Health News

Research shows surgical masks significantly decrease detectable flu viruses and seasonal coronaviruses in respiratory droplets, highlighting potential benefits for disease prevention during pandemic.

A man in Yunnan, China tested positive for hantavirus, causing widespread public concern about a potential new pandemic. Global Times reported the case, which quickly spread on social media, with some fearing another global health threat while the world still battles COVID-19.

A comprehensive literature review by Karolinska Institutet and McMaster University reveals that cloth face masks offer significant filtration potential. While direct proof requires complex testing, researchers suggest these masks can help reduce coronavirus transmission, supporting their use as a protective measure during pandemic conditions.

The CDC's preliminary data reveals varying COVID-19 fatality rates across age groups. Individuals over 85 show the highest mortality risk, followed by those aged 65-84 years. Dr. Roger Seheult from MedCram discusses the critical findings from the March 18 report on severe outcomes in the United States.

Moderna Inc. has rapidly developed an experimental coronavirus vaccine (mRNA-1273) within six weeks and shipped it to NIAID for initial Phase 1 clinical trials. The vaccine will be tested on 25 healthy adults to assess immune response, with full approval potentially taking up to a year.

The novel coronavirus has exceeded SARS fatalities, with 1,016 deaths reported in mainland China. On February 10, China recorded its highest daily death toll of 108. Health experts continue to emphasize prevention methods and call for decisive measures to control the spread of the virus.

Singapore's government has awarded Arcturus Therapeutics a potentially $10 million grant to develop a unique coronavirus vaccine. The company claims its single-shot solution offers a 30-fold improvement in dosing, utilizing a self-replicating RNA platform in collaboration with Duke University and National University of Singapore.

Global scientists are searching for effective coronavirus treatments. Israeli researchers propose that Angiotensin receptor blockers might offer a promising approach to reducing the aggressiveness and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 virus infections, based on initial observations and existing therapeutic options.

Japanese drugmaker Takeda Pharmaceutical is developing a promising coronavirus treatment using plasma-derived therapy. Researchers are seeking blood samples from recovered or vaccinated individuals to advance their potential cure for COVID-19, aiming to provide new hope in the global fight against the pandemic.

Malaysian hygiene product manufacturers are struggling to meet global demand for disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and rubber gloves amid COVID-19. Supply chain disruptions from China have limited critical ingredient availability, preventing producers from scaling up production to address worldwide needs.