Firefighters are battling 14 wildfires across South Wales as dry conditions continue to raise fire risks. The military has joined efforts to support emergency crews. In Stourbridge, West Midlands, 19 homes were completely destroyed by a major wildfire. Eight families have so far been allowed to view their damaged homes. Another 15 properties suffered partial damage. Most unaffected residents have returned home. The cause of the Stourbridge fire remains unknown. Firefighters say the land is extremely dry and even a small spark can start a fire. Officials have urged people not to use disposable barbecues and to safely put out cigarettes.

Scientists monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have identified mutations in the circulating virus, prompting concerns about whether the changes could affect transmission, disease severity, or the effectiveness of existing countermeasures. Researchers stressed that mutations are a normal part of viral evolution and there is currently no evidence that the virus has become more dangerous. However, they said continued genomic surveillance is essential to detect any significant changes. Health authorities are intensifying testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts as the outbreak continues, while experts closely monitor the virus to ensure existing treatments and vaccines remain effective. (PC: AFP)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 1,800 lives, while frontline health workers have launched protests over months of unpaid wages. Medical staff warn that delayed salaries are undermining treatment efforts, surveillance, and patient care at a critical stage of the outbreak. Demonstrators say many workers have continued risking their lives despite not receiving promised compensation. Health authorities fear the strike could disrupt containment measures and worsen the humanitarian crisis. International agencies continue supporting the response, but officials stress that timely funding and payment of healthcare workers are essential to controlling the epidemic. (PC: AP)

2 people have died in Michigan during a major cyclosporiasis outbreak, marking the first reported deaths linked to the illness this year. Health officials said both had serious underlying health conditions. Michigan has recorded more than 11,200 cases, with 193 hospitalisations. Across the United States, the CDC has identified over 18,000 cases, including thousands still under testing. Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water and can cause severe diarrhoea. Officials are investigating several outbreaks. Part of the outbreak has been linked to recalled iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms. (PC: Reuters)

India has approved QDENGA (TAK-003), the country’s first dengue vaccine, marking a major step in preventing the mosquito-borne disease. Developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, the vaccine protects against all four dengue virus strains and is given in two doses, three months apart. Unlike older dengue vaccines, QDENGA does not require prior dengue infection testing before vaccination. Clinical trials showed strong protection against severe dengue and hospitalisation. While the vaccine’s price and rollout timeline in India are yet to be announced, health experts say it will complement mosquito control, early diagnosis and public awareness efforts. (PC: X)

Andhra Pradesh reported seven new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, taking the state's total infections to 26, the Health Department said. Officials said the fresh cases were detected across different districts and are not linked to any cluster outbreak. Of the total cases, 10 patients are hospitalised, nine are in home isolation, three have recovered and been discharged, while four have died. Authorities said all four deceased patients had pre-existing health conditions. So far, 145 samples have been tested. The new cases include four from Guntur, two from East Godavari and one from Bapatla. Kadapa has reported the highest caseload with eight infections, followed by Guntur with six overall. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's drug regulator has approved Japanese drugmaker Takeda's Qdenga, making it the country's first approved dengue vaccine. The two-dose vaccine, designed for individuals aged 4 to 60, protects against all four dengue virus serotypes and can be administered regardless of prior dengue infection. Takeda expects Qdenga to become available in India during the first half of 2027 through private healthcare settings. In late-stage trials, the vaccine demonstrated 80.2% efficacy against confirmed dengue cases one year after the second dose and 90.4% efficacy against dengue-related hospitalisations after 18 months. Takeda is also partnering with Biological E to expand manufacturing capacity for global supply. (PC: Reuters)

Andhra Pradesh has recorded 12 COVID-19 cases and four deaths since June 26, according to State health officials. Authorities clarified that the fatalities involved elderly patients with serious underlying health conditions, and COVID-19 was not the sole cause of death in every case. Officials emphasized that the current situation remains under control and there is no reason for public panic. Hospitals have been instructed to maintain surveillance, ensure adequate preparedness, and continue testing when necessary. Citizens have been advised to follow basic hygiene practices, seek medical attention if symptomatic, and remain informed through official health updates. (PC: The Hindu)

Scientists at the University of Oxford will soon begin human trials of a new Ebola vaccine in the UK. The vaccine targets the Bundibugyo strain, which is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study will include 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 55. Volunteers are being recruited, and vaccinations will begin after regulatory approval. The vaccine was developed only weeks after the outbreak was declared. More than 1,900 Ebola cases and over 700 deaths have been reported in the DRC. Researchers hope the vaccine will help control the outbreak and protect people from the deadly disease. (PC: Reuters)

India has launched Awiqli, a once-weekly insulin treatment for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, offering a new option to help manage blood sugar levels. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the insulin is designed to reduce the number of injections from 365 to 52 a year, potentially improving treatment adherence and convenience for patients. Doctors say the therapy provides blood sugar control comparable to daily basal insulin while maintaining a similar safety profile. The launch marks a significant step in diabetes care, although patients should use the medication only under medical supervision and follow their doctor's advice.