The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday reported 21 cases of Oropouche virus disease, also known as sloth fever, in travelers returning from Cuba.

Twenty cases have been reported in Florida and one in New York.

The disease is spread primarily through bites from midges and from some mosquitoes. Symptoms of the disease include headache, fever and muscle aches and joint pains, but the virus is rarely fatal. 

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There is no indication that the virus is spreading in the U.S. but health officials are warning doctors to be on the lookout for infection in travelers coming from Cuba and South America.

Most patients returning from Cuba reported their symptoms between May and July.

Overall, three patients were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported, the CDC said in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

A dire economic crisis in Cuba has made it difficult to control the spread of Oropouche. Frequent power outages mean many sleep with windows open during the hot Caribbean summer. Few Cubans have access to insect repellents, and fumigation efforts have been stymied by fuel shortages.

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Earlier this month, the CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about an increase in Oropouche virus disease in the Americas region. 

The virus is endemic to the Amazon basin and more than 8,000 cases have been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba so far this year, including two deaths, and five cases of vertical transmission, where viruses can pass between mother and fetus.

The CDC has recommended that pregnant women avoid non-essential travel to Cuba and suggested all travelers take steps to prevent bug bites, such as using insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Currently, there are no vaccines available for the disease and treatment for symptoms can include rest, fluids and use of analgesics and antipyretics.

People can become infected when visiting these forested areas and getting bitten. They can then introduce the virus to urban areas, where biting midges and certain mosquitoes spread the virus from person to person.

Approximately 60% of people infected with Oropouche virus become symptomatic, according to the CDC. The incubation period is typically three to 10 days.

It has sometimes been called sloth fever because scientists first investigating the virus found it in a three-toed sloth, and believed sloths were important in its spread between insects and animals. 

The virus was first detected in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. 

A disease transmitted by mosquitoes — the Oropouche virus, also known as sloth fever — has been detected in the United States.

Travelers returning to the U.S. from Cuba contracted the virus in recent months, as reported by The Associated Press. No fatalities have been reported.

The Oropouche virus is endemic in the Amazon basin and has also been reported in South America and the Caribbean.

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More than 8,000 cases were reported globally between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, 2024, including two deaths and five cases of transmission from mother to fetus, the CDC noted in an Aug. 16 advisory.

Sloth fever has been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba. 

So far, 11 cases have been identified in travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil, the CDC stated.

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"Although travel-associated cases have been identified in the United States, no evidence of local transmission currently exists within the United States or its territories," the agency said.

"As testing and surveillance for Oropouche virus disease increase in the Americas, reports of cases from additional countries are expected."

The Oropouche virus first emerged in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. 

Since then, it has had "limited circulation" in regions of South America, particularly in forested areas, according to the CDC.

The disease is typically spread through bites from mosquitoes and midges (small flies, particularly the Culicoides paraensis species).

Three-toed sloths and birds have been identified as "natural reservoirs" for Oropouche, which means they act as hosts of the disease.

"The virus doesn't spread from person to person," Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, confirmed to Fox News Digital.

"There is some risk to the fetus in terms of birth defects."

Oropouche, classified as an arbovirus, is often mistaken for other similar viruses, like Zika, dengue, chikungunya and malaria, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff joints and chills.

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Some may develop a rash that begins on the torso and spreads to other body parts.

Symptoms usually begin within four to eight days of being bitten, and last for three to six days.

"Symptoms can abate and reoccur," Siegel noted.

In severe cases, patients may develop meningitis, encephalitis or other "neuroinvasive" diseases, the CDC stated.

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For those patients, symptoms can include intense headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, lethargy, stiff neck and involuntary eye movements. 

"Around 4% of patients develop [neurologic symptoms] after the first febrile illness," Siegel said.

Most people who contract Oropouche will recover on their own without any long-term effects, the CDC stated.

"There are no vaccines for prevention and no treatments," Siegel said.

The best means of prevention is to avoid bites from midges and mosquitoes, according to experts.

"People are advised to take preventive measures, including the use of repellents, clothing that covers legs and arms, and fine mesh mosquito nets, and to take extra precautions during outbreaks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women," the Pan American Health Organization advised in an alert.

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Supportive care can include rest, fluids and medication to reduce fever and alleviate pain.

"Patients who develop more severe symptoms should be hospitalized for close observation and supportive treatment," the agency stated.

Those who are experiencing symptoms and have risk factors can contact their local health department for testing.

"Clinicians in these areas where importation has occurred may not be familiar with this infection and need to be alert to its possibility," Dr. Amesh Adalja, M.D., an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore, told Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reached out to the CDC for comment.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Health issued an epidemiological alert after detecting the presence of the Oropouche virus in stored samples, although there are currently no active cases in the country. The virus, which can cause symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, joint stiffness, and in severe cases, double vision and persistent vomiting, was found in tests conducted at the Dr. Defillo National Reference Laboratory. The Ministry did not disclose the exact number of positive samples.

Oropouche is transmitted through the bite of insects like the “jején” and the Culex mosquito, both of which are present in the Dominican Republic. In response, health authorities have ramped up surveillance and are urging the public to take preventive measures, including the use of mosquito nets, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and removing stagnant water.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah emphasized the importance of following Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) guidelines and educating the population on prevention, especially targeting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised individuals. At the regional level, over 8,000 cases have been reported this year in countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru, with two deaths attributed to the virus.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health advisory on Wednesday addressing the mental health and well-being of parents.

The advisory, which is reserved for "significant public health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action," discussed various factors that cause stress for parents and noted an urgent need for support.

"Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and the health of society," Murthy wrote in a statement posted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

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"Yet parents and caregivers today face tremendous pressures, from familiar stressors such as worrying about their kids’ health and safety and financial concerns, to new challenges like navigating technology and social media, a youth mental health crisis, and an epidemic of loneliness that has hit young people the hardest," he went on. 

"As a father of two kids, I feel these pressures, too."

In the 30-page advisory, Murthy called for a "fundamental shift" in prioritizing the mental health and well-being of parents. 

"I am also outlining policies, programs and individual actions we can all take to support parents and caregivers," he said.

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Thirty percent of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults, according to the advisory.

Severe stress can have "a deleterious effect," Murthy wrote — as 41% of parents reported that most days, they experience so much stress that they cannot function, while 48% said their stress is "completely overwhelming" on most days.

The COVID-19 pandemic was cited as a contributor to stressors among parents and caregivers, as well as financial stability, concerns for health and safety, management of tech and social media, parental loneliness, cultural pressures and their children’s future.

School safety concerns among parents are particularly high, as firearm-related injury has become the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the U.S.

Many parents also face circumstances such as family or community violence, poverty, and racism and discrimination, all of which can impact mental health.

"Both maternal and paternal mental health conditions are shown to impact the well-being of children," the advisory noted. 

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"Maternal mental health conditions have been found to significantly impact a child’s well-being and environment, and can serve as a critical determinant of child outcomes."

The surgeon general intends to "take steps to mitigate stress at every stage" for parents and caregivers, he said. 

Murthy’s advisory encouraged governments and employers to establish programs to ensure that parents have access to affordable mental health care, paid family and medical leave, and other family services.

The surgeon general also encouraged schools and communities to provide support services and groups to help parents manage stress.

Robin Hilmantel, senior director of editorial strategy and growth at What to Expect, part of Everyday Health, told Fox News Digital that this advisory "feels like a long-overdue acknowledgment of what has been obvious for a while now: Parents are struggling."

A What to Expect survey of more than 3,000 women found that more than two-thirds of moms (68%) experience anxiety, while 79% of Gen Z moms reported the same.

"There are a lot of reasons why being a parent today is so challenging — parenthood is isolating, as 76% of moms say they don’t have enough support in the form of a 'village,'" said Hilmantel, who is based in North Carolina.

"There’s also a culture of comparison for today’s parents — 83% of Gen Z moms say they feel pressure to be a perfect parent," she added. 

Some other top parental stressors, according to the survey, include safety, lack of time for themselves, finances and children's development.

"Remember that you’re not alone if you feel overwhelming stress; other parents are dealing with their own stressors," Hilmantel said. 

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"What you see on social media is often a highlight reel, so you definitely shouldn’t feel bad about your parenting based on anything you see online."

The expert suggested that parents should try to "cultivate a network of friends, family and acquaintances."

"Parents can add people to their village by attending in-person meetups where they can connect with other new parents, and by joining online communities where parents can openly discuss anything they’re struggling with," she said.

Hilmantel added that there is "no shame in directly asking family and friends for help."

Santiago, DR.- The Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago (HOMS) recently performed its first awake brain tumor surgery, demonstrating that Dominican neurological medicine is on par with that of developed countries. This specialized technique underscores HOMS’ dedication to delivering advanced medical solutions focused on patient safety and well-being.

The procedure was led by neurosurgeon Dr. Francisco Matos Ureña, who emphasized the benefits of this approach, including minimal bone removal and reduced risk of damage to surrounding brain tissue, thereby preserving the patient’s quality of life. Prior to the surgery, the 36-year-old patient, who had a tumor in a critical brain area affecting speech, comprehension, and movement, underwent thorough psychological, neuropsychological, and neurophysiological evaluations.

Awake brain surgery is often used for treating certain neurological conditions, such as tumors or epilepsy, especially when the tumor is located near areas critical to speech and motor functions. Keeping the patient conscious allows the surgical team to monitor cognitive functions in real time, reducing the risk of impairing essential abilities. This milestone procedure represents a significant advancement in neurosurgery at HOMS, offering a safer alternative to traditional methods that carry a higher risk of motor function loss.

This advanced technology promises to revolutionise cancer treatment, offering patients more precise, effective, and potentially life-saving care, according to Paula Agbowu, the hospital’s director of engineering services.

“Coming up is the acquisition of a linear accelerator machine that will be used to help treat some of our oncology cases,” Christine Greenidge, the hospital’s chief operating officer, said during this week’s Pulse Radio programme.

The new linear accelerator, expected to be operational by year’s end, represents a significant upgrade from the hospital’s current cobalt-based technology. It will enable oncologists to deliver highly targeted radiation therapy, potentially improving outcomes and reducing side effects for cancer patients, according to Agbowu.

The director of engineering services highlighted the transformative impact this acquisition will have on patient care.

“The actual linear accelerator will mean that the kind of treatment that we will be able to afford our patients will be much more enhanced than the treatment that we had before,” she stated. “This is an upgrade and a step up from what we had in place before.”

The installation of this sophisticated equipment is part of a broader £130 million investment in the hospital’s infrastructure and technology. This substantial funding, announced earlier this year by the Ministry of Health, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services across the island. The first tranche of funding is expected to be released in the coming weeks, Agbowu revealed.

The hospital is undertaking comprehensive infrastructure improvements, including modifications to the treatment bunker, electrical systems, and IT infrastructure. Crucially, the QEH is investing in its staff to ensure they can maximise the potential of this new technology. Physicists, radiographers, and oncologists are already engaged in intensive training programmes to familiarise themselves with the linear accelerator’s advanced capabilities.

Meanwhile, the QEH is undertaking an ambitious initiative to transform healthcare delivery, making it more accessible and efficient for patients.

At the heart of this overhaul is an expansion of telehealth services, allowing remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure. This innovative approach enables medical staff to track vital signs from patients’ homes, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits and allowing for timely interventions.

QEH is also transitioning to electronic medical records, streamlining appointment management and granting patients easier access to their health information. The comprehensive upgrade extends to health information systems, enhancing both patient care and data protection. These initiatives are part of the $130 million capital expenditure programme designed to acquire new technology and upgrade existing systems at the hospital.

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The minister highlighted the urgency of tackling childhood obesity by sharing a personal observation: “I passed a young child today—he couldn’t have been more than four years old—walking with his mother, and I must say, this young boy was probably close to my weight as an adult male. If that trend continues, I’m not sure if he’s going to become one of those very productive citizens that we want.”

He cautioned that the growing burden of treating obesity and other health conditions threatens the country’s development by diverting critical financial resources away from progress.

Ishmael was speaking at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados’ vendor training session on the updated School Nutrition Policy at Lingwood Hall at St Ann’s Fort, the Barbados Defence Force headquarters. He highlighted the economic impact of the health crisis.

“If we have to redirect funds and use those funds continually to treat ill health, then you can see how we can actually be hampering our development as a country,” he said. The minister warned that such redirection could hinder the nation’s growth in other essential areas, jeopardising long-term sustainability.

Ishmael drew a direct connection between the rise in NCDs and the growing rates of childhood obesity, a trend he said must be reversed.

“We can see that many of our young people are carrying a little bit more weight than they should,” he noted. The minister explained that obesity in childhood could lead to long-term health problems, saying, “When a person is overweight or obese, it can lead them to a long-term lifestyle that unfortunately results in the development of NCDs, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancers, etc.”

To combat this public health challenge, the government is crafting a comprehensive national nutrition policy designed to improve the overall health of all Barbadians. Ishmael revealed that the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is working to expand the existing school nutrition policy into a nationwide initiative.

“We are in the process of developing a national nutrition policy that will go beyond only schools and ensure that all Barbadians understand the importance of consuming nutritious and healthy meals,” he said.

Vendors and concessionaires, who play a crucial role in shaping eating habits, are key to the success of this initiative, said Ishmael, even as he acknowledged their concerns, particularly over potential impacts on sales.

The minister encouraged the food sellers to embrace healthier options.

“There is a natural fear among vendors and concessionaires,” he said. “But I’m glad to hear from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and other NGOs that we’re working to help you find alternatives. And there are always alternatives.”

Ishmael said a “frank conversation” on obesity was needed.

“We have a problem with childhood obesity in our country and obesity in general,” he said. “We have a problem with NCDs and the management of NCDs in our country. We have a problem with the financial burden that it takes to address ill health. We have a problem. Now that we’ve noted that, we’re having a frank conversation about how to solve it.”

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the health crisis and urged all citizens to join in the effort.

“The future of our country depends on ensuring that we have healthy young people today,” he said. “You have the full support of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. You have my full support personally.”

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“Eating at least one well-balanced meal each day can go a long way in ensuring that you get the right amount of nutrients and minerals your body needs to function”

View the full post Foods that boost mood and brain health  on NOW Grenada.

Dr Kenneth Connell, the deputy dean of recruitment and outreach in the faculty of medical sciences at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, has been appointed as the president of the HCC, a not-for-profit Caribbean non-communicable disease (NCD) alliance of over 100 health and non-health civil society organisations, whose vision is to reduce death and disability from chronic diseases among Caribbean people.

In his first address as HCC president, Dr Connell outlined a multi-pronged approach to improve public health across the Caribbean. “Small island states are now under attack from the deadly triad of cardiovascular disease, climate change, and commercial determinants of health. The HCC must now position itself to be innovative, culturally sensitive, and very responsive to the needs of our stakeholders, especially the individual citizens of our one Caribbean community,” he stated.

At the heart of Dr Connell’s plan is a push for robust school nutrition policies. These aim to instill healthy eating habits in young people, potentially stemming the rise of obesity and related NCDs. Alongside this, he proposes the introduction of octagonal front-of-package warning labels on food products, a measure that has shown promise in other parts of the world in guiding consumers towards healthier choices.

The new president, also a consultant physician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and consultant-in-charge of the hospital’s resistant hypertension clinic, is also setting his sights on the food industry, with a particular focus on eliminating trans fatty acids from ultra-processed foods. This initiative could significantly reduce the risk of heart disease across the Caribbean.

“I am both passionate, and unconditionally committed, to advancing our region as a model health space for the world,” he said.

The insurance company Sagicor, which has had a longstanding partnership with the HCC, has welcomed the plan by the new president.

“Sagicor looks forward to future collaborations with the HCC as we seek to help our communities improve the management of chronic diseases in our region,” Paul Inniss, executive vice president of Sagicor Life Inc (Barbados), said.

(PR)

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Ronald Pope, president of the BSP, told Barbados TODAY that the recent spate of brazen violent acts committed by young people over the past several months is deeply concerning and highlights a societal failure to address anger issues among youth.

“They have not been able to manage their anger, they have not been able to manage their emotions, and as a result, when you don’t have any kind of intervention, when you have anger management issues or emotion regulation issues from young, it just gets worse and worse,” Pope said.

The call for action comes in the wake of last week’s death of 17-year-old Takori Wilkinson, who died from his injuries at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. A 16-year-old teenager, Kimani Kyori Starker, has been charged with the 31st homicide for the year.

Pope described the current approach of introducing small initiatives in schools and communities for counselling as piecemeal, given the alarming rise in violent crimes committed by young people, particularly those involving firearms.

“We have reached that point where we definitely need to see that wider initiative within society and within schools,” he stated, adding that a comprehensive strategy for early and thorough intervention must be developed by stakeholders to effectively combat the escalating violence.

The BSP president also stressed the importance of addressing these issues at home: “Whatever we do has to work in the home as well, because the home is usually where [the problems] start.”

Shawn Clarke, head of Supreme Counselling for Personal Development, echoed Pope’s sentiments and called for an overhaul of the rehabilitation framework for young offenders.

“It is now all well and good to say lock them up for 12, 15 years, to be punished for the crime that has been committed without any level of intervention,” Clarke said. He argued for the implementation of deep-level therapy and interventions during incarceration to better prepare offenders for reintegration into society.

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb

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