Health

Human Metapneumovirus Outbreak in China Sparks Global Attention

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2025

RTX

China is grappling with a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, adding to the global rise in respiratory illnesses this winter. While HMPV is a familiar virus, its outbreak highlights the challenges of managing respiratory diseases during the cold season.

Understanding HMPV

First identified in 2001 by Dutch scientists, HMPV is a common respiratory virus that infects most children by age five. It typically circulates in late winter or early spring and causes cold or flu-like symptoms such as cough, congestion, and shortness of breath.

For most, HMPV infections are mild and resolve within days. However, vulnerable groups, including infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions, are at higher risk of severe illness requiring hospitalization.

In a study conducted in Italy during the 2018-2019 winter, 10-12% of patients infected with either HMPV or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) required intensive care.

Current Outbreak in China

The outbreak in northern China has primarily affected children under 14, according to local health officials. Reports suggest that the combination of HMPV and influenza is straining healthcare systems in densely populated areas.

Experts note that the virus circulating in China has not mutated into a more dangerous strain. “China seems to be experiencing a severe HMPV season, much like overwhelming flu seasons we see in some years,” said Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake, an infectious diseases specialist at the Australian National University.

Impact Beyond China

Although the outbreak does not currently pose a global threat, other countries are seeing an uptick in HMPV cases. In England, test positivity rates for the virus increased from 2.29% in late November to 4.53% in December, suggesting wider spread.

Europe is also facing a “quad-demic” of respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus, straining healthcare systems across the continent.

Combating HMPV

Currently, there is no vaccine for HMPV, but several candidates are under development, including those targeting both HMPV and RSV. Experts have called for China to share data from its outbreak to aid vaccine research and global preparedness.

Preventative measures remain essential. Ventilating spaces, washing hands, and staying home when sick can reduce transmission. “The winter surge in infections is pushing many healthcare systems to the brink,” said Dr. Peter Openshaw, a respiratory expert at Imperial College London.

As respiratory illnesses continue to rise globally, vigilance and coordinated responses will be key to managing the burden on public health systems.

Health

Lead Pollution During Roman Empire May Have Contributed to Decline in IQ, Study Finds

Published

31 minutes ago

January 8, 2025

RTX

A new study has revealed that lead pollution during the Roman Empire may have caused a significant decline in intelligence levels among the European population, with estimates suggesting a drop of two-and-a-half to three points in IQ. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), explores the health impacts of lead pollution during the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and prosperity that lasted for about 200 years.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in the United States, builds on previous work identifying periods of high lead pollution during the Roman Empire, caused by the mining and smelting of silver and lead ores. Lead exposure is known to have serious health consequences, particularly in children, and this new research sheds light on the extent of its impact on the Roman population.

Lead pollution during the Pax Romana is believed to have released over 500 kilotons of lead into the atmosphere, contaminating the entire Roman Empire. This was followed by a decrease in pollution during the Antonine Plague outbreak from 165 to 180 CE.

To assess the level of lead exposure, the researchers analyzed three Arctic ice core samples, which offered precise records of historical pollution levels. Using atmospheric modeling, the team was able to estimate the concentration of lead in Europe 2,000 years ago. They then applied modern epidemiological techniques to link these pollution levels to blood lead levels in children, which are associated with cognitive decline.

Joe McConnell, a research professor at DRI and lead author of the study, explained, “What we set out to do is to try to understand how significant lead poisoning was from this background of air pollution and what its health effects might have been.” The research suggests that lead exposure during the Roman Empire could have led to measurable reductions in IQ, particularly affecting brain development in children.

The study’s findings underscore the ongoing risks of lead exposure, which the World Health Organization (WHO) states can cause a variety of health issues, including reduced IQ, learning problems, and behavioral disorders. Even low levels of exposure can lead to anaemia, kidney damage, hypertension, and reproductive issues.

While the researchers focused on the direct inhalation of lead, they noted that exposure could also have occurred through other means, such as utensils, paint, and cosmetics. McConnell remarked that the findings highlight the far-reaching impact of human industrial activities, even in ancient times, and emphasize the continued need for environmental cleanup efforts.

“The two-and-a-half to three-point decline in IQ may not sound like much, but when it applies to the entire population, it’s a pretty big deal,” McConnell added, stressing the importance of understanding the long-term health impacts of pollution.

Health

Belgium’s Food Agency Issues Warning After Ghent Suggests Eating Christmas Trees

Published

49 minutes ago

January 8, 2025

RTX

The Belgian Federal Food Agency (FASFC) has issued an unusual warning urging people not to consume their Christmas trees, following a campaign by the city of Ghent encouraging residents to recycle pine needles in recipes. The campaign, which suggested using pine needles in cooking to reduce waste, has raised health concerns.

Last week, Ghent’s local authorities launched an initiative to promote sustainability after the holiday season. One of the suggestions was to repurpose pine needles from Christmas trees to create flavored butter and soups, inspired by traditional Scandinavian recipes. The city posted on its website explaining that in Scandinavia, pine needles are harvested from tree branches, briefly boiled, strained, and dried before being used to make spruce needle butter for bread or toast.

“In Scandinavia, they have been doing it for a long time: picking the needles from the branches, briefly immersing them in boiling water, pouring them through a sieve, and drying them on a clean cloth,” the post read. “Once the needles are dry, you can make delicious spruce needle butter with them.”

However, the FASFC quickly responded with a seasonal health warning. The agency cautioned that Christmas trees are not intended for consumption and pointed out that many trees are treated with pesticides, chemicals, and potentially harmful flame retardants. “What’s more, there is no easy way for consumers to tell if Christmas trees have been treated with flame retardant — and not knowing that could have serious, even fatal consequences,” the agency said in a statement.

The FASFC emphasized that there is no way to guarantee the safety of eating Christmas trees, either for humans or animals. As a result, Ghent’s local council removed the post from its Facebook page and updated the heading on its website from “Eat your Christmas tree” to “Scandinavians eat their Christmas trees.” A new warning was also added, clarifying that “not all Christmas trees are edible” and cautioning people not to confuse them with yew trees, which are toxic.

While the initial campaign was aimed at encouraging recycling and reducing waste, the controversy has sparked a debate over the safety of using Christmas trees in food. The FASFC’s warning has led to a renewed focus on the potential risks associated with the chemicals used in the production and treatment of Christmas trees, reminding people to think carefully before attempting any unconventional culinary uses.

Health

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Recovering from Pneumonia in Hanover

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2025

RTX

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is recovering at her home in Hanover after being diagnosed with pneumonia, her spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.

Von der Leyen, 66, has cancelled her public engagements for the first half of January as she focuses on her recovery. “Pneumonia is a serious illness and needs to be treated as such, and that is what the President is doing,” said Paula Pinho, the European Commission spokesperson.

Despite her condition, von der Leyen continues to oversee her duties remotely. “She is keeping the business running from Hanover, and there is no need to appoint a temporary replacement,” Pinho added.

Cancelled Engagements

The illness prompted the cancellation of the College of Commissioners’ informal meeting in Gdańsk, originally scheduled under Poland’s Presidency of the European Council, which began its term on January 1. A new date for the meeting has yet to be announced by Polish officials.

Pneumonia and Its Risks

Pneumonia, an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, is particularly concerning for individuals in higher-risk groups, including those over 65. Von der Leyen’s age places her in this category, noted Tiago Villanueva, a family physician and president of the European Union of General Practitioners.

“Winter is a critical time, and we prioritize vaccinating people over 60–65 against flu, as pneumonia often arises as a complication of the flu,” Villanueva explained. Weakened immune systems and pre-existing conditions can increase the severity of pneumonia in older adults.

Symptoms and Treatment

Common symptoms of pneumonia include persistent coughing, which may produce green, yellow, or bloody mucus, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing. Fatigue, loss of appetite, and confusion are also possible, particularly in older individuals.

The illness varies in severity. While younger and healthier individuals typically experience milder symptoms, elderly patients often require hospitalization for treatments like intravenous antibiotics or oxygen therapy. “Most cases can be managed in general wards, but winter pneumonia frequently drives up hospital admissions,” Villanueva noted.

Continued Leadership

As von der Leyen recovers, her ability to continue working remotely underscores her commitment to maintaining continuity within the European Commission. Officials are optimistic about her return to full capacity in the coming weeks, with her spokesperson emphasizing the importance of her prioritizing health to resume her demanding schedule.

This winter season has seen increased pressures on healthcare systems across Europe, highlighting the importance of preventative measures and timely medical care for illnesses like pneumonia.