All articles tagged with #healthenvironment
Southern Brazil reports its first deaths from leptospirosis following severe flooding, with health experts warning of a surge in waterborne diseases. The disaster has displaced over 600,000 people and disrupted critical health services, complicating efforts to manage chronic diseases and prevent further outbreaks.
Scientists at the University of New Mexico have discovered microplastics in every testicle sample from both dogs and humans, raising concerns about male fertility. The study found that higher levels of PVC in canine tissue correlated with lower sperm counts, suggesting that microplastics could interfere with reproductive health. The findings highlight the pervasive presence of microplastics and the urgent need to address plastic pollution to protect future generations.
The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus has been confirmed on mainland Antarctica for the first time, with cases found in dead scavenging birds near an Argentinian research station. The virus, which has caused mass deaths of wild birds globally since 2021, is believed to be spreading in the region via migratory birds. Scientists are concerned about the potential transmission of the virus to penguins and other species, as previous outbreaks in South America have shown susceptibility in penguins. Biosecurity measures are being emphasized to prevent human exposure, but little can be done to limit transmission in wildlife, and the outbreak will have to resolve naturally.
Bird flu has been discovered on mainland Antarctica for the first time, with two confirmed cases found in dead skuas near Primavera, a base owned by Argentina on the Antarctic Peninsula. The highly pathogenic H5 subtype of avian influenza was detected, raising concerns about the potential for an ecological disaster as the virus could spread to marine mammals and birds, including penguins. Scientists have long feared a bird flu outbreak in Antarctica, and the recent spread of the virus to a growing number of mammals has raised concerns about the possibility of a future variant leading to human-to-human transmission.
Bird flu, or H5N1, has been found for the first time in the Antarctic, raising concerns about its potential impact on penguin colonies. The death of a king penguin on South Georgia island is suspected to be linked to the disease, prompting fears of a significant ecological disaster.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD), also known as 'zombie deer disease', has been spreading across 32 US states and parts of Canada, causing concern among experts about its potential to affect humans. The disease, which is fatal to deer and related species, leads to symptoms such as confusion, drooling, and a lack of fear of humans. While there is no evidence of human infection, studies on non-human primates suggest a risk, prompting the World Health Organisation to recommend keeping prion diseases out of the human food chain. Authorities are implementing surveillance and policy changes to control the disease's spread.