Bangladesh is facing a devastating measles outbreak that has reportedly killed more than 1,000 children since March, according to health officials. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) recorded 1,002 deaths and 187,484 measles infections among children, making the outbreak one of the country’s deadliest in decades. The crisis has highlighted gaps in vaccination coverage, leaving children who missed immunisation particularly vulnerable to the highly contagious disease. The outbreak is also placing growing pressure on Bangladesh’s healthcare system. The scale of infections and deaths has renewed concerns over declining or incomplete vaccine coverage and the continuing threat posed by preventable diseases. Authorities face the challenge of containing transmission while protecting vulnerable children from further deaths. (PC: X/@DailySabah)

Deaths linked to second-hand smoke in India have increased by nearly 50% since 1990, according to a new study published in The Lancet Public Health. The study estimated that 325,600 people died from illnesses linked to passive smoking in 2023. About 444 million Indians were exposed to second-hand smoke that year. Passive smoking is linked to serious diseases, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and COPD. Children are especially at risk. Researchers said smoke-free homes, workplaces and public places can help reduce exposure. They also called for greater awareness, stronger tobacco controls and better support to help people quit smoking.  

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated Bhutan for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, making it the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve the milestone. Bhutan has recorded zero rabies deaths since 2023, following more than a decade of sustained investment in a One Health approach integrating human, animal and environmental health. The achievement offers a potential blueprint for the global goal of ending human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. The validation followed a rigorous assessment by a regional Dossier Review Group convened by WHO with support from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), including a joint field mission conducted in Bhutan from August 17 to 22, 2026. (PC: The Print)

Delhi has reported more than 2,300 cases of H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, prompting the Directorate of Education to issue a precautionary advisory for all government, government-aided and recognised private schools. Schools have been asked to watch for symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, body ache, headache and breathing difficulty. The advisory calls for regular handwashing, proper cough etiquette, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and adequate ventilation. Students and staff have also been warned against self-medication. The Directorate said there is no need for panic and asked officials to monitor compliance, with a consolidated report due by August 31, 2026. (PC: X)

Delhi has reported 2,308 cases of H1N1 and other variants, along with 650 flu cases, as authorities step up monitoring of the situation. Health Minister Pankaj Singh said there was “no reason to panic” and described the situation as completely under control. He said around 3,000 patients, including those infected with H1N1 A and B strains, had received treatment, recovered and returned home. Government hospitals have adequate beds, doctors and medicines, he added. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also held a comprehensive review meeting. Meanwhile, around 2,200 dengue cases had been detected as of Monday. Officials from civic bodies and Delhi Cantonment were involved in assessing the situation and measures to prevent further spread.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has urged people not to panic over rising H1N1 cases in Delhi-NCR. ICMR chief Dr Rajiv Bahl said there is no new or unusually dangerous strain of influenza in India. H1N1, also known as swine flu, is now a common seasonal virus. Most infections are mild and improve on their own. People with flu symptoms should rest, drink enough fluids and avoid close contact with others. Bahl advised people to seek medical help if they face breathing problems or chest pain. He also said antivirals should be taken only on medical advice.

Delhi has issued a public health advisory following a sharp rise in H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, and other influenza cases. The capital has recorded more than 1,777 H1N1 cases this year, including 114 new infections in a single day, while overall Influenza-A cases have crossed 2,300. Authorities have intensified surveillance and hospital preparedness to manage the seasonal surge. Residents have been advised to maintain respiratory hygiene, wear masks in crowded places, avoid close contact with symptomatic people and seek medical attention promptly if flu-like symptoms develop. Vulnerable groups are urged to exercise extra caution.

Moderna’s shares surged dramatically after the US biotechnology company announced positive results from a late-stage clinical trial of its personalized melanoma vaccine, developed in partnership with Merck. The mRNA-based treatment is designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The successful Phase 3 outcome marks a significant development for personalized cancer vaccines and boosted investor confidence in Moderna’s oncology pipeline. The company’s shares nearly tripled following the announcement, according to the Financial Times. However, detailed survival data and the full clinical results have not yet been publicly disclosed, meaning further regulatory review and analysis will be required. 

Moderna’s shares surged nearly 177% after the US biotechnology company and Merck announced positive results from a late-stage trial of their personalised mRNA cancer vaccine. The Phase 3 study involved 1,137 melanoma patients whose tumours had been surgically removed but who remained at high risk of recurrence. The experimental treatment, intismeran autogene, was administered alongside Merck’s immunotherapy Keytruda. The companies said the combination met key trial goals, reducing the risk of melanoma returning or spreading compared with Keytruda alone. The results represent a major milestone for personalised cancer treatment and renewed investor confidence in Moderna’s mRNA technology. (PC: India Today)

Moderna and Merck's personalised mRNA cancer vaccine has shown promising results in a late-stage trial involving patients with high-risk melanoma. The treatment, called intismeran autogene, was tested with Merck's immunotherapy drug Keytruda after patients underwent surgery.   The Phase 3 trial included 1,137 patients with stage IIB to IV melanoma. The combination met its main goal of improving recurrence-free survival and also reduced the risk of the cancer spreading compared with Keytruda alone.   No new safety concerns were reported. Detailed results are expected at a medical meeting, while the companies prepare to discuss possible regulatory approval. (PC: India Today)