Health

Update on the Marburg virus incident: Negative tests in Germany amidst the outbreak in Rwanda
Health

Update on the Marburg virus incident: Negative tests in Germany amidst the outbreak in Rwanda

More news - Latest news Rwanda has reported an outbreak of Marburg virus, a severe hemorrhagic fever known for its high mortality rate, with 11 fatalities this year. This marks the first appearance of the virus in Rwanda, located in east-central Africa, despite its presence in several other African nations in recent decades. Rwanda's Health Ministry has identified 36 cases since the virus was first detected in late September. In a related development, German health authorities have confirmed that two people suspected of having the Marburg virus have tested negative. The scare led to temporary restrictions at a major Hamburg train station, following symptoms the couple showed after one of them had contact with an infected individual in Rwanda. The authorities have reass...
Gilead licenses generic HIV prevention shots for low-income nations
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Gilead licenses generic HIV prevention shots for low-income nations

More news - Breaking news Gilead Sciences, a major pharmaceutical company, recently unveiled a major initiative to fight HIV globally by enabling the production of a generic version of its breakthrough drug, lenacapavir. This injectable drug, administered every two years, has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in preventing HIV infections. Under the new agreement, Gilead will grant free licenses to six generic drug makers based in Asia and North Africa. These manufacturers are authorized to distribute the drug at a reduced cost in 120 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, the regions most affected by HIV. This strategic move aims to make this life-saving treatment accessible to those who need it most, although it notably excludes several middle-income countries ...
California takes legal action against hospital for refusing to perform doctor-recommended abortion
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California takes legal action against hospital for refusing to perform doctor-recommended abortion

More news - Latest news In a distressing turn of events, Dr. Anna Nusslock, a 36-year-old chiropractor from Eureka, California, was faced with a critical medical situation that brought unexpected legal and ethical challenges to the forefront. In February, Dr Nusslock, who was pregnant with twins, suffered a premature rupture of membranes at 15 weeks' gestation. Medical assessments indicated that the survival of her twins was highly unlikely and that continuing the pregnancy posed serious risks to her health, including potential infections and significant blood loss. Despite the urgent medical recommendation for an abortion given the non-viability of the fetuses and the health risks involved, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, where she sought emergency care, adhered to its poli...
Planning for your pet's future: Creating a trust fund for your pet's ongoing care
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Planning for your pet's future: Creating a trust fund for your pet's ongoing care

Related media - Latest news In the unexpected event of the owner's death, the fate of his beloved pets often becomes uncertain. This concern prompted Tracy Jennings, a landscaper in Buffalo, Minnesota, to take proactive steps to ensure her pets were well cared for in her absence. After witnessing the distressing outcome of her friend's animals who were hastily rehomed and subsequently euthanized, Jennings decided to set up a legally binding animal trust. A pet trust fund is not simply a thoughtful gesture; This is a solid agreement that designates a caretaker for pets and allocates funds to manage their expenses, such as veterinary care, food and grooming. This trust takes effect immediately upon signing and continues to operate posthumously, providing peace of mind ...
Congress demands that FDA officials review alleged conflicts
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Congress demands that FDA officials review alleged conflicts

Related media - Breaking news Recent concerns have prompted an official call for an investigation into potential conflicts of interest involving a top FDA official in the medical device industry, Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, and his wife's legal activities. Dr. Shuren, who will retire from the Food and Drug Administration later this year, has faced scrutiny over his professional actions, which may have coincided with his wife Allison's legal representation of medical device companies Shuren. Christina Jewett reports that Representatives Anna Eshoo of California and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut have officially called on the inspector general to look into these potential ethical conflicts. Both lawmakers, influential members of the key health and appropriations subcommitte...
Report warns that inconsistent cannabis laws put profit before public health
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Report warns that inconsistent cannabis laws put profit before public health

Related media - Recent news A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine raises serious concerns about the fragmented landscape of cannabis laws in the United States. The report argues that the current patchwork of regulations prioritizes economic gains over public health and safety. With 24 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories having legalized recreational cannabis, and 13 others allowing its medicinal use, the need for a coordinated national strategy is increasingly urgent. The report highlights the dramatic increase in potency of cannabis products, particularly THC concentration. This increase in potency, combined with the proliferation of diverse cannabis products, poses significant health risks, especially for ...