US COVID-19 activity rising steadily Respiratory illness viruses as a whole remain at low levels, but many parts of the countries are experiencing consistent increases in COVID-19 activity, which has been trending upward from very low levels, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its latest updates. CIDRAP

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1 in 10 pregnant women with COVID-19 go on to develop long COVID, study finds A new study suggests that almost 1 in 10 women infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy will go on to develop long COVID. The study was published yesterday in Obstetrics & Gynecology and adds to evidence showing COVID-19 infection posing unique risks to pregnant women.  CIDRAP

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Prior research has shown that pregnant women infected with the virus are more likely to suffer hospitalization and death compared to non-pregnant controls. COVID in pregnancy also leads to a higher risk of stillbirth and preterm birth.

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WHO warns mpox remains global health threat The WHO warned Thursday that mpox remains a global health threat, voicing particular concern at a swelling outbreak of a new deadlier strain of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Science X Medical Xpress

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The World Health Organization said it had received reports of cases from 26 countries in the past month alone....

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Extensive analysis finds migrants at higher risk for COVID-19 globally Refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants were exposed to significantly higher health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic than other population groups. A new study shows a 84% higher risk of ... Science X Medical Xpress

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According to the study, systemic barriers often lead to poorer health outcomes for migrants. These include crowded living conditions, precarious working conditions and limited access to health care and social security.

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Disaster planning for older adults: What to know this hurricane and wildfire season When Hurricane Ian struck southwestern Florida in 2022, it led to the deaths of more than 150 people—the majority of whom were older adults who had heart-related problems, power outage-related accidents, ... Laura Williamson Medical Xpress

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The deaths drove home the importance of evacuating when natural hazards threaten homes and highlighted the complicated nature of doing so for the growing population of adults aging in place.

Landfills belch toxic ‘forever chemicals’ into the air An analysis of samples from three Florida landfills shows that landfill gas can carry more PFAS than the liquid that leaches from the waste. nikkogasa Science News

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Extreme heat waves broiling the US in 2024 aren’t normal: How climate change is heating up weather around the world Global temperatures have averaged at least 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than preindustrial times for over a year. Two scientists explain what that means and what humanity can do. The Conversation

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NATO releases 2024 Climate Change and Security Impact Assessment Report NATO released the Secretary General’s annual Climate Change and Security Impact Assessment on Tuesday (9 July 2024). It notes that accelerating climate change has “a profound impact on Allied security,” and stresses the need for NATO to remain fit for purpose in a rapidly changing environment. NATO NATO

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Study: Long-term post-COVID altered sense of smell in healthcare workers common The authors found that 37% of the COVID-positive group suffered quantitative olfactory dysfunction. CIDRAP

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"Perhaps even more striking, 24% of all tested COVID-19 survivors still experience parosmia 2.6 years after COVID-19 diagnosis, nearly half of which experience medium to severe symptoms," the authors concluded. "Given the length of time, it is possible that these olfactory problems may not be fully reversible in a plurality of individuals."

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