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- 1Congo's Ebola outbreak may be coming under controlβIs Congoβs Ebola outbreak coming under control?
Questions are being raised about whether the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is finally being brought under control. The topic is drawing attention amid ongoing efforts by health authorities and international organisations to contain the virus, and observers are watching for confirmation that new cases are declining.
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A new Ebola outbreak is spreading across the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting alarm from health authorities and international agencies. CNN is among outlets reporting on the widening spread, with attention focused on efforts to trace contacts, treat cases and contain the virus before it reaches densely populated areas.
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Researchers report that epigenetic editing can silence and eliminate the hepatitis B virus, according to a new study covered by Nature. Rather than cutting viral DNA directly, the approach modifies the chemical marks controlling gene expression, driving the virus into permanent inactivity. The findings raise hopes for a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B, a disease affecting hundreds of millions worldwide, though clinical application remains years away.
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Bangladesh has begun a nationwide measles vaccination campaign as the country confronts a deadly outbreak of the disease. The drive, reported by Reuters and Arab News, aims to halt the spread of the highly contagious virus and protect children who have not received routine immunisations. Health authorities are racing to contain infections that have already caused deaths, drawing international attention to gaps in childhood vaccination coverage.
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The World Health Organization reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to two new health zones, raising concerns about the potential for wider transmission. Wire services including Reuters, The Hindu and South Africa's SABC are carrying the update, which health officials say underscores the difficulty of containing the virus in remote, densely connected communities. Response teams are working to trace contacts and curb further spread.
- 6Mobile Phone Data Aids Ebola Tracking in DRCβΌMobile Phone Data Helps Track the Ebola Outbreak in the DRC
Mobile phone data is being used to help track the spread of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By analysing movement patterns from mobile networks, health authorities can better predict where the virus might travel next and target containment efforts. The approach highlights the growing role of digital data in responding to infectious disease emergencies in the region.
- 7UAE commits $10 million to fight Ebola outbreak in AfricaβΌUAE allocates $10 million to fight Ebola outbreak in Africa
The United Arab Emirates has allocated $10 million to support efforts against an Ebola outbreak in Africa. The funding is aimed at helping contain the spread of the virus, though details on which countries or organisations will receive the money have not been specified. The announcement adds the Gulf state to the list of international donors responding to the epidemic.
- 8Pennsylvania measles outbreak grows with 55 new cases in two daysβPennsylvania's measles outbreak: 55 new cases reported in 2 days
Pennsylvania has reported 55 new measles cases in just two days, according to state health reporting, marking a sharp acceleration in an outbreak already described as deadly. Health officials are expected to urge vaccination and isolation measures as the highly contagious virus spreads. Observers are voicing concern about the pace of infections and the strain on local public health responses.
- 9Mpox case confirmed in northeastern DRC Ebola epicentreβMpox case confirmed in northeastern DRC city at the centre of the Ebola outbreak
Health authorities have confirmed a case of mpox in a city in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo that was previously the centre of the Ebola outbreak. The finding raises concern about overlapping disease outbreaks in a region with fragile health infrastructure. Officials are expected to step up surveillance and contact tracing to contain further spread of the virus.
- 10Measles outbreak mapped as Birmingham records 81 casesβΌMeasles outbreak mapped as Brum records 81 cases | Birmingham Mail - newspaper
Birmingham has recorded 81 measles cases as an outbreak continues to spread across the city, according to a map of confirmed infections published by the Birmingham Mail. Health officials are urging residents, particularly children and unvaccinated people, to check their MMR vaccination status as the highly contagious virus circulates in local communities.
- 11Jumping human gene discovered inside a virusβA human gene that can jump has been found inside a virus
Researchers report the discovery of a human 'jumping gene' β a transposable element able to move around the genome β found embedded inside a virus. The finding suggests genetic material can move between humans and viruses, shedding light on how genomes evolve and how viruses may acquire host genes. Scientists say it could inform understanding of gene transfer and viral evolution.
- 12Colombian Mosquitoes and Sand Flies Carry Hidden Viruses and Resistance GenesβHidden Viral Worlds and Antibiotic Resistance Genes Found in Colombian Mosquitoes and Sand Flies
Researchers in Colombia have identified previously unknown viruses and antibiotic resistance genes in mosquitoes and sand flies, revealing that these disease-carrying insects host far more microbial life than expected. The findings suggest the insects could play a role in spreading antimicrobial resistance, adding a new dimension to concerns about mosquito-borne disease in the region.