Latest news with #mumps
CTV News
21-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
47 more measles cases reported in Alberta over weekend
Vials of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are seen in this file photo. Alberta confirmed 47 more measles cases over the weekend, bringing the year's total to 1,454. Of the new cases, most were counted in the north and south health zones, which have far outpaced other zones in case counts. Each added 22. Two were also confirmed in Edmonton and one in Calgary. As of the updated data on Monday, a total of 23 cases were still communicable. On Sunday, three people were hospitalized with measles.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Gogglebox's Daniel Lustig-Webb reveals life changing health diagnosis for the first time
GOGGLEBOX'S Daniel Lustig-Webb has revealed a life changing health diagnosis for the first time. Daniel, 50, known for his five-year run on the Channel 4 show, has told fans that he's been completely deaf in one ear since childhood. 5 The TV personality said his hearing loss is a result of mumps he contracted in his youth, which caused an infection that left him with permanent hearing loss in one ear. He explained that for years he kept it a secret due to insecurity and fear of being seen as 'different' or less capable. Daniel said: 'I've been half deaf since I was a child. I got mumps when I was younger, which caused an infection in my ear, and that left me with complete and permanent hearing loss in one ear. "For years, I hid it. I didn't want people to see me as 'different' or less capable. "At school, it was tough, I was often picked on and teachers told me I was 'thick' because I struggled to concentrate, not realising it was because I couldn't hear properly. "It made me really insecure. I thought I was just failing.' Daniel described the social challenges caused by his deafness, explaining: 'Going out with friends, trying to join in conversations at parties, it's exhausting. "You end up guessing what people say or pretending you hear it all. I'd mimic the conversation, hoping no one noticed. But it takes a toll. I've had to learn to listen differently, and sometimes I just switch off.' Following his 50th birthday, Daniel decided to embrace his diagnosis as part of a new chapter in his life. After leaving Gogglebox in 2023 and going through a divorce with OG star Stephen, he has focused on fitness, wellbeing, and self-acceptance. Gogglebox fans go wild as Stephen Lustig-Webb and his ex Daniel reunite just weeks after their shock split Daniel said: 'I feel ready to be open about it. At 50, I feel like it's finally time to stop hiding and to be proud of who I am. "I'm planning to begin learning sign language because I want to connect with the deaf community and support others who might be struggling like I did. Deafness isn't a weakness, it's part of me.' Hearing loss affects nearly 11 million people in the UK, approximately one in six adults. Daniel hopes his openness will help break down the stigma surrounding deafness. He said: 'I want to help break down the myths around deafness. It's not just about the sounds you can't hear, it's about the isolation, the frustration, the way it shapes your world. 5 5 "I've seen how people dismiss deafness because it's 'invisible'. But it's real. It's part of millions of lives. And it should be talked about openly, without shame.' Back in October, Daniel revealed he was back dating again since his marriage split – but admitted there's one thing a new partner will have to 'tolerate.' Daniel told The Sun: 'I was dating someone - if you can even call it that – we went on four dates in London, and it was really fun. 'But that was literally the first guy I dated since the split, so it was a bit of a learning curve. 'We were very similar in age though, we had a lot in common, it was very nice and we had a lot of fun.' But Daniel confessed things between the two of them 'dried up' romantically. The TV star, who said he'd be more than keen to give Celebs Go Dating a go, said people haven't really clocked on to his Gogglebox fame. Asked if he was worried people would swipe right because they'd seen him on the show, Daniel shared: 'The people I have chatted to or met haven't mentioned it on the first or second date, and if they sort of slip it in, I think 'Oh, that's quite cool.' You know what I mean. I don't want dating to be like an interview.' And the single star said he was trying his hardest not to be picky on his dating quest, sometimes unsuccessfully. Daniel added: 'I've been quite open, actually, because in the past I'd be like 'they must be this age, 'they must look like this. But now my age bracket is more open than it used to be. So that's interesting. 'To be honest, I'm not too picky but then when I meet them I can really be picky. Deafness What is deafness? Deafness is a partial or complete loss of the ability to hear. It can affect one or both ears. Causes: Common causes include aging, exposure to loud noise, infections, genetics, or injury. Types: Conductive: Problem with outer or middle ear. Sensorineural: Damage to inner ear or nerve pathways. Mixed: Combination of both. Signs to watch for: Difficulty following conversations, asking others to repeat, turning up volume loud. Treatment options: Hearing aids, cochlear implants, surgery, or therapy — depending on the cause and severity. Did you know? Over 11 million people in the UK suffer some form of hearing loss. Quick tip: Protect your ears from loud noise — use earplugs at concerts and keep volume low on headphones. 'I also don't like all the texting on the apps, I don't want a pen friend!' And the show favourite shared that anyone he dates will also have to accept that he and ex Stephen are still good friends. Daniel playfully added: 'It's something people will just have to put up with. We're business partners and also dog daddy's as we share a dog together. 'When I met Stephen I was still pals with my ex, and he took that on the chin. 'You don't have to be really good friends with these people but you have to respect it. It's some Louis Vuitton baggage!' Daniel doesn't want to 'live on the apps' when it comes to meeting someone knew, instead saying he prefers a more traditional way of going about things. 'I'd like to meet someone out, strolling along the beach with my dog or in a bar, like how it used to be. 'If a friend set me up on a date I'd have to put the parameters out there, and if they got it wrong I'd probably never speak to my friend again!' Despite Daniel's hunt for romance, the star has been busy juggling owning two hair salon businesses, alongside a life in the spotlight as a TV personality. He's recently appeared on The Weakest Link, and shares his desire to one day take to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor, but 'doesn't feel famous at all.' Daniel added: 'If we're not filming anything or doing anything like life is just the same as everyone elses. 'I'm going out on the beach picking up the dog poo in the rain. I've got to run to get in my car quickly to get to work so I'm not late, you know, living the same life as everyone else.' And on a Gogglebox return? Well, Daniel said 'never say never.' 5 5
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MRNA, PFE Stocks Jump Despite FDA's Stricter Standards for COVID-19 Shots
Shares of prominent COVID-19 vaccine-makers Moderna MRNA, Pfizer PFE and BioNTech BNTX rose yesterday after the FDA issued new guidance for COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Although the agency continues to approve boosters based on immune response data for adults 65 and older, it has tightened the standards for individuals aged 6 months to 64 years. Those at high risk within this age group remain eligible under the immunogenicity-based standard, but healthy individuals will now require evidence from randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies demonstrating real-world benefit. As part of the post-marketing requirements, vaccine-makers seeking approval for use in high-risk populations must also conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled study in healthy individuals aged 50 to 64. Per the FDA, this age group presents a key area of scientific uncertainty and 'global equipoise' around the benefits of repeated annual boosters. The agency stated that the preferred primary endpoint for such clinical studies will be symptomatic COVID-19, while secondary endpoints should include severe disease, hospitalization and death. Shares of several vaccine makers, including Moderna, BioNTech and Pfizer, surged on Tuesday. Though the revised policy restricts booster eligibility for healthy individuals under 65, it also signals long-term demand by reaffirming vaccine access for a substantial high-risk population. Moderna and BioNTech were the biggest gainers from this surge, soaring 6% and 4%, respectively, on Tuesday. Pfizer stock climbed over 2%. Investor optimism was likely driven by the FDA's estimate that 100 to 200 million Americans, including seniors and individuals with underlying conditions, remain eligible for yearly COVID-19 boosters. The policy shift comes amid persistently low uptake of COVID-19 boosters in recent seasons. According to the CDC, fewer than 25% of Americans received boosters in each of the past two years. The vaccine uptake was especially low among children under 12 (below 10%) and healthcare workers; fewer than one-third participated in the 2023-2024 fall program. Per the FDA, the hesitancy in COVID-19 immunizations is also affecting other key immunization programs, including the measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine. Against this backdrop, the agency's updated framework aims to restore confidence in vaccines by requiring stronger evidence for booster use in healthy populations while maintaining protection for those at the highest risk. The updated framework also aims to align U.S. policy with the global consensus, which generally limits routine booster recommendations to older adults and those at higher risk, rather than adopting a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Pfizer Inc. (PFE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) : Free Stock Analysis Report BioNTech SE Sponsored ADR (BNTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles case confirmed in Kentucky amid virus outbreak in U.S.
Public health officials have confirmed a case of measles in Kentucky amid ongoing outbreaks in multiple states. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services said a Frankfort resident recently traveled internationally to an area with an ongoing measles outbreak and returned home while still infectious, even visiting a Planet Fitness location. In a news release, officials said they are working to identify and contact anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. The last confirmed case of measles in Kentucky was in 2023. Measles − a highly contagious respiratory virus known to cause serious health complications in young children − is an airborne illness that can survive up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, officials said. Early symptoms typically begin eight to 12 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. 'Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world,' Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said in a release. 'Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy.' Kentucky isn't the first state to have a case of measles this year. More than 100 people were infected in a fast-growing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, USA TODAY reported, including a child who succumbed to the virus in the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. Officials say anyone exposed to the virus but who has not been vaccinated should quarantine for 12 days after exposure and immediately contact a doctor once symptoms develop. 'If you have been exposed to measles (and) are going to see a health care practitioner, it is important to call the facility to make them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms prior to entering so that others are not exposed,' Stack said. More information about measles can be found at the Kentucky Department for Public Health's website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Measles confirmed in Kentucky amid outbreaks of virus in U.S.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas measles cases are up, and New Mexico now has an outbreak. Here's what you need to know
The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has grown to 58 cases as of Tuesday, and eight people in neighboring eastern New Mexico also have been diagnosed with measles. New Mexico health department spokesman Robert Nott said Tuesday that the agency hadn't 'identified any direct contact" between cases in its state and cases in Texas. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Here's what you should know about how to protect yourself against measles, as well as what's happening in Texas and New Mexico. Where is measles spreading? The West Texas cases are concentrated in Gaines County, which has 45 infections. Terry County to the north has nine confirmed cases, while Lubbock and Lynn counties have a case each and Yoakum County has two. The Texas Department of State Health Services said Monday that 13 people are hospitalized with measles. State health officials say this outbreak is Texas' largest in nearly 30 years. Health department spokeswoman Lara Anton said last week that cases have been concentrated in a 'close-knit, undervaccinated' Mennonite community — especially among families who attend small private religious schools or are homeschooled. The New Mexico cases are in Lea County, which borders Gaines County in Texas. The cases include a family of five that's in isolation, the state health department said Tuesday, but none of those infected have needed to be hospitalized. Six people who have measles are not vaccinated, officials said. New Mexico officials also said people may have been exposed at a grocery store, an elementary school, a church, Nor-Lea Hospital and a Walgreens in Hobbs. What is measles? Measles is a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most kids will recover from the measles if they get it, but infection can lead to dangerous complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death. Is the vaccine safe? Yes, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles infection and severe cases of the disease. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. The vaccine series is required for kids before entering kindergarten in public schools nationwide. Before the vaccine was introduced in 1963, the U.S. saw some 3 million to 4 million cases per year. Now, it's usually fewer than 200 in a normal year. There is no link between the vaccine and autism, despite a now-discredited study and health disinformation. Why do vaccination rates matter? In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called 'herd immunity.' But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots. The U.S. saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 60. Five years earlier, measles cases were the worst in almost three decades in 2019. Gaines County has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged children who opt out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year. Health officials say that number is likely higher because it doesn't include many children who are homeschooled and whose data would not be reported. What are public health officials doing to stop the spread? Health workers are hosting regular vaccination clinic and screening efforts in Texas. They are also working with schools to educate people about the importance of vaccination and offering shots. New Mexico medical providers are being urged to watch for and report measles infections, while state health authorities are attempting to trace and notify people who may have been exposed. The state health department is also doing free vaccination clinics in Hobbs and Lovington this week. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Devi Shastri And Morgan Lee, The Associated Press
