A suspected norovirus outbreak has struck passengers aboard the P&O cruise ship Iona, sailing off the coast of Belgium. The ship, which departed Southampton, UK, on February 15, 2025, for a seven-day Northern Europe voyage, saw multiple passengers falling ill. One traveler described people "dropping like flies" due to severe vomiting and diarrhea. The ship visited ports including Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Zeebrugge. P&O Cruises said enhanced sanitation measures were in place. Health authorities are monitoring the situation, and affected passengers have been isolated to prevent further spread.

Shi Zhengli, a leading Chinese virologist known as "Batwoman," is renowned for her research on bat coronaviruses. She played a crucial role in identifying SARS-like viruses and linking them to bats, particularly at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Her studies raised debates about virus origins and pandemic preparedness. The new discovery further emphasizes her work in tracking zoonotic diseases.  

Chinese researchers have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, capable of binding to the human ACE2 receptor, similar to SARS-CoV-2. Led by virologist Shi Zhengli, the study involved scientists from Wuhan and Guangzhou and was published in Cell. The virus, linked to the MERS subgenus, was found in Japanese pipistrelle bats. Researchers warn of possible animal-to-human transmission but stress its binding efficiency to human receptors is lower than SARS-CoV-2. Scientists caution against exaggerating the risk but highlight the potential for spillover through intermediate hosts.

India is facing a Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Pune, with 160 reported cases since January. The rare disorder, which attacks the nervous system, has resulted in 5 suspected deaths, while 48 patients remain in intensive care and 21 are on ventilators. Health officials traced the outbreak to the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, commonly linked to contaminated poultry and water. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with authorities to monitor cases and analyze trends. Special hospital wards have been set up, and officials urge people to avoid undercooked poultry and drink boiled water to prevent further infections.

A 51-year-old cattle breeder, Mohanbhai, died of Congo fever in Jamnagar, Gujarat. He was admitted on January 21 and passed away on January 27. Tests confirmed the virus, marking the first reported case in five years. The health department has increased surveillance in his area and urged residents to maintain hygiene. Congo fever spreads through ticks, infected animals, or contact with an infected person's fluids. Symptoms include fever, rashes, and dizziness. The virus has a 40% mortality rate and no vaccine. Health officials have warned locals to take precautions to prevent further infections.

A second case of bird flu in a human has been found in England. The person caught the H5N1 virus on a farm in the West Midlands. They had contact with infected birds. Health experts say such cases are very rare and the risk to the public is low. The patient is in hospital but is doing well. No human-to-human spread has been found. All infected birds on the farm have been culled. Bird flu cases in birds are rising, and strict rules are in place. People are urged not to touch sick or dead birds and report them quickly.

Scientists at the University of Oxford and GSK are developing a vaccine to stop cancer up to 20 years before it develops. The vaccine targets pre-cancerous cells, using advancements in detecting early cancer signs. GSK will invest £50 million in the research, which aims to identify and attack cancer-prone cells. Professor Sarah Blagden said cancers take years to form, and this vaccine could "detect the undetectable." Over 385,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer annually, with 167,000 deaths. This breakthrough could change the future of cancer prevention and save countless lives.

Maharashtra has reported its first death due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), with 101 cases recorded, predominantly in Pune. Of these, 81 are from Pune Municipal Corporation, 14 from Pimpri-Chinchwad, and 6 from other districts. GBS, a rare neurological disorder causing muscle weakness and paralysis, has prompted the state to deploy rapid response teams and increase surveillance. Water samples are being tested for biological and chemical analysis. The Union Health Ministry has sent a team to assess the outbreak. Authorities urge private practitioners to report GBS cases while ramping up health promotion activities across affected areas.

Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of exposing users to cancer-causing "forever chemicals" in its Watch bands. The lawsuit, filed in California, claims that certain Apple Watch bands, including the Sport Band and Ocean Band, contain high levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are linked to cancer and fertility issues. The lawsuit alleges Apple knowingly concealed this information, despite marketing its products as health-promoting. The plaintiffs seek an injunction to stop the sale of the bands and monetary penalties. Apple maintains that its products are safe and undergo rigorous testing.

China has found a cluster of infections caused by a new mpox strain, clade Ib. The outbreak began with a foreigner who had visited the Democratic Republic of Congo. Four others caught the virus after close contact. Symptoms include mild skin rashes and blisters. Mpox spreads through close contact and can cause flu-like symptoms. Though often mild, it can rarely be fatal. China has declared mpox a Category B disease, allowing strict control measures. The World Health Organization had declared mpox a global health emergency last year, with outbreaks spreading from Congo to other countries in Africa and now Asia.