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What is Eastern Encephalomyelitis? Two Mosquito Researchers Explain What’s Behind the Latest Outbreaks

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Health authorities in the United States are issuing warnings and closing public parks because of a rare but potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease.

This week, a resident of the US state of New Hampshire he died after being hospitalized for Eastern encephalomyelitis. Cases have also been detected in other states.

But what is eastern equine encephalitis? How does it spread? What do horses, as the name suggests, need to do with it? And is it an issue for Australia?

What is Eastern Encephalomyelitis?

Eastern encephalomyelitis It is attributable to a virus that is often found only in parts of eastern America, Central America Down Canada.

Eastern encephalomyelitis virus causes neurological disease, specifically encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain), and is transmitted to humans by mosquito bite. Symptoms might be serious and potentially fatal.

But most individuals bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus won’t have symptoms. Those who do develop the disease have symptoms that include headache, stiff neck, disorientation, seizures, and coma.

About one third Patients with severe symptoms die, and lots of of those that survive suffer from chronic neurological problems.

It’s not only humans who’re in danger from the virus. Horses are too susceptible and, like humans, they may contract deadly encephalitis when bitten by an infected mosquito.

The virus was discovered after the outbreak of the epidemic fatal disease in horses in the New England region of the USA in 1831, hence the reference to a horse disease in the name.

Wild, farmed and captive birds can even be infected with the virus and a few species develop disease. In fact, birds are key to how the virus spreads.

How is Eastern encephalomyelitis virus spread?

Birds – especially passerinea gaggle that features robins, starlings, thrushes and blue jays – are the predominant hosts of the virus.

These birds produce high enough levels of the virus that allow it to contaminate biting mosquitoes and maintain what is called the “transmission cycle.”

Mosquitoes feeding on birds in forested wetlands, especially , allow the virus to flow into amongst the birds. However, this mosquito rarely bites humans, so it is not as necessary in human disease outbreaks.

Mosquitoes feed on each birds and mammals that transmit the virus to humans and horses. These include , and mosquitoes. But once infected, humans and horses don’t spread the virus. This is because they don’t produce high enough levels of the virus to contaminate mosquitoes.

One approach to reduce contact with mosquitoes is to make use of mosquito nets.
A/Prof Cameron Webb (Health Pathology NSW)

How can we limit the spread?

There aren’t any specific treatments for Eastern encephalomyelitis virus infection, or any licensed vaccines to be used in humans. There is a vaccine registered for veterinary use to forestall viral infections in horses.

The predominant strategies to limit human exposure to the virus are personal protective equipment and mosquito control.

Epidemics can have a major impact on communities, not only due to the disease itself, but in addition due to the measures implemented to limit its transmission.

Recent outbreaks have led to the cancellation of out of doors events. Concerns have also been raised about the widespread use of aerial “fogging” to kill mosquitoes, as the chemicals commonly used should not specific to mosquitoes and should pose a risk to other insects.

Some cities have closed park areas evening and asked residents not to depart their homes at night.

Why did the epidemic break out now?

The virus circulates throughout the 12 months in tropical regions. like FloridaIn the northeastern a part of the USA the virus has more sporadic activityHere it is often introduced by migratory birds and is energetic during the warmer months when the mosquito population is high.

This virus has been known for a lot of a long time and has had many outbreaks in North America. One of the last major outbreaks It was in 2019 in several northeastern states of the USA, when 38 human cases (including 12 deaths).

There is evidence that the virus is spreading to latest regions of North America. However, given the sporadic nature of the epidemic, it is difficult to predict when it would occur.

Many aspects could influence future disease outbreaks and the spread of the virus to latest regions, including climate, environmental aspects, mosquito and wildlife activity, and, importantly, humans.

As human contact with mosquitoes that may carry the virus from infected birds increases, the risk to public health increases.

It is possible that human activity near mosquito and bird habitats, including urban encroachment on forested wetlands, increases the risk.

That is why it is so necessary for health services to watch mosquito and virus activity. provide early warning risk of human disease.

New Hampshire Pond and Wetland System
Mosquitoes living in forested wetlands enable the virus to spread amongst birds.
Jeff Holcombe/Shutterstock

Is there a risk to Australia?

There is no evidence that eastern encephalomyelitis virus occurs in Australia and there is no immediate risk of its introduction into this country.

While the mosquitoes are situated in AustraliaTheir role in local viral epidemics in humans and animals is not well understood.

But dozens of various mosquitoes are involved on this process. spread of alphaviruses in Australia. This group includes the eastern encephalomyelitis viruses, in addition to those who occur in Australia, namely Ross River AND Barmah Forest viruses.

It might be assumed that a few of these mosquitoes can transmit the virus, but this has not yet been tested in laboratory experiments.

There is little or no information on how local passerine birds may play a task in establishing virus transmission cycles in Australia. There is also no information on whether native Australian vertebrates, reminiscent of marsupials, would reply to infection.

Considering all available evidence, the risk of the virus spreading to Australia and causing an epidemic is most probably very low.

Are travellers in danger?

The risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying eastern encephalomyelitis virus is extremely low. However, anyone visiting eastern regions of North America, including the United States and Canada, where the virus could also be present, should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Follow guidance from local health authorities. And take steps to avoid areas (especially wooded wetlands) and times when mosquitoes are energetic (often at dawn and dusk). Wear loose clothing with long sleeves and use repellents containing diethyltoluamide (commonly often called DEET), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

These precautions may even protect you from contracting other mosquito-borne viruses you may encounter there, reminiscent of: West Nile Virus.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Why Elon Musk’s Grok Could Pose a Threat to Medical Privacy

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elon musk, DEI, remote work, jobs


Owner of X and candidate for the White House cabinet Elon Musk asked users to submit MRI results, CT scans and other medical information to its AI chatbotGrok reviewed it and a few people fell for it, he reports.

Musk presented this concept to X in late October 2024.

“Try uploading X-rays, PET, MRI, or other medical images to Grok for analysis. It’s still early stages, but it’s already quite accurate and will be extremely good,” he wrote. “Let us know where Grok is doing it right or where it needs work.”

Some individuals who voluntarily submitted photos were comfortable that Grok “did do well” together with his blood test results and breast cancer detection, but others waved red flags against the platform.

Josh Sharp, who goes by @showinvestment on social media, identified how a broken collarbone was viewed as a dislocated shoulder.

Radiologist Docteur TJ provided an in-depth evaluation of the MRI image, which he described partially as “too gross.”

Another example is a robot confusing a mammogram of a benign breast cyst with a picture of the testicles.

Grok was launched in May 2024 after raising $6 billion in an investment financing round through Musk’s tech startup, xAI. Grok is just not the primary of its kind: Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT also enable the transfer of medical images.

While some praise the technology’s potential advances, medical privacy experts don’t not on this camp.

“It’s very personal data, and there’s no telling exactly what Grok will do with it,” said Vanderbilt University biomedical informatics professor Dr. Bradley Malin, according to “Sending personal information to Grok is more like, ‘Whee!’ Let’s throw out this data and hope the corporate does what I need it to do.”

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects medical information shared with physicians or in a patient portal because federal guidelines protect it from being shared without consent. However, the protection doesn’t cover social networking sites – it only applies to doctor’s offices, hospitals, health insurers and a few firms they work with.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

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We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

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Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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