart Attack

April Heatwave: Specialist Says Heart Patients Are Most At Risk 

april heatwave: specialist says heart patients are most at risk

More Americans Exposed To Hantavirus; 41 Under Monitoring, Says CDC

more americans exposed to hantavirus; 41 under monitoring, says cdc

Worried About Weight Gain After Wegovy, Mounjaro? This US FDA-Approved Daily Pill May Help

worried about weight gain after wegovy, mounjaro? this us fda-approved daily pill may help

April Heatwaves

April Heatwaves Health Concern

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April Heatwaves Becoming a Serious Health Concern, Warns Dr Sushila Kataria

april heatwaves becoming a serious health concern, warns dr sushila kataria

Rachel V Thomas

dengue-is-spreading-beyond-monsoons-and-into-new-regions-across-india-says-expert

Dengue

Dengue vaccine

indigenous dengue vaccine

india

dengiall

National Dengue Day 2026

Qdenga  dengue vaccine

dengue mosquito

dcgi

indian immunologicals

Climate change and rapid urbanization are changing mosquito habitats, and shifting dengue serotypes are reshaping the disease landscape in India. As a result, the country is now witnessing a transformation in how dengue spreads, who it affects, and how severe infections can become. Once considered a seasonal monsoon illness, dengue is now increasingly becoming a year-round public health challenge, extending into hill states, semi-urban regions, and previously low-risk geographies. In an exclusive interview with HealthandMe, Dr. Shikha Taneja Malik, Senior Scientific Affairs Manager, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), South Asia, discussed why India’s dengue numbers are likely being massively undercounted, how surveillance and diagnostic gaps are masking the real scale of the crisis, and why young adults are facing more severe infections due to changing serotypes. Dr. Shikha also explained the urgent global push for affordable therapeutics and the challenges India still faces in developing an indigenous dengue vaccine despite its strong manufacturing capacity. Here are the excerpts from the interview: Q. Dengue was always called a monsoon disease. Is that label now dangerously misleading? Dr. Shikha: Yes, I would argue that labels are not just outdated but risky, too. What we are seeing across India and across the region is a fundamental shift in the transmission pattern. Dengue used to follow a fairly predictable seasonal curve — cases would spike between July and November, track the monsoon, and then recede. That curve is flattening. We are now seeing cases in February, March, and May — months that were previously considered safe. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru — cities that used to have clear off-seasons for dengue — are reporting year-round transmission. Warmer temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, unplanned urbanization, and poor sanitation have lengthened transmission seasons, making dengue a year-round systemic crisis. Models now predict year-round transmission in coastal regions, though monsoon months will retain the highest peak. Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/national-dengue-day-2026-india-reports-6927-cases-and-10-deaths-in-2026-article-154331490" data-type="tilCustomLink">National Dengue Day 2026: India Reports 6,927 Cases And 10 Deaths In 2026</a> Q. Are serotype shifts driving changing dengue patterns, especially in young adults? Dr. Shikha: Yes, India is witnessing active serotype shifts, and they directly explain rising severity, especially in young adults. Initial infection with one of the four dengue serotypes results in lifelong immunity to that specific serotype. Whereas, a secondary infection with a different serotype can trigger Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE). Young adults who were exposed to one serotype in childhood are now encountering a new dominant serotype, making them especially vulnerable to severe secondary infections. Q. Is India undercounting dengue cases? Why do so many cases go unreported? Dr. Shikha: The 2.89 lakh figure in 2023 is what our surveillance system captures, but it is almost certainly a fraction of the true burden. The Lancet has estimated that India accounts for around 33 per cent of the global dengue burden, and globally, we are looking at approximately 400 million infections every year. That puts India's real annual dengue burden potentially in the tens of millions — not hundreds of thousands. Few studies have shown that the estimates of actual cases are approximately 282 times higher. There are several reasons why cases go unreported, and they compound each other. <ul><li>A large proportion of infections are either asymptomatic or present as a generic fever — patients never seek formal care. </li><li>Our surveillance system is passive and fragmented. Reporting is largely dependent on public health facilities. </li><li>Confirmatory testing through NS1 antigen tests or PCR requires infrastructure that is not yet uniformly available at the primary health center level, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. </li></ul> Q. Are previously dengue-free regions in India now reporting cases due to climate change? Dr. Shikha: Yes, the geographic spread is both significant and well-documented. Climate change is playing a major role in this shift. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, increasing humidity, and rapid unplanned urbanization are creating more favorable conditions for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to survive and transmit the virus for longer periods each year. Since the mid-1990s, dengue has rapidly spread to regions where it was historically non-existent, including Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram. In the early 2000s, dengue was endemic only in a few southern and northern states; it has since spread to many states, including union territories. Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-outbreak-rare-bundibugyo-strain-confirmed-in-dr-congo-and-uganda-article-154332204" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola Outbreak: Rare Bundibugyo Strain Confirmed In DR Congo And Uganda</a> The shift is particularly visible in hilly and cooler geographies such as Himachal Pradesh and Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Climate modelling projects further expansion of Aedes albopictus into upper Himalayan regions, including Leh-Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, by 2050. Q. What are the biggest challenges in indigenous dengue vaccine production in India? Dr. Shikha: India has strong vaccine manufacturing capacity, but dengue remains scientifically complex. Existing vaccines have limitations and do not cover all vulnerable groups. India’s first Phase 3 trial for an indigenous dengue vaccine, DengiAll, is underway across 18 states. The Butantan vaccine candidate, originally developed by NIH, has been licensed to Indian companies, including Panacea, SIIPL, and Indian Immunologicals, with the ICMR-Panacea candidate being the most advanced. The recent DCGI approval of Qdenga is encouraging, but sustained financing and coordination between ICMR, DBT, and industry will be critical for developing a truly indigenous vaccine.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Can Hantavirus Spread Through Semen And Breast Milk? What Experts Say

can-hantavirus-spread-through-semen-and-breast-milk-what-experts-say

zika and ebola

Hantavirus Spread Through Semen

Hantavirus Spread via Breast Milk

Hantavirus

andes

rt-pcr

mv hondius

us centers for disease control and prevention

Amid growing discussions around hantavirus transmission through body fluids, experts today stressed that cases involving transmission through breast milk or semen remain extremely rare and should not trigger unnecessary panic. The discussions began after a 2023 study published in the journal Viruses found that the Andes strain of the rat-borne virus can persist in human semen for up to six years. More concerning was the possibility that the virus could potentially be transmitted sexually even after a person has recovered, according to the peer-reviewed study. The research, conducted by Swiss scientists at Spiez Laboratory, suggested that hantavirus may survive in the male reproductive tract like viruses such as Ebola. “Taken together, our results show that the Andes virus has the potential for sexual transmission,” the study said. However, to date, no confirmed case of such transmission has been documented. <h2>Why Viral RNA Can Persist In Semen </h2> Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor of the IMA research cell, explained that the detection of Andes virus RNA — the hantavirus strain linked to the recent MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak — in semen long after recovery is not entirely unexpected. “The finding of RNA belonging to the Andes virus in human semen long after recovery is no surprise. In fact, this is a well-described scenario in at least 27 different viruses, including Zika and Ebola,” he said. He explained that viruses reaching the testis enter what is known as an “immune-privileged” site protected by the blood-testis barrier (BTB). “The testis is naturally shielded from the body’s immune system to protect newly formed sperm cells from being recognised and destroyed as ‘foreign’,” Dr. Rajeev said. According to the expert, many viruses take advantage of this natural immune protection, allowing them to remain in the area longer than expected. However, he clarified that although researchers detected viral RNA in semen, the virus itself could not be cultured, meaning there is no proof that the infectious virus remained present. Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-outbreak-rare-bundibugyo-strain-confirmed-in-dr-congo-and-uganda-article-154332204" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola Outbreak: Rare Bundibugyo Strain Confirmed In DR Congo And Uganda</a> <h2>Can Hantavirus Spread Via Breast Milk? </h2>Another study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a monthly open-access peer-reviewed medical journal published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the Andes strain of hantavirus through breast milk. Andes virus (ANDV) is the only hantavirus known to spread between humans through close contact. “We detected the genome and proteins of ANDV in breast milk cells from an infected mother in Chile who transmitted the virus to her child, suggesting gastrointestinal infection through breast milk as a route of ANDV person-to-person transmission,” the study said. Epidemiologist Dr. Amitav Banerjee, professor at DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, told HealthandMe that while isolated cases of hantavirus transmission from mother to child through breast milk have been reported, they are highly uncommon. “These cases of hantavirus transmission through breast milk from mother to child are very rare. As a general rule, there is no need to worry excessively,” he said. According to him, mothers experiencing fever during the acute stage of illness may temporarily avoid breastfeeding because viral load tends to be highest during active infection and just before symptoms appear. However, he stressed that breastfeeding should not be stopped routinely out of fear. Dr. Amitav explained that the situation is somewhat comparable to HIV transmission through breast milk, which also occurs in less than 1 percent of cases. Despite that, mothers in many developing countries are still advised to continue breastfeeding because the health risks of depriving infants of breast milk are often greater than the risk of viral transmission. He noted that hantavirus differs significantly from HIV because it is generally an acute and transient infection, unlike HIV, which persists lifelong in body fluids. “Hantavirus infection is acute and transient, whereas HIV is lifelong,” he said, adding that hantavirus usually clears from the body after recovery, including from semen and other body fluids. <div type="Youtube" id="zwb8AGOxc7w" title="How COVID Prepared Us To Tackle Virus Outbreaks, Dr N K Ganguly Explains" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zwb8AGOxc7w/mqdefault.jpg"><url><![CDATA[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwb8AGOxc7w]]></url></div> Sexual Transmission After Recovery Still Unclear Dr. Rajeev noted that the Andes virus spreads primarily through close contact and shared personal space while a patient is symptomatic. “Whether it can be sexually transmitted long after recovery remains unknown,” he said. Overinterpreting RT-PCR Results Dr. Amitav also cautioned against overinterpreting isolated reports of viral detection in semen or breast milk. According to him, RT-PCR tests are extremely sensitive and may detect dead viral particles even after the infection has resolved. Therefore, a positive RT-PCR result does not necessarily mean that a person remains infectious. “In fact, RT-PCR is highly sensitive and often used more for research and surveillance purposes. Detecting viral material does not always indicate active infection or transmission risk,” he said. He added that hantavirus does not appear to persist as an infectious virus for a long period after recovery and that there is currently no strong evidence supporting long-term transmission once a patient has recovered.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

can hantavirus spread through semen and breast milk? what experts say

The Urban Lifestyle and Increasing Number of Dengue Cases: What Needs to Be Modified?

Dr N.K Soni

the-urban-lifestyle-and-increasing-number-of-dengue-cases-what-needs-to-be-modified

Aedes aegypti mosquito

mosquito

global warming

dengue fever

Dengue has become one of the fastest-emerging health crises in the urban parts of India. Every year during the monsoon season, the number of dengue cases rises dramatically in many Indian cities, posing a huge burden on the healthcare sector. Though climate and mosquitoes are usually cited as reasons for the surge in dengue cases, the problem actually lies in how urban life and the infrastructure of the cities have changed over the decades. <h2>Why Urban Areas Are More Vulnerable </h2> The dengue virus is spread through the Aedes aegypti mosquito that lives well in fresh still water, which is abundant in urban areas. Mosquitoes breed in construction sites, open water tanks, old plastic buckets, flower pots, coolers, water stored on roofs, and blocked drainage systems. Due to the growing size of cities and high population density, mosquito-borne diseases have become more common. There are many factors that contribute to the rise in the number of dengue patients, one of which is unplanned city expansion. The fast pace of development in the cities results in stagnant water in the construction areas going unnoticed for weeks. Moreover, improper drainage and a lack of sanitation facilities help mosquitoes breed. Even posh societies and offices can suffer if proper checks are not conducted. Urban lifestyle trends also act as indirect factors contributing to the issue. Longer working hours, higher levels of indoor activities, and reliance on mechanical ventilation lead to less focus on environmental hygiene issues. Families tend to take mosquito prevention steps only after an outbreak starts. The overuse of plastics and poor waste management practices in urban areas have exacerbated waterlogging problems. The situation has been exacerbated by climate change and global warming. Mosquitoes can breed at a faster pace and survive for a longer period of time in the warm climate and unpredictable rain patterns. Another factor that plays an important role is urban heat islands, which refer to places that are hotter because of man-made concrete buildings. <h2>What Needs to Change? </h2> In order to curb the incidence of dengue, there must be an all-around transformation, both on the part of the governing authorities and the people. Firstly, urban planning should take into consideration good drainage facilities, frequent fogging, garbage disposal services, and proper regulation of building sites. Secondly, there must be frequent checks in residential areas, schools, offices, markets, and open public areas. Secondly, the awareness campaign needs to be practical and more community-oriented. The citizens should realize that the prevention of dengue starts from their homes. Actions like washing the coolers once a week, covering the water tank, not allowing the water to stagnate, and using mosquito repellents will go a long way in minimizing the spread of dengue. <h2>Early Detection and Healthcare Preparedness </h2> Healthcare preparedness is also equally important. The early detection and proper treatment of dengue could help avoid any serious complications. One should never overlook symptoms like fever, body pain, headache, rashes on the skin, nausea, and weakness during the rainy season. Combatting dengue fever is no longer just a matter of health care but rather a question of urban planning and lifestyle issues. As the cities continue to expand, everyone should unite and come up with healthier and more environmentally friendly cities. Otherwise, we may see more recurring problems of dengue outbreaks in urban settings every year.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

the urban lifestyle and increasing number of dengue cases: what needs to be modified?

ebola-outbreak-rare-bundibugyo-strain-confirmed-in-dr-congo-and-uganda

Ebola Outbreak

Ebola In DR Congo

ebola in Uganda

Ebola

Bundibugyo Strain

ebola virus

Health officials at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) today confirmed that the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is being caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain. Bundibugyo ebolavirus was first isolated during an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever in Uganda in 2007. There are no vaccines or specific treatments approved to prevent or treat the Bundibugyo strain. Preliminary laboratory results from the Institut National de Recherche Biomedicale (INRB) detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples tested with the Bundibugyo Virus. "Africa CDC is actively collaborating with health authorities in DRC, Uganda, and regional partners to deliver a coordinated response to confirmed Ebola Virus Disease cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain," the Africa CDC said in a statement. "Rapid laboratory testing, contact tracing, cross-border surveillance, and enhanced infection prevention measures are already deployed to protect communities and stop the spread," it added. <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Text"><cdata><![CDATA[<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Africa CDC is actively collaborating with health authorities in DRC, Uganda, and regional partners to deliver a coordinated response to confirmed Ebola Virus Disease cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain. Rapid laboratory testing, contact tracing, cross-border surveillance, and… <a href="https://t.co/rfkSFAL1lN">pic.twitter.com/rfkSFAL1lN</a>&mdash; Africa CDC (@AfricaCDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AfricaCDC/status/2055523692247949715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>]]></cdata></div> <h2>Ebola Outbreak: Cases And Deaths </h2> As of the latest update from DRC, approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Four deaths have been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia and are pending confirmation. These figures remain provisional and are being validated through laboratory confirmation, line-list harmonization, contact identification, and epidemiological investigation. Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-resurfaces-in-eastern-dr-congo-in-17th-outbreak-claims-65-lives-all-you-need-to-know-article-154328591" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola Resurfaces In Eastern DR Congo In 17th Outbreak, Claims 65 Lives: All You Need To Know</a> <h2>Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Kills Ugandan Man </h2> Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in a statement, reported a confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease case in a 59-year-old Congolese male who was admitted to Kibuli Muslim Hospital on May 11 and died on May 14. The country's officials reported the case as imported from DRC and have indicated that no local case has yet been confirmed. Africa CDC noted that it remains concerned by the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara, with intense population movement, insecurity, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, gaps in contact listing, infection prevention and control challenges, and the proximity of affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan. <h2>What Is Bundibugyo Virus Disease? </h2> Bundibugyo virus disease is a rare and deadly illness that has caused outbreaks in several African countries in the past. <li>It is distinctly different from other known ebolaviruses like the Zaire ebolavirus or Sudan ebolavirus. The 2007 outbreak, where Bundibugyo was detected for the first time, resulted in over 100 cases and was officially declared over in early 2008.</li>According to the US CDC, the Bundibugyo strain is spread by contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is infected with or has died from BVD. It is also spread by contact with contaminated objects (such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment), or by contact with animals, such as bats and nonhuman primates, that are infected with BVD. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness). Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/national-dengue-day-2026-india-reports-6927-cases-and-10-deaths-in-2026-article-154331490" data-type="tilCustomLink">National Dengue Day 2026: India Reports 6,927 Cases And 10 Deaths In 2026</a> <h2> </h2><h2>Ebola Outbreak: Here's How To Prevent </h2> The US CDC advised people to avoid: <ul><li>contact with people who have symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and rash</li><li>contact with blood and other body fluids or objects that are contaminated with them</li><li>visiting healthcare facilities in the affected areas for nonurgent medical care or for non-medical reasons. Avoid visiting traditional healers in the affected areas</li><li>contact with dead bodies or items that have been in contact with dead bodies</li><li>participating in funeral or burial practices that involve touching the body of someone who has died</li><li>contact with bats, forest antelopes, nonhuman primates (e.g., monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas), and blood, fluids, or raw meat from these or unknown animals.</li><li>going into areas where bats live, such as mines or caves.</li></ul> In case of infection, the CDC advises: <ul><li>Monitoring for symptoms of BVD while in the outbreak area and for 21 days after leaving.</li><li>If you develop fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness)</li><li>Isolate immediately</li><li>Do not travel.</li><li>Contact local health authorities</li></ul><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />