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A 25-year-old nurse who had recently recovered from a Nipah virus infection died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Barasat, located in West Bengal&rsquo;s North 24 Parganas district. Health officials confirmed that she had been in a prolonged coma before her death.
Originally from Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district, the nurse began showing symptoms in early January after returning home for the New Year. She was first admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital but was later transferred to a private facility as her condition deteriorated.
Her illness emerged shortly after a male colleague reported similar symptoms. Tests conducted on January 11 confirmed Nipah infection in both healthcare workers. The two required ventilator support after slipping into a coma. While the male nurse recovered and was discharged last week, her condition remained critical.
State health authorities said one of the two Nipah-positive patients identified on January 11 succumbed to cardiac arrest despite intensive medical care. Officials also clarified that there are currently no active Nipah cases in West Bengal.
Global health authorities have evaluated the situation and consider the likelihood of wider transmission to be low. Recent cases reported in India and Bangladesh had raised concerns about a possible outbreak, but risk assessments indicate limited chances of regional or international spread.
The incident nevertheless underscores the need for continued surveillance and rapid response systems to contain rare but potentially deadly viral infections.

Recovered Nipah patient dies after weeks in coma; officials confirm no active cases

Nipah Survivor Nurse Dies of Cardiac Arrest

The World Health Organization has said that the recent Nipah virus cases reported in India pose a low risk of wider spread and do not warrant any travel or trade restrictions. The assessment comes after India confirmed two cases of the virus infection in West Bengal.
In its latest update, the WHO stated that there is no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission and that the overall national, regional and global risk remains low. The agency noted that both cases were detected in North 24 Parganas district and were confined to the same area.
According to the WHO, there was no travel history linked to the patients during the period when they were symptomatic. Based on available information, the likelihood of the virus spreading to other Indian states or internationally is considered low.
Despite heightened screening measures introduced by several Asian countries for incoming travellers, the global health body has advised against imposing restrictions on travel or trade at this stage.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that primarily spreads from animals to humans, with fruit bats identified as the natural hosts. Transmission can occur through food contaminated by bats or through close contact with infected animals or people.
The infection can cause severe illness, including fever and inflammation of the brain. The fatality rate is estimated to range between 40% and 75%, depending on outbreak conditions and healthcare response.
While human-to-human transmission is possible, the virus does not spread easily and typically requires close and prolonged contact.
Early symptoms of Nipah infection include fever, headache and muscle pain, which can resemble common viral illnesses. As the disease progresses, patients may develop neurological symptoms linked to acute encephalitis.
Some individuals also experience severe respiratory distress. In critical cases, seizures may occur, leading to coma within a few days. Although many survivors recover fully, some may suffer long-term neurological complications. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Nipah virus infection. Medical care focuses on supportive treatment and managing complications.
However, several vaccine and treatment candidates are under development. Among them is a potential vaccine being researched by scientists at Oxford University, building on technology used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global health body rules out travel curbs after two Nipah cases in Bengal

WHO says Nipah outbreak in India poses low risk

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Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday acknowledged that female foeticide continues to persist in the state and said the government is intensifying enforcement measures to curb the practice. He announced that separate nodal officers would be appointed in every district to strengthen monitoring and implementation.
Responding to a question raised by BJP MLC C T Ravi in the Legislative Council, Rao described female foeticide as a &ldquo;social evil&rdquo; and admitted that the problem has not been eradicated. Pointing to skewed sex ratio figures, he said the data clearly indicates that the practice is still prevalent in parts of the state.
&ldquo;Female foeticides have certainly not stopped. If you look at the sex ratio, there is a significant difference. I accept that this is happening,&rdquo; the minister told the House.
Rao said the issue is largely driven by a societal preference against girl children rather than coercion. He noted that illegal sex determination of foetuses continues to take place in certain hospitals, despite being prohibited by law. With advancements in technology, he said, portable ultrasound machines have made it easier to conduct illegal scans discreetly.
&ldquo;Sex determination is illegal, but portable ultrasound machines can be carried anywhere and misused. This needs to be controlled, and we will also bring this issue to the notice of the central government,&rdquo; he said.
The minister revealed that intelligence inputs from some districts and hospitals have shown unusually high registrations of male births, raising red flags. Authorities are closely tracking taluks where the male-female ratio is worsening and identifying hospitals involved in suspicious practices.
&ldquo;Information is being collected on where the imbalance is increasing and what is happening in specific hospitals. After proper evaluation, action is being taken to crack down on such networks,&rdquo; Rao said.
He added that decoy operations have been conducted at seven locations over the past two years to expose illegal activities linked to female foeticide. Disciplinary and legal action has been taken against officials and hospitals found involved, though he stressed that stronger and faster action is still required.
When asked whether the government plans to introduce stricter laws, Rao said the possibility of strengthening existing legislation is under consideration. He pointed out that misuse of advanced technology, the internet, and easy availability of abortion-related medicines pose serious challenges.
&ldquo;Some amendments have already been made in the past two years, but we need to examine further legal measures. Oral abortion medicines are available over the counter, which is a concern,&rdquo; he said, adding that the Food and Drug Administration has instructed pharmacists to maintain records of such drug sales.
Rao also said the government is focusing on the effective implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC &amp; PNDT) Act and increasing public awareness to discourage sex determination and female foeticide across the state.
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Pregnant woman symbolising female foeticide

Health minister admits issue continues; govt to tighten checks, appoint nodal officers

Female Foeticide Persists in Karnataka: Rao

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Novo Nordisk has officially launched Ozempic in India, pricing the 0.25 mg weekly dose at ₹2,200, marking a significant entry into the country&rsquo;s rapidly growing diabetes and obesity care market. While the drug is already a global bestseller, experts caution that it is not a quick-fix solution and must be paired with disciplined lifestyle changes.
Strict regime essential, say doctors Health experts highlight that Ozempic, used for both type 2 diabetes management and weight control, requires patients to follow a structured regimen. &ldquo;It is a medicine used for both diabetes and weight treatment. While undergoing the course, one should follow a strict regime and engage in regular exercise,&rdquo; said Dr. Unnikrishnan of Chellaram Diabetes Institute. He added that the drug supports broader health improvements, including reducing risks related to heart and kidney complications in diabetes patients.
India becomes a key market India&rsquo;s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), approved Ozempic (semaglutide) in October this year for adult patients with type 2 diabetes. The injectable will be available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg strengths.
With India holding the world&rsquo;s second-largest type 2 diabetes population and rapidly rising obesity numbers, the country has become a significant market for metabolic and weight-loss medications. Analysts estimate the global segment could reach $150 billion annually by the end of the decade.
Global bestseller with multiple benefits Ozempic, first approved in the U.S. in 2017, has grown popular worldwide, including for off-label weight-loss use. Novo Nordisk states that beyond glycemic control, the drug can help reduce cardiovascular risks, protect kidney function, and support weight loss of up to 8 kg in diabetes patients.
In India, the medication will be available only on prescription from endocrinologists or internal medicine specialists, and is not approved for cosmetic or non-medical weight loss.
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n India at ₹2,200 for the 0.25 mg weekly dose, tapping into the country’s fast-growing diabetes and obesity market. The drug, however, is not a quick fix.  A box of Ozempic made by Novo Nordisk is seen at a pharmacy

Doctors urge strict routine as Ozempic debuts in India for diabetes and weight management

Doctors Caution as Ozempic Debuts in India

In a major milestone for global epidemic preparedness, Oxford University has launched the world&rsquo;s first Phase-II clinical trial of a Nipah virus vaccine candidate in Bangladesh. The vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, marks a crucial step toward combating a pathogen known for its exceptionally high fatality rate and repeated outbreaks in South Asia. With Nipah infections often proving deadly within days, the trial represents an urgently needed leap in preparedness against a virus the WHO classifies as having pandemic potential.
The ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine uses the same viral-vector platform employed during the development of the widely administered Oxford&ndash;AstraZeneca Covid-19 shot. The candidate is engineered to target the strain commonly detected in Bangladesh and India, making it regionally relevant for communities that continue to face recurring spillover incidents. The trial will enrol 306 healthy adults aged 18&ndash;55, generating crucial safety and immune-response data from a population directly exposed to periodic Nipah outbreaks.
Nipah virus carried by fruit bats and transmitted through contaminated food, animal intermediaries, or close human contact can cause rapidly escalating illness marked by respiratory distress, encephalitis and multi-organ involvement. With no approved treatment or licensed vaccine, public health agencies have long stressed the need for a reliable, fast-deployable countermeasure. Oxford&rsquo;s earlier first-in-human studies in the UK also demonstrated encouraging safety signals, clearing the way for advanced-phase assessment in an outbreak-prone region.
The current trial is designed not only to test the vaccine but also to ensure that future doses can be deployed swiftly during emergencies. Serum Institute has already prepared for large-scale, rapid manufacturing, with plans to maintain an emergency reserve stock for outbreak use. With scalability, heat stability and faster production cycles, the candidate offers a promising avenue for countries with limited resources. If successful, this vaccine could become the world&rsquo;s first major shield against one of the deadliest zoonotic threats of the century.

World’s first Phase-II Nipah vaccine trial begins in Bangladesh with SII-made doses

Oxford Begins Phase-II Nipah Trial

Mounjaro, or Tirzepatide, is trending everywhere with dramatic weight loss claims and social media promises. Along with the excitement, a lot of wrong or incomplete information is circulating, leading many people to unsafe decisions. Here is a concise, fact based explanation of what Mounjaro really does and what patients can expect.
Mounjaro is a once weekly injection used for Type 2 diabetes and sometimes for weight loss. It reduces hunger by mimicking natural hormones that signal fullness. Only a doctor can decide if it is suitable for you, especially if you have a history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis or severe kidney problems. It is not approved for Type 1 diabetes.
The starting dose is 2.5 mg weekly. Doctors increase the dose slowly. The maximum dose is 15 mg per week. The pen is simple to use and injections are almost painless.
Mounjaro supports weight loss but does not replace healthy habits. Eating well, moving daily, sleeping enough and managing stress are essential. Studies show users may lose around 22 percent of their body weight in 18 months if they combine the medicine with lifestyle changes.
<h3 data-start="1713" data-end="1736">The first 4 weeks</h3>
Week 1 brings mild nausea or tiredness. Week 2 shows better sugar control. Week 3 brings reduced appetite and early weight loss. Week 4 is when the body adjusts and energy improves.
Common side effects include nausea, bloating and constipation which usually settle with smaller meals, more water and lighter food. Serious symptoms like severe stomach pain, allergic reactions or very low sugar need urgent medical care.
If you miss a dose and remember within four days, take it. If more than four days pass, skip it and continue on the regular day.
Mounjaro is not magic. It is a strong medical tool that works best with patience, consistent habits and regular check ins with your doctor. Only genuine medicine and correct information make the journey safe.

A clear guide to how Mounjaro works, who can take it, and what to expect in the first mont

Mounjaro Explained Without the Hype

In a landmark expansion of menstrual health benefits, the Karnataka government has extended one day of paid menstrual leave per month to all women employed in state government departments. The decision comes weeks after the state mandated the same entitlement across private-sector establishments, triggering nationwide discussion on workplace inclusivity.
The latest government order, issued on December 2, grants the benefit to &ldquo;female government employees aged 18 to 52,&rdquo; bringing thousands of women working in permanent, contractual and outsourced roles under its ambit. Officials clarified that the leave can be availed without a medical certificate, and departments must record it separately from other forms of leave.
The move follows Karnataka&rsquo;s earlier directive mandating menstrual leave across industries covered under the Factories Act, Shops and Establishments Act, Plantation Workers Act, Beedi and Cigar Workers Act, and Motor Transport Workers Act. That order had sparked legal scrutiny, with the Bangalore Hotels Association approaching the High Court arguing that the government had imposed the requirement on private employers without adopting it for its own staff.
By extending the leave to government employees, the state aims to address concerns over parity and strengthen its position on workplace dignity and women&rsquo;s health. Departments have been instructed to ensure smooth implementation, with officials noting that the policy reflects the government&rsquo;s commitment to supporting female workers across sectors.

Women govt staff to get one paid menstrual leave monthly; policy widened statewide

Karnataka Expands Paid Menstrual Leave

A recent study involving IIT Bombay has revealed that free-living amoebae in Mumbai&rsquo;s Vashi Creek are carrying bacteria with alarmingly high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The findings show that these microscopic organisms are acting like hidden carriers, sheltering dangerous, multidrug-resistant bacteria that often go undetected in regular environmental checks.
Researchers found that nearly half of the bacteria living inside the amoebae were resistant to four or more antibiotics. Even more concerning, 22 percent showed resistance to six or more drugs. By comparison, such extreme resistance was almost absent in bacteria found directly in the surrounding sediment.
Scientists describe amoebae as potential &ldquo;sentinel indicators&rdquo; because they can reveal the early rise of resistance in natural ecosystems. Their ability to shield and transport harmful bacteria even into sensitive areas like hospitals and water systems, makes them an underestimated player in the global AMR crisis.
Experts warn that existing surveillance systems may be missing these hidden reservoirs, giving a false sense of environmental safety. The findings highlight the urgent need to integrate such microbial hosts into AMR monitoring, especially as drug-resistant infections already contribute to millions of deaths worldwide each year.
Researchers believe this approach supports the One Health vision, which emphasises a balanced relationship between human, animal and environmental health. The team hopes the insights will guide environmental authorities, public-health planners and wastewater-management bodies in designing stronger strategies to track and limit the spread of superbugs.

IIT Bombay-linked study finds Vashi Creek amoebae carrying highly drug-resistant bacteria

Amoebae in Mumbai Creek hide superbugs

Twelve members of a family were found unconscious on Monday morning in Nowgam village of Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s Kupwara district, prompting an immediate medical response.
Police said the affected individuals were first taken to a nearby health facility before being referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara for advanced treatment.
&ldquo;Doctors at the GMC Handwara said the 12 patients referred are responding to treatment and their condition is stable,&rdquo; police said.
Initial assessments indicate a likely case of food poisoning, though officials noted that the exact cause will be determined following medical examinations. 
With the ongoing marriage season in rural Kashmir, consuming poorly cooked or stale food has often been linked to similar incidents in the region.
Authorities are yet to clarify whether the family consumed food at a wedding feast or ate leftovers prepared at home.
The incident comes months after Jammu and Kashmir confronted a major unsafe food scandal that surfaced earlier this year. 
Officials seized more than 11,600 kg of decomposed meat, adulterated cheese, and other contaminated products, raising widespread concerns about food safety. 
Investigations revealed large quantities of rotten meat, unlabeled frozen items, and products transported from outside the Union Territory, allegedly sourced from sick or dead animals.
Further inspections uncovered counterfeit sweets, fake cheese made using &ldquo;foreign fats,&rdquo; and kebabs and ristas containing synthetic colours and low-quality ingredients. 
Industry experts had warned that the abolition of the Lakhanpur toll tax in 2020 enabled unchecked entry of unhygienic products due to inadequate cold chain monitoring.
Health specialists linked the consumption of such adulterated foods to food poisoning and serious long-term illnesses, citing concerns that carcinogenic chemicals like formaldehyde were being used to prolong shelf life.
The J&amp;K government and the Food Safety Department subsequently launched a UT-wide crackdown, with high-level meetings chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. 
Numerous raids led to major seizures, FIRs, and suspensions of licences, including that of a Domino&rsquo;s Pizza outlet and several local establishments.
The Food and Drug Administration later warned businesses of strict penalties, including fines up to ₹10 lakh and imprisonment of up to six years. 
Authorities also announced steps to strengthen food safety, such as establishing mandatory testing laboratories, new inspection posts at Lakhanpur and Qazigund, a "Flying Squad" for surprise checks, and a ban on unbranded frozen meat and poultry.
Medical reports on the Kupwara incident are expected to provide clarity on whether contaminated or stale food was responsible for the family&rsquo;s sudden illness.
&mdash;IANS

Doctors treat unconscious family after suspected poisoning

Doctors say all 12 family members are stable as Kupwara food poisoning probe continues

12 In Kupwara Fall Ill; Poisoning Suspected

A new scientific study has triggered concern after detecting uranium in breastmilk samples collected from 40 lactating mothers across Bihar. Although the quantities found were below harmful limits, the findings highlight growing worries about groundwater contamination and its long-term impact on public health.
<h3 data-start="554" data-end="598">Study conducted across six districts</h3>
The research, carried out between 2021 and 2024, collected samples from mothers aged 17 to 35 in six districts - Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, and Nalanda. Every sample showed the presence of uranium, with Katihar recording the highest concentration at 5.25 &micro;g/L. It was followed by Samastipur, Nalanda, Khagaria, Begusarai and Bhojpur.
Researchers noted that while uranium was detected in all participants, the levels remained below the permissible limit set for drinking water. Still, they warned that the presence of uranium in breastmilk cannot be dismissed, especially when contamination may be increasing over time.
<h3 data-start="1245" data-end="1298">No global benchmark for uranium in breastmilk</h3>
One of the study&rsquo;s most important observations was the complete absence of international or national guidelines on what levels of uranium in breastmilk are considered safe. Current standards only specify limits for drinking water, leaving a gap in assessing risks to infants.
<h3 data-start="1577" data-end="1617">Groundwater seen as major source</h3>
The study pointed to groundwater as the likely source of contamination. Uranium levels in water samples from several districts were significantly higher, with some areas recording concentrations above 70 &micro;g/L. The researchers suggested that contaminated water used for drinking, cooking, and irrigation could be allowing uranium to enter the food chain.
Other contributing factors highlighted in the study included industrial effluents, polluted river systems, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and long-term dependence on untreated groundwater for agriculture and household use.
<h3 data-start="2221" data-end="2256">Health experts urge caution</h3>
Health specialists have expressed concern over the findings, stating that uranium entering the food chain poses potential long-term health risks. Prolonged exposure may increase chances of cancer, neurological complications, and developmental problems in children.
Although the study noted that the current impact on infants is likely minimal, experts emphasised that continued exposure could become dangerous if contamination levels rise.
<h3 data-start="2700" data-end="2747">Why breastmilk shows lower accumulation</h3>
According to the research, uranium tends to accumulate more in bones and kidneys rather than breastmilk. It binds strongly to certain compounds in the body and is mostly expelled through urine. Its limited ability to mix with milk fats and proteins reduces the amount that may reach infants, offering some reassurance for now.
<h3 data-start="3077" data-end="3122">Call for wider testing and monitoring</h3>
The study, supported by key Indian research institutions, has renewed calls for large-scale testing of groundwater and food sources across Bihar. Experts believe regular monitoring and early detection are essential to prevent future health risks for mothers and children.
While the immediate threat remains low, the discovery of uranium in every breastmilk sample tested is being viewed as a warning sign, one that underscores the urgent need to address environmental contamination before it worsens.

Uranium Detected in Breastmilk Across Bihar

Study finds uranium in 40 mothers’ breastmilk; levels low and long-term contamination

Health