Context : The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority are monitoring bird flu virus variants.
Relevance : GS 2(Health )
- Concern: The virus could adapt to spread between humans, potentially causing future pandemics.
- Key findings: ECDC identified 34 genetic mutations that might increase the virus’s ability to infect humans.
- Recommendations: Based on genetic analysis and human case studies, the agencies outlined current risks and precautionary measures.
Menstruation Disrupts Daily Activities for 20% of South Asian Women
- Study published in The Lancet Global Health found that 1 in 5 South Asian women avoid regular activities during menstruation.
- Age group most affected: 15-19 years.
- Concerns:
- Impacts quality of life and exacerbates gender inequalities.
- Suggests menstrual symptoms like pain or heavy bleeding hinder participation in daily life.
- Findings: Contraceptive use, especially hormonal methods, reduces menstrual-related absences across all age groups.
- Policy Implication: The study provides new evidence for menstrual health research and interventions.
Climate Change Increases Salmonella Outbreak Risk
- University of Surrey research finds a strong link between weather conditions and Salmonella outbreaks.
- Salmonella: A bacteria causing food poisoning, commonly found in poor sanitation areas.
- Key Weather Factors Increasing Risk:
- Warmer temperatures (above 10°C).
- High humidity & dew point (7-10°C).
- Longer daylight hours (12-15 hours).
- Significance:
- Highlights climate change’s role in foodborne diseases.
- Helps predict future outbreaks and design preventive strategies.
