Health Guide

  It starts like the flu — fever, headache, muscle aches. But within days, it can become a life-threatening emergency. Hantavirus is back in the spotlight, and here's what you should know. Key facts Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. People usually get infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva. Infection with hantaviruses can cause a range of illnesses, including severe disease and death. In the Americas, hantaviruses can cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a severe respiratory illness, with a case fatality rate up to 50%. Andes  virus, found in South America, is a currently known hantavirus for which limited human‑to‑human transmission among contacts has been documented. In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). What exactly is hantavirus? Hantavirus isn't new — it's a family of viruses carried by rodents worldwide....

Measles in Neonates: A Hidden Indicator of Immunization Gaps.  Measles is often seen as a childhood disease—but what happens when it affects those who haven’t even had the chance to be protected? Neonates are among the most vulnerable. Too young for routine vaccination, they rely entirely on maternal antibodies and the strength of community immunity. When a newborn contracts measles, it is rarely just an isolated clinical event—it is a warning sign. A signal that something, somewhere in the immunization chain, has failed. In many low-resource and rural settings, I’ve witnessed firsthand how gaps in maternal immunization, limited antenatal care access, and missed vaccination opportunities create silent pathways for infection. These are not just system failures—they are missed chances to protect life at its very beginning. Neonatal measles often presents severely, with higher risks of complications, hospitalization, and even death. Yet, it remains under-discussed ...

🩺 Tonsillitis vs Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths) 🔴 What is Tonsillitis? Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by infection (viral or bacterial). 📌 How it starts Infection enters through the mouth or nose Tonsils (immune tissue) try to fight it This leads to swelling, redness, and pain ⚠️ Causes Viruses (most common) – cold, flu, adenovirus Bacteria – especially Streptococcus (strep throat) Spread through: Coughing/sneezing, Close contact, Sharing utensils 🧾 Symptoms Severe sore throat, Painful swallowing Fever, Red, swollen tonsils, White patches or pus Swollen neck lymph nodes, Bad breath (sometimes) Headache, fatigue 💊 Management Supportive care (most cases): Rest, Warm fluids Paracetamol / ibuprofen Saltwater gargles If bacterial (strep): Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, amoxicillin) Severe/recurrent cases: ENT referral, Possible tonsillectomy ⚪ What are Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)? Tonsil stones are small, hard deposits that form in t...

🔔 Health Alert: Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (Marburg) in Southern Ethiopia Health authorities and the WHO have confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease in the Southern Region of Ethiopia. Teams are already on the ground supporting treatment, contact tracing, and prevention. 🩺 What to Know Marburg virus is a highly infectious pathogen that causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) — a severe form of viral haemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola. It belongs to the filovirus family. 🧬 How It Spreads: Spread happens through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. ■ Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects ■ Prolonged exposure to caves or mines inhabited by Rousettus fruit bats (natural reservoir) ■ Funeral practices involving direct body contact "It does not spread through the air like the flu". 🩺 Symptoms (Usually Start 2–21 Days After Exposure) Early symptoms:  ■ Sudden high fever,  ■ severe headache,  ■ muscle aches. Progressive symptoms: ■ Vomiting ■ Diarrhea...

“Diabetes is serious, but with early care, you can live a long and healthy life.” Diabetes mellitus , sometimes known as diabetes, is a long-term health condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar (glucose). This happens as a result of the body either does not produce enough insulin or ineffectively uses insulin.   Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing global health challenges , affecting millions every year. Many people live with diabetes without knowing it until complications become serious.  But the good news is early detection and simple lifestyle choices can prevent most cases of Type 2 diabetes. Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose enter the cells to provide energy. When insulin doesn’t work well, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar. How is Diabetes and Well-being connected? The first thing that needs to be understood is that diabetes is not simply about managing sugar levels in the blood or taking medicine without...

On World Polio Day, Somalia Reaffirms Its Commitment to Ending Polio Mogadishu, October 24 – Health officials, medical workers, and international partners gathered at Banadir Hospital on Thursday to commemorate World Polio Day, reaffirming their commitment to eradicating the debilitating disease from Somalia. The event, organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with global health agencies, focused on raising awareness about the importance of vaccination and recognizing the tireless efforts of frontline health workers who deliver life-saving vaccines to children across the country. Speakers at the ceremony underscored the progress Somalia has made in reducing polio cases but warned that continuous effort is needed to protect every child. They also highlighted the crucial role of community engagement in ensuring vaccination campaigns reach even the most remote areas. “Polio eradication remains a national priority,” said Dr. Mariam Mohamed, Deputy Minister of Health. “We deeply ...