India ranks second globally in hepatitis B and C cases after China, according to the World Health Organization's 2024 Global Hepatitis Report. With over 3.5 lakh cases in 2022, India accounted for 11.6% of the global disease burden that year. Chronic hepatitis B infection contributes to 40-50% of liver cancer cases and 20-30% of cirrhosis cases in India. Despite vaccine availability since 2002, only 2.4% of infected individuals in India have received diagnosis coverage. Urgent action is needed to address the rising mortality rates and improve vaccination coverage to combat the hepatitis epidemic.

28-year-old Dutch woman, Zoraya ter Beek, will be euthanized in May due to severe depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. Despite love for her boyfriend and two cats, doctors deemed her condition untreatable, prompting her decision. Once aspiring to be a psychiatrist, ter Beek expressed her inability to continue living if her condition didn't improve. Living in a Dutch village near Germany, her case sparks debate on euthanasia for mental health issues. Ter Beek's story sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals with complex mental health conditions, highlighting the need for further discussion and support.

Experts raise alarm over the rapid spread potential of H5N1 bird flu, fearing a death toll "100 times worse than the Covid pandemic." Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi emphasizes the virus's ability to infect various mammals, including humans, prompting calls for readiness. Recent cases of human transmission amplify concerns, with H5N1's high mortality rate compared to Covid-19. The virus, primarily spread by poultry, poses severe respiratory risks, with a fatality rate exceeding 50%. Urgent global attention is warranted, as warnings signal a looming pandemic threat with dire consequences.            

Certain contraceptive injections containing progestogens, like Depo-Provera, may increase the risk of meningioma, a rare brain tumour, according to new research. The study urges caution but advises against discontinuing birth control without consulting a doctor. While the risk is elevated, experts stress the importance of considering the benefits of contraception. Pfizer, manufacturer of Depo-Provera, acknowledges the risk and is updating product information. Observational study limitations prevent conclusive causation, emphasizing the need for further investigation. Patients experiencing symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for guidance on treatment adjustments.

Indian pharmaceutical giant Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has introduced Versavo (bevacizumab), a biosimilar of Roche’s cancer drug Avastin, in the United Kingdom. Versavo, indicated for various cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer, was initially launched in India in 2019. Its expansion into the UK market highlights Dr. Reddy’s commitment to providing global access to high-quality biosimilar products. Jayanth Sridhar, global head of biologics at Dr. Reddy’s, emphasized the significance of the launch, signaling the company's focus on oncology and meeting the unmet needs of patients worldwide.

In a new study, vaping is found to cause DNA changes akin to smoking, posing potential health risks. The research, published in Cancer Research, reveals epigenetic alterations in cells exposed to e-cigarette vapor, highlighting the need for further investigation into vaping's long-term effects. While not conclusive of cancer risk equivalence, the findings underscore potential health impacts. Experts urge caution, emphasizing the study's limitations and the necessity for more comprehensive data analysis to determine vaping's comparative risk profile. The study prompts a broader discussion on e-cigarette use and its potential health implications.

A shigellosis outbreak has hit attendees of Victoria's Esoteric Festival, causing gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea and fever. The Department of Health confirms 230 reported cases. Shigellosis spreads through infected faeces and poses severe risks, especially to young children and the elderly. Festivalgoers are urged to get tested immediately if experiencing symptoms. Health officials warn of potential spread as patrons return home. Those working in sensitive sectors like food handling or healthcare should refrain from work until advised. The festival, held from March 8th to 12th in Donald, Victoria, prompts a call for vigilance and precautionary measures.

The FDA greenlights Rezdiffra (resmetirom) as the first drug to tackle nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe liver condition affecting millions in the U.S. NASH results from liver inflammation due to excess fat, often leading to scarring and dysfunction. Rezdiffra targets liver damage directly, offering hope alongside diet and exercise for NASH patients with notable scarring. Roughly 6-8 million Americans suffer from moderate to advanced NASH. The drug's mechanism involves reducing liver fat accumulation, albeit with common side effects like diarrhea and nausea. However, caution is advised for patients with cirrhosis, emphasizing vigilance for worsening liver function.

Eight children and an adult died on Pemba Island, Zanzibar, after consuming sea turtle meat, a local delicacy causing periodic chelonitoxism, a fatal food poisoning. The mother of one deceased child also succumbed. Seventy-eight others were hospitalized. Laboratory tests confirmed the cause. Zanzibar authorities, responding to a similar incident in November 2021, dispatched a disaster management team, advising against turtle consumption.

The Tata Institute in Mumbai has unveiled a groundbreaking cancer treatment tablet priced at just Rs 100. Named 'R+Cu', the tablet claims to prevent cancer recurrence and reduce treatment side effects by 50%. Pending approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, it could hit the market by June-July. With pro-oxidant properties containing resveratrol and copper, the tablet aims to inhibit cancer cell movement and destroy chromatin particles. This development holds promise for affordable and effective cancer treatment, potentially revolutionizing oncology practices.