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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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South Korean Striker Apologizes for Secretly Filming Sex Videos
South Korean footballer Hwang Ui-jo has issued a public apology after admitting to secretly filming sexual encounters with two of his partners without their consent. The 31-year-old striker, who recently moved from England’s Nottingham Forest to Turkey’s Alanyaspor, is facing legal proceedings for these incidents, which occurred between June and September 2022.
During his first court appearance in Seoul on Wednesday, Hwang expressed remorse, stating, “I sincerely apologise to the victims who have been affected by my actions, and I am deeply sorry for the disappointment I have caused to all those who have cared and supported me.”
The videos came to public attention last year when Hwang’s sister-in-law attempted to blackmail him by sharing the footage on social media. She was sentenced to three years in prison for blackmail in September after Hwang sued her. Despite this, prosecutors continued with the charges against Hwang, citing the illegal nature of the recordings.
Prosecutors refrained from providing specific details about the women involved to protect their privacy and prevent further harm. In court, Hwang vowed, “I will not do anything wrong in the future and will do my best as a footballer,” acknowledging the distress he caused to the victims and his supporters.
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Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel
More than 60 people have been injured following a drone strike in northern Israel’s Binyamina region, according to emergency response organization United Hatzalah. The attack, claimed by Hezbollah, targeted a training camp of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The victims, whose conditions range from critical to mild, were evacuated to five regional hospitals via ambulances and helicopters. Israeli media reported that 67 people were injured in total, with four in critical condition and five others seriously wounded.
Hezbollah’s media office said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group used a “swarm of drones” in the attack, and reports suggest the low-level drones launched from Lebanon did not trigger Israel’s early warning alarms.
Footage showed wounded individuals being rushed into emergency vehicles, including helicopters, as medical teams worked swiftly to provide care. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hadera, Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya, where medical teams are working to stabilize those in critical condition.
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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: ‘Don’t Go Sightseeing’
Although Hurricane Milton has passed, officials are warning residents across Florida to remain cautious as the storm’s lingering effects, including severe flooding, continue to pose risks. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, rescue teams have been hard at work after the river overflowed, causing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) of flooding. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, traveling by boat, has been ensuring the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.
While multiple Florida ports have reopened, including Key West, Port Everglades, and Miami, several remain closed, such as those in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. Georgia and South Carolina have also seen some port reopenings, but many areas still face closures and flooding risks.
President Biden provided an update on the storm’s damage, estimating the total cost to be around $50 billion. He emphasized that more financial aid would be necessary and called on Congress to approve additional funds as the true extent of the damage is assessed.
Officials are also urging people to stay off the roads and avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas to prevent further accidents or fatalities. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” Biden said, stressing the long recovery ahead after Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just weeks earlier.
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