Latest news with #viralInfection
The Independent
5 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Rabies: What you need to know about the disease before going abroad
The recent death of a British woman from rabies after a holiday in Morocco is a sobering reminder of the risks posed by this almost universally fatal disease, once symptoms begin. If you're considering travelling to a country where rabies is endemic, understanding how rabies works – and how to protect yourself – may go a long way in helping you stay safe. Rabies is a zoonotic disease – meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans – and is caused by a viral infection. In 99% of cases the source of the infection is a member of the Canidae family (such as dogs, foxes and wolves). Bats are another animal group strongly associated with rabies, as the virus is endemic in many bat populations. Even in countries that are officially rabies-free, including in their domestic animal populations – such as Australia, Sweden and New Zealand – the virus may still be found in native bat species. Other animals known to transmit rabies include raccoons, cats and skunks. Rabies is caused by lyssaviruses (lit. rage or fury viruses), which are found in the saliva of infected animals. Transmission to humans can occur through bites, scratches or licks to broken skin or mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth. Once inside the body, the virus spreads to eventually reach the nervous system. Because it causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, symptoms are primarily neurological, often stemming from damage to the nerve pathways responsible for sensation and muscle control. Patients who develop rabies symptoms often experience altered skin sensation and progressive paralysis. As the virus affects the brain, it can also cause hallucinations and unusual or erratic behaviours. One particularly distinctive symptom – hydrophobia, a serious aversion to water – is believed to result from severe pain and difficulty associated with swallowing. Once rabies symptoms appear, the virus has already caused irreversible damage. At this stage, treatment is limited to supportive intensive care aimed at easing discomfort – such as providing fluids, sedation and relief from pain and seizures. Death typically results from progressive neurological deterioration, which ultimately leads to respiratory failure. It's important to note that rabies symptoms can take several weeks, or even months, to appear. During this incubation period, there may be no signs that prompt people to seek medical help. However, this window is crucial as it offers the best chance to administer treatment and prevent the virus from progressing. Another danger lies in how the virus is transmitted. Even animals that don't appear rabid – the classical frothing mouth and aggressive behaviour, for instance – can still transmit the virus. Rabies can be transmitted through even superficial breaks in the skin, so minor wounds should not be dismissed or treated less seriously. It's also important to remember that bat wounds can often be felt but not seen. This makes them easy to overlook, should there be no bleeding or clear mark on the skin. The vaccine The good news is that there are proven and effective ways to protect yourself from rabies – either before travelling to a higher-risk area, or after possible exposure to an infected animal. Modern rabies vaccines are far easier to administer than older versions, which some may recall – often with discomfort. In the past, treatment involved multiple frequent injections (over 20 in all) into the abdomen using a large needle. This was the case for a friend of mine who grew up in Africa and was one day bitten by a dog just hours after it had been attacked by a hyena. The vaccine can now be given as an injection into a muscle, for instance in the shoulder, and a typical preventative course requires three doses. Since the protective effect can wane with time, booster shots may be needed for some individuals to maintain protection. Sustaining a bite from any animal should always be taken seriously. Aside from rabies, animals carry many potentially harmful bacteria in their mouths, which can cause skin and soft tissue infections – or sepsis if they spread to the bloodstream. First aid and wound treatment is the first port of call, and seeking urgent medical attention for any bites, scratches or licks to exposed skin or mucous membranes sustained abroad. In the UK, this also applies to any injuries sustained from bats. A doctor will evaluate the risk based on the wound, the animal involved, whether the patient has had previous vaccines, and in which country they were bitten, among other things. This will help to guide treatment, which might include vaccines alone or combined with an infusion of immunoglobulin infusions – special antibodies that target the virus. Timing is crucial. The sooner treatment is started, the better the outcome. This is why it is so important to seek medical help immediately. In making the decision whether you should get a vaccine before going on holiday, there are recommendations, but ultimately the choice is individual. Think about what the healthcare is like where you are going and whether you'll be able to get treatment easily if you need it. Vaccines can have side-effects, though these tend to be relatively minor, and the intended benefits vastly exceed the costs. And of course, avoid contact with stray animals while on holiday, despite how tempting it may be to pet them. Several rules of thumb can counteract the dangers of rabies: plan your holiday carefully, seek travel advice from your GP, and always treat animal bites and scrapes seriously.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Experts finally find treatment for incurable viral infection suffered by 122million Americans
Half of Americans are suffering from an incurable disease that causes painful - and embarrassing - blisters and sores around the mouth. About 122million people have herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), the oral strain of herpes. It's spread though close skin-to-skin contact and differs from the sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), which causes genital blisters and sores. There is no cure for HSV-1, but antiviral medications can manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission. Now, however, researchers from Spain, have discovered how the virus acts on a person's DNA, opening the door for a possible cure. The team found that the virus 'hijacks' a certain enzyme in the body that allows herpes to replicate itself, but if that enzyme is blocked, it brings 'the hostile takeover to a halt.' The researchers are hopeful that the study's findings, which provide the first proof herpes actually reshapes a person's DNA within only hours of infection, may help address the public health burden of HSV-1. Globally, nearly 4billion people have this type of herpes and experts are becoming more concerned as drug-resistant strains are developing, which could lead to more transmission. And unmanaged herpes can lead to devastating complications, traveling to the brain and triggering inflammation, which can increase the risk of dementia. Researchers in Spain analyzed human cells and infected them with HSV-1, and found almost immediately that it reshapes cell DNA so it can access more genes and spread rapidly throughout the body. However, blocking the enzyme topoisomerase I, which controls DNA replication, stopped HSV-1 from rearranging genes during infection, stopping it from spreading. Blocking the enzyme can be done with drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors, which are usually used in chemotherapy regimens to stop DNA from replicating and forming more cancer cells. This could be the first-ever method of slowing the spread of HSV-1. The researchers said while more evidence supporting a possible treatment is needed, the study could be the first step in preventing worldwide herpes outbreaks. Professor Pia Cosma, corresponding study author and researcher at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, said: 'In cell culture, inhibiting this enzyme stopped the infection before the virus could make a single new particle. 'That gives us a potential new therapeutic target to stop infection.' Herpes is most commonly transmitted from a carrier to a person without herpes by touching a cold sore, which actively produces or 'sheds' the virus. However, it can cause genital herpes by spreading through oral sex. HSV-1 leads to painful blisters around the lips and mouth, skin and genitals. When the virus infects a person, it may travel up to a cluster of sensory nerves in the brain and remain dormant there for months or even years after the initial infection. But in times of stress, severe fatigue, or changes to the immune system, the virus can reactivate, multiply, and travel back to the skin through nerve fibers. These stressful times can result in new blisters in the same area as the initial infection. The new study, published Thursday in Nature Communications, looked at human A549 cells, which are caused by the cancer lung carcinoma. The cells were then infected with HSV-1 representing one, three and eight hours post infection. Researchers found after eight hours, HSV-1 had occupied 70 percent of the cells, suggesting it would take less than a day for the virus to completely overtake cell DNA and spread. Dr Esther Gonzalez Almela, first study author, said: 'HSV-1 is an opportunistic interior designer, reshaping the human genome with great precision and choosing which bits it comes into contact with. 'It's a novel mechanism of manipulation we didn't know the virus had to exploit host resources.' The researchers then tried to suppress topoisomerase I, which relaxes DNA and makes it easier for it to replicate. They found this 'hindered viral replication.' The team wrote that suppressing the enzyme stops HSV-1 from progressing, suggesting it could be most beneficial for those in later stages of infection. Topoisomerase inhibitors are sold under names like etoposide, irinotecan and topotecan to slow the growth of lung, colorectal, ovarian and testicular cancers, among others. Some are also used to treat multiple sclerosis, a progressive neurological disorder that attacks the spinal cord, by reducing central nervous system inflammation. They can be given as either pills or intravenously for anywhere from $8 to $61 depending on the method.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
British holidaymaker dies from rabies: what you need to know about the disease and getting the jab if you're going abroad this summer
The recent death of a British woman from rabies after a holiday in Morocco is a sobering reminder of the risks posed by this almost universally fatal disease, once symptoms begin. If you're considering travelling to a country where rabies is endemic, understanding how rabies works – and how to protect yourself – may go a long way in helping you stay safe. Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK's latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Rabies is a zoonotic disease – meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans – and is caused by a viral infection. In 99% of cases the source of the infection is a member of the canidae family (such as dogs, foxes and wolves). Bats are another animal group strongly associated with rabies, as the virus is endemic in many bat populations. Even in countries that are officially rabies-free, including in their domestic animal populations – such as Australia, Sweden and New Zealand – the virus may still be found in native bat species. Other animals known to transmit rabies include raccoons, cats and skunks. Rabies is caused by lyssaviruses (lit. rage or fury viruses), which are found in the saliva of infected animals. Transmission to humans can occur through bites, scratches or licks to broken skin or mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth. Once inside the body, the virus spreads to eventually reach the nervous system. Because it causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, symptoms are primarily neurological, often stemming from damage to the nerve pathways responsible for sensation and muscle control. Patients who develop rabies symptoms often experience altered skin sensation and progressive paralysis. As the virus affects the brain, it can also cause hallucinations, and unusual or erratic behaviours. One particularly distinctive symptom – hydrophobia, a serious aversion to water – is believed to result from severe pain and difficulty associated with swallowing. Once rabies symptoms appear, the virus has already caused irreversible damage. At this stage, treatment is limited to supportive intensive care aimed at easing discomfort – such as providing fluids, sedation and relief from pain and seizures. Death typically results from progressive neurological deterioration, which ultimately leads to respiratory failure. It's important to note that rabies symptoms can take several weeks, or even months, to appear. During this incubation period, there may be no signs that prompt people to seek medical help. However, this window is crucial as it offers the best chance to administer treatment and prevent the virus from progressing. Another danger lies in how the virus is transmitted. Even animals that don't appear rabid – the classical frothing mouth and aggressive behaviour for instance – can still transmit the virus. Rabies can be transmitted through even superficial breaks in the skin, so minor wounds should not be dismissed or treated less seriously. It's also important to remember that bat wounds can often be felt but not seen. This makes them easy to overlook, should there be no bleeding or clear mark on the skin. The good news is that there are proven and effective ways to protect yourself from rabies – either before travelling to a higher-risk area, or after possible exposure to an infected animal. Modern rabies vaccines are far easier to administer than older versions, which some may recall – often with discomfort. In the past, treatment involved multiple frequent injections (over 20 in all) into the abdomen using a large needle. This was the case for a friend of mine who grew up in Africa and was one day bitten by a dog just hours after it had been attacked by a hyena. The vaccine can now be given as an injection into a muscle, for instance in the shoulder, and a typical preventative course requires three doses. Since the protective effect can wane with time, booster shots may be needed for some individuals to maintain protection. Sustaining a bite from any animal should always be taken seriously. Aside from rabies, animals carry many potentially harmful bacteria in their mouths, which can cause skin and soft tissue infections – or sepsis if they spread to the bloodstream. Read more: First aid and wound treatment is the first port of call, and seeking urgent medical attention for any bites, scratches or licks to exposed skin or mucous membranes sustained abroad. In the UK, this also applies to any injuries sustained from bats. A doctor will evaluate the risk based on the wound, the animal involved, whether the patient has had previous vaccines, and in which country they were bitten, among other things. This will help to guide treatment, which might include vaccines alone or combined with an infusion of immunoglobulin infusions – special antibodies that target the virus. Timing is crucial. The sooner treatment is started, the better the outcome. This is why it is so important to seek medical help immediately. In making the decision whether you should get a vaccine before going on holiday, there are recommendations, but ultimately the choice is individual. Think about what the healthcare is like where you are going and whether you'll be able to get treatment easily if you need it. Vaccines can have side-effects, though these tend to be relatively minor, and the intended benefits vastly exceed the costs. And of course avoid contact with stray animals while on holiday, despite how tempting it may be to pet them. Several rules of thumb can counteract the dangers of rabies: plan your holiday carefully, seek travel advice from your GP, and always treat animal bites and scrapes seriously. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Dan Baumgardt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
BreakingNews.ie
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Kylie Minogue postpones run of tour shows after ‘succumbing to viral infection'
Australian pop star Kylie Minogue has postponed a run of European shows, having 'succumbed to a viral infection' after completing the UK leg of her tour. The Padam Padam singer, 57, performed more than a dozen shows in the country as part of her Tension Tour, with her final date a performance at Glasgow's OVO Hydro on June 6th. Advertisement On Friday, Minogue said in a social media post that she would postpone her upcoming shows in Germany, Poland, Lithuania and Estonia due to her contracting laryngitis, an inflammation of the voice box. 'Hi Lovers, as some of you may know, a week ago we finished the UK leg of The Tension Tour', she said. — Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) June 13, 2025 'I made it over the finish line (Yay) but unfortunately have succumbed to a viral infection (Hello laryngitis) I've tried my best to recover fast to start our next run of shows on Monday but I'm afraid it will take me some days to be well enough to get back on stage and perform my best for you. 'I'm so, SO sorry! I have no choice but to postpone the shows in Berlin, Lodz, Kaunas and Tallinn as scheduled. Advertisement 'Please keep hold of your tickets, we're doing our very best to reschedule the dates and will update you very soon on that. 'Thank you for understanding – you know I love you all. And I LOVE THIS SHOW! And I'll miss you next week. And, I can't wait to see you. Love Kylie xxx'. In 2024, Tension II, a sequel to her 2023 studio album, saw Minogue secure her 10th number one on the UK albums chart. Also in 2024, she took home the global icon gong at the Brit Awards and won the best pop dance recording Grammy for her hit Padam Padam. Advertisement
