Connect with us

Health and Wellness

What is ‘sloth fever’ and how can I avoid it when traveling to South America?

Published

on

International authorities are warning of “sloth fever.” Despite its name, you can’t catch it from sloths. Instead, it’s best to avoid contact with mosquitoes and biting midges.

So how can Australians protect themselves from sloth fever when traveling to South and Central America? And how does “sloth fever” compare to other mosquito-borne diseases like Zika?

What is sloth fever?

Sloth fever is attributable to Oropouche virus and is formally referred to as Oropouche viral disease or Oropouche fever.

The virus is orthobunyavirusIt due to this fact belongs to a special family of viruses than the flaviviruses (which include dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses) and alphaviruses (chikungunya, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus).

Oropouche virus was first identified in 1955. It is named after the village in Trinidad and Tobago where the one that contracted it lived. first isolated from lived.

Symptoms include fever, severe headache, chills, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash. This makes it difficult to distinguish it from other viral infections. About 60% of individuals infected get sick with the virus.

Is no specific treatment and most individuals get better in lower than a month.

However, serious symptomsincluding encephalitis and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) have been reported occasionally.

What is happening with this latest epidemic?

In July Pan American Health Organization issued a warning after two women from northeastern Brazil died from Oropouche virus infection, the primary death related to the virus.

There was also one fetal death, one miscarriage, and 4 cases of newborns with microcephaly, a condition characterised by an abnormally small head, that occurred while pregnant. This situation is paying homage to Zika virus outbreak in 2015–2016.

Oropouche has historically been a major problem in America. However, the disease lost its importance after subsequent outbreaks of the epidemic. chikungunya AND Zika from 2013 to 2016 and recently, dengue.

How does Oropouche virus spread?

Oropouche virus has has not been well researched compared to other insect-borne pathogens. We still don’t fully understand how the virus It’s spreading.

The virus is transmitted primarily by blood-sucking insects, particularly midges (especially ) and mosquitoes (potentially multiple species , , , and ).

We consider the virus circulates in forest areas, with primates, sloths, and birds being the essential suspected vectors. In urban outbreaks, humans are carriers of the virus, and blood-sucking insects infect others.

Share of midges (blood-sucking insects) in Australia they’re wrongly called “sand flies”) makes the transmission cycle of Oropouche virus somewhat different from that of viruses spread solely by mosquitoes. The kinds of insects that spread the virus may additionally differ between forested and urban areas.

Midges are much smaller than mosquitoes, but can still spread pathogens corresponding to Oropouche virus.
A/Prof Cameron Webb (Health Pathology NSW)

Why is Oropouche virus becoming more common?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the United States recently issued a warning on the growing cases of Oropouche in America. The variety of cases is increasing outside areas where it was previously found, corresponding to the Amazon basin, worrying authorities.

More than 8,000 cases of the disease have been reported in countries including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba.

There have been reports of travelers in Cuba and Brazil becoming infected after returning to the country. Europe AND North Americaappropriately.

While changing climate, deforestation and increased human movement may partly explain the rise in cases and the geographic spread of the virus, but there could also be something else at play.

Oropouche virus seems to have greater potential genomic reassortmentThis means the virus may evolve more rapidly than other viruses, potentially leading to more severe disease or increased transmission.

Other kinds of orthobunyaviruses have been shown to undergo genetic changes, cause more severe illness.

Should Australia be anxious?

Without more information on the role of local midges and mosquitoes within the spread of Oropouche virus, it is difficult to assess how great a risk it poses to Australia.

The risk of an infected traveller bringing the virus back to Australia is low. Very few cases of Zika have been reported in travellers from South or Central America return to Australia. Dengue is rarely reported from these travelers.

The biting insects most significant in spreading the virus in America are usually not present in Australia.

Although the chance is small, authorities need to concentrate on potentially infected travelers getting back from South and Central America and remember that appropriate test protocols to detect infection.

Australia has own local orthobunyaviruses Although these bacteria are known to cause infections, the health risk is considered to be low.

What can travellers do to protect themselves?

There are not any vaccines or specific treatments for Oropouche virus.

If you’re traveling to South and Central American countries, take appropriate steps to avoid mosquito and midge bites.

Mosquito repellents containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil have been proven to be effective in reducing the results of mosquito bites and are expected to be effective against midge bites as well.

You can further reduce your risk by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes.

Sleeping and resting under mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide will help, but you’ll need nets with much finer meshes, as midges are much smaller than mosquitoes.

Although Australian authorities haven’t issued any specific warnings, CDC AND European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warn that pregnant women should discuss travel plans and potential risks with their doctor.



This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Health and Wellness

Method Man Says He ‘Doesn’t Want to Be Seen as a Sex Symbol’ and Wants to Blend In

Published

on

By

Getty

Method Man wants to be known for greater than just his looks. During a recent appearance on the show, he shared the importance of prioritizing respect over his status as a sex symbol.

On the show, Tamron Hall asked him about a quote from his 2023 speech. Men’s health cover. “In the article, you said, ‘I’m not a sex symbol.’ You said that sometimes you don’t want to be desired; you just want to be respected.” Hall also touched on Method Man’s tendency to take his shirt off in public, such as at a recent Usher concert: “How do you reconcile not wanting to be desired with constantly having your shirt unbuttoned?”

He quickly responded, “That’s the thing; now that I have it, I’m going to show it, but not for that reason.” The legendary rapper continued, “I’m showing it while I still have it. But that’s the thing, right? I love the admiration. I love it. Does it ever get awkward? Absolutely. Sometimes you just want to blend in, and I’m that type of person.”

Hall replied, “You can never fit in.” Method Man continued, “Sometimes I do. Again, I can appreciate the admiration. And then there are the only things where he’s like, ‘The Greatest Man Alive.’ I mean, you can pour fuel on the fire all you want, but honestly, I think we’re all beautiful and sexy in our own way, so let’s be sexy together.”

In his cover, the artist shared that he just isn’t a sex symbol. “That’s the fucking point, man. Put the words together. Sex and symbol. What’s the symbol? I ain’t doing nothing. So what’s the symbol?” he said. “I’m not gonna lie, I love every damn minute of it, but I don’t want to be that guy who, when the clock starts ticking, is still trying to be sexy.”

He continued, “I mean, Smokey Robinson will always be sexy to someone. I’m not using him as an example — I’m just saying that considering where Smokey is now, if Smokey was around at the same time as he was then, it would look ridiculous. And Smokey knew he was a sexy motherfucker. You get to a certain age where you just stop caring, and I think that’s the sexiest thing in the world.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading

Health and Wellness

Men bear the brunt of the ‘loneliness epidemic’ amid intense societal pressure

Published

on

By

A couple of weeks before Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey announced in May 2024 that they were expecting a baby, the pop icon posted a selfie of he looks tearful and desperate.

While media attention quickly focused on the pregnancy, little attention was paid to the significance of the male star and the future father publicly shares his sensitivity.

But Bieber’s social media post is noteworthy since it highlights his internal conflict.

Emotional pain is linked to serious health problems. Yet the public’s response to male displays of emotion and vulnerability is commonly minimized, if not dismissed. In response to Bieber’s tearful post, for instance, Hailey described it as “pretty crybaby.”

A yr ago, Canadian rapper Dax released the song “Being a person.” He said at the time: “This is a song that I put my heart into. I pray that it reaches everyone who needs it.”

The message of this song remains to be relevant today. Contains song lyrics:

How researchers Who study fatherhood and the roles that men play their familieswe recognize the loneliness and pain in these lyrics. We heard fathers describe the cost of attempting to keep their feelings in check.

IN the last study we conducted for 75 latest and expectant black fathers, they spoke of the need to deal with individual and collective trauma. This, they said, will ultimately help support their families. But they said resources to assist men with mental health are sometimes unavailable or very limited. They said they often feel invisible to health care providers.

“Being a father and a man,” one participant said, “you have to keep the peace and be strong on the outside. But on the inside, you know, you’re falling apart.”

Dax’s writing and our research reflect a perennial societal health concern—the deafening silence that typically surrounds men’s mental health issues.

The impact of isolation on men

In May 2023, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a warning highlighting what he described as the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the country. Our research confirms this plague.

Because men’s social support networks—colleagues, family, close childhood friends—are sometimes weaker than women’s, the epidemic disproportionately affects men. The resulting loneliness has very real health consequences.

Research shows that loneliness is related to negative health consequences, comparable to a better risk of heart disease and dementia.
Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images

In Murthy’s report, loneliness is related to negative health outcomes, including “a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia in older adults. In addition, a lack of social connections increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%.”

Although Murthy’s report focuses on each men and girls, research shows that it’s men are less likely than women to hunt mental health helpFurthermore, men have a more negative attitude towards searching for help and usually tend to discontinue treatment prematurely than women.

With these consequences in mind, a caring society might ask itself: Why do men bear the brunt of this health threat, and what will be done about it?

Redefining the value of men beyond just making a living

Many aspects can contribute to men feeling isolated and disconnected.

In “To Be A Man,” Dax points out one vital factor:

Traditional definitions of masculinity emphasize the importance of the man’s role as the family breadwinner.

Uncertain economy AND increasingly more expensive apartments and food prices make it unaffordable for a lot of men to offer financially for his or her families. These aspects also undermine men’s self-esteem and contribute to loneliness and feelings of alienation.

As partners and fathers, men are still often seen as inadequate in the event that they are unable to offer financially. And social norms emphasize that they are usually not valued for his or her abilities as caregivers, whilst they’re more involved in raising children than ever before.

This is detached from reality.

Men play a crucial role as caregivers of their children’s lives, in keeping with our research, and have a powerful influence on their children’s health and well-being. Men also find meaning of their role as fathers.

As Dax says:

The Cost of Suppressed Vulnerability

In addition to the pressure to offer for themselves, men must also overcome stereotypes that suggest they ought to be stoic and conceal their fears and sadness.

Here too, gender norms should be updated. Boys and men have to feel comfortable presenting their true, authentic selves to the world. When they suppress their vulnerability, it creates a barrier to searching for help. It also perpetuates stigma and the epidemic of loneliness.

A man sitting in a hospital room.
Men are less likely than women to hunt mental health help.
Getty photos

There is a fancy relationship between society’s assumptions and beliefs about men and fatherhood.

As a result, men are less likely than women to hunt mental health services. As a result, health care providers are they usually tend to underdiagnose and misdiagnose menFurthermore, when health resources are made available, they are sometimes not tailored to the needs of men.

Societal expectations can create unbearable pressure on men. And the most marginalized groups, as low-income black fathersbear a disproportionate burden, research shows. This has turn into more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Black fathers working in high-risk and essential jobs have prioritized supporting their children and families over their very own risks of infection and mental health.

As men proceed to redefine their roles inside families and communities, it is necessary for society to create an area that recognizes and accepts their vulnerability and full humanity in all social roles.

Men need an outlet for his or her pain. They would profit from relationships – with partners, family and friends – who support and nurture them in moments of joy and emotional challenges. Their loneliness will proceed to be disproportionate without the obligatory connection to services.

Men may consider participating in low-stakes discussion groups of their communities, online groups, and at their churches. They may additionally hunt down therapists in person or online for introductory sessions test the therapeutic interaction before establishing a more consistent pattern of therapeutic services.

In the song “To Be a Man” Dax sings:

As the Biebers adjust to life as parents, Justin can find people to talk over with about his experiences and emotions, individuals who see and appreciate him fully. And we hope that is the same for each man and father, living out of the highlight and doing the best they’ll for themselves and their family.


This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
Continue Reading

Health and Wellness

ESScent of the week: Purple dreams come true with the latest fragrance from Parfums de Marly – Essence

Published

on

By

Remember when Rihanna he said that her reign just won’t let up? Well, neither will Parfums de Marly — especially with their recent purple reign.

I had been anticipating the release for weeks (like many of us), and after I finally got to smell it, I used to be absolutely blown away—in the very best way. You’d think I’d expect nothing less from one of my favorite area of interest perfume houses, but this scent was truly something special.

You know that feeling when a perfume is only for you? It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s magical. It’s shiny, floral, and absolutely charming — housed in a classy mauve bottle that is as stunning as the scent itself (but let’s be honest, all Parfums de Marly perfumes are masterpieces).

What stands out is the balance of fruit, florals, and a touch of powdery softness. It opens with mandarin and pear (two of my favorite notes) which are immediately uplifting. But once that violet petal shows up? Game over. It’s fresh without being too sweet, and I really like the way it dries all the way down to a smooth, creamy sandalwood finish. It’s a scent that feels each fun and complicated—perfect for a daytime brunch or an evening out.

There is something about Parfums de Marly that keeps them at the top of the area of interest fragrance game they usually prove it once more. Their scents aren’t just well-made; they evoke a mood, a sense, a vibration. They know the best way to create luxury without being over the top, and every of their scents looks like a piece of art. Whether it’s sensual, flirty or opulent, you realize you’re in for something special.

Why I find it irresistible: is a robust fragrance centered around a contemporary floral bouquet with fresh fruity and powdery notes. I really like the way it revolves around the violet petal, enhanced by the unique masculine-turned-feminine lavender. This lightness gives it an unsettling twist unlike the rest in my collection. In addition, the base notes of musk, patchouli and vanilla give a warm, velvety hug that lasts all day. At $375, it’s an investment, but well value it for its luxurious composition and longevity.

It’s not only me who can’t get enough of this scent — beauty lovers and scent connoisseurs all over the place are raving about it . In fact, #FragranceTok OGs like Zoe, Princess of PerfumeAND Karolina Stern have singled it out as a standout addition to Parfums de Marly’s already excellent offering, with some loving how the violet and sandalwood give it an unconventional twist. The purple bottle can be successful, attracting fans who appreciate the combination of elegance and playfulness.

But what really sets them apart is their ability to mix beautifully with other scents. , with a creamy sandalwood base, it begs to be mixed and matched. Which brings me to…

Perfect mixtures: If you like experimenting with scents like I do, you’ll have plenty of room to play with . For extra warmth, try layering it on yourself so as to add a comfortable, woodsy vibe. It enhances the sandalwood and adds extra depth. It’s also an awesome layering partner for floral days. Peony adds a soft, romantic touch to violets.

It’s a flexible fragrance that will be worn day or night. It has presence without being overpowering, and leaves a mark that’s each sophisticated and playful. As at all times, Parfums de Marly offers something special and is solely the latest example of their mastery of fragrance. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending