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Massachusetts Towns Take Action as “Triple E” Mosquito Virus Threatens Public Health
In response to the rising threat of a rare but potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus, nearly a dozen towns in Massachusetts have taken the precautionary step of closing public parks at night and restricting outdoor activities. The virus, known as eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) or “Triple E,” has been detected in mosquitoes in the area, leading to heightened concern among public health officials.
Ten communities in the state are now classified as being at high or critical risk for EEE, a virus that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. With no available vaccines or specific treatments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have labeled the disease as “very serious.”
The alert was triggered when mosquitoes in the region tested positive for EEE, and the state reported its first human case of the virus since 2020. Additionally, the virus was confirmed in a horse in Plymouth, raising the town’s risk level to high. A man in his 80s was the first person diagnosed with the virus on August 16.
EEE is known for its severe impact, with a mortality rate ranging between 33% and 70% among those infected. Most fatalities occur within two to ten days after symptoms begin. The disease presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea.
“EEE is a rare but serious disease and a public health concern,” said Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. He urged residents, particularly in high-risk areas, to take precautions against mosquito bites, especially during evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
State health officials recommend avoiding outdoor activities in the evening until the end of September to minimize the risk of infection. This latest outbreak follows a previous one in Massachusetts, which saw 17 human cases and seven deaths between 2019 and 2020.
In addition to EEE, several municipalities in Massachusetts are also on high alert for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne illness. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow public health guidelines to protect themselves and their communities.
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Floods and Landslides Devastate Central Bosnia, Leaving 14 Dead
Severe flash floods and landslides in central Bosnia-Herzegovina have claimed at least 14 lives, with entire towns and villages left isolated by the destruction. The hardest-hit areas include the region around Jablanica, a town located between the cities of Mostar and Sarajevo, where homes were submerged, and landslides buried buildings in debris.
After an intense overnight storm, rivers overflowed, causing widespread flooding and leaving many people missing. Authorities have declared a state of emergency as they continue rescue and recovery efforts. Development Minister Vojin Mijatovic described the situation as a “terrible disaster” and urged residents to remain calm.
The floodwaters washed away roads, bridges, and railways, leaving infrastructure in ruins. In some areas, aerial images show communities completely inundated, with landslides further complicating rescue operations. A critical section of the M-17 road near Jablanica has been blocked by debris, and part of a railway track was left hanging after a landslide.
In Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, local officials have warned drivers to stay off roads near Jablanica due to the hazardous conditions. To the west, around Kiseljak, floodwaters left cars submerged and streets completely underwater, adding to the devastation. As rescue teams work tirelessly, the number of casualties is feared to rise in the coming days.
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WHO Approves First Rapid Mpox Diagnostic Test Amid Rising Global Cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first rapid diagnostic test for mpox, a key development in curbing the rising global cases of the virus, previously known as monkeypox. The new PCR test can detect mpox DNA from skin lesion swabs, providing immediate results, significantly speeding up the process compared to current tests that require samples to be sent to a laboratory, causing delays.
This breakthrough is expected to be especially helpful in Africa, where limited testing capacity has exacerbated the spread of mpox. Of the 30,000 suspected cases in Africa this year, only 40% have been confirmed through existing tests, according to WHO data. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the hardest-hit country with 635 deaths from mpox this year, is set to launch an mpox vaccination program this Saturday.
Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general, hailed the new diagnostic tool as a “significant milestone” in increasing access to quality healthcare products. This new test is expected to strengthen efforts to contain the virus, particularly in underserved regions.
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UN Chief Banned from Israel Amid Dispute Over Iran Missile Attack
The Israeli government has banned United Nations Secretary General António Guterres from entering Israel, following his response to a missile attack launched by Iran. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Guterres for not directly condemning Iran’s aggression, labeling him an “anti-Israel secretary-general who lends support to terrorists.”
Iran recently fired 180 ballistic missiles into Israel, marking an escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. Guterres responded by calling for an end to the escalating violence in the Middle East but refrained from specifically condemning Iran’s attack, which drew sharp criticism from the Israeli government.
In a statement, Katz declared Guterres persona non grata, stressing that individuals who do not clearly condemn attacks on Israel should not be allowed into the country. This follows a year of heightened tensions, with growing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah.
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