Health officials have noticed an increase in the cases of gastrointestinal illnesses in Barbados.

The uptick in cases in persons older than five years moved from 27 in the week prior to April 27, to 34 cases at the end of that week. Previously, there were only 11 cases recorded. The alert level for this age group, at this time of the year, is less than six cases.

In children under five years old, the number of cases has moved from two to eight, for the week ending April 27.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness reported that for the subset of cases tested, foodborne pathogens had been identified (bacterial and viral) but no single source or event had been linked to the majority of cases.

It therefore urged members of the public to practise good hand hygiene which is the most effective way of reducing the transmission of many bacterial and viral illnesses. This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them with disposable tissue. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser is recommended.

“Persons purchasing items to eat should ensure that sellers conduct appropriate food handling practices, such as protecting food from flies and other vectors; using suitable utensils to touch food; and maintaining hot or cold items at the correct temperatures,” it said.

The ministry also reported a moderate increase in respiratory illnesses has also been noted in persons over five years old, during the week ending April 27.

Health officials have advised that people keep unwashed hands away from the eyes, nose and mouth, and to generally avoid touching these areas as germs can enter the body this way.

(BGIS/BT)

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As cholera continues to surge — and as vaccines remain in short supply — experts are warning about the global risk.

Cholera is a bacterial disease typically spread by food and water, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration. It has been on the rise around the world since 2021.

Each year, there are some 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Approximately 21,000 to 143,000 deaths occur as a result.

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Around 473,000 cases were reported to WHO in 2022, which was twice as many cases as the prior year.

Reported cases for 2023 are expected to exceed 700,000.

"It is concerning to see an increase in the number of cholera cases worldwide, with the majority of the cases in Asia, Africa and Latin America," Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan, M.D., assistant dean and professor at the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, told Fox News Digital.

The countries most affected include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Zambia and Zimbabwe, according to UNICEF. 

Although cholera cases were prevalent in the U.S. in the 1800s, water treatment systems have largely eliminated the disease, per the CDC.

In rare cases, people in the U.S. have contracted the disease from consuming raw or undercooked shellfish from the Gulf of Mexico, the agency stated on its website.

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"In the U.S., the cases have remained very small and are usually from travel exposure," Vivekanandan noted.

Cholera is typically spread when someone drinks water or eats food that is contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, according to the CDC.

The disease can spread quickly in locations where there is insufficient treatment of drinking water and sewage, the agency warned.

It is not typically transmitted from person to person. 

UNICEF noted in a statement that the rise in cholera is driven by "persistent gaps in access to safe water and sanitation."

"I think the cases might be increasing due to climate change, displacements of homes due to disasters, and not having good sanitary conditions, such as poor water sources," Vivekanandan told Fox News Digital.

Around 10% of the people who are infected with cholera will develop severe symptoms, including watery diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Advanced symptoms include shock and dehydration. 

Without treatment, the disease can be fatal.

"Dehydration is the biggest concern with cholera, and rehydration is the most important component of treatment," said Vivekanandan.

"Most patients with cholera will have mild diarrhea, but 10% will have severe diarrhea and will need rehydration and treatment with antibiotics."

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Some groups are more susceptible to the disease, according to the CDC.

"Individuals with achlorhydria (the absence of hydrochloric acid in digestive stomach juices), blood type O, chronic medical conditions, and those without ready access to rehydration therapy and medical services are more likely to have severe disease from cholera and suffer poor outcomes," the agency noted.

The most effective treatment for cholera is "immediate replacement of the fluid and salts lost through diarrhea," the CDC stated.

This is achieved by giving patients a mixture of sugar and salts mixed with 1 liter of water. 

In some severe cases, the patient may require intravenous (IV) fluids.

Some patients also receive antibiotics to make symptoms less severe.

"Persons who develop severe diarrhea and vomiting in countries where cholera occurs should seek medical attention promptly," per the CDC.

There is a single-dose vaccine for cholera, called Vaxchora (lyophilized CVD 103-HgR).

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Those who are between the ages of 2 and 64 and who are traveling to "an area of active cholera transmission" are eligible to receive it.

There are three other cholera vaccines, but they are not available in the U.S.

There is a "severe gap" in the number of available vaccine doses compared to the level of current need, said UNICEF on its website.

"Between 2021 and 2023, more doses were requested for outbreak response than the entire previous decade," UNICEF noted.

While cholera vaccines used to be administered in two doses, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) changed the recommendation to a single dose in Oct. 2022 due to the ongoing shortage.

Vivekanandan called the vaccine shortage "very concerning."

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"This is a serious infection, and we must invest financial and other resources to reduce the worldwide burden," he told Fox News Digital.

"International resources need to be committed, and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies need to happen to help produce more vaccines."

Vivekanandan also urged people who are traveling from the U.S. to other countries to review the CDC’s travel guidance and get any required vaccines.

"I would also recommend that people follow good travel medicine guidance, such as drinking bottled water, eating well-cooked food and making sure to have good hand hygiene," he added.

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"As the WHO has stated, we need to have multi-pronged approaches, with a combination of surveillance, water, sanitation and hygiene, social mobilization, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines available for communities at high risk."

On the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, Vaxchora is listed as a "resolved shortage."

The FDA noted that Emergent Travel Health, manufacturer of the vaccine, announced in May 2021 the temporary discontinuation and distribution of Vaxchora, "due to a significant reduction of international travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic."

The shortage is listed as having been resolved in May 2023.

Fox News Digital reached out to WHO, the FDA and Emergent requesting comment.

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Announcing modifications in the exam patterns in all MCQ-based examinations, such as NEET-PG, NEET-MDS, NEET-SS, FMGE, DNB-PDCET, GPAT, DPEE, FDST, and FET, the NBE recently introduced mandatory time-bound sections. However, doctors under the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) have expressed concern over these last-minute revisions in the NEET-PG 2024 exam pattern opining that such significant changes require adequate time for adaptation and preparation, which the current timeline does not afford.

Medical Dialogues recently reported that through a notice dated 04.05.2024, NBE had announced that it introduced time-bound sections as a measure to enhance the security and sanctity of the exams in light of emerging threats during the examination process. Releasing details of the mandatory timed sections in MCQ-based examinations, NBE mentioned that the question papers in the examinations mentioned above including NEET PG would be divided into multiple time-bound sections.

"For example, in NEET-PG 2024, if there are five time-bound sections (A, B, C, D & E) in the question paper, each section will have 40 questions and 42 minutes of time allotted. Candidates will be restricted from proceeding to the next section until they complete the allotted time for the previous section. Additionally, candidates will not be allowed to review the questions or modify their responses for a section after the completion of its allotted time. The questions for the next section will start automatically after the completion of the allotted time for the previous section," NBE mentioned in the notice.

The natboard further informed that the candidates would be given the option to mark any question, whether attempted or not, for review. This means that the candidates can go through these marked questions in a section again before the allotted time for that section ends.  As per the NBE notice, the questions marked for review will be evaluated according to the marking scheme as mentioned in the Information Bulletin of the respective examination and the actual number of time-restricted sections in an examination may vary based on the total number of questions in the question paper and operational feasibility in creating such sections.

However, expressing displeasure with the last-minute changes in the NEET PG 2024 exam pattern, FAIMA recently wrote to the NBE Executive Director. While the association acknowledged the importance of maintaining the security and sanctity of examinations and also appreciated the measures implemented to address the emerging threats, it also expressed concerns regarding the recent decision to introduce mandatory time-bound sections in NEET PG examinations.

"As you are aware, NEET PG aspirants already face Immense pressure and time constraints during the exam period. The sudden Introduction of mandatory time-bound sections adds an additional layer of stress and uncertainty, affecting the performance and well-being of the aspirants," FAIMA mentioned in the letter.

"We believe that such significant changes require adequate time for adaptation and preparation, which the current timeline does not afford. Therefore, we respectfully request reconsideration of the decision to implement mandatory time-bound sections In the upcoming NEET PG examinations. Instead, we propose that these changes be implemented gradually, allowing aspirants sufficient time to adapt and prepare effectively. We trust that you will give due consideration to our concerns and take necessary steps to address them. Your prompt action in this matter is highly appreciated and will contribute to the welfare and success of NEET PG aspirants across the country," it further added.

Meanwhile, sharing the NBE notice on X (formerly Twitter), the National Chairman of FAIMA, Dr. Rohan Krishnan also urged the authorities to cancel these changes. He wrote in an X post, "We are always against any kind of changes which are last minute. @NbeIndia should refrain from treating young aspirants who are graduates doctors like lab rats. @FAIMA_INDIA_ stands against this last minute modifications in exam/exam patterns. Requesting @NbeIndia to cancel this."

Commenting on the matter, Dr. Rohan Krishnan told Medical Dialogues, "It is a very last-minute step. The examinees are already very stressed and we are always very particular about this because this is an exam which has 40,000 to 60,000 seats and more than 3-4 lakh doctors who are appearing for this exam. This exam happens only once a year, so it is a very important day and it is going to happen pan-India. So, obviously, it is a very important examination."

"For any examination, the pattern should be declared before 6 months and after that, there should not be any changes. Now, the exam is going to happen in June itself and at present these changes are only going to create a lot of panic among the students and it is going to create more stress in the already stressful state of the NEET PG aspirants," he further added.

Also Read: NEET PG 2024 exam pattern revised! NBE introduces time-bound sections in all its computer-based tests- NEET SS, NEET MDS, FMGE and more

A 10-year-old girl in Pennsylvania is in dire need of a bone marrow transplant — and her mother is on a mission to find the perfect match.

Lani Walter suffers from a disease called DOCK8 deficiency (dedicator of cytokinesis 8 deficiency), an immunodeficiency syndrome that can cause recurrent, life-threatening infections. 

DOCK8 is very rare, with only 250 people worldwide currently diagnosed, statistics show. The only cure for DOCK8 is a bone marrow transplant — also known as a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

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Ashleigh Walter, a kindergarten teacher, is pleading for people to join the bone marrow/blood stem cell registry to help her daughter find a donor by summer.

"Time is of the essence," she told Fox News Digital.

Walter’s daughter was diagnosed with DOCK8 when she was 7½ years old, the culmination of a long series of symptoms and illnesses.

"Lani’s health issues started at just a couple of months old," Walter told Fox News Digital during an interview. "As a baby, she had full-body eczema from head to toe and continuous ear infections."

At 11 months old, she was diagnosed with severe allergies to eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts and many other foods. She's also experienced continuous skin infections and staph infections.

In Jan. 2021, the family was invited to a clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where Walter’s daughter was able to see specialists from immunology, allergy and dermatology together in one appointment.

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"They all came together to try and figure out what might be going on," Walter said. "Each of the specialties ran their own special bloodwork to see what was going on with Lani."

The results showed some abnormalities in the immune system, and doctors recommended doing genetic testing.

A few months later, the family received the news that Walter’s daughter has two variants of the DOCK8 gene.

"If you have issues on both sides of the gene, that's when you present with the disorder," Walter said. "Testing showed that both my husband and I are recessive carriers to the DOCK8 variant, which we passed down to Lani."

She added, "So that was when we found out that all of the health issues Lani has experienced throughout her entire life were not unrelated."

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in Lani Walter’s care but commented on the condition.

"DOCK 8 is a rare immune condition where the bone marrow doesn't make enough immune cells and the immune cells that are made have trouble penetrating into dense tissue, like skin," he told Fox News Digital.

After the diagnosis, Walter’s daughter was invited to visit the National Institute of Health in Maryland, where researchers are studying DOCK8 deficiency. 

"We go there about every six months to see how Lani is doing, and what they recommend as she gets older," Walter said.

The symptoms of DOCK8 deficiency tend to get more severe as the child grows into late adolescence and early adulthood, doctors have said.

Some of the biggest concerns are respiratory difficulties and a higher risk of various cancers, along with the ongoing risk of infections.

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To help manage her condition, Walter’s daughter has been getting weekly intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) infusions, which add human antibodies to help fight off infections.

She also takes daily antibiotics to help prevent pneumonia, uses an inhaler to help her respiratory system and takes other medications to treat different illnesses she experiences as a result of her DOCK8 deficiency.

"That's probably one of the least favorite parts of her day, when I tell her that she needs to take her medicine," Walter said.

Since the only cure for her condition is a bone marrow transplant, "her doctors recommend that Lani has [the] transplant to help cure the DOCK8 before she gets older."

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert at Senolytix, described HSCT as a "transformative reset button" for patients suffering from DOCK8 deficiency.

Osborn is not involved in Lani Walter’s care.

"Imagine your immune system as a computer plagued by a virus," he told Fox News Digital.

"HSCT removes the compromised ‘software’ and installs new, functional cells. For individuals with DOCK8 deficiency — who typically face frequent infections, severe allergies and increased cancer risk — HSCT can mean a dramatic shift toward immunologic normalcy, providing a new lease on life."

Siegel also emphasized the procedure’s importance, calling it a "crucial life-saving procedure."

The average wait for a transplant is about three months, according to Siegel.

"They are very expensive — about $190,000," he said. "Insurance generally covers the procedure, but not the cost of finding a donor."

There is around a 25% chance that a sibling will be a match. In Lani Walter’s case, her 14-year-old sister was not a match.

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"The overall chance of finding a match in the world is 1/3 to 2/3," Siegel said.

The organization known as NMDP, formerly the National Marrow Donor Program/Be the Match, maintains a registry of people who are willing to donate. The Walter family found a 90% match on the registry, but the optimal situation would be to find a 100% match.

"There's much less risk with the bone marrow transplant if you can find that perfect match," Walter told Fox News Digital. 

Lani Walter’s doctors recommend that she receives the donation before she starts middle school. Next year, she will start fifth grade.

"Ideally, we would do it before Lani sees significant issues with other organs in her body," said Ashleigh Walter. 

If the family does not find a perfect match, Walter said she will donate to her daughter, as parents are always half-matches.

"Obviously, we would still love for her to be able to find a full match on the donor registry, which is much less of a risk," she said. "But if that's not possible, we can move forward with a half match."

With partial matches, there is a higher risk of "graft versus host disease," which is a complication that occurs when donor bone marrow or stem cells attack the recipient.

"It can cause different issues throughout the body, similar to an organ transplant rejection," Walter said.

If her daughter receives a successful bone marrow transplant, Walter said — she will be cured of DOCK8.

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"She won't have an immune deficiency anymore," she said. "She'll adopt the immune system of the donor, and we won't have to worry about any of those increased risks at all."

Walter is hopeful that her daughter — whom she describes as "a little kid at heart" — will soon be healthy and able to return to the activities she loves, including swimming.

"Lani has been on a swim team since kindergarten, and this will be her first summer not doing it," Walter said. 

She also enjoys bike-riding, crafting, and spending time with her friends and pets.

There are millions of potential donors on the bone marrow registry — with more than 300,000 Americans joining just last year — but Walter noted that the likelihood of someone finding a perfect match is very low. 

"The more people who join the registry, the more likely that a perfect match will be there for you," she said.

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As a neurosurgical trauma surgeon, Osborn of Florida said he can attest to the dire need for blood and bone marrow donors.

"There is a critical shortage of both," he said. "In emergency and surgical settings, the availability of blood products can be the difference between life and death."

It’s "vital" to have diversity in the bone marrow registry, Osborn noted.

"A closely matched donor reduces complications and improves outcomes," he said.

"This emphasizes why everyone should consider joining the registry. We can all manufacture these potentially life-saving blood products, and by donating, we fulfill a crucial societal need."

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While some have the misconception that donation is difficult, Osborn said that’s not the case.

"Donating bone marrow is a low-risk, outpatient procedure associated with only minor discomfort. It’s a great way to pay it forward."

People can join the bone marrow registry by visiting the NMDP’s website to order a test kit.

"It’s a really simple cheek swab kit that they'll send to your house and then you send it back," Walter said. "You don't have to pay any money for anything."

"The more people that join, the more people who can find their perfect match."

"For conditions like DOCK8 deficiency, a bone marrow transplant can offer a chance at a healthier life," Osborn added.

"Joining the bone marrow registry could be your most profound gift, potentially saving a life with your healthy cells."

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