Latest news with #MuhammadAzam
The Hill
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Hill
New COVID variant causes ‘razor blade throat'
Patients and doctors say the latest COVID-19 variant spreading in the U.S. in some cases causes a sore throat so painful it has earned the nickname 'razor blade throat.' The 'Nimbus' variant, which is officially known as NB.1.8.1., is a descendant of the Omicron is currently being monitored by the World Health Organization. 'Your throat is so dry, so cracked, it's so painful, it's even hard to drink sometimes,' Muhammad Azam, a physician with Sharp Community Medical Group in California, told ABC 10. The variant was first identified in January. It has since been found around the globe, including in Canada and at least 13 states in the U.S. Apart from 'razor blade throat,' it causes symptoms similar to other Omicron variants of the virus, like cough, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, congestion, headache, nausea, vomiting and loss of smell or taste, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 'Sore throat has been a part of the spectrum of COVID from the beginning,' said Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. 'It is something that we know occurs just like it occurs with many other respiratory viruses.' Most cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. are still caused by the LP.8.1. strain, but the NB.1.8.1 variant is becoming increasingly prominent. According to CDC data, 38 percent of COVID cases stem from the LP.8.1 strain while 37 percent of COVID cases now stem from the 'Nimbus' variant. The agency notes on its website that, given the low number of virus sequences being reported, its precision is low. NB.1.8.1 does not appear to be any more of a global threat than other variants, according to the WHO. The organization also said that the existing COVID-19 vaccines provide adequate protection against severe illness and hospitalization caused by the new variant. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine and infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, told ABC News that most COVID patients are reporting sore throat. 'I think it's certainly amongst the spectrum of symptoms that you can get, and we know that sore throat is reported by about 70% of patients now with COVID, so it's not unusual, and like with everything in medicine, there's always a spectrum,' he said.
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Sunday World
Two doctors and secretary to stand trial accused of theft and money laundering
General practitioners Muhammad Azam and Waqas Farooqi, as well as Gillian McCord appeared at a sitting of Longford District Court to face a total of 138 charges The outside of Dublin Street Medical Centre in Longford town. Dr Waqas Farooqi together with his co-accused Dr Muhammad Azam handed in a €5,000 cash lodgment as part of their bail terms Two midlands-based doctors and a secretary are to stand trial accused of multiple counts of stealing money under a state-funded public healthcare reimbursement scheme and submitting false medical service claims on behalf of patients to the HSE. General practitioners Muhammad Azam (59), of The Rocks, Stonepark, Co Longford, and Waqas Farooqi (46) Belvedere Hills, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, as well as Gillian McCord (56), of Knockanboy, Co Longford, appeared at a sitting of Longford District Court to face a total of 138 charges between them. Dr Muhammad Azam on the steps of Longford Courthouse. The accused were each charged with 20 counts of theft from the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme at 19 Dublin Street, Longford, on dates between October 2017 and October 2019. Twenty-two further charges were also issued against all three concerning the alleged use of false general medical services claims or out-of-hours payment forms for 12 patients at the Primary Care Reimbursement Services head offices, Exit 50, North Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, on various dates between August 2017 and October 2019. Dr Waqas Farooqi outside Longford Courthouse after he was remanded on bail and charged with 48 counts of theft, deception and money laundering. The particulars of those charges alleged false medical documentation was used to indicate that a particular patient had received a 'medical service' with the 'intent of inducing another person to accept it as genuine' under the provisions of section 26 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Dr Azam and Dr Farooqi were similarly charged with multiple counts of money laundering at locations within the State that related to various bank accounts from AIB, PTSB and Ulster Bank between October 2017 and December 2019. All three were led into court by detectives from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and details of each of their arrests were handed into presiding Judge Bernadette Owens. Sergeant Mark Mahon told the court the State had received directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the three accused to be sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court. General practitioners Muhammad Azam and Waqas Farooqi News in 90 seconds - 16th June 2025 When asked by Judge Owens if there was consent to a signed plea, Sgt Mahon said that option was not being made available by the DPP. He said the State was also not objecting to bail on the proviso a number of conditions were complied with. They included orders for both doctors to submit a €5,000 cash lodgment; to surrender their passports while agreeing to refrain from applying for any duplicate travel documentation; and to sign on each Wednesday at Longford and Mullingar garda stations respectively. Dr Muhammad Azam is to stand trial charged with 48 counts of theft, deception and money laundering. Sgt Mahon said the State would not be seeking cash bail from Ms McCord, with her defence solicitor Patrick Groarke SC stating his client would surrender her passport within 24 hours after attempts to locate it before court had proven unsuccessful. Ms McCord was also ordered to sign on once a week at Longford garda station and told not to apply for a duplicate passport or any other travel documentation. All three were remanded on bail to a sitting of Longford District Court on July 8 for the anticipated serving of a book of evidence.
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Four Malaysian players join Asean All-Stars for showdown against Manchester United
KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Four of Malaysia's finest footballers are in the Asean All-Stars squad to face English Premier League (EPL) giants Manchester United in a friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here on Wednesday (May 28). ShekhinahPR, the official public relations agency for the friendly, said the quartet are Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad, Muhammad Adib Abdul Ra'op, Muhammad Haziq Nadzli and Declan Lambert. Terengganu FC right-back Muhammad Azam, known for his pace and attacking runs, said he is honoured to represent the country in the friendly. 'Wearing the national colours in this All-Stars side is a proud moment. I aim to give my all and show what Malaysian football can achieve,' he said in a statement issued by ShekhinahPR today. Penang FC winger Muhammad Adib, meanwhile, expressed excitement about the opportunity to play against a world-class team. 'This is more than just a match; it's a chance for all of us to demonstrate our skill and heart on the international stage,' he said. Meanwhile, Perak FC goalkeeper Muhammad Haziq said he is ready to step up to the challenge of facing some of the world's top attacking players. 'Standing between the posts against a team like Manchester United is a challenge I've dreamt of. I'm ready to do whatever it takes to keep our side in the game,' he said. Kuala Lumpur (KL) City FC's Lambert, who has been a Malaysian international since 2022, will anchor the defence with his experience and leadership. 'I'm honoured to lead this defence alongside my national teammates. Together, we'll show the spirit of Malaysian football,' he said. The Asean All-Stars team will be coached by South Korean Kim Sang Sik, who recently led Vietnam to the 2024 Asean Championship title. The friendly, which is part of Manchester United's pre-season tour, is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans and highlight the best of Southeast Asian football talent. — Bernama
The Mainichi
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Pakistan Islamic complex denies being used as terrorist hub
MURIDKE, Pakistan (Kyodo) -- The administrator of an Islamic religious and educational complex in Pakistan has denied a claim by India that the site is a terrorist hub, following a May 7 missile strike that killed three people, and called for peace and dialogue between the two nations. The facility in Pakistan's Punjab province, near India's Punjab state, was one of six sites targeted by Indian missiles and airstrikes that day. New Delhi has blamed Pakistan-based militants for the April 22 shooting that killed 26 people in India-administered Kashmir. Muhammad Azam, administrator of the facility once run by a militant group but now managed by the Pakistani government, told Kyodo News that Indian missiles struck a mosque and residential quarters of the complex, which also includes primary and secondary schools, a seminary, a vocational center, dormitories and a clinic. Even before the April 22 shooting, Indian government officials had claimed the complex was a hub for militants, specifically Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group India blames for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed more than 170 people. "We have no ties, direct or indirect, with any militant groups," said Azam. "Each institution is overseen by a government-appointed administrator who monitors everything from education to boarding, nutrition and overall conduct," he said. Located in Muridke, a town on the outskirts of Lahore, the 27-hectare compound houses 11 institutions, including two schools with 1,400 students and a seminary with 650 students. The complex, formerly known as Markaz-e-Taiba, meaning "Center of Good," was founded in 1987 by Hafiz Saeed, co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Saeed has been imprisoned since 2019 on multiple convictions related to terror financing. The government took over the facility in 2019, renaming it the Government Health and Education Complex Sheikhupura and appointing 11 administrators to oversee its operations. In the wake of the April 22 shooting that killed tourists in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir, India carried out airstrikes on six sites in Pakistan, including the complex in Muridke, while blaming a lesser-known militant group in the country for the attack. Pakistan responded with heavy artillery and mortar shelling on Indian villages along the Line of Control, which divides the two parts of disputed Kashmir, and also launched missile and drone attacks on targets in India. Although India and Pakistan agreed to a cease-fire on May 10, tensions remain between the two countries, both considered de facto nuclear powers. Azam said the three workers killed in the May 7 Indian attack had remained at the site despite a government order for a full evacuation. "Had the rest of the staff and families not been moved out, the death toll could have been catastrophic," Azam said, gesturing toward the damaged mosque, where the roof had caved in and rubble and shattered doors littered the prayer hall. Despite the destruction of the mosque and parts of the residential buildings, Azam said the facility remains committed to its educational and humanitarian mission, with hopes of resuming operations after restoration work is completed. Repeatedly denying the accusation that the complex is a base for militant activities, he said, "We cannot and do not allow any such activity at a facility that hosts schoolchildren and families." "I urge the Indian government to engage in dialogue (with the Pakistan government) and address contentious issues through peaceful means," he added. India and Pakistan have contested Kashmir since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947. India last carried out an airstrike on Pakistan in 2019, targeting a militant training camp in the Pakistani-administered part of Kashmir following a suicide bombing that killed 40 security personnel in the Indian-controlled area. "Let's not forget -- war brings nothing but death and devastation. It's time to break this cycle and restore normalcy for the people on both sides of the border," Azam said.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Lucknowites condemn Pahalgam terror attack
1 2 3 4 5 6 Lucknow: In a powerful display of solidarity and sorrow, residents of Lucknow came together on Wednesday to condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam. People from all walks of life—traders, students, teachers, saints, and civil society members—joined hands to express their outrage and pay homage to the victims. The Travel Trade Association of Uttar Pradesh (TTAUP) organised a silent candle march from the Taj Residency hotel to the 1090 Crossing. Participants held candles and placards to pay tribute to the innocent lives lost. "This act not only disrupts peace but also deeply impacts the livelihoods of countless people associated with tourism. We appeal to the authorities to take decisive steps to ensure safety for travelers across the country," said TTAUP president Muhammad Azam. Meanwhile, the Lucknow Vyapaar Mandal held a flambeau march at Gandhi Marg, Hazratganj, with torch-bearing protesters chanting slogans against terrorism. "This is not just an attack on Kashmir, it is an attack on humanity. We stand united against such senseless violence and urge both state and central governments to take a firm stance against those responsible for spreading terror and fear," said Amarnath Mishra, president of the Lucknow Vyapaar Mandal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo In another heartfelt tribute, Civil Society, Lucknow organised a peaceful protest and candle march from Ghantaghar to Rumi Darwaza, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds. "We all condemn what happened in Pahalgam and urge the govt to take strict action against the people and organisations involved. It's time for decisive policy reforms and enhanced intelligence coordination to prevent such attacks in the future," said Samajwadi Party spokesperson Abbas Haider. The Akhil Bhartiya Vyapaar Mandal also staged a protest march from Darulsafa to Lucknow Nagar Nigam office in Lalbag. "We demand strict and immediate action against those who dare to destroy peace in our country. These repeated attacks on civilians are unacceptable. The govt must act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of all citizens," said Sandeep Bansal, national president of ABVM. Led by its president Sanjay Gupta, the Uttar Pradesh Adarsh Vyapaar Mandal also staged a protest and torched an effigy symbolising terrorism. The saint and seer community of Lucknow also took to the streets in Hazratganj, offering prayers and condemning the violence. "Our scriptures teach peace, and this violence violates every moral and spiritual principle. It is heartbreaking to see such hatred targeting innocent lives. We pray for peace in the valley and strength for the grieving families," said Vivek Tangdi. At Lucknow University, students and faculty gathered at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Hall to pay homage to the victims. "We offer our heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives and pray for the swift recovery of the injured," said vice-chancellor Alok Kumar Rai.
