A US House committee has backed the lab leak theory as the likely origin of COVID-19 in a report released on December 3, 2024. The Republican-controlled panel, after two years of investigation, concluded that the virus probably emerged due to a laboratory or research-related accident. The report highlighted that US-funded research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology may have played a role. The committee also criticized lockdowns and mask mandates, claiming they caused more harm than good, but praised Operation Warp Speed for vaccine development. The origins of the virus remain a contentious global issue.

India’s fertility rate, projected to drop to 1.29 by 2050, could lead to a demographic crisis similar to South Korea’s alarming situation. Experts warn of an ageing population, economic strain, and workforce shrinkage if trends persist. Factors like rising living costs, delayed marriages, and gender inequality contribute to this decline. The RSS, DMK, and other leaders are urging policies to encourage larger families. Experts recommend economic reforms, gender-inclusive policies, and work-life balance initiatives to address the crisis. Without action, India’s demographic advantage may turn into a challenge, mirroring issues faced by ageing societies like South Korea and Japan.

In a historic medical achievement, AIIMS Bhubaneswar successfully revived a 24-year-old soldier from Odisha using Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (eCPR). The soldier's heart had stopped for 120 minutes following cardiac arrest. Conventional CPR failed after 40 minutes, prompting doctors to initiate eCPR, combining ECMO technology to oxygenate and pump blood externally. Led by Dr. Srikant Behera, the team restored the soldier's heart function within 40 minutes of eCPR. The patient was weaned off ECMO in 96 hours and has since recovered. This marks a significant milestone in Odisha's medical history and showcases cutting-edge cardiac intervention.

A 4th case of the mpox Clade 1b variant has been confirmed in the UK, with all cases linked to the same household. The UK Health Security Agency reports that the virus is highly contagious among close contacts, though the overall risk to the public is low. The first case involved a person returning from Africa, where the virus is most prevalent. Mpox symptoms include a rash, fever, and muscle aches, and it spreads through close contact. Health officials are monitoring contacts and offering testing and vaccines to prevent further spread.

An HIV outbreak has been reported in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, with over 19 youths testing positive after engaging in physical relations with a 17-year-old girl addicted to heroin. The girl allegedly had unprotected sex with multiple men to fund her addiction. The outbreak came to light when the youths developed severe health issues, leading to hospital tests confirming their HIV diagnoses. Health officials are taking immediate action, providing counseling and support. The incident highlights the urgent need for awareness and education on HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.

The first UK case of the potentially deadly Clade 1b mpox strain has been found in London. The patient had recently returned from Africa and developed symptoms after arriving on October 21. They were treated at an emergency department and later moved to the Royal Free Hospital for care. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is tracing fewer than 10 contacts linked to the patient. While Clade 1b mpox has circulated widely in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UKHSA says the risk to the public remains low. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

The UK has confirmed its first case of mpox clade Ib, a new virus strain spreading in Africa. The individual, who returned from an affected area on October 21, developed flu-like symptoms and a rash before testing positive. They are now being treated at London’s Royal Free Hospital. Health officials are tracing close contacts to prevent any spread. The UK Health Security Agency says the risk to the public is low, but investigations are ongoing. This strain, first seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo, can cause severe illness, and the UK recently ordered extra vaccine doses for protection.

A 33-year-old woman, Reshma Begum, died, and 20 others suffered food poisoning after eating momos from a street vendor in Hyderabad's Banjara Hills area. Reshma and her two daughters, aged 12 and 14, consumed the momos on Friday in Khairatabad. Shortly after eating, they experienced symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Reshma died on Sunday morning, while her daughters are receiving treatment. The Banjara Hills Police reported that they received a complaint about the incident and have registered a case. An investigation is underway to determine the vendor's responsibility for the food poisoning outbreak.

India faces increased climate-sensitive health threats, with malaria now reaching the Himalayas and expanded dengue transmission nationwide, according to the latest Lancet Countdown report on health and climate change. Developed by 122 experts, the report highlights the need for climate-based disease forecasting, stronger healthcare infrastructure, and community awareness. It also warns that India’s coastal areas face severe risks from rising sea levels, stressing the importance of flood adaptation measures. The findings urge India to prioritize health and climate investments, reinforcing policies to protect citizens against intensifying climate-related health threats that are now affecting populations worldwide.

An outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has infected 49 people across 10 U.S. states, leaving 1 person dead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suspects raw onions as the source of contamination. The O157 strain of E. coli, known for causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney complications, is commonly found in cattle. Experts stress proper hygiene and food safety to prevent infections. Dr. Prashant Singh noted, "This one is the dying kind." The outbreak highlights the continued risks of foodborne illnesses despite technological advances.