From Rare Bird Hunt To Outbreak On Cruise: How 'Patient Zero' Caught Hantavirus

A1 Vs A2 Milk: What’s The Real Difference And Which One Is Healthier?

ABP Live Lifestyle — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:28:59 +0530

Milk is considered an essential part of the Indian diet. From morning tea to children’s breakfast and even light dinners, milk is used in almost every household. However, in recent years, the debate around A1 and A2 milk has intensified.

A2 milk is often marketed as a healthier and easier-to-digest option. On the other hand, many people believe it is just a marketing trend. This leaves consumers wondering, what exactly is the difference between A1 and A2 milk, and which one is better for health?

What Are A1 And A2 Milk?

About 80 percent of the total protein in milk comes from casein protein, with beta-casein being a major component. Among its different types, A1 and A2 are the most discussed.

A1 milk contains A1-type beta-casein, while A2 milk contains A2-type beta-casein. Scientists say the difference between the two is just one amino acid, but their effects on the body can vary.

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Which Cows Produce A1 And A2 Milk?

The type of milk largely depends on the breed of the cow. Indigenous Indian breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, and Tharparkar generally produce A2 milk.

In contrast, European breeds like Holstein and Friesian cows tend to produce A1 milk. Most packaged milk available in the market may contain a mix of both A1 and A2 proteins, while A2 milk contains only A2 beta-casein.

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How Does It Affect Digestion?

One of the biggest talking points in the A1 vs A2 debate is digestion. Research suggests that when A1 milk is digested, it produces a peptide called BCM-7 (beta-casomorphin-7). Some scientists link this compound to digestive discomfort.

Experts say that some people may experience gas, bloating, or stomach issues after consuming A1 milk. In contrast, A2 milk produces little to no BCM-7 during digestion, making it easier on the stomach.

Is A2 Milk Healthier?

A2 milk is often claimed to be more compatible with the human body. Some studies link it to better digestion, fewer stomach issues, and improved gut health.

However, experts also clarify that there is still no strong scientific evidence proving that A2 milk is universally better than A1 milk for everyone.

Prateek Yadav Death: How Deadly Is A Lung Blood Clot? The Fatal Lung Condition Behind His Passing

ABP Live Lifestyle — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:16:45 +0530

Prateek Yadav, son of Mulayam Singh Yadav, passed away on the morning of May 13, 2026, in Lucknow. He was 38 years old. Family members rushed him to the Civil Hospital around 6:15 AM, where doctors declared him dead. At the time, his wife and BJP leader Aparna Yadav was not present. Prateek was also the stepbrother of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

A Long-Term Illness

According to reports, Prateek Yadav had been suffering from a serious lung-related illness for a long time. He was undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his lungs. On Wednesday morning, his condition suddenly worsened, and he stopped responding. His family immediately took him to the hospital, but it was too late. His sudden demise has left many shocked.

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How Dangerous Is Blood Clot In The Lungs?

According to health organisation Mayo Clinic, a blood clot in the lungs is considered extremely dangerous. Medically, this condition is known as pulmonary embolism. It occurs when a blood clot formed in the body travels to the lungs and blocks the arteries, disrupting normal blood flow.

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In most cases, the clot originates in the deep veins of the legs and then travels to the lungs. This condition is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Symptoms And Risks

When blood and oxygen flow to the lungs is blocked, it leads to breathing difficulties. Patients may experience:

Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dizziness or fainting
Coughing, sometimes with blood

Doctors warn that this condition can be fatal, as the affected part of the lungs gradually stops functioning, preventing sufficient oxygen from reaching the rest of the body.

How Pulmonary Embolism Is Treated

According to the American Lung Association, timely treatment can be life-saving. Medical care focuses on preventing the clot from growing and stopping new clots from forming.

People at higher risk include those who:

Sit for long periods
Have vein-related conditions
Are overweight
Smoke
Have pre-existing heart or lung diseases

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing fatal outcomes.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

After Hantavirus Panic, France Faces Cruise Ship Health Crisis With Suspected Norovirus, 1,700 Confined

Bharathi SP — Thu, 14 May 2026 08:10:00 +0530

More than 1,700 passengers and crew aboard the cruise ship Ambition have been ordered to remain confined on the vessel in the French port city of Bordeaux after a suspected outbreak of norovirus triggered health concerns among authorities.

The ship, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, arrived in Bordeaux on Tuesday carrying 1,233 passengers, most of them British and Irish travelers. French officials launched precautionary measures after dozens of people onboard reported symptoms linked to gastrointestinal illness.

Health Officials Begin Testing After Illness Cases Surface

According to the cruise operator, 48 passengers and one crew member were actively suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms when the ship docked. French port authorities responded by instructing all passengers and crew to stay onboard while medical teams collected samples for laboratory testing at Bordeaux University Hospital.

The company said enhanced sanitation and preventive measures were introduced immediately after the first cases emerged during the voyage. Officials are now awaiting test results to confirm whether norovirus is responsible for the outbreak.

The Ambition had departed from Belfast on Friday before stopping in Liverpool on Saturday. Company data suggested that the number of reported illnesses increased after the Liverpool boarding.

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Two Passenger Deaths Reported During Voyage

Authorities also confirmed that two elderly British passengers died during the cruise, though officials stressed there was no immediate indication that either death was connected to the gastrointestinal outbreak.

A 92-year-old passenger died on Sunday during the voyage. The cruise company stated that the individual had not reported stomach-related symptoms prior to death, and the exact cause remains under investigation pending a coroner’s report.

French officials separately reported that another 92-year-old British passenger died of cardiac arrest on Monday while the vessel was docked in Brest, Brittany. Authorities emphasized that the death did not appear linked to the illness cases onboard.

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Cruise Ships Remain Vulnerable To Rapid Virus Spread

Cruise liners are particularly susceptible to outbreaks of contagious illnesses because of their enclosed environment and close passenger interaction. Viruses such as norovirus can spread rapidly through shared dining spaces, recreational areas, and cabin facilities.

Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as stomach flu, usually causes vomiting and diarrhea. Though often mild, the illness can become dangerous for elderly passengers due to dehydration-related complications.

Health officials also clarified that gastroenteritis should not be confused with hantavirus, a far more serious disease that rarely spreads between humans and generally requires close exposure for transmission.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already recorded four cruise-related outbreaks in 2024 involving norovirus and E. coli, underscoring ongoing public health concerns surrounding cruise travel.

Prateek Yadav Was Reportedly Suffering From Pulmonary Embolism: Know About This Cardiovascular Condition

ABP Live News — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:45:38 +0530

The sudden demise of Prateek Yadav, son of late former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and Sadhana Gupta, has left many shocked and saddened. According to reports, Prateek Yadav’s health deteriorated late at night, following which he was rushed to Civil Hospital in Lucknow. However, he reportedly passed away before reaching the hospital.

Reports suggest that Prateek Yadav was suffering from pulmonary embolism, a serious cardiovascular condition that can become life-threatening if not treated in time. The news has also drawn attention to this medical condition, its warning signs and the risks associated with it.

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What Is Pulmonary Embolism?

Pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a blood clot blocks blood flow to an artery in the lungs. In most cases, the clot forms in a deep vein in the leg and then travels to the lungs through the bloodstream. This condition is commonly linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the body.

When the clot reaches the lungs and blocks an artery, it can reduce oxygen supply and affect the normal functioning of the lungs and heart. In severe cases, pulmonary embolism can become fatal.

How Does Pulmonary Embolism Occur?

The condition usually begins with blood clots forming in the deep veins, most commonly in the legs. Once the clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs and block blood circulation.

In some rare situations, blockages may also occur due to fat particles from broken bones, air bubbles or even parts of a tumour entering the bloodstream.

Multiple clots can sometimes block different arteries in the lungs at the same time, making it difficult for the body to receive enough oxygen.

Common Symptoms Of Pulmonary Embolism

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism can vary depending on the size of the clot and how much of the lung is affected. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may face sudden and severe complications.

One of the most common symptoms is sudden shortness of breath, which may worsen during physical activity or even continue while resting.

Chest pain is another major warning sign. The pain may feel sharp and can become more noticeable while taking deep breaths, coughing, bending or leaning forward.

Other symptoms may include:

Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Coughing, sometimes with blood-streaked mucus
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Excessive sweating
Fever
Leg pain or swelling, especially in the lower leg
Fainting due to a sudden drop in blood pressure
Cold, clammy or discoloured skin

Why Pulmonary Embolism Can Be Dangerous

Pulmonary embolism is considered a medical emergency because blocked blood flow can damage lung tissue and place extra strain on the heart. If oxygen levels drop significantly, it can affect other organs in the body as well.

However, timely diagnosis and treatment can greatly reduce the risk of severe complications and improve recovery chances.

Who Is At Higher Risk?

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing blood clots that can lead to pulmonary embolism. People with a family history of blood clots or pulmonary embolism may face a higher risk.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Doctors advise seeking immediate medical attention if someone experiences unexplained shortness of breath, severe chest pain or sudden fainting. Since pulmonary embolism can progress quickly, early medical care becomes extremely important.

Scientists Discover Hidden 'Fat Switch' That Burns Calories And May Build Stronger Bones

ANI — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:30:40 +0530

Scientists at McGill University have uncovered a hidden molecular "switch" that turns on a powerful calorie-burning system in brown fat, the body's heat-generating fat linked to metabolism and weight control.

The breakthrough centers on glycerol, a molecule released when fat is broken down in the cold, which activates an enzyme called TNAP and triggers an alternative heat-producing pathway that scientists had struggled to explain for years.

Scientists have uncovered a molecular "switch" in mice that turns on a hidden energy-burning system inside brown fat, a discovery that could eventually help researchers develop new treatments for bone disease.

The findings, published in Nature, provide new insight into how brown fat works. Unlike white fat, which stores energy, brown fat burns calories to generate heat. Scientists long believed this heat production depended on a single biological pathway.

In recent years, however, researchers identified a second pathway operating alongside the original one, but they did not know what activated it.

A team led by Lawrence Kazak at McGill University's Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute has now identified the molecular trigger for this alternative system, known as the futile creatine cycle.

Scientists Identify Brown Fat 'On Switch'

When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, it breaks down stored fat to create heat. That process releases glycerol, a molecule produced during fat metabolism. Working with McGill structural biologist Alba Guarne, Canada Research Chair in Macromolecular Machines in DNA Damage and Repair, the researchers discovered that glycerol binds to an enzyme called TNAP in a region they describe as the glycerol pocket. This interaction activates the alternative heat-producing pathway.

"This is the first time we've identified how an alternative heat-producing pathway is activated, independent of the classic system," said Kazak, Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and the Canada Research Chair in Adipocyte Biology. "That opens the door to understanding how multiple energy-burning systems work together to keep the body warm at the just-right temperature."

Discovery May Advance Bone Disease Research

Brown fat has attracted attention for its possible role in metabolism and obesity research. While the new findings could eventually contribute to those areas, the researchers say the most immediate significance may involve bone health because TNAP already has a well-established role in bone formation.

The TNAP enzyme is essential for calcification, the process that builds and maintains strong bones. Mutations that reduce TNAP activity can cause hypophosphatasia, a rare disorder sometimes called "soft bones." The condition can lead to fractures, chronic pain, and skeletal abnormalities. Certain inherited mutations have made the disorder more common in parts of Canada, including Quebec and Manitoba.

By studying TNAP mutations in laboratory experiments, the scientists discovered that the same molecular switch involved in energy-burning fat cells also directly affects cells responsible for bone mineralization and hardening.

The work builds on earlier research by McGill co-author Marc McKee and co-author Jose-Luis Millan of the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. Their previous efforts helped produce a first-in-class enzyme replacement therapy designed specifically for hypophosphatasia patients with defective TNAP enzymes.

"This finding opens the door to a new kind of treatment, where increasing the activity of the TNAP enzyme through its glycerol pocket by natural or synthetic bioactive compounds could potentially boost the beneficial actions of the enzyme in patients, to help restore deficient bone mineralization to healthy levels," said McKee, Professor in the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Canada Research Chair in Biomineralization.

(This report has been published as part of an auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

PCOS Renamed As PMOS: Here's Why The Name Changed And What It Reveals About The Disorder

Vaishnavi Shivam — Wed, 13 May 2026 07:59:56 +0530

A major change has been introduced in women’s health terminology as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition impacting millions of women globally, has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Health experts say the updated name more accurately represents the disorder’s wide-ranging hormonal and metabolic effects, rather than limiting it to ovarian symptoms alone.

The decision follows years of discussion and joint efforts involving researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients. By adopting the term PMOS, experts hope to clear up long-standing confusion surrounding the condition and encourage earlier diagnosis, improved understanding, and more effective treatment approaches.

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Why 'PCOS' Was Considered Misleading

For years, the term 'polycystic ovary syndrome' created confusion. Despite the name, the condition is not actually defined by ovarian cysts alone, and many patients do not have cysts at all.

Health experts say the old label placed too much focus on the ovaries while overlooking the broader hormonal and metabolic issues involved. As a result, many women experienced delayed diagnoses or incomplete treatment plans.

The new name, PCOM 'Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome' aims to capture the condition more accurately by highlighting its connection to hormone regulation, metabolism, and reproductive health.

What Is PMOS?

PMOS is a complex hormonal disorder that can affect multiple systems in the body. It is linked to changes in hormone levels that may influence:

Weight and metabolism
Reproductive health
Skin and hair health
Mental well-being

The condition is also associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health issues that can raise the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke Although the exact cause remains unclear, researchers believe genetics and obesity may contribute to its development.

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Common Symptoms Of PMOS

One of the biggest challenges with PMOS is that symptoms can vary widely from person to person. This often makes diagnosis difficult.

Some of the most common signs include:

Irregular menstrual cycles
Elevated androgen levels
Severe acne
Excess hair growth or hair thinning
Changes involving ovarian follicles

Not every person experiences all symptoms, and not all findings are necessary for diagnosis.

In teenagers, diagnosis generally focuses on irregular periods combined with signs of increased androgen activity, such as severe acne or excess body hair.

The Link Between PMOS And Fertility

PMOS is considered one of the leading causes of female infertility. The condition can interfere with regular ovulation, making conception more difficult for some women.

It may also increase the likelihood of pregnancy-related complications, including gestational diabetes and preterm birth. However, many women with PMOS are still able to have successful pregnancies with proper management and care.

How The Name Change Could Improve Care

Researchers hope the shift from PCOS to PMOS will encourage a deeper understanding of the condition among both healthcare providers and patients.

By emphasising the hormonal and metabolic aspects of the disorder, the new name may help reduce misunderstandings and support earlier, more accurate diagnoses. It could also lead to more personalised treatment approaches and better long-term health outcomes.

Rajasthan Tightens Hospital Protocols After C-Section Deaths In Kota

PTI — Tue, 12 May 2026 14:15:30 +0530

Kota, May 12 (PTI) In the wake of the death of four women due to infection after C-section delivery, Rajasthan principal secretary (health) Gayatri Rathore has ordered strict adherence to treatment protocols in emergency operation theatres, ICUs and other critical units in hospitals.

Rathore on Monday night visited the ICU of the Super Speciality Block at New Medical College Hospital here and spoke to the relatives of three postpartum women, Pinki, Dhanni Bai, and Aarti, about their health.

She also spoke to Ragini Meena, who is admitted to the ICU, and said the condition has improved considerably.

Four women, two each at NMCH and JK Lone Hospital, died after developing complications following a caesarean delivery.

Pinki Mahawar, 30, wife of Chandra Prakash, a daily wage labourer, died on Monday of a similar infection after a C-section delivery.

Priya Mahawar, 22, died after developing a kidney infection post-C-section in JK Lone Hospital on the intervening night of May 9 and May 10.

Before her, two other women, Payal and Jyoti Nayak, aged 26 and 19, died on May 5 and May 7, in the New Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, Rathore said the patients' treatment is being monitored by senior nephrologist Dr Dhananjay Agrawal, according to a statement.

She was briefed by Dr Vikas Khandelia on the treatment of all postpartum women who got the infection.

According to a statement, she also met Chandrakala and Sushila, who have been shifted to the nephrology ward, and enquired about their health. Their relatives said that both women are now in a much better condition.

Later on Monday, the official chaired a meeting at NMCH, took information from senior doctors and discussed all possible causes behind the deaths due to infection.

She said that treatment protocols and infection-free operation theatres should also be ensured at district hospitals and PHC-CHC levels, and warned of action in case of any negligence.

Rathore said an investigation is underway into every aspect of the case. Action has already been taken against doctors and nursing personnel found prima facie guilty, the statement said.

According to the statement, Rathore said regular sterilisation must be ensured in these emergency units to prevent any possibility of infection. Equipment and machines used during treatment should also be sterilised as per protocol.

Hospital in-charges and unit heads should regularly monitor whether all treatment protocols are being followed properly, it said.

Rathore said hospital superintendents may also use RMRS funds for immediate requirements in ICUs and operation theatres.

The meeting was attended by District Collector Piyush Samaria, City Superintendent of Police Tejaswini Gautam, Food Safety and Drug Control Commissioner Dr T Shubhamangala, Director of Public Health Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma, Principal of Kota Medical College Dr Nilesh Jain, Dr Dhananjay Agrawal, and doctors from Jaipur.

(Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

New Covid-Like Virus In Thai Bats Show Ability To Infect Human Cells, Study Finds

Vaishnavi Shivam — Tue, 12 May 2026 12:01:09 +0530

Scientists from Japan and Thailand have identified a new group of coronaviruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2 in horseshoe bats living in Thailand, raising fresh questions about how such viruses evolve and spread in nature.

The discovery was made by researchers from the Institute of Medical Science at The University of Tokyo and Chulalongkorn University. According to the university statement, the newly identified viruses have the ability to infect human cells, although researchers stressed that the specific viruses studied do not currently pose a threat to people.

The findings were published in the journal Cell on May 6, 2026.

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Why Horseshoe Bats Are Drawing Global Attention

Horseshoe bats are considered the primary natural hosts of coronaviruses related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. However, scientists say much remains unknown about the diversity of these viruses, especially across Southeast Asia, home to the world’s largest variety of horseshoe bat species.

To better understand these viruses, researchers collected samples from acuminate horseshoe bats in Thailand and studied how the newly discovered viruses compared with SARS-CoV-2.

Their investigation combined wildlife virus surveillance, laboratory experiments, and computational analysis to trace how the viruses may have moved geographically and evolved over time.

Discovery Of A New Coronavirus Group

The study identified a newly recognised category of SARS-CoV-2-related viruses, referred to as 'Clade B.'

What makes this finding particularly significant is that Clade B viruses were found circulating alongside another previously identified group, called Clade A, inside the same artificial cave in Thailand’s Chachoengsao Province. In some cases, both virus groups were detected in the same bat.

Researchers noted a key distinction between the two clades. Unlike Clade A viruses, the newly identified Clade B viruses can use the same human receptor, ACE2, that SARS-CoV-2 relies on to infect human cells.

This suggests that different coronavirus groups can coexist within the same bat populations while potentially exchanging genetic material through recombination, a process that may alter how the viruses behave.

Laboratory Tests Reveal Lower Risk To Humans

To better understand the virus, researchers synthetically produced a representative Clade B virus known as RacCS20637 and studied its behaviour under strict Biosafety Level 3 laboratory conditions in Japan.

The experiments showed that although the virus could bind efficiently to the human ACE2 receptor, it replicated much more slowly in human cells than SARS-CoV-2.

Animal studies also offered reassuring results. Infected hamsters showed little to no signs of disease, and the virus did not spread between animals.

Researchers said these findings indicate that the virus performs far less effectively in humans compared to SARS-CoV-2.

Existing Vaccines And Antiviral Drugs Remain Effective

The study also found that RacCS20637 could be neutralised by blood serum from individuals who had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition, currently available antiviral drugs used against SARS-CoV-2 were found to work effectively against the virus.

While the researchers emphasised that this specific coronavirus group does not currently threaten humans, they warned that only small genetic changes may be needed for related viruses to alter their properties.

International Nurses Day 2026: How Florence Nightingale Changed Modern Healthcare? Know History And Significance

Vaishnavi Shivam — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:30:52 +0530

International Nurses Day is being observed across the world today, May 12, to recognise the dedication, compassion, and tireless service of nurses in the healthcare sector. The day is celebrated every year to honour the invaluable contribution nurses make in caring for patients and supporting medical systems globally.

Just like doctors, nurses play an equally important role in helping patients recover. From administering medicines on time to monitoring patients day and night, nurses stand at the frontline of healthcare services and continue to serve with commitment and empathy. Their contribution remains vital in ensuring proper patient care and strengthening the medical system.

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How Did International Nurses Day Begin?

International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12 to mark the birth anniversary of famous nurse and social reformer Florence Nightingale, who was born on May 12, 1820. She is remembered for her extraordinary work during the Crimean War and is widely regarded as the pioneer of modern nursing.

Florence Nightingale earned the title 'The Lady with the Lamp' because she would walk through the night carrying a lamp to care for injured soldiers. During the war, infections among wounded soldiers were increasing rapidly, leading to a large number of deaths. However, her treatment methods and dedicated care helped improve recovery rates and saved countless lives.

Her remarkable efforts not only transformed patient care but also established nursing as a respected profession for women.

What Happens On This Day?

International Nurses Day is marked by celebrations, appreciation programmes, and recognition of nurses for their service to society. The Florence Nightingale Award includes a cash prize of Rs 50,000, along with a certificate and a medal.

Each year, the occasion is observed with a special theme highlighting the challenges faced by nurses and their importance in healthcare services. During difficult times such as the coronavirus pandemic, nurses worked alongside doctors while putting their own lives at risk to care for patients. Many spent days away from their families while continuing their duties with dedication and courage.

International Nurses Day 2026 Theme

The official theme for International Nurses Day 2026 is:
'Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.'

The theme focuses on the importance of supporting and empowering nurses so they can continue delivering quality healthcare and saving lives.

Why Is International Nurses Day Important?

International Nurses Day is not just a celebration, but also an opportunity to express gratitude and respect for nurses. The day helps people understand the crucial role nurses play in healthcare services and encourages young people to consider nursing as a profession.

From Rare Bird Hunt To Outbreak On Cruise: How 'Patient Zero' Caught Hantavirus

Ayesha Fatima — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:26:51 +0530

A birdwatching expedition to a remote landfill in Argentina has been linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak that claimed the lives of a Dutch ornithologist and his wife, according to reports.

Leo Schilperoord, 70, a Dutch ornithologist, has been identified as “patient zero” in the outbreak connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius, the New York Post reported. The World Health Organisation has so far recorded eight confirmed cases linked to the cluster, including three deaths.

Schilperoord and his wife, Mirjam Schilperoord, were travelling across South America on a five-month trip when they visited a landfill near Ushuaia in Argentina on March 27 in search of the rare white-throated caracara bird, also known as Darwin’s caracara.

Visit to Landfill Became Critical Exposure Point

The landfill, located around four miles outside Ushuaia, was reportedly overrun with waste and avoided by local residents.

According to local guide and photographer Gaston Bretti, the site had expanded far beyond the limits originally set by authorities. Despite the conditions, the area remained a known attraction for birdwatchers hoping to spot the rare species first identified by Charles Darwin.

Investigators believe the couple inhaled virus particles from the faeces of long-tailed pygmy rice rats, which are known carriers of the Andes strain of hantavirus. Health experts later linked that exposure to the outbreak connected to the cruise ship journey.

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Cruise Voyage Followed Days After Exposure

Just four days after visiting the landfill, the Schilperoords boarded the MV Hondius alongside more than 100 passengers, including scientists and fellow birdwatchers.

On April 6, Leo Schilperoord developed symptoms including fever, headache, stomach pain and diarrhoea while onboard the vessel.

His condition rapidly deteriorated, and he died aboard the ship five days later. Investigators later described him as “patient zero”, referring to the first identified person believed to have contracted and potentially spread the infection within the outbreak cluster.

Mirjam Fell Ill During Journey Home

After her husband’s death, Mirjam Schilperoord disembarked from the vessel on April 24 at the Atlantic island of Saint Helena while accompanying his body.

She later attempted to return to the Netherlands through South Africa but became critically ill during transit. Reports said she collapsed at the airport and died the following day.

Hantavirus infection was officially confirmed in her case on May 4, according to the New York Post.

International Health Response Intensifies

The MV Hondius docked at Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday as authorities launched a tightly controlled repatriation operation following extensive health screenings.

Officials evacuated 94 passengers and crew members from 19 countries using special flights. After refuelling, the ship was expected to continue its journey to the Netherlands with only a reduced crew on board.

Health authorities have confirmed eight hantavirus cases linked to the outbreak, while two additional cases are being treated as probable infections. The affected individuals are from six different countries.

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WHO Says Overall Public Risk Remains Low

Despite international concern surrounding the outbreak, health agencies have stressed that the broader public health threat remains limited.

So far, three deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak, two confirmed and one considered probable.

Global health authorities have also emphasised that the current hantavirus situation is not comparable to the Covid-19 pandemic, even as monitoring and tracing efforts continue across multiple countries.