Why is there a measles outbreak in Medan, North Sumatra?

Teh measles outbreak in Medan is primarily attributed to low immunization coverage, particularly among elementary school-aged children. Reduced participation in the School Child Immunization Month Program (BIAS) has substantially contributed to the surge in measles cases.

How is measles transmitted?

Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through droplets or saliva expelled when an infected person coughs,sneezes,or talks. This makes it crucial to maintain high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks.

How can measles be prevented?

Measles can be effectively prevented through the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine. The Medan Health Office is reinforcing the BIAS program in elementary schools to ensure sustainable prevention.

What steps are being taken to control the measles outbreak in Medan?

The Medan Health Office is increasing socialization and education about the importance of immunization, identifying 'Zero Dose' regions (areas with no basic immunization), reactivating immunization services in healthcare facilities, and conducting active immunization campaigns in areas with low coverage.

Is the measles vaccine safe?

Yes, the vaccines used in national immunization programs are proven to be safe and effective in reducing illness and death from vaccine-preventable diseases. The Medan Health Office emphasizes that every child has the right to protection through immunization.

What is the predominant COVID-19 variant currently?

The LP.8.1 variant is currently the predominant strain circulating, although other variants like NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) are increasing.

What are the symptoms associated with the Nimbus variant?

Reports from the United Kingdom indicate that a key symptom associated with the Nimbus variant is a severe sore throat, characterized by acute pain when swallowing. Other common symptoms include tiredness, cough, fever, muscle pain, and nasal congestion.

What is the latest data on COVID-19 contagions and deaths?

Recent reports indicate that COVID-19 is still present,with 305 contagions and 2 deaths reported between June 19 and June 25. The elderly, particularly those over 80, remain the most affected group regarding hospitalizations and deaths.

How does seasonality affect the spread of COVID-19 variants?

According to experts, the spread of COVID-19 variants is not primarily linked to seasonality but rather to the emergence of new variants, which typically take about six months to reach maximum diffusion.

Tag:

Sore throat

Q: What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a characteristic rash that spreads throughout the body. The infection typically starts in the respiratory tract and is transmitted through saliva droplets.

Health

What To Know About The ‘Razor Sore Throat’ COVID Symptom

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 27, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

We are dedicated to delivering the unwavering, fact-based journalism that everyone deserves.

Thank you once more for your past support. We are truly appreciative of readers like you! your initial contributions helped us reach this point and strengthened our newsroom, providing resilience during challenging periods. As we move forward, your assistance is more crucial than ever. We hope you will join us once again.

Support huffpost

“Preventing transmission is the biggest thing that we can do to help keep everybody healthy,” Horn stated.

July 27, 2025 0 comments

Health

Coffee ring effect inspires breakthrough in rapid at-home tests for disease detection

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 9, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

At-Home Test Spots Disease With Startling Accuracy

New tech combines coffee rings, AI for rapid, sensitive results.

Suffering from a sore throat or sniffles? While rapid at-home tests offer convenience, their sensitivity can be lacking. Now, a new biosensing technology promises to increase the accuracy of rapid at-home diagnostics, potentially detecting viruses like COVID-19 with much greater precision.

Combining Coffee Rings and Nanoparticles

The innovative test, developed by researchers at the **University of California, Berkeley**, leverages the “coffee-ring effect,” a natural evaporation process where particles concentrate at the edge of a drying droplet. It combines this with plasmonics and artificial intelligence to identify disease biomarkers rapidly.

Kamyar Behrouzi, who recently earned a Ph.D. from **UC Berkeley**, noted, “This simple yet effective technique can offer highly accurate results in a fraction of the time compared to traditional diagnostic methods.” He added that the technology paves the way for more affordable, accessible diagnostics, especially in low-resource settings.”

How It Works

The technology uses plasmonic nanoparticles, which uniquely interact with light. A user adds a liquid droplet, such as a nasal swab, to a membrane. As the droplet dries, disease biomarkers concentrate. A second droplet, containing nanoparticles engineered to attach to these biomarkers, is added. If biomarkers are present, the nanoparticles form patterns that alter light interaction. These changes can be observed or analyzed via an AI-powered smartphone app.

Results are available in under 12 minutes, with COVID-19 detection being up to 100 times more sensitive than existing tests.

Potential for Sepsis Detection

According to the CDC, sepsis affects at least 1.7 million adults in the U.S. annually and contributes to nearly 350,000 deaths. (CDC.gov)

“One of the key proteins that we are able to detect with this method is a biomarker of sepsis, a life-threatening inflammatory response to a bacterial infection that can develop rapidly in people over 50. Every hour is critical, but culturing bacteria to determine the source of the infection can take a few days. Our technique could help doctors detect sepsis in 10 to 15 minutes.”

—Liwei Lin, Study Senior Author, Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley

The research team has already produced a prototype of a home testing kit that is similar to current at-home COVID tests.

Lin hopes that our technology makes it easier and more accessible for people to regularly screen for conditions like prostate cancer without leaving the home.”

Additional co-authors of the study include **Zahra Khodabakhshi Fard**, **Chun-Ming Chen**, **Peisheng He** and **Megan Teng** of **UC Berkeley**.

July 9, 2025 0 comments

Health

Medan Measles Outbreak: 127 Cases in 5 Months

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 3, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

“`html

Measles Outbreak Declared in Medan, North Sumatra: Cases Surge in 2025

Table of Contents

Measles Outbreak Declared in Medan, North Sumatra: Cases Surge in 2025

Medan, north Sumatra is experiencing a measles outbreak, with the Health Office (DHO) reporting a meaningful increase in cases. From January to May 2025, the city recorded 127 measles cases, a notable rise compared to the 104 cases reported in all of 2024. Health officials attribute the outbreak to low immunization coverage, particularly among elementary school children.

Measles Cases on the Rise

The Medan City health Office,through the Head of Disease Prevention and Control Division (P2P),Pocut Fatimah Fitri,confirmed the increase in measles cases. The surge has prompted increased vigilance and strategic interventions to control the spread of the highly contagious viral disease.

Did You Know? Measles cases are rising globally. The European Region reported over 127,000 cases in 2024, the highest number in over 25 years [1].

Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Transmission

Measles, caused by the Morbillivirus virus, is characterized by fever, sore throat, and a distinctive rash across the body. The infection begins in the respiratory tract and spreads through airborne saliva droplets. “This virus can be transmitted easily through droplets or splash of saliva from the mouth and nose of measles patients, which comes out when coughing, sneezing, or talking,” explained Pocut Fatimah Fitri.

Key Facts About Measles Transmission:

Highly contagious through respiratory droplets.
Spreads via coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Infection starts in the respiratory tract.

Low Immunization Coverage: A Major Trigger

According to Pocut, a primary factor contributing to the measles outbreak is the lack of sufficient immunization coverage, especially among elementary school children.low participation in the School Child Immunization Month Program (BIAS) has exacerbated the situation.

Pro Tip: Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to achieving herd immunity and protecting vulnerable populations from measles.

Prevention Through Vaccination

Measles is preventable through the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine. The Medan Health Office is intensifying the implementation of the BIAS program in elementary schools and Madrasah ibtidaiyah as a sustainable prevention strategy. The BIAS program is conducted twice annually, from August to November, providing measles immunization to first-grade students (

July 3, 2025 0 comments

Health

People Are Reporting A Frightening COVID Symptom Right Now — Here’s What To Know

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor June 29, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

“Razor Blade Throat”: Is This a New COVID Symptom?

As COVID-19 continues to circulate, a concerning symptom known as “razor blade throat” has emerged, causing alarm. People are experiencing severe sore throats, prompting questions about its prevalence and severity. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

Understanding the “Razor Blade Throat”

Infections with COVID can produce a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and congestion. Reports from China mention the sensation of a “razor blade throat” among some patients. This symptom has spurred online searches in the United States, with people looking for information on “new covid variant painful symptom” and “covid razor throat.”

According to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the emergence of distinctive symptoms often accompanies new variants. However, these symptoms have appeared before. Dr. Carrie Horn, the chief medical officer at National Jewish Health, notes that a severe sore throat is not unique to current variants.

“In the past, as new variants have come on the scene, there almost invariably have been questions about distinctive symptoms, and after a while, when you gather a lot of data, turns out not to be the case — all of these symptoms have occurred before.”

—Dr. William Schaffner, Professor

What You Can Do

Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious disease expert, points out that sore throats, along with fever and fatigue, are all potential symptoms of COVID. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that those at higher risk should receive two COVID vaccinations annually. This includes the elderly, people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant individuals.

Recent data from the CDC indicates that vaccination has been effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Wearing masks indoors, social distancing, and handwashing also offer protection against the virus.

Seeking Treatment

If you experience any COVID symptoms like a sore throat, it is essential to get tested. Seek medical advice, especially if you’re in a high-risk group. Over-the-counter medications, such as alternating ibuprofen and Tylenol, can help manage symptoms. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial. Preventing the spread of germs is vital, including staying home when sick and wearing a mask if you cannot.

June 29, 2025 0 comments

Health

COVID: New ‘Stratus’ & ‘Nimbus’ Variants Evade Immunity – Raucendine Symptom

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor June 27, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Emerging COVID-19 Variants: LP.8.1 Dominant as Nimbus and Stratus Spread Globally

Table of Contents

Emerging COVID-19 Variants: LP.8.1 Dominant as Nimbus and Stratus Spread Globally

As summer progresses, new COVID-19 variants continue to emerge and circulate worldwide. The LP.8.1 variant remains the predominant strain,but health organizations are closely monitoring the spread of NB.1.8.1 (dubbed “Nimbus”) and XFG (“Stratus”).The World Health Organization (WHO) is tracking these developments to assess their potential impact on public health and vaccine effectiveness.

Current COVID-19 Situation and Variant Landscape

Recent data indicates that COVID-19 remains a concern, even as it receives less media attention. Between June 19 and June 25, health authorities reported 305 new infections and 2 deaths. While the LP.8.1 variant is currently dominant, the prevalence of the Nimbus variant is increasing, and the WHO is closely monitoring Stratus, a recombinant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, due to its rapid global growth WHO.

Did You Know? The elderly, particularly those over 80, are still the most vulnerable to severe outcomes from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.

Despite the ongoing evolution of the virus, experts emphasize that seasonality is not the primary driver of transmission. instead, the emergence of new variants and their subsequent spread are the key factors influencing infection rates. Typically, it takes about six months for a new variant to reach its peak diffusion, according to infectious disease specialists CDC.

Key COVID-19 Data (June 19-25)

Metric	Value
New Infections	305
Deaths	2
Dominant Variant	LP.8.1
Variants of Interest	Nimbus, Stratus

Symptoms Associated with Emerging Variants

While the Stratus variant has mutations that may enhance its ability to evade antibodies, current evidence suggests it does not pose a substantially greater threat than other circulating strains.interestingly, in India, where Stratus is prevalent, the Nimbus variant has not spread as widely.

Reports from India suggest that a frequent symptom among COVID-19 patients is a hoarse voice, accompanied by dry cough, irritation, and sore throat. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, where Nimbus is circulating, a severe sore throat with acute pain when swallowing is a notable symptom. other common symptoms include fatigue, cough, fever, muscle pain, and nasal congestion.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about the specific symptoms associated with emerging variants in your region to better identify potential infections and seek timely medical advice.

Vaccine Effectiveness Against New Variants

The WHO has stated that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective in protecting against symptomatic and severe disease caused by variants like Stratus. ongoing research and surveillance are crucial to continuously assess vaccine effectiveness and adapt public health strategies as needed.

Evergreen Insights: Understanding COVID-19 Variants

The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is characterized by the emergence of new variants. these variants arise due to mutations in the virusS genetic material, which can affect its transmissibility, severity, and ability to evade immune responses. Public health organizations worldwide closely monitor these variants to assess their potential impact and inform appropriate interventions.

Understanding the dynamics of variant emergence and spread is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the pandemic. Factors such as vaccination rates, public health measures, and global travel patterns all play a role in shaping the trajectory of diffrent variants. Continuous research and collaboration are essential to stay ahead of the virus and protect public health.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Variants

What precautions should I take to protect myself from new COVID-19 variants?

Continue practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, and maintaining physical distance. stay up-to-date with your vaccinations and booster shots, as recommended by health authorities.

Where can I find reliable data about COVID-19 variants and their symptoms?

Refer to official sources such as the world Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and your local health department for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How frequently enough do new COVID-19 variants emerge?

The rate at which new variants emerge can vary. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus, which tends to mutate more frequently than DNA viruses. Ongoing surveillance and research are essential to track the emergence and spread of new variants.

are there specific treatments for different COVID-19 variants?

Currently, most treatments for COVID-19 are effective against a range of variants. Though, some variants may exhibit reduced susceptibility to certain monoclonal antibody treatments. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized treatment recommendations.

How do scientists track and classify new COVID-19 variants?

Scientists use genomic sequencing to identify and characterize new variants. They analyze the virus’s genetic code to identify mutations and assess their potential impact on its properties. Variants are then classified based on their characteristics and potential risks.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19. What are your thoughts on the latest COVID-19 variant developments? How has COVID-19 impacted your daily life?

June 27, 2025 0 comments

Health

A new Covid variant Nimbus aka ‘razor blade throat’ is on the rise. All you need to know | India News

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor June 19, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

New COVID-19 Variant ‘Nimbus’ Spreading, Causing Severe Sore Throat

Doctors are alerting the public about a new variant with a painful symptom.

A fresh wave of COVID-19 cases is hitting India, as a new variant, nicknamed ‘Nimbus’, gains global attention. This strain is causing an unusual symptom: an intensely painful sore throat, prompting public health officials to monitor its spread closely.

The Nimbus Variant: What to Know

The NB.1.8.1 variant, also known as ‘Nimbus,’ has quickly circulated, spreading through China and Hong Kong. According to reports, cases have been documented in several US states including California, Washington, Virginia, and New York. Australia has also reported cases, and the UK recorded 13 instances in June, accompanied by a rise in hospitalizations.

The main reported symptom of the Nimbus variant is a severely painful sore throat, also associated with fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that, while it’s spreading, it doesn’t seem to cause more severe illness than earlier strains and is currently considered low risk.

“The WHO assesses the additional risk to the global public as currently low, and existing COVID-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe disease,”

—Dr. Naveed Asif, General Practitioner

By mid-May, NB.1.8.1 accounted for nearly 11% of all sequenced COVID samples worldwide, which signals an increased circulation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that COVID-19-related hospitalizations rose 10% nationwide during the week ending July 13, 2024 (CDC).

Vaccines and Prevention

Vaccines approved by the US FDA, including Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax, are expected to offer protection against NB.1.8.1, especially since it’s part of the Omicron JN.1 lineage. People with health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension, should take extra precautions due to potentially weaker immune responses.

Scientists believe NB.1.8.1 spreads quickly due to its stronger binding with human cells. Dr. Chun Tang suggested slight changes to its spike protein might make it more transmissible or help it evade immunity.

Prevention measures remain consistent: Masking up in crowded spots, covering the mouth during coughs or sneezes, regular handwashing, and avoiding public spaces when unwell. Ventilated areas are safer, especially during transmission spikes.

June 19, 2025 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts