YAHOO POLL: Zika cases detected in Woodlands – are you concerned?
Two local Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32, according to a joint update by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on 19 June.
The results of NEA's tests and mosquito surveillance also revealed persistent Zika virus signals, which suggest this is an area with likely Zika transmission. It was reported by The Straits Times that the Zika virus has been found in wastewater or mosquito samples collected in the vicinity of the reported cases.
The Zika virus is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito which also carries the dengue and chikungunya viruses. The symptoms of Zika and dengue are similar, but the viruses can be differentiated by virological tests.
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This virus is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as unborn babies are at greatest risk should they get infected.
Between 1 per cent and 10 per cent of women infected during pregnancy give birth to babies with birth defects.
The most common defect is microcephaly where the baby is born with a much smaller head and often a smaller brain that might not have developed properly. Other birth defects include difficulty swallowing, hearing loss, and vision problems and seizures.
There is no known cure for the Zika virus, but symptoms of the infection can be treated.
While there are no Zika clusters in Singapore as of 19 June, based on a check on the NEA website, with the latest Zika case confirmed on 11 June, we want to hear from you – Are you concerned about the Zika virus in Singapore?
Related:
Zika cases detected in Woodlands: What you need to know about the virus
This popular US destination has the first confirmed Zika virus case in 6 years
SoCal officials unleash sterile mosquitoes in bid to curb disease – with promising results
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Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
What Is ‘Scrotox,' The Procedure Zack Wickham Got On ‘The Valley'
Zack Wickham (L), seen here with Melissa Marie Carelli and Benji Quach, got injections of "Scrotox" ... More on a recent episode of "The Valley" on Bravo. (Photo by: Griffin Nagel/Bravo via Getty Images) You could say it takes balls to do this on television. The June 10 episode of the Bravo reality TV series The Valley featured one of its regulars, Zack Wickham, going to a clinic to get a "Scrotox" injection. Now, 'Scrotox' is not short for a scrotum saying something toxic like 'Sorry if you were offended.' Instead, it's a portmanteau of the words 'scrotum' and 'Botox' that's being used to describe a procedure where you get botulinum toxin injections into your scrotum. Why Men May Get Scrotox Your first question may be why as in why would you do that? After all, getting a needle inserted into your scrotum probably isn't the first thing that you would do for fun. Well, Scrotox began as a way to treat chronic scrotal pain, otherwise known as chronic orchialgia. Botulinum toxin injections can block the release of neuropeptides that lead to neurogenic inflammation and pain. But chronic scrotal pain doesn't appear to be the reason why Wickham needed such a needle into his scrotum. Rather, here's the rationale provided by Wickham: 'Apparently, it feels really good during sex and just looks aesthetically better. You know how balls go up and down? I just was like, 'You know what? Let's see what happens when they stay down.' In addition to the down with the balls thing, there are claims that such injections can make your scrotum look smoother, bigger and more filled out as well as hang more loosely and lower. And for those with particularly sweaty balls, Scrotox supposedly can reduce the sweat produced by your scrotal sac. This certainly isn't the only genitalia enhancement procedure that has become more popular among men in recent years. In February for example, I wrote in Forbes about the penis and scrotal filler trend. This is where men with moolah like finance bros have been getting substances injected into their penises, scrotums or both to enhance their sizes and appearances. What's Involved With Getting Scrotox Getting Scrotox entails first getting your scrotum numbed by anesthetic ointment or cream. Because that's what generally needed before a needle goes into your scrotum. The doctor—and it should be an appropriately licensed and certified doctor like a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or urologist and not some random person with a needle—then will insert a needle attached to a syringe into your scrotum and slowly inject Botox through the needle. The doctor may deliver repeated injections to cover more of your scrotum. Naturally, the health professional should check for bleeding or any complications before the procedure is finished. The whole thing, which can be performed on an outpatient basis, typically takes two to four minutes. Following the procedure, you can probably safely return to work, unless your work involves jackhammering, repeated blows to the balls or anything that will cause any stress to your scrotum. Note, if your work regularly involves repeated blows to the balls, you may want to look for another job. It's also a good idea to refrain from lifting heavy objects and having sex for at least several hours after the procedure. Don't be disappointed if you don't have super smooth balls or if your balls haven't settled down just yet. It can take a few days to a week to see the changes in your scrotum. How Effective Is Scrotox The belief is that all of this may help make sex more possible and pleasurable. After all, who hasn't been in a situation where a potential partner has said, 'Although you've got a great personality, great character and great everything, your scrotum is just way too wrinkly for us to date?' And who doesn't follow the bouncing balls during sex? Regardless, it's not clear what role scrotal appearance and the scrotum in general play in the pleasure during sex. Entering terms like 'scrotum' and 'fun' and 'pleasure' into PubMed reveals a lack of peer-reviewed studies evaluating such questions. There's also a dearth of peer-reviewed scientific studies evaluating the aesthetic effectiveness of Scrotox and the duration of effects. In other words, it's not clear how smooth a given scrotum will get or how low balls will go for a given person. Anecdotal reports suggest that the aesthetic effects tend to last around three to four months. So if you want to maintain some type of appearance change down there, you may have to stay on the ball, so to speak, with repeat injections periodically over time. What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Scrotox Most of the potential side effects of this procedure are related to the fact that you are getting a needle stuck into your scrotum. You could suffer some pain, numbness swelling, tightness or bruising around the area. A study published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology did find that find that injections of botulinum toxin into the nether regions of male rats led to changes in testicular physiology and lower sperm counts. But you presumably are not a rat, physically at least, and what happens in rats doesn't necessarily happen in humans. It would be helpful to have more human studies to evaluate the potential effects of Scrotox on human sperm counts. Getting Botox injected in the other important part of your body, namely your face, can have rarer side effects like headaches, fatigue, chills, fever or difficulty seeing, speaking, swallowing or breathing. elsewhere into the body. And you've probably seen how getting repeated injections of Botox into the face over time could alter its appearance. It's not clear which of these potential side effects could apply to Botox injections to the scrotum. That's because once again the dearth of peer-reviewed published scientific studies of the procedure, especially longer term ones. Therefore, consider all of this before you hit the sack, so to speak. And think about how important the appearance of your scrotum may be to you and the people around you. Will getting Scrotox really make a difference in how you are perceived and feel? Is it worth risking the unknowns about Scrotox? Weighing the relative pros and cons can help you decide whether you want to go through with it or if it just seems too nuts for you.
CNN
2 days ago
- CNN
Dozens in northeast England report symptoms of potentially deadly botulism after getting Botox
Health officials in the UK are investigating reports of dozens of people suffering from a potentially life-threatening condition following Botox procedures in northeastern England, as well as allegations of the illegal sale of Botox-like products. The local trust of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) in the county of Durham put out an alert on June 13 about several people seeking medical attention after having adverse reactions to cosmetic procedures involving Botox. Since the incident first came to light last week, 28 individuals have reported symptoms of botulism after receiving cosmetic procedures, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) told CNN in a statement Friday. Botulism is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. 'These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products,' Dr. Joanne Darke, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said in the statement, adding that it is 'important to go to a licensed practitioner.' Iatrogenic botulism is a type of botulism that occurs when too much of the cosmetic form, Botox, is injected into a muscle. Botox is a leading cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, as well as for medical conditions such as migraines and excessive sweating. The UKHSA said the reactions reported have included symptoms of severe drooping of the upper eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy. Other symptoms of botulism can include facial muscle weakness. Botulism requires immediate medical attention and is fatal in 5-10% of cases, according to the NHS website. While most people make a full recovery with treatment, which typically involves getting injections with antitoxins, without quick care, paralysis can spread to muscles used to control breathing. While investigations into the cause of the cases are ongoing, the UKHSA said that 'evidence so far does not suggest that the product used has been contaminated. Symptoms are being reported a few days up to four weeks after injection.' 'The practitioners associated with most of the reported cases are no longer carrying out these procedures,' said Dr. Simon Howard, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, in the statement. 'However, that does not mean that we may not see more cases as symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop although we are now seeing the number of cases coming forward decreasing which is encouraging news,' he continued. Howard advised people to ensure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures and advised anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) told CNN Friday that it is investigating 'allegations surrounding the illegal sale and supply of Botox-type products in the North-East, and want to reassure the public that we take such claims very seriously.' The agency encouraged people in the UK who believe they have had side effects from medicine or received falsified stock to report it to its Yellow Card program. 'Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution,' Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at MHRA, said in the statement. 'Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the UK under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional,' she continued. In the United States, a growing cluster of botulism cases linked to cosmetic injections was reported in Massachusetts earlier this month. The state's Department of Health said it was investigating 10 cases of suspected iatrogenic botulism all associated with Botox procedures performed at one spa, Rodrigo Beauty.
CNN
2 days ago
- CNN
Dozens in northeast England report symptoms of potentially deadly botulism after getting Botox
Health officials in the UK are investigating reports of dozens of people suffering from a potentially life-threatening condition following Botox procedures in northeastern England, as well as allegations of the illegal sale of Botox-like products. The local trust of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) in the county of Durham put out an alert on June 13 about several people seeking medical attention after having adverse reactions to cosmetic procedures involving Botox. Since the incident first came to light last week, 28 individuals have reported symptoms of botulism after receiving cosmetic procedures, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) told CNN in a statement Friday. Botulism is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. 'These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products,' Dr. Joanne Darke, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said in the statement, adding that it is 'important to go to a licensed practitioner.' Iatrogenic botulism is a type of botulism that occurs when too much of the cosmetic form, Botox, is injected into a muscle. Botox is a leading cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, as well as for medical conditions such as migraines and excessive sweating. The UKHSA said the reactions reported have included symptoms of severe drooping of the upper eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy. Other symptoms of botulism can include facial muscle weakness. Botulism requires immediate medical attention and is fatal in 5-10% of cases, according to the NHS website. While most people make a full recovery with treatment, which typically involves getting injections with antitoxins, without quick care, paralysis can spread to muscles used to control breathing. While investigations into the cause of the cases are ongoing, the UKHSA said that 'evidence so far does not suggest that the product used has been contaminated. Symptoms are being reported a few days up to four weeks after injection.' 'The practitioners associated with most of the reported cases are no longer carrying out these procedures,' said Dr. Simon Howard, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, in the statement. 'However, that does not mean that we may not see more cases as symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop although we are now seeing the number of cases coming forward decreasing which is encouraging news,' he continued. Howard advised people to ensure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures and advised anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) told CNN Friday that it is investigating 'allegations surrounding the illegal sale and supply of Botox-type products in the North-East, and want to reassure the public that we take such claims very seriously.' The agency encouraged people in the UK who believe they have had side effects from medicine or received falsified stock to report it to its Yellow Card program. 'Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution,' Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at MHRA, said in the statement. 'Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the UK under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional,' she continued. In the United States, a growing cluster of botulism cases linked to cosmetic injections was reported in Massachusetts earlier this month. The state's Department of Health said it was investigating 10 cases of suspected iatrogenic botulism all associated with Botox procedures performed at one spa, Rodrigo Beauty.
