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- Why in News?
- The Kerala Health Minister has confirmed that 425 individuals have been identified and placed under observation as contacts in connection with the recent Nipah virus scare across the state.
- About Nipah Virus:
- Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus that spreads from animals—particularly fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family—to humans. Transmission can also occur via contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact. Infections may be asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms, but in severe cases, NiV can lead to acute respiratory issues and fatal brain inflammation (encephalitis).
- Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, cough, and sore throat. Neurological complications may arise rapidly, including disorientation, seizures, and coma, often resulting in death within days. The case fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%, influenced by the virus strain and access to healthcare.
- No vaccines or specific treatments exist for NiV. First detected in Malaysia in 1998, outbreaks have since occurred in India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Singapore. The WHO lists NiV as a high-priority pathogen due to its pandemic potential.
- Why in News?
- Each July, Sarcoma Awareness Month highlights the importance of understanding sarcoma—a rare and often overlooked group of cancers that can affect people of all ages.
- About Sarcoma:
- Sarcoma refers to a diverse group of cancers that develop in the body’s connective tissues, including bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and deep layers of skin. It is broadly categorized into two types: soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas, with over 70 known subtypes, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.
- Common soft tissue sarcomas include liposarcoma (fat), leiomyosarcoma (smooth muscle), and angiosarcoma (blood vessels), while bone sarcomas include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. Sarcomas often begin as painless lumps, which can lead to delayed diagnosis.
- Risk factors include genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, prior radiation exposure, contact with harmful chemicals, and chronic lymphedema. While soft tissue sarcomas are more prevalent in adults, bone sarcomas often affect children and young adults. Though sarcomas make up only 1% of adult and 15% of pediatric cancers, early detection remains vital due to their aggressive nature.
- Why in News?
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has established a Van Dhan Vikas Kendra at Dugong Creek for the Onge tribe under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan. This initiative aims to promote self-reliance among the Onges by supporting coconut-based livelihoods.
- About the Onge Tribe:
- The Onges are one of India’s most ancient and isolated tribes, belonging to the Negrito racial group. Traditionally semi-nomadic, they inhabit Little Andaman Island and rely heavily on forest and marine resources for survival. Their belief system is rooted in animism, with a spiritual connection to natural elements. The Onges have no written script and speak their own unique language. Cultural practices include body painting and chewing bark to redden their teeth, as white teeth are seen as a sign of death.
- Historically, their population has declined drastically—from 670 in 1900 to fewer than 100 today—due to disease, colonization, and infertility. Resettled in Dugong Creek in 1976, they now live in a small reserve and share the island with settlers. This new initiative is a step toward empowering their dwindling community economically while preserving their cultural identity.