News
Travellers Urged to Consider Mpox Vaccine Amid Rising Global Concerns
Travelers heading to Africa are now being advised to consider vaccination against mpox due to recent outbreaks of a new, more dangerous strain of the virus. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has updated its guidelines, reflecting growing concerns about the spread of the virus beyond Africa, with cases expected to emerge in Europe and other continents.
Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declaring the mpox situation a global emergency, the ECDC maintains that the risk of widespread transmission remains low. However, the agency recommends that travelers to affected regions in Africa take precautions, including getting vaccinated.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close contact with an infected individual. The new Clade 1b strain of mpox, which has been spreading rapidly in parts of Africa, is believed to be more easily transmissible and may cause more severe illness.
For those who have previously received the mpox vaccine, the ECDC suggests that a single booster dose may be sufficient, rather than the standard two-shot regimen. Booster doses are typically recommended every two to ten years for those at continued risk of exposure.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner of the ECDC highlighted the increased risk posed to the EU/EEA region due to the close connections between Europe and Africa. “Due to the close links between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for more imported Clade 1 cases,” she stated.
Currently, no cases of the Clade 1b strain have been confirmed in the UK, but experts warn that without international action, the virus could spread further. The situation underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness as global health authorities continue to monitor and respond to the evolving mpox threat.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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