Genomic analysis finds monkeypox virus is mutating unusually fast

A new study published in Nature Medicine offers the first robust genomic analysis of the virus behind the current wave of monkeypox spreading around the globe. The research traced the virus back to a 2017 monkeypox outbreak in Nigeria and indicates it … Continue reading Genomic analysis finds monkeypox virus is mutating unusually fast

World hits 500 million official COVID cases but real tally likely billions

The world has surpassed over 500 million officially recorded COVID-19 cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. This grim milestone is almost certainly an undercount, with some researchers estimating nearly half of the world’s total popul… Continue reading World hits 500 million official COVID cases but real tally likely billions

What is Omicron, where did it come from, and how dangerous is it?

On November 9, a specimen of SARS-CoV-2 was taken from an infected patient in Botswana. Genomic analysis quickly revealed this specimen to be a novel variant, initially dubbed B.1.1.529.Continue ReadingCategory: Health & Wellbeing, LifestyleTags: C… Continue reading What is Omicron, where did it come from, and how dangerous is it?

Over 50 million unreported COVID-19 infections in Africa, WHO estimates

A striking new analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded six in seven COVID-19 cases have gone undetected in Africa. The assessment indicates the real number of cases on the continent could be as high as 60 million and a new program… Continue reading Over 50 million unreported COVID-19 infections in Africa, WHO estimates

WHO announces “historic” roll-out of first malaria vaccine in Africa

Following a successful pilot study encompassing nearly one million children, the World Health Organization (WHO) is now recommending widespread use of the world’s first malaria vaccine across all sub-Saharan Africa. It is hoped the landmark vaccine can… Continue reading WHO announces “historic” roll-out of first malaria vaccine in Africa

Experts argue COVID-19 vaccine boosters should be delayed

A new article published in The Lancet is arguing against broadly administering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots at this point in time. The article is co-authored by two of the US Food and Drug Administration’s top vaccine advisors, both of whom recently … Continue reading Experts argue COVID-19 vaccine boosters should be delayed

WHO director “appalled” at inequity of COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The director of the World Health Organization has said he is “appalled” at the extent of vaccine inequity spreading across the world. Global vaccine-sharing initiative COVAX has reported it is falling short of its distribution milestones as high and up… Continue reading WHO director “appalled” at inequity of COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Mu is the latest coronavirus variant labeled of interest by WHO

For the first time in several months the World Health Organization has added a new SARS-CoV-2 variant to its official tracking list. Designated by the Greek Alphabet letter Mu, this newly defined “variant of interest” has been detected in 40 countries … Continue reading Mu is the latest coronavirus variant labeled of interest by WHO

Global COVID-19 vaccine rollout hits 5-billion-dose milestone

Over five billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have now been administered around the world. This incredible milestone comes eight months after vaccinations commenced late in 2020, however, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to express concern over… Continue reading Global COVID-19 vaccine rollout hits 5-billion-dose milestone

WHO begins global trial testing trio of drugs to treat severe COVID-19

The World Health Organization is launching a large-scale global clinical trial testing whether a trio of pre-existing drugs can be repurposed to treat those hospitalized with severe COVID-19. The project serves as the second phase of WHO’s Solidarity p… Continue reading WHO begins global trial testing trio of drugs to treat severe COVID-19