Latest events and discoveries - Drugs, alcohol and more...
In the following lines, we will learn about some news from the past several days and weeks and their development to the present moment. We will learn about new outbreaks of diseases that for years were considered eradicated, as well as diseases that emerged recently.
Measles Outbreak in the US
In the midst of alarming headlines, a measles outbreak has appeared in the United States – the largest in recent years. Nearly 100 people – mainly children – became ill in parts of Texas and neighboring New Mexico. Only in parts of Texas and neighboring New Mexico, nearly 100 people—mainly children—have fallen ill with the highly contagious viral infection (measles has a high level of contagiousness). Health authorities warn that the number of infected individuals is likely to continue rising.
We from DrGoGo remind that measles is not a harmless "childhood rash," and it can proceed seriously with pneumonia, encephalitis (an inflammatory disease of the brain), and even death. This alarming statistic is a reminder that even diseases thought to have disappeared can return, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
A New Coronavirus Found in Bats
Scientists in Guangdong province, China, have identified a new coronavirus from bats, designated HKU5-CoV-2, which is capable of infecting human cells. It uses the same receptor (ACE2) to enter cells, just like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing the 2020 pandemic), but is believed to be less pathogenic.
The discovery of this virus has led to fears that it could potentially cause a new pandemic in the future if conditions become favorable. International healthcare institutions, including the WHO, have intensified surveillance and early response systems for zoonotic viruses (viruses jumping from animals to humans).
Positive Trends in Opioid Crisis
Amid worrying news, a positive trend entered headlines: overdose deaths in the USA have decreased. According to data, deaths from drug overdoses have decreased, especially deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl – still a major killer, but this reduction is encouraging.
This trend is attributed to several factors: increased access to naloxone (an antidote for opioid overdoses), drug treatment programs, tighter control of drug distribution, and other public health policies. While the crisis remains serious, these developments show that public health policies and education can save thousands of lives.
Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Risk
A new study from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that alcohol consumption causes approximately 800,000 deaths annually in Europe. Despite this alarming statistic, awareness of the connection between alcohol and cancer remains low:
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Only 39% of people know that alcohol consumption can cause colorectal cancer.
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Just 15% realize alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.
The WHO describes this knowledge gap as troubling and calls for legislative changes in Europe to mandate clearer labeling of alcohol bottles regarding cancer risks. Currently, very few countries have such requirements.
The conclusion from this news is clear: informed choices are crucial, and even moderate alcohol consumption carries risks.
Final Thoughts
In the above lines, we shared some interesting and important facts from the field of healthcare news. The aim is to inspire reflection on the fragility of our health and the necessity to make wise choices, both for ourselves and for our children. Stay informed, stay healthy, and make wise choices for your well-being.
Sources:
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