Category: Infection

Researchers have uncovered a massive campaign that delivered proxy server apps to at least 400,000 Windows systems. The devices act as residential exit nodes without users’ consent and a company is charging for the proxy traffic running through the machines.. Residential proxies are valuable to cybercriminals because they can help with deploying large-scale credential stuffing attacks from fresh IP addresses. They also have legitimate purposes like ad verification, data scraping, website testing, or privacy-enhancing rerouting. Some proxy companies sell access to residential proxies and offer monetary rewards to users who agree to share their bandwidth. In a report today, AT&T Alien Labs says that the 400,000-node proxy network was built by using malicious payloads that delivered the proxy application. Despite the company behind the botnet claiming that users gave their consent, the researchers discovered that the proxy installed silently on the devices. “Although the proxy website claims that its exit nodes come only from users who have been informed and agreed to the use of their device, Alien Labs has evidence that malware writers are installing the proxy silently in infected systems,” AT&T Alien Labs “In addition, as the proxy application is signed, it has no anti-virus detection, going under the radar of security companies,” the researchers added. The same company controlled exit nodes created by a malicious payload called AdLoad that targeted macOS systems, which AT&T reported last week. In fact, the two Go-based binaries (for macOS and Windows) appear to originate from the same source code, however, the Windows proxy client evades antivirus detection due to using a valid digital signature. Proxyware infection The infection starts with the execution of a loader hidden in cracked software and games, which downloads and installs the proxy application automatically in the background without user interaction. The malware authors use Inno Setup with specific parameters that hide any indicators of the installation process and all typical user prompts. During the installation of the proxy client, the malware sends specific parameters, which are also relayed to the command and control (C2) server so that the new client can be registered and incorporated into the botnet. Installation and establishing persistence (AT&T) The proxy client establishes persistence on the infected system by creating a registry key to activate it when the system boots and a by adding a scheduled task that to check for new client updates. “The proxy then continuously gathers vital information from the machine to ensure optimal performance and responsiveness,” explains the AT&T report. “This includes everything from the process list and monitoring CPU to memory utilization and even tracking battery status.” Data collection taking place on the infected device (AT&T) How to protect AT&T recommends looking for a “Digital Pulse” executable at “%AppData%” or a similarly named Registry key on “HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun.” If any are present, the researchers recommend removing them. The name of the scheduled task is “DigitalPulseUpdateTask” and should also be deleted to eliminate the chance of the client update mechanism re-introducing the infection. Finally, avoid downloading pirated software and running executables sourced from dubious locations like peer-to-peer networks or site offering premium software free of charge. Signs of proxyware infection include performance and internet speed degradation, unexpected network traffic patterns, frequent communication with unknown IPs or domains, and system alerts.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is reporting the first human infections in 2023, caused by West Nile Virus (WNV). Over the last month, evidence of WNV activity has increased across the state and is now considered to be widespread, the state health department reports. Positive mosquito pools have been identified in many regions of the state, and human infections have occurred in central, south central and southeast Oklahoma, according to the health department. WNV spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. In Oklahoma, WNV is primarily spread by the Culex mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and then spreads the virus when biting humans, horses, and some other mammals. This type of mosquito increases in abundance during mid to late summer when temperatures are high, and the weather pattern is dry. “We expect human cases of WNV every year,” said Jolianne Stone, the State Epidemiologist. “Typically, summertime is the beginning of the WNV season in Oklahoma, so with more people participating in outdoor activities there are increased opportunities for encountering infected mosquitoes.” OSDH officials are reminding the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as mosquito surveillance pools in the state show continued WNV activity. Tips to avoid mosquito bites and prevent WNV: Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing when going outdoors, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only. Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home. Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flowerpots, children’s toys and tires from holding water to prevent providing mosquitoes a place to breed. Empty pet’s outdoor water bowl and refill daily. Scrub and refill bird baths every three days. Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged. While the vast majority of individuals with WNV will likely never experience symptoms following an infection, those with symptoms, are often mild and may include sudden fever, headache, and body and joint pain. Recovery typically occurs within one to three weeks. People older than 50 years, diabetics, or those experiencing uncontrolled hypertension are at a greater risk of developing severe neurologic disease from WNV infection. When the disease affects the nervous system, it can cause confusion or disorientation, loss of consciousness, paralysis, neck stiffness or coma. Long lasting complications of WNV disease can include difficulty concentrating, migraines, headaches, extreme muscle weakness and tremors, and paralysis of a limb. There is no vaccine or treatment drug for this illness. The best defense is taking steps to avoid mosquito bites. For more information on WNV, including historical reported cases, click here.

CONNECTICUT — The second of the three Connecticut residents who were exposed to a very rare flesh-eating bacteria has been reported dead. The three patients were between 60-80 years of age, and all were hospitalized earlier this summer. Both deaths occurred in July, according to DPH spokesperson Chris Boyle. The first was reported July 28, the second this week. The bacteria Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe infections when in contact with saltwater, brackish waters or contact with raw or undercooked shellfish. Two of the three infections reported in Connecticut were wound infections not associated with seafood. The third infection was a Connecticut resident that consumed raw oysters not harvested from Long Island Sound at an out-of-state establishment. No Connecticut shellfish have ever been associated with Vibrio vulnificus illnesses, according to state Department of Agriculture spokesperson Rebecca Eddy. The department’s Bureau of Aquaculture routinely monitors oyster harvest areas statewide for vibrio levels during the summer months. Samples are screened for levels of total vibrio bacteria and then Vibrio vulnificus and pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus levels, according to the bureau. People with a Vibrio vulnificus infection can get seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation. About one in five people with this type of infection die. People at greatest risk for illness from the infection are those with weakened immune systems and the elderly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some Vibrio vulnificus infections lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies, inspiring the “flesh-eating bacteria” moniker. The necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by more than one type of bacteria, according to the CDC. Watery diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever For bloodstream infection: fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions For wound infection, which may spread to the rest of the body: fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge (leaking fluids). To reduce your chance of getting this type of infection, the CDC suggests following these precautions: Don’t eat raw or undercooked oysters or other shellfish. If you have a wound (including from a recent surgery, piercing, or tattoo), stay out of saltwater or brackish water, if possible. This includes wading at the beach. Cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if it could come into contact with saltwater, brackish water, marine life, or raw or undercooked seafood and its juices. This contact can happen during everyday activities, such as swimming, fishing, or walking on the beach. Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water after they have contact with saltwater, brackish water, marine life, raw seafood, or its juices.

ByParmita Uniyal, New Delhi Aug 16, 2023 03:43 PM IST Share Via Copy Link Your chances of getting viral infections could go up manifold in monsoon owing to humid weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. Monsoon season can add to your health woes as the season is known to weaken immunity and raise risk of illnesses and infections. As per studies, one’s chances of getting microbial infections goes up manifold in monsoon owing to humid weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. This year, many parts of the country received excess rainfall due to which diseases caused by virus, bacteria, fungus are seeing an exponential rise. Viral infections from dengue, malaria to influenza and common cold, gastro-intestinal diseases, hepatitis, conjunctivitis are fast spreading in the recent months. (Also read: Want better immunity? Check out this recommended diet for monsoon) Increased viral activity during the monsoon season often leads to the prevalence of viral fevers. “Increased viral activity during the monsoon season often leads to the prevalence of viral fevers. Some of the viral infections that are prevalent in monsoon seasons and can be easily prevented by taking precautions,” says Dr. Ramniwas Gupta, Senior Consultant, Dept of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. 1. Dengue fever Transmitted by mosquitoes, dengue can cause high fever, severe body pain, and even life-threatening complications. “Spread by the Aedes mosquito, dengue fever manifests with an abrupt onset of high fever, intense joint and muscle discomfort, headache, and a rash. In severe cases, it can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, causing bleeding, organ damage, and even death,” says Dr Gupta. 2. Malaria Malaria is another mosquito-borne disease that can lead to fever, chills, and body aches. Proper mosquito protection is crucial. It is important to wear long sleeved clothes that cover the body completely and take measures to control mosquito breeding, says Dr. Saibal Chakravorty, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute, Noida Sector-11, UP shares common viral infections that are rampant in monsoon. 2. Chikungunya Also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, chikungunya causes fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and rash. While fatalities are rare, the joint pain can be quite debilitating and persist for months, affecting the quality of life, says Dr Gupta. 4. Influenza (Flu) Flu viruses thrive in damp weather. Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and body aches. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, says Dr Chakravorty. It can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory complications, particularly in vulnerable populations, says Dr Gupta. 5. Common Cold “Caused by various viruses, colds lead to a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and mild fever. Hygiene and avoiding close contact can help prevent it,” adds Dr Chakravorty. 6. Viral Gastroenteritis “Also known as stomach flu, it causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Staying hydrated is important,” says Dr Chakravorty. “Several different viruses, including rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus, account for most cases of acute viral gastroenteritis (loose motions and vomiting). The majority are spread through the faecal-oral route, which includes contaminated food and water,” says Dr Gupta. 7. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Mostly affecting children, this viral infection causes sores in the mouth, hands, and feet. It spreads easily in crowded places, says Dr Chakravorty. 8. Hepatitis A & E These viral infections primarily spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms encompass jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), tiredness, abdominal discomfort, queasiness, and retching. Hepatitis A & E are usually self-limiting but can cause severe illness in some cases, says Dr Gupta. 9. Viral Conjunctivitis (Eye Flu) Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is usually caused by adenovirus. Symptoms include eye irritation, photophobia, and watery discharge. Practice good eye hygiene and avoid using contact lenses. Viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting, lasting 1 week in mild cases to up to 3 weeks in severe cases. For symptomatic relief, apply cool compresses, says Dr Gupta. 10. Chickenpox “The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox, a highly contagious illness. Other symptoms include an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash begins on the chest, back, and face before spreading across the entire body,” says Dr Gupta. Viral infections: Prevention and treatment Dr Gupta shares some prevention and treatment suggestions for the viral infections that tend to spread during the monsoon season in India: Stay hydrated: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for most viral infections to aid in recovery and manage symptoms. Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover and build up its immune response. Pain and fever relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers (such as acetaminophen or paracetamol) can help manage symptoms. Always follow the recommended dosage. Medical attention: Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or if you experience severe symptoms. This is especially important for conditions like dengue, where early intervention can prevent complications. Hygiene: Isolate yourself to prevent the spread of infections to others. Practice good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Vaccination: If available, consider getting vaccinated against diseases like hepatitis A, chickenpox, and influenza to prevent infection. Remember that self-medication is not recommended. Consult a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially for severe or persistent symptoms. Topics Monsoon Dengue Malaria

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Dogs can detect Covid-19 faster and more accurately than a PCR test, a new study shows. Researchers looked at the ability of canines to recognise the virus and its variants, even when they are obscured by other viruses, like those from common colds and flu. More than 400 scientists from over 30 countries contributed to the study as well as 147 scent dogs, according to the findings published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. After analysing many studies covering both field and clinical experiments, Professor Dickey and Junqueira found that dogs who are trained to sniff out scents are “as effective and often more effective” than antigen tests. A total of 53 dogs were trained to sniff out Covid scents, while 37 were not and scientists found that the dogs that were not trained were in some cases “slightly superior” to those that were pre-trained. “The previously untrained dogs have the advantage that they are not as prone to indicating on scents other than the Covid–19 associated scent,” the paper said. The results indicated that not only can dogs detect Covid faster, but they can also do so in a non-intrusive manner. This means you won’t need to put a swab in your throat or nose. How can dogs detect the virus? This essentially comes down to the dog’s highly evolved nose with its ability to sense out smells quicker. Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in humans. And the part of a dog’s brain that is devoted to analysing smells is about “40 times greater” than humans. Canines also have ‘neophilia’, which means they are attracted to new and interesting odours And so, with all these enhancements, dogs can detect very low concentrations of odours associated with Covid infections. “They can detect the equivalent of one drop of an odorous substance in 10.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” Professor Dickey said. “For perspective, this is about three orders of magnitude better than with scientific instrumentation.” Scientists also found that in some cases, the animals were also able to detect the virus in pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, “whose viral load was too low for conventional tests to work.” Professor Dickey has said that dogs can also differentiate Covid and its different variants in the presence of other respiratory viruses. This included the common cold or flu. “They’re much more effective. In fact, one of the authors that we quote in the paper commented that the RT-PCR test is not the gold standard anymore. It’s the dog. And they’re so quick,” he added. “They can give you the yes or no within seconds if they’re directly smelling you.” How was the study conducted to see if dogs can really detect Covid-19? In some studies, the dogs gave a person a quick sniff, sitting down to see if the person has Covid. In another study, the dog was given a sweat sample to smell for a few minutes. The press release has said that scent dogs, such as beagles, basset hounds and coonhounds are the ideal candidates for sniffing out the virus, given their “natural tendencies to rely on odours to relate to the world.” But the studies which the researchers analysed showed a variety of dogs were up for the challenge and were able to sniff out the Covid odour. With a few weeks of training, puppies, older dogs, purebred and mixed breeds, both male and female were able to sniff such odours out and “all performed admirably,” the Eureka Alert press release said. Although there has been success with dogs detecting such viruses, researchers believe there are still many challenges with using dogs for medical diagnoses. “There’s quite a bit of research, but it’s still considered by many as a kind of a curiosity,” said Professor Dickey. In conclusion, Professor Dickey and Junqueira said after reviewing the studies, believe that scent dogs deserve “their place as a serious diagnostic methodology that could be particularly useful during future pandemics, potentially as part of rapid routine health screenings in public spaces.” “Perhaps, most importantly, we argue that the impressive international quality and quantity of COVID scent dog research described in our paper for the first time, demonstrates that medical scent dogs are finally ready for a host of mainstream medical applications,” they added.

Disclaimer: Early release articles are not considered as final versions. Any changes will be reflected in the online version in the month the article is officially released. Sandor E. Karpathy , Luke Kingry, Bobbi S. Pritt, Jonathan C. Berry, Neil B. Chilton, Shaun J. Dergousoff1, Roberto Cortinas, Sarah W. Sheldon, Stephanie Oatman2, Melissa Anacker, Jeannine Petersen, and Christopher D. Paddock Author affiliations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (S.E. Karpathy, C.D. Paddock); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA (L. Kingry, S.W. Sheldon, S. Oatman, J. Petersen); Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA (B.S. Pritt, J.C. Berry); University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (N.B. Chilton, S.J. Dergousoff); University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA (R. Cortinas); Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA (M. Anacker) The genus Anaplasma includes several species of tickborne, zoonotic pathogens of global importance. Three recognized species (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma ovis, and Anaplasma bovis) and one provisionally named species (Anaplasma capra) are associated with moderately severe to severe disease in humans (1). Human infections with A. bovis, a pathogen first identified in monocytes of cattle in Algeria in 1936 and subsequently detected in other countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, were reported from China in 2017 (1–3). In 2015, a targeted metagenomic approach designed to amplify the V1–V2 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA (rrs) gene identified DNA of an A. bovis–like agent in blood specimens from 2 US patients with suspected tickborne illnesses (4). The agent demonstrated 100% identity across a 357-bp region of rrs to A. bovis–like sequences amplified from several human-biting Dermacentor tick species in North America (4). An additional 2 US patients positive for this same Anaplasma species were identified in 2017 (L. Kingry et al., unpub. data), although the genetic identity of this pathogen remained limited to the same 357-bp sequence of rrs (5–7). To further characterize the phylogenetic position of this novel agent, we evaluated additional sequences to determine the uniqueness of this strain among the expanding global complex of A. bovis–like bacteria. The Study We extracted DNA from 100 µL of EDTA-treated whole blood obtained from 4 patients from whom partial rrs sequences of an A. bovis–like agent were identified from a targeted metagenomics assessment of whole blood specimens collected from US patients with suspected tickborne disease (4; L. Kingry et al., unpub. data). DNA extracts containing A. bovis DNA were also available from an adult Dermacentor andersoni tick collected in Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park in Saskatchewan, Canada, and from 5 adult Dermacentor variabilis ticks collected in Washita County, Oklahoma; Floyd County, Iowa; and Sarpy and Cass Counties, Nebraska, from which partial rrs sequences most similar with A. bovis were amplified previously (5,6; L. Kingry et al., unpub. data). We amplified segments of the rrs, citrate synthase (gltA), and heat shock chaperon (groEL) genes using Taq PCR Master Mix Kit (QIAGEN, https://www.qiagen.com) (Table 1). Each 20-µL primary reaction consisted of 1 µM of each primer, 10 µL Taq Master Mix, 2 µL DNA, and 6 µL molecular-grade water. Secondary reactions (groEL only) consisted of 1 µM of each primer, 10 µL Taq Master Mix, 1 µL primary PCR product, and 7 µL molecular-grade water. We resolved PCR amplicons on a 1% agarose gel in Tris-acetate-EDTA buffer and cut amplicons from the gel and purified using a Wizard SV Gel and PCR Clean-up kit (Promega, https://www.promega.com). We sequenced each purified amplicon (1 µL) bidirectionally using a Big Dye Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit, purified using a BigDye XTerminator Purification Kit, and sequenced using an ABI 3500 Genetic Analyzer (all from ThermoFisher Scientific, https://www.thermofisher.com). We used Geneious Prime version 2021.0.3 (https://www.geneious.com) to assemble and align consensus sequences and infer the phylogenetic relationships between DNA sequences (12). Only 3 sources of genetic information for A. bovis were available in GenBank that provided complete or partial sequence data at all 3 loci, including those amplified from the blood of a raccoon (Procyon lotor) captured in Hokkaido, Japan (13); a goat (Capra sp.) from Shaanxi Province, China; and a cow (Bos taurus) from Shaanxi Province, China. The rrs, gltA, and groEL nucleotide sequences amplified from the human samples were submitted to GenBank and assigned the accession numbers OQ693620 (rrs), OQ694770 (gltA), and OQ693619 (groEL). Figure 50 are shown. GenBank accession numbers for the samples in this study: OQ772254;, gltA; OQ772255, groEL; and OQ724830, rrs; those for the D. andersoni sample were assigned the following numbers: OQ772256, gltA; OQ772257, groEL; and OQ724821, rrs. Reference sequences from GenBank: Anaplasma bovis (cow, China): MH255937, 16S; MH594290, gltA; MH255906.1, groEL; A. bovis (goat, China): MH255939, 16S; MH255915.1, gltA; MH255907, groEL; A. bovis (raccoon, Japan): GU937020, 16S; JN588561, gltA; JN588562, groEL; Anaplasma platys strain Okinawa: AY077619, 16S; AY077620, gltA; AY077621, groEL; A. phagocytophilum strain HZ NC_007797; A. centrale strain Israel NC_013532; A. marginale strain Florida NC_012026. Ehrlichia chaffeensis strain West Paces (NZ_CP007480) was used as the outgroup. Scale bar represents mean number of nucleotide substitutions per site.”> Figure. Phylogenetic relationship of novel human Anaplasma bovis–like pathogen associated with human cases in the United States, 2015–2017, to other A. bovis–like and related Anaplasmaspecies… The rrs sequences (599-bp) of the 4 human samples were 100% identical to each other and to those amplified from a D. andersoni tick and 5 D. variabilis ticks; the sequences also showed 98.3% identity to the rrs sequences amplified from blood specimens obtained from the cow from China, 98% to those from the goat from China, and 97.8% identity to those from the raccoon from Japan. The 826-bp gltA sequences from the 4 human samples were 100% identical to each other and to all sequences from D. variabilis ticks; they also were 99.4% identical to the 827-bp sequence from the D. andersoni tick. When trimmed to 356 bp to match the sequence lengths available in GenBank of those from the cow and goat from China, the North America sequences amplified from humans and ticks shared only 78.6%–to 79.4% identity with the sequences from China. The groEL sequences (1,079-bp) of

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email People with lung infections are being encouraged to keep eating vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and cabbage in a bid to ease their illness. Scientists said that cruciferous vegetables, which include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, horseradish and turnips, contain a molecule which helps to maintain a healthy “barrier” in the lung which may in turn ease lung infections. Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute examined a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which can be activated by natural molecules in this type of vegetable. The effect AHR has on immune cells is well understood but now scientists have found that it also plays a role in endothelial cells lining blood vessels in the lung. The lung has a barrier made up of two layers, one of endothelial cells and one of epithelial cells, which allow oxygen to enter. But the barrier has to be kept strong to ward off pollution, viruses and bacteria. It’s a good idea to eat lots of cruciferous vegetables anyway, but this shows it’s even more important to continue eating them when you’re ill Andreas Wack The research team from the Crick conducted a series of experiments on mice which found that AHR plays an important role in helping maintain a strong barrier. Mice with flu were found to have blood in air spaces between their lungs because it had leaked across a damaged barrier. But AHR appeared to stop the barrier from leaking as much. They found that when AHR was “overactivated” there was less blood in lung spaces. The scientists also found that mice with enhanced AHR activity did not lose as much weight when infected with flu, and were able to better fight off a bacterial infection on top of the original virus. When AHR was prevented from being expressed in lung endothelial cells of mice, there was greater damage to the barrier, according to the study published in the journal Nature. Meanwhile, infected mice did not eat as much food when ill so their intake of foods which activated AHR was reduced, which appeared to lead to more lung damage. Mice on a diet rich with cruciferous vegetables were found to have healthier lung barriers and suffered less lung damage when infected with flu. Andreas Wack, group leader of the Immunoregulation Laboratory at the Crick, said: “Until recently, we’ve mainly looked at barrier protection through the lens of immune cells. “Now we’ve shown that AHR is important for maintaining a strong barrier in the lungs through the endothelial cell layer, which is disrupted during infection. “People may be less likely to maintain a good diet when they’re ill, so aren’t taking in the molecules from vegetables which make this system work. It’s a good idea to eat lots of cruciferous vegetables anyway, but this shows it’s even more important to continue eating them when you’re ill.” Commenting on the study, Dr John Tregoning, reader in respiratory infections at Imperial College London, said: “This study is important because it shows how the cells that line the lungs protect against damage following viral infection and that protection from infectious disease is not the sole reserve of the immune system. “The study shows that a compound derived from broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables) can improve protection against viral lung damage. “The study is well performed and the conclusions in the mouse model are well backed up. “How this study translates into people during lung infection needs further work.”

The Health Ministry warns of the risk of serious eye infections from swimming in the Sea of Galilee. In a statement, the ministry says at least three cases have been reported in recent days of inflammation of the cornea and corneal scarring, caused by microsporidia, a fungal parasite in the water. This fungus can enter the body via the soft tissue around the eye while a person swims. The ministry urges those who intend to enter the lake to wear goggles. Those who are experiencing symptoms are urged to seek medical help immediately.

ByZarafshan Shiraz, New Delhi Aug 16, 2023 07:31 PM IST Share Via Copy Link There are a large number of people who are detected with hepatitis A and E during the rainy season. Here are its causes along with treatment and prevention tips Gastrointestinal problems, including liver diseases, surge during the monsoon season owing to factors such as contaminated water and food hence, there are a large number of people who are detected with hepatitis A and E during the rainy season. People should take precautionary measures to keep liver problems at bay and lead a healthy life and avoid eating unclean raw food and vegetables, give up on street food as it can be made with contaminated water, get vaccinated for hepatitis and take medication prescribed by the doctor only. Causes of increased hepatitis risk in monsoon, tips for a healthy liver (Photo by Twitter/AbeDan14) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Harshad Joshi, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Apollo Spectra in Mumbai, shared, “Monsoon is synonymous with a host of gastrointestinal problems including hepatitis infection. From children to adults to senior citizens, anyone can suffer from liver problems. “Contamination during rainy seasons leads to stomach infections. The common stomach infections are dysentery and diarrhea causing stomach pain, loose motions, and nausea. Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection causing High fever, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Hepatitis A and Jaundice can also give one a tough time. Hepatitis A means inflammation (swelling) of the liver. Poor sanitation, and water and food contamination raise the chances of dysfunction. One will suffer from jaundice leading to yellow eyes, yellow urine, white stools and stomach pain.” Dr Vikas Pandey, Gastroenterologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital, highlighted, “Liver infections or hepatitis cases are on the rise during monsoon owing to A and E viruses. One gets hepatitis A or E because of contaminated food or water or from close contact with an infected person. Eating food available on the streets or opting for pre-cut fruits that may be washed with contaminated water, drinking juices, and having pani puris, gola, sherbet made from contaminated water or ice, unclean raw food, and vegetables can make one prone to hepatitis. In 2021, 110 people suffering from liver and gastrointestinal diseases were treated during monsoon. In 2022, the number of patients increased to 326 patients. This year, when the rainy season has just started, 220 patients suffering from liver problems and gastrointestinal diseases have been found. Water intake is greatly reduced during monsoons. It increases liver and stomach-related disorders. So it is very important to drink enough water irrespective of the season.” Dr Vikram Raut, Director of Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgery at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, revealed, “Hepatitis A and E can take a toll on one’s overall well-being. It can steal one’s peace of mind as if left untreated, they can damage the liver. Hepatitis A and E presents as jaundice when the skin and the eyes turn yellow. One’s condition can worsen when he/she doesn’t seek timely treatment leading to acute liver failure and ultimately liver transplantation.” Talking about the treatment and preventive measures, Dr Harshad Joshi suggested, “The treatment will be based on symptoms and differ from one-person-to-another. Take the medication prescribed by the doctor only. Avoid eating raw food and vegetables or street food and boil the water before drinking. Juices and other drinks are a strict no-no as they may contain contaminated ice, do not eat pre-cut fruits available at roadside stalls, wash hands from time to time.” Topics Treatment Stomach Pain Hepatitis A Vaccination Hepatitis C Hepatitis B Monsoon Health Fitness Rain Rains Rainfall Liver

Vibriosis, a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that can cause skin breakdown and ulcers, has been identified in a recently deceased individual from Suffolk County, New York. Fatal cases of vibriosis have also been identified in Connecticut. Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday urged New Yorkers to learn how to avoid exposure and to take appropriate precautions, as the New York State Department of Health reminded providers to consider vibriosis when diagnosing wound infections or sepsis of unknown origins. Vibriosis is caused by several species of bacteria, including the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which occurs naturally in saltwater coastal environments and can be found in higher concentrations from May to October when the weather is warmer. Infection with vibriosis can cause a range of symptoms when ingested, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and chills. Exposure can also result in ear infections and cause sepsis and life-threatening wound infections. The death in Suffolk County is still being investigated to determine if the bacteria was encountered in New York waters or elsewhere. In the meantime, the New York State Department of Health this week reminded healthcare providers to consider vibrio vulnificus when seeing individuals with severe wound infections or sepsis with or without wound infections. While anyone can get vibriosis, those with liver disease, cancer, or a weakened immune system or people taking medicine to decrease stomach acid levels may be more likely to get an infection or develop complications when infected. To help prevent vibriosis, people with a wound, such as a cut or scrape, a recent piercing or tattoo, should avoid exposing skin to warm seawater in coastal environments or cover the wound with a waterproof bandage. In addition, those with compromised immune systems should avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters, which can carry the bacteria. Wear gloves when handling raw shellfish and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water when finished. More information about vibriosis can be found here (https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/vibriosis/index.htm). Get the top stories on your radio 24/7 on Finger Lakes News Radio 96.3 and 1590, WAUB and 106.3 and 1240, WGVA, and on Finger Lakes Country, 96.1/96.9/101.9/1570 WFLR.