Results for: COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report highlighting the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health, particularly on life expectancy. According to the report, the global life expectancy declined by 1.8 years to 71.4 years between 2019 and 2021, erasing almost ten years of advancements. The report also underscores the unequal impact of the pandemic, with regions such as the Americas and Southeast Asia experiencing a significant decline in life expectancy, while the Western Pacific Region saw minimal effects.

A unique type of cell death known as ferroptosis has been identified as a significant contributor to lung damage in COVID-19 patients, according to a recent study. This finding could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing lung disease in COVID-19 cases.

India has recorded 324 COVID-19 cases involving the KP.1 and KP.2 sub-variants of the JN1 variant (an offshoot of Omicron), with 290 cases of KP.2 and 34 cases of KP.1. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) reports that there is no associated increase in hospitalizations or severe cases. The mutations are a natural occurrence for viruses like SARS-CoV2. 34 cases of KP.1 have been found across seven states and UTs, with 23 from West Bengal. KP.2 cases have been detected in 12 states and UTs, with Maharashtra reporting the highest (148). INSACOG monitors new variants and samples changes in disease severity. The emergence of these sub-variants in India coincides with a surge in COVID-19 cases in Singapore, where authorities have recommended mask-wearing.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently working from home. He is experiencing symptoms and following CDC guidelines by staying away from others. Powell’s positive test comes after a trip to Europe, where he appeared on stage at an event with Dutch central bank president Klaas Knot. Powell had previously tested positive for COVID-19 in January 2023. Financial markets showed little reaction to the announcement, and the next scheduled Fed policy meeting is not until June 11-12.

Researchers have discovered a new syndrome associated with COVID-19 that can cause life-threatening lung disease and other health issues. The syndrome, called MIP-C, is a rare but serious condition in which the immune system attacks the body, leading to severe scarring and stiffness in the lungs. The study was published May 8 in the journal Nature Medicine and highlights the potential for long-term effects of COVID-19.

A roundup of the top news stories from across the globe on May 18, including updates on foreign students facing threats in Kyrgyzstan, a new COVID-19 wave in Singapore, Arvind Kejriwal’s visit to the BJP headquarters, violence in Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek, and the arrest of Bibhav Kumar in connection with the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal.

Singapore is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with over 25,900 infections reported from May 5 to 11. This represents a 90% increase compared to the previous week and nearly doubles the number of cases week-on-week. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung estimates that the wave will likely peak between mid-June and the end of the month. To address the situation, the government has issued a health advisory recommending mask-wearing and is closely monitoring the trajectory of the wave.

Domestic tourism in China has surged despite broader economic challenges, providing a lifeline to the Chinese economy. During the recent Labour Day holiday, travel within China surged 28% compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, international tourism remains subdued, highlighting the impact of travel restrictions and geopolitical dynamics. The government is encouraging domestic consumption to mitigate economic struggles, and the tourism sector is seen as a key driver of economic growth and employment. Despite positive trends, low per capita consumption and a lack of international tourists remain challenges.

NewsNation anchor Chris Cuomo has confessed to taking Ivermectin, an antiviral drug initially condemned as a ‘horse dewormer,’ to treat his ongoing COVID-19 symptoms, including brain fog. Despite advocating against its use in 2020, Cuomo now claims he has been taking it regularly, sparking criticism from online users. The FBI has not approved or recommended the use of Ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 in either humans or animals, but Cuomo maintains that he has received positive feedback from clinicians regarding its effectiveness.

A new group of COVID-19 variants, known as FLiRT (KP.2 and KP 1.1) and belonging to the Omicron JN.1 lineage, are spreading quickly in the United States. These variants have new mutations that make them more contagious than previous Omicron variants, but symptoms remain largely consistent. KP.2 has overtaken the JN.1 variant in the US, while KP.1.1 is less widespread. Experts note that FLiRT variants evade immunity from prior infection and vaccines to some extent, highlighting the need for updated vaccines.