The US is closely monitoring the situation in Russia after a laboratory worker died from pneumonia of unknown origin. The 28-year-old researcher worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. There are concerns she may have been exposed to pneumonic plague. Russian authorities said they found no evidence that her illness was caused by pathogens she worked with. Nearly 200 people who had contact with her are being monitored. A medical facility where she was treated has been placed under quarantine. Her exact cause of death has not been confirmed. Health experts said pneumonic plague can spread through respiratory particles but is treatable.  

A 28-year-old laboratory technician in Russia’s Irkutsk region has died after reportedly contracting suspected pneumonic plague at an anti-plague research institute. Darya Shipilova was hospitalised on September 29 with severe pneumonia and died on October 1 after being placed on a ventilator. Local reports said she may have been exposed to live bacteria after accidentally breaking a test tube while collecting samples. More than 200 people who may have had contact with her have been quarantined and placed under medical observation. Several hospitals and public events were reportedly affected. Authorities said no plague outbreak has been confirmed and urged people to remain calm. (PC: NDTV)

Monosha Biotech, a startup incubated by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, is developing region-specific antivenom using snake venom collected in Bengal. Most commercial Indian antivenoms currently use venom sourced from Tamil Nadu, although venom composition can vary with geography, diet and environment. The startup extracts venom at its Baruipur laboratory and works with Bengal’s forest and health departments. The company plans to supply the venom to pharmaceutical manufacturers, with its first commercial batch expected around 2028. Experts say a Bengal-specific antivenom could address efficacy gaps, particularly in cases involving Russell’s vipers, which account for many serious snakebites in the state. (PC: The Telegraph)

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.