Hantavirus: Why is a dangerous infection with a mortality rate of up to 50 percent in the news now?

 Hantavirus: Why is a dangerous infection with a mortality rate of up to 50 percent in the news now?

Hantavirus is not usually transmitted from one person to another. However, in the case of the Andean species of hantavirus found in South America, a few cases of human-to-human transmission have been recorded.

Hantavirus is a very deadly ‘zoonotic’ virus that can become a global health challenge at any time. This virus, which is mainly transmitted to humans from rodents, causes serious damage to the lungs and heart if infected. After its sudden outbreak on a cruise ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean, it has become a topic of renewed discussion and concern among health experts and the general public around the world.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses belonging to the ‘Bunyaviridae’ family. It is named after the ‘Hantan’ river in South Korea, where it was first identified in 1978.

So far, scientists have discovered more than 20 species of it in different parts of the world, which affect human health in different ways.

Based on their effects and geographical presence, hantaviruses are mainly classified into two categories. The New World hantavirus species, found mainly in the American continent, causes ‘Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome’ (HPS) or ‘Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome’ (HCPS). This causes serious damage to the human respiratory system and heart function.

Similarly, the Old World hantavirus species, which is more active in Europe, Asia and Africa, causes ‘Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome’ (HFRS). This type of infection has a risk of direct and fatal effects on the human kidneys.

Recent Outbreak: Hantavirus Scare on Cruise Ships

The main reason why Hantavirus has recently become the focus of international media attention is the sudden outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship, operated by the Dutch Oceanwide Expeditions company, departed Argentina on April 1. The health crisis on the ship, which is on a tour of remote islands such as Antarctica, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha, has caught the attention of the world.

According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, seven of the 147 passengers and crew members on board the ship have been confirmed or suspected to be infected with Hantavirus. Three of the infected have died, while one is still receiving treatment in a serious condition. The other three have shown mild symptoms.

The deceased include a German citizen and a Dutch couple. According to the information received, the husband of the Dutch couple died on the ship on April 11, while the wife died in a hospital in South Africa on April 26. This tragic incident has sparked a new debate about the risk of the virus in closed environments such as cruise ships.

Source of infection and transmission

The main source of infection with Hantavirus is rodents. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the urine, feces or saliva of rats. When a person breathes in an area contaminated with rat feces, tiny particles of the virus mixed in the air directly enter the respiratory system. This is the most common and major route of infection. In addition, the virus can also enter the body when a rat bites, eats food contaminated with the virus, or touches a contaminated surface and then touches the eyes, nose or mouth with the same hand.

Hantavirus is not usually transmitted from one person to another. However, limited human-to-human transmission of the Andean hantavirus, a strain found in South America, has been recorded. According to the World Health Organization, such transmission is likely to occur through very close and prolonged physical contact.

The current outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship is also suspected to have involved human-to-human transmission. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of pandemic preparedness and response, said that the possibility of human-to-human transmission cannot be completely ruled out, as some of the infected people appeared to have had very close contact. However, she urged people not to be overly concerned, saying that the virus is not as easily airborne as flu or COVID-19 and that the risk to the general public is not currently high.

Treatment and prevention

There is no specific drug or specific vaccine developed to protect against hantavirus infection. Therefore, supportive care in hospitals remains the only option to save infected people. If the patient's condition is serious, they are placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and oxygen therapy and ventilators are used to facilitate the respiratory process.

Since this virus is transmitted by rodents, the best way to avoid it is to avoid contact with rats. Proper arrangements should be made to prevent rats from entering your home, workplace or storage rooms.

Special care should be taken when cleaning areas that may have rat droppings. To prevent dust from flying in such areas, instead of sweeping the floor, only damp cleaning should be done using a disinfectant solution or bleach. The mandatory use of masks and gloves during such cleaning can prevent virus particles from entering the body.

In addition, Squirrels should always be kept in a secure container out of the reach of rodents. People who live or work outdoors or near forests need to pay extra attention to the cleanliness of their surroundings. In unusual circumstances, it is wise to maintain personal hygiene and social distancing, while fully following the instructions of health authorities. Since there is no cure for Hantavirus, awareness and caution are the strongest weapons in the fight against this deadly infection.

Selling hydropower to Silicon Valley in the name of data centers may not bring real benefits to Nepal

 Selling hydropower to Silicon Valley in the name of data centers may not bring real benefits to Nepal

A few months ago, a well-intentioned development consultant working in Nepal explained to me why Nepal is a perfect fit for green computing (environmentally friendly data centers). His argument was that the country is ideal because of its abundant hydropower, cool mountainous climate, and its location between two of the world’s largest digital economies. He was right in a way. But he failed to understand what all of this would ultimately lead to.

To put it simply, the proposal is to let a foreign company build a data center here, run it on Nepal’s own hydropower, attract foreign investment, and call it green. It sounds like a win, but personally, I don’t think it’s a win.

In green computing, the word ‘green’ refers almost entirely to the source of electricity. Everything else is left out of the equation. Data centers, in particular, are heavy users of water. Large hyperscale infrastructure can consume up to 10 million liters of water per day for cooling.

Nepal is facing a severe seasonal water crisis, and the rivers that feed the hydroelectric system are the same ones that farming communities have depended on for centuries. No one is talking about this water trade-off. That is, no one is talking about how much water is lost to agriculture and locals when water is used to run data centers, or what Nepal has to lose.

In addition, there is another big problem of embedded carbon (the hidden carbon emitted during the manufacture and transportation of goods). The cement and rods used to build buildings, and the large server machines transported by trucks and ships, are also contributing to pollution. These servers break down every three to five years and have to be replaced.

This leads to a huge amount of electronic waste. There is no effective system in Nepal to recycle and reuse such old machines or hardware. So this electronic waste will eventually end up in some corner of the country, where those foreign investors probably won't even notice. There are many other things that are good in Nepal, but our waste management or recycling system is not good.

If we look deeper into the issue of electricity, this argument also proves to be weak. It is true that Nepal produces more electricity. However, in my experience, this is only during the rainy season. Even today, when the water level in the rivers decreases during the dry season in winter, households and industries have to face electricity shortages.

If Nepal provides electricity to these data centers of foreign companies, that electricity cannot be sold to India at a good price. Similarly, domestic industries that are trying to produce something in the country do not get that electricity either. Nor can that electricity be delivered to the remote homes of Karnali, which are still burning kerosene.

What Nepal should not forget is that this country has spent the past few decades in extreme load shedding. The situation was so miserable that even in Kathmandu, the electricity was out for 16/17 hours a day. At that time, the phrase ‘lights gone out’ was always on people’s lips. I remember, I used to use the ‘lights come’ app myself to know when the electricity would come back. After such a long struggle, ending that dark era and letting the electricity that was barely collected run for our own country and not for our own country is like ‘walking in the opposite direction’.

The argument that these data centers ‘create jobs’ sounds the most tempting. But when you dig deeper, this is also the thing that proves to be the most hollow. In a large data center, barely a few dozen people get permanent jobs, and that too in security guards and general maintenance work. The main technical work that pays well is done by specialists, who are often foreigners.

It is true that they bring in big investments. But that money immediately goes abroad. Because that money could be used to buy server machines from America or other Asian countries and pay for software licenses. The government gives various tax breaks to bring such companies to Nepal, which also results in the loss of revenue that the country is supposed to get.

In the end, what happens is that Nepal gives its land, electricity, political support, and even the transmission line or infrastructure. However, all the profits from this go abroad.

My country, Ireland, said ‘yes’ to all these things (offshore data centers and tax breaks). And the situation there over the last 10 years has taught us a valuable lesson. Ireland’s calculations were not entirely wrong. Companies there were only charged 12.5 percent corporate tax (minimum tax). This not only filled the country with data centers, but also large technology companies like Google and Meta opened their European headquarters in the capital, Dublin. This really benefited the Irish economy. However, the story of the data centers is different.

In the 2010s, Ireland became a data center hub in Europe, thanks to its cool Atlantic climate, access to the European market, and low taxes. In 2015, data centers consumed only about 5 percent of the country's total electricity, but by 2023, they were consuming 21 percent. According to AirGrid, the country's national electricity transmission system operator, data centers will consume about a third of the country's electricity by the mid-2030s. .

On the one hand, Ireland has set its own goal of producing 70 percent renewable energy by 2030. But on the other hand, this goal has been undermined by the fact that foreign servers are consuming electricity. The electricity infrastructure there could not cope with this pressure. Due to which, in 2022, the Electricity Authority completely banned the connection of new data centers in the capital Dublin.

The biggest hit has been to the general public. According to the latest statistics (May 2026), the people of Ireland are buying electricity at the most expensive price in the European Union. Citizens there are paying almost 40 percent more than the average price in Europe. Having to pay more than 40 cents per unit, an average household is facing an additional financial burden of about 480 euros (about 82 thousand rupees) per year on its electricity bill alone.

The issue of water has also become another big problem there. Microsoft's data center at Grange Castle (for drawing too much water) has been the subject of so much controversy and scrutiny that when the UN's special representative visited Ireland to assess the state of the clean environment, Microsoft refused to let him enter its data center.

The number of jobs it has provided is no longer a mystery. Even if all the data centers across Ireland were combined, only a few thousand people would be directly employed there. This is an area that alone generates 20 percent (one-fifth) of the country's electricity. Billions have been invested in building transmission lines to deliver electricity to it. These data centers occupy so much land; many homes could be built there for the general public. In comparison, these jobs are a very small and disappointing return.

Ireland had many such facilities that Nepal does not have. Ireland is a member state of the European Union (EU), it has a reliable legal system. On top of that, the first language is English. In addition, the country has decades of experience in making deals with big tech companies. Its tax-free policies have not only brought data centers, but also large offices for companies like Google and Meta. Where tens of thousands of engineers found jobs and a ‘knowledge-based economy’ developed along with server machines.

But that may not be the case in Nepal. Nepal will only get server racks. But people will not get desks to work. Despite such favorable conditions, data centers in Ireland have crippled public infrastructure, caused electricity shortages and provided jobs to only a few people who could not fill a football stadium in the name of employment. In such a situation, Nepal will have to make deals on even weaker ground, the results of which are sure to be worse than Ireland’s.

I have been closely monitoring the actual development of the technology sector here, living in Nepal for more than a decade. As expected, Nepal’s IT services exports will reach $1 billion by 2025, which is more than double in the last three years.

Nepali engineers who studied at world-renowned universities like MIT and Carnegie Mellon in the US are returning home with investments and international networks. Nepal is really building a strong foundation now. This development is not happening by becoming ‘cheap workers’ in the supply chain of foreigners, but by Nepali engineers themselves becoming founders and owners of companies.

However, this so-called ‘green compute’ (foreign data center) plan is nowhere in line with the real progress of the country. It is trying to make Nepal a mere shepherd who provides water and electricity. Where local resources are used, but the real profit is taken by someone else.

Whose law applies to the data of a company kept in Nepal but registered abroad? What if a foreign government exerts legal pressure tomorrow? Such questions are never discussed seriously before an agreement is signed.

Nepal is between two large countries like India and China. Both these countries do not take digital infrastructure (data centers, etc.) built in their neighborhoods for granted. The decision to bring a US company to the Chinese border (Nepal) and set up a data center, or to allow a Chinese company to open a data center at a distance that India considers a security threat, cannot be dismissed for long as ‘it’s just a business decision’. This could quickly become a matter of geopolitical tension.

Once large data center buildings are built here and machines are connected, Nepal’s negotiating position becomes even weaker. Because those machines have to be repaired by foreign experts, and the spare parts needed to keep them running have to be imported from abroad. Thus, Nepal is forced to rely on foreigners structurally.

One argument is always heard in support of this. That is, isn’t it better to run a data center using hydropower in Nepal than to run a data center burning coal (and polluting it) in some other country? However, this is just an illusion created by showing a false alternative. The main question here is not what to use instead of coal. The main question is how Nepal uses the excess electricity it has and how to make good use of this short opportunity to benefit on its own terms.

Sell electricity directly to foreign countries at a good price, open industries in the country and invest in our own infrastructure in a way that benefits Nepalis first. These are the options that bring sustainable development to the country. However, a foreign data center is something that, if it were to arise from here tomorrow, would affect almost all of us. The money will be taken with it.

As I write this article, there is talk of more investment coming in. The first project approved will be called a pilot project. When the second project comes, it will be called momentum. And, when it reaches the third project, it will be given the form of policy.

Nepal has very little time left to decide what kind of economy it wants to build. Nepal must make a clear decision before this opportunity is lost. Otherwise, foreign consultants will move on to another country with favorable conditions.

(The author Jonathan Clark has been living in Nepal since 2015. This article is a translation of his blog. He published a blog titled ‘Who Actually Benefits When Nepal Sells Hydro to Silicon Valley’ on his website on 7 May 2026. He created a software called ‘ConX’ in 2015 and sold it to the American company ‘Houzz’ in 2021. Jonathan currently works as the ‘Director of Engineering’ in the same company. He mostly lives in Lalitpur.)

Low libido on the rise, is there a way to increase it?

 Low libido on the rise, is there a way to increase it?

Alan Reeves used to perform on stage in the 90s and also appeared in the movie Spice World.

Prescriptions for testosterone replacement therapy in the UK increased by 135 percent from 2021 to 2024.

Testosterone therapy has restored libido in some men, but there are also concerns about its side effects and profiteering.

In the 90s, Alan Reeves regularly performed on stage. As a member of the group ‘The Dreamboys’, he would take off his clothes in front of thousands of people. Due to his increasing demand, he and his friends later appeared in the Spice Girls movie ‘Spice World.’

Reeves, who was 24 at the time, said, ‘I was the poster boy for pin-up fame.’ As Reeves turned 30, he found himself in a different situation. His moods were bad and his sex drive had almost disappeared.

He said, “Nothing felt right to me.”

“My lack of sexual desire had a negative impact on my long-term relationships,” says Reeves, now 52. Reeves, who works as a fitness and lifestyle coach in London, started testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and it has helped restore his libido.

“I’ve gone from a grumbling old man to a young man again,” he says. “It’s an amazing feeling.”

Sexual desire is steadily declining

Women are also turning to testosterone. Blogger Rachel Mason, 37, says the hormone has been “amazing” for her energy levels, concentration and libido. She recounts her experience after menopause.

There has been a huge increase in testosterone prescriptions. The Care Quality Commission has compiled figures from the NHS Business Authority, which show a 135 per cent increase in its prescriptions between 2021 and 2024.

The increase comes at a time when ‘sex drive’ is seen to be declining across the UK. The National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (NatSAL) asks more than 10,000 people about this every decade.

In 1990, people aged 16 to 44 said they had sex an average of five times a month. By 2000 this had fallen to four times and by 2010 to three times.

The next set of results is due later this year, and researchers say the downward trend is continuing. However, they do not point to any one reason for the decline.

Against this backdrop, a debate is growing rapidly. Can testosterone really improve libido, or is it just a profit-making hype? The frequency of sex in the UK is falling. The National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles asks about 10,000 people about this every decade.

Low libido

According to study author Alan Reeves, the experience of low libido is one example of a trend that is becoming more common. “We’ve seen a decline in all age groups in the last few years,” says study director Soezig Clifton. “There are fewer couples living together now than in the 1990s, which could help explain the decline in sexual desire. But when we look specifically at that group (cohabiting couples), there’s also a decline,” she says.

In fact, the fastest decline in sexual frequency has been among older couples or couples who live together.

“It’s hard to say exactly why libido is declining,” says Clifton. “We don’t have any data yet that can tell us with any certainty that libido is not as high as it used to be,” she says. “There have been a number of studies that have tried to understand why. These studies point to the digital world as a big factor, making it harder to turn off screens, and there are so many other options to spend time with.”

General practitioner and sex therapist Dr Ben Davies says our stress levels are generally much higher than they were 30 years ago. This is also a reason, he says. “There’s a lot going on in people’s lives. Obviously there’s technology, but there’s also an increase in stress, depression and loneliness. All of these things contribute to a decrease in libido,” says Dr Ben Davies.

Professor Geoffrey Hackett, a consultant urologist and member of the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM), says that testosterone levels in men are definitely falling.

According to him, the rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes and an increasingly inactive lifestyle all contribute to low testosterone levels. And declining testosterone levels may be one reason for our lack of libido.

Over the past 20 years, studies have measured hormone levels in men, which have shown that testosterone levels have decreased. But Hackett emphasizes that this graph is very subtle.

Low testosterone increases the likelihood of low libido, but that does not mean that every man with low testosterone has a low libido. Despite this complexity, subway stations, bus stops and social media feeds are now filled with ads like, “Low libido? Tired? Time to get a testosterone test!”

So, can testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) really be a cure for low libido?

Testosterone ‘gave me my life back’

Melissa Green has been taking testosterone for about a year. In his words, it gave him "the zest for life." ’ Not only did it bring her back, but it also saved her marriage. Melissa, 43, had been suffering from a low libido that had taken a toll on her relationship.

Her doctor had already prescribed her hormone replacement therapy, which consisted of estrogen and progesterone, due to early menopause symptoms, but Green says, “the doctor was not prepared to test her testosterone levels. They said she didn’t need the extra hormones.”

Women’s bodies produce low levels of this hormone, and according to NHS guidelines, women can only be given testosterone if they have ‘hypoactive sexual desire disorder’. That is, their sex drive is very low or almost non-existent. It can affect women of any age, but it peaks during menopause.

Eventually, Green went to a private clinic, had a blood test, and was told her levels were low. After taking the test report to her doctor, she was given some testosterone from the NHS.

‘It’s given me my life back. I feel like I’m in my 20s again,’ she says.

While some people are enthusiastic about the effects of testosterone on sex drive, others say it has some unpleasant side effects.

Cheryl O’Malley took testosterone for a year, she says, and while it may have helped restore some of the energy lost during the menopause, it also increased her libido and made her feel very angry.

‘I was feeling very horny. I wanted to have sex with my husband, but there were times when you felt like it wasn’t right, it wasn’t me. I felt like everything was out of my control.

Rachel Mason says, “When she posts about TRT, she sees, ‘Many women are very scared to start testosterone, they worry that they’ll look like a man, they’ll grow facial hair, or they’ll lose their identity.’

Mason has also developed hair growth on her arms. But that’s nothing compared to the benefits she gets from the hormone. In addition to body hair growth, TRT can have many other side effects.

In women, excessive hair growth, dandruff, and weight gain can occur. These can be resolved when the dose is reduced or stopped.

In men, side effects can include weight gain, prolonged erections, male-pattern hair loss, and mood swings. It can also reduce sperm production, which can affect fertility. There are treatments available that can help, but medical advice is recommended.

Money-making pot

Some NHS GPs and specialists say private clinics are making a profit by selling testosterone replacement therapy as a quick fix for a complex problem.

NHS consultant in sexual and reproductive health Dr Paula Briggs says it is a way of making money and people are paying huge sums for something they don’t need. “It’s getting out of hand,” she says.

What do you mean, private clinics?

They say they are improving people’s lives by providing a service that the NHS is failing to provide. Jeff Foster, medical director of the multi-million pound clinic Boy, which specialises in men’s health, and an NHS GP, says the private sector is filling a gap that the NHS is failing to provide.

Michael Cox has been providing TRT through his company Balance My Hormones since 2016. He says he has seen a “tremendous” increase in demand for it in recent years.

Some of his patients had been tested on the NHS, but were turned away because their levels were not low. They then went into the private sector. “Even if they are slightly above the NHS limit, TRT can help,” says Cox.

The proportion of people who benefit is small

What constitutes a healthy testosterone level in men depends on which organisation you ask and which studies you read. According to the BSSM guidelines, men with levels below 12 nmol/L should consider TRT, especially if they have symptoms of ‘hypogonadism’, a condition in which the testicles are not producing enough hormones.

NHS guidance can vary by region. But levels below 6 to 8 nmol/L can be considered low testosterone.

In women, testosterone levels start to fall between the ages of 20 and 40 and stabilise at menopause. Low levels are normal, but the question is how much this affects sex drive and overall health.

Tests are available for women but it is difficult to get an accurate reading because the doses needed are so low. There is no licensed treatment for women on the NHS. Dr Briggs is wary of the hype and hype surrounding TRT. . She says ‘Many patients come in complaining of a lack of sexual desire. They say they have done a study, which usually means they have seen someone posting about life-changing effects on social media. ‘Even if it works for a celebrity, it doesn’t work for everyone.’

She has a flood of patients asking for testosterone tests in her area. Some take a prescription and then return after a few months because the effects have diminished. The clinical evidence suggests that TRT is only effective in women who have gone through menopause and have a low libido.

‘The advertising from private clinics has exaggerated everything,’ says Briggs. 

This therapy is not a miracle cure

Cheryl O’Malley has stopped taking testosterone. The intense anger and hypersexuality that came with the treatment have now subsided, and her libido has returned to a comfortable level.

“It’s been a huge relief for me to get off it,” she says. There are many factors that can cause low libido, and testosterone is not the only solution. But Alan Reeves has been on TRT for seven years and his life has improved dramatically.

“My libido has returned, and at first I wanted to have sex for 10 nights straight,” he says. “Now I’m calm and in a better mental and physical state.”

According to her, it’s not a miracle drug, and TRT is meaningless without lifestyle changes. “It’s like putting a Ferrari engine in a junk car,” she says.

5 ways to get over the pain of a breakup

 5 ways to get over the pain of a breakup

Due to the busyness of the festive season in mid-December, many people reconsider their 'pair' and break up, and December 11 is celebrated as Breakup Day.

After a breakup, it is recommended to make a fixed schedule to improve mental health, exercise at least 20 minutes a day, and eat healthy foods.

Experts have said that a breakup should be considered an opportunity to find the purpose of life and move forward by finalizing the relationship.

According to experts, many breakups happen in mid-December. It is said that many people reconsider their 'pair' during the festive season because they are busy with work, parties, meeting friends, and family gatherings. That is why Breakup Day is celebrated on December 11.

However, breakups do not always happen in the winter season. It can happen anytime.

Ways to get over a breakup

1. Make and follow a fixed schedule

After a breakup, many people feel like their whole world has fallen apart. You may have felt the same way. 'There is no future now. You may think, 'I have no one'. But the way to avoid it is to make a specific schedule and follow it literally. By doing this, you will not be able to sit in silence and suffer. Especially, you can make a schedule full of healthy and satisfying activities.

2. Keep your body moving

You know that any exercise is beneficial for the body. Exercise is also good for mental health. Because mental health is seriously affected after a breakup. To avoid that, moving your body for at least 20 minutes every day can help improve your sleep. Because many people cannot sleep after a breakup due to anxiety. You can keep your body moving by walking, lifting weights, stretching, or working out.

3. Eat healthy food

Breaking up with the person you thought you would spend your life with is like mourning a death. Because of this, some may not be able to eat, not eat at all, or feel nauseous even after eating a bite. But in this case, you should try to eat clean and fresh food. Because healthy and nutritious foods provide positive energy to the body.

4. Finding the purpose of life

A breakup is definitely a moment of sadness. It feels like you have lost everything. But if you find your interests, aspirations, and goals at this time, you can easily 'move on'. Because a breakup is also a great opportunity to reconnect with yourself or redefine your goals.

5. Making a decision on your part

It is unlikely that you will 'return' to the relationship after a breakup. Which also means the end of the relationship. You need to make this decision properly, so that you can move forward easily. However, it is not always an easy situation. Many people live with anger, hurt, and regret after a breakup. It does nothing but bring bad results. Therefore, accept the situation as it is. In such a situation, do not think about what went wrong. Instead, you should move forward with a good memory.

Children may be deficient in vitamin D in winter, what to do?

 Children may be deficient in vitamin D in winter, what to do?

Sunlight is the best natural source to compensate for the problem of vitamin D deficiency.

Children may be deficient in vitamin D in winter, what to do?

Vitamin D helps strengthen children's bones and teeth, helps in height growth, and increases their ability to fight disease.

Children are deficient in vitamin D due to less exposure to sunlight in winter, wearing thick clothes, and not taking them outside much.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the healthy development of children. Vitamin D strengthens children's bones and teeth, helps in height growth, increases their ability to fight disease, and helps in muscle development.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vitamin D deficiency can cause problems such as 'rickets', a softening of bones in children, which weakens bones. But vitamin D deficiency in children is seen due to less exposure to sunlight in winter, not taking children outside for a long time, and wearing thick clothes.

Parents need to know why children develop vitamin D deficiency during the winter, how to recognize it, and how to prevent and treat it.

Causes of vitamin D deficiency in newborns:

Vitamin D deficiency in newborns is often associated with pregnancy. The baby gets vitamin D from the mother while she is in the womb. If the mother does not spend enough time in the sun during pregnancy or is deficient in vitamin D, the baby can also be born with a deficiency. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women increases the risk of rickets in the baby.

Although breast milk is the best food, it contains low levels of vitamin D. Therefore, exclusively breastfed babies may need vitamin D supplements.

In winter, if the baby is not exposed to the sun due to fear of cold, the skin cannot produce vitamin D. The body produces vitamin D from UVB rays, which are less in winter.

Babies born prematurely have low vitamin D stores in the body, which increases the risk of deficiency by 2-4 times.

Children with dark skin produce less vitamin D from the sun, and this problem is also more common in polluted areas.

Why is vitamin D deficiency more common in winter?

The main reasons for vitamin D deficiency in winter are:

- The sun's rays are shorter in winter.

- Morning and evening sunlight are not effective, because the 'UVB' rays are weaker.

- The child's body is covered with thick clothes, which blocks the skin from the sun.

- Especially in cold weather, children play less outside.

- Fog and pollution block the sun, which reduces UVB rays.

For all these reasons, the child's skin cannot produce enough vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency weakens the immune system, which leads to frequent infections.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency

The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency vary according to age.

In newborns and young infants: from birth to 12 months

- Excessive crying, irritability.

-Low milk intake or loss of appetite.

-Slowness in lying down, sitting up or crawling - 'delayed motor development'.

-Soft skull bones.

-Excessive sweating, especially on the head, even at a young age.

-Vitamin D deficiency causes fatigue and weak bones.

In older children: above 1 year

-Leg pain or fatigue.

-Fatigue or muscle weakness when walking.

-Bold legs.

-Frequent illness, such as respiratory infections.

-Height and weight not growing as expected.

Treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency

The sun is the best natural source to replenish vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, you should expose your hands, feet or face to the sun for at least 3-4 days a week, for 15-30 minutes.

Newborns can be given vitamin D drops as recommended by a doctor. Do not increase the amount yourself, as excessive amounts can cause problems.

Foods rich in vitamin D can be given after 6 months.

-Egg yolk

-Milk yogurt, ghee in small quantities

-Sun-dried mushrooms

Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented with these foods. Salmon and eggs are also suitable for pregnant women.

Tips for parents:

-Mothers should take vitamin D daily during pregnancy. For that, they should pay attention to sunlight and nutrition.

-The baby should be safely exposed to sunlight regularly, but sunburn should be avoided.

-Vitamin D drops can be given to babies who are exclusively breastfed on the advice of a doctor.

-The child's development should be monitored regularly, such as height, weight and motor skills.

-If there is any doubt, a health worker should be consulted.

By adopting these measures, children's vitamin D levels can be maintained even in winter, which improves their overall health.

Prashant Tamang's death due to 'cardiac arrest', what is this problem?

Prashant Tamang's death due to 'cardiac arrest', what is this problem?

In our society, cardiac arrest and heart attack are considered as one problem. But from a medical point of view, these two are completely different problems.

Singer and actor Prashant Tamang passed away at the age of 42 due to cardiac arrest at his residence in Delhi.

Cardiac arrest is a sudden cardiac arrest that can lead to death within 3 to 5 minutes.

The number of cardiac arrests among young people in Nepal is increasing and modern lifestyle, stress, and lack of sleep are the main reasons. 

Kathmandu. There was once a very popular name in the music world - Prashant Tamang.

Tamang, a Nepalese resident of Darjeeling, is the winner of Indian Idol Season 3. In 2007, his voice and personality won the hearts of Nepali and Indian audiences.

In recent years, he seemed to be more busy with films than singing. And recently he made his debut in Bollywood. Along with singing and acting, his simple lifestyle made him an inspiration to many youngsters. But that inspiring character suddenly left this world at the age of 42. The reason was, 'cardiac arrest'.

In the last few years, not only in Nepal, but all over the world, news such as 'He fell and died while walking', 'He died while sleeping', 'Young people who were going to the gym suddenly fainted and could not survive' are increasing rapidly.

In the last few years, not only in Nepal, but all over the world, there are many news such as 'he died while walking', 'he died while sleeping', 'the young man who was exercising suddenly fainted, he could not escape', he fell while talking'.

Sudden death like this is often thought of as a heart attack, but medical science has shown that the reality is different. Doctors say that the real reason for most of these incidents is 'cardiac arrest' i.e. sudden heart failure.

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops working. Senior Consultant Cardiologist Dr. According to Ranjit Kumar Sharma, the word cardiac refers to the heart and arrest means stopping or stopping. When the electrical system of the heart breaks down, the heart beats irregularly and the heart cannot pump blood, the condition is called cardiac arrest. Dr. Sharma is currently the head of cardiology department at Medicity Hospital.

How can it lead to death? In response, Dr. Sharma says, 'Heart is the most important pump of our body. It continuously carries blood with oxygen to all parts of the body. When a cardiac arrest occurs, the heart suddenly stops working. Its effects start to appear in the brain within a few seconds. The person suddenly faints, breathing stops and the supply of oxygen to the body stops. If the heart does not restart within 3 to 5 minutes, the brain is permanently damaged and death occurs.

Why does cardiac arrest happen?

Dr. According to Sharma, in most cases, heart attacks occur first. A heart attack damages the heart muscle, due to which the electrical system of the heart breaks down, leading to cardiac arrest. During a heart attack, a sudden blockage (clot) forms in the artery that supplies blood to the heart (coronary artery) or the artery is completely closed. This causes the electrical system (rhythm) of the heart to deteriorate due to insufficient blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

After the rhythm is disturbed, the normal movement of the heart is disturbed, leading to dangerous conditions such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. In this condition, the heart cannot pump blood effectively, the heart only 'vibrates', not pumping. Cardiac arrest in this way Dr. Sharma says.

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Therefore, if a heart attack is left untreated, it can turn into a cardiac arrest and cause death, he says.

He says that heart rhythm disturbance is another reason for cardiac arrest. "A heart attack, electrolyte imbalance, stress, medication, or congenital causes can cause the heart to beat very fast or irregularly," Dr. Sharma says, 'When the lower part of the heart starts beating very fast or irregularly, the heart cannot pump blood. It can knock down a person in a few seconds.

Cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle)

Virat Medical College Senior Cardiologist Dr. According to Madhav Bista, cardiomyopathy is the thickening of the heart wall. It makes the heart hard and does not allow blood to fill. This problem is mostly congenital and many are not aware of it. He says that the first symptom is sudden death.

"The most dangerous aspect is that congenital heart disease may be hidden in many young people," says Dr. Bisht. Even if a person with these diseases looks healthy on the outside, the risk of cardiac arrest increases due to sudden excessive stress, alcohol consumption, or physical fatigue.

Therefore, he suggests that young people should also get their heart health checked from time to time. Dr. Bisht says that it is wise not to do too much physical exercise at once and not to insist on alcohol.

Why is cardiac arrest increasing in young people?

In the last 10-15 years, the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest among young people is increasing rapidly all over the world. Nepal is also not exempt from this. The problem of cardiac arrest in Nepal is increasing alarmingly. Sharma says. First cardiac arrest It was considered to be a disease that occurs in 60-70 years, says Dr. Sharma, but now, even in the age group of 25 to 45 years, its number is increasing alarmingly.

According to him, the biggest reason for this is the modern lifestyle. The habit of sitting in front of mobile phones, laptops and screens for a long time has made the body inactive. When physical activity decreases, weight increases, cholesterol increases, blood pressure increases and the arteries of the heart narrow. He says that this situation will later cause heart attack and cardiac arrest.

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Cardiologist Dr. Stress and lack of sleep in today's youth is another main factor leading to cardiac arrest. Bisht says. Dr. Bisht says, "The habit of using mobile phones till 2-3 o'clock in the night, sleeping irregularly, and taking pressure from work makes the electrical system of the heart unbalanced. It causes cardiac arrest, heart attack."

Smoking, alcohol, energy drinks, junk food and processed food have become part of the daily life of the youth. Dr. They cause swelling of body parts, increase blood pressure and damage of arteries. Bista says.

Studies have confirmed that such incidents can happen even after drinking too much alcohol. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, excessive alcohol can cause heart rhythm disturbances, which can make the heart beat irregularly. Alcohol lowers blood pressure and causes electrolyte imbalance, which destabilizes the heart. Sleeping drunk also increases the risk of vomiting or respiratory arrest. Those with chronic heart disease or other health problems are at greater risk.

What is the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest?

In our society, cardiac arrest and heart attack are considered as one problem. But from a medical point of view, these two problems are completely different. Sharma says.

A heart attack is a blockage of the coronary artery leading to the heart and the oxygen supply to the heart muscle is stopped. It damages a part of the heart. But a person who has a heart attack can speak, walk, reach the hospital,'' he says, 'but cardiac arrest is the stopping of the heart. In this condition, the heart cannot pump blood at all. The person immediately collapses, passes out and can die within a few minutes.

According to him, cardiac arrest is a more dangerous condition than heart attack because it has the danger of dying quickly. If CPR and defibrillator are not used immediately, chances of survival are very low. For this reason, defibrillators are placed in sports fields, gyms, airports, large department stores, malls, railway stations, offices, etc. around the world, says Sharma.

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"This device is easy to use and gives instructions by speaking," says Sharma, "If someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, anyone can use it to save their life."

What are the symptoms of cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest often comes without warning, but before that, the body has already started giving small signals. The problem is, many young people ignore those signs as fatigue or gastric. According to Dr. Sharma, chest pain, sudden increase in heart rate, difficulty in breathing, dizziness are some of its symptoms. Sometimes chest heaviness, burning sensation, pain in the back, neck or left arm can also be signs of a heart attack. Cardiac arrest can occur after a heart attack.

If a young person is experiencing the problem of frequent fainting, shortness of breath while running or climbing stairs, waking up at night while sleeping, then it should not be taken as normal, said Dr. Madhav Bista says. "That's not normal, it could be a sign of hidden heart disease," he says.

Sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, stopping breathing is a condition of cardiac arrest. At that time even a few seconds can be important. Bisht says.

Is it possible to treat patients with cardiac arrest?

Treatment of cardiac arrest is possible, but only within the first few minutes of hospital delivery. Dr. According to Ranjit Sharma, if a cardiac arrest occurs, the first treatment is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), not medicine. If the person can be rescued by giving CPR and being taken to the nearest hospital, the person can return to normal life. That is why it is called 'Basic Life Supporter'.

Dr. According to Ranjit Sharma, if a cardiac arrest occurs, the first treatment is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), not medicine. If the person can be rescued by giving CPR and being taken to the nearest hospital, the person can return to normal life. That is why it is called 'Basic Life Supporter'.

If a person suddenly collapses, CPR should be started immediately by chest compressions. He says that if the heart is not started within 3-5 minutes, the brain will be permanently destroyed and the person will die.

According to Dr. Bisht, people who survive cardiac arrest can be treated long-term with pacemaker, medicine or surgery after finding out the cause of the heart problem. He says that after such treatment, he will return to normal life if he pays attention to his lifestyle.

The wrong policy that forced specialists to leave the country

 The wrong policy that forced specialists to leave the country

The Philippines has adopted a medical education and residency training system similar to the US. Nepal, on the other hand, has followed the Indian model, which is influenced by the British model.

In recent decades, there has been a steady exodus of specialists from Nepal to foreign countries. This issue is usually discussed in hushed tones. However, it is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

This exodus is not just about higher salaries or modern facilities. It has to do with the difficulties and structural obstacles that specialists face within Nepal’s institutional structure.

One of the biggest challenges in this regard is the issue of equivalence (certificate of equivalence). Tribhuvan University (TU) has the authority to recognize foreign medical degrees. Without this recognition, specialists returning from abroad cannot apply for government jobs or academic careers.

In this regard, TU does not recognize doctors who have completed residency training in the Philippines. Their residency program was not recognized as a real course, but as a general training without a thesis.

This decision is highly contradictory. Before going to the Philippines, each doctor had received an official letter from the relevant Nepali government agency. Due to the limited number of postgraduate seats in the country, many doctors were forced to go abroad for further studies in the last two decades.

Moreover, members of the Nepal Medical Council themselves used to go to the Philippines to understand and observe the medical education system there. This also indicated a tacit approval for Nepali doctors to study in that country. But the harsh and dismissive approach of TU has now sidelined hundreds of skilled specialists in their own country.

What is more painful is that until the beginning of 2073, TU was issuing equivalence certificates to doctors who had completed their residency in the Philippines. Many specialists had applied, submitted the necessary documents, and even paid the fees. Suddenly, TU changed its policy and stopped issuing certificates without any warning. The applications of many doctors were still in process.

If rules are to be made, they should always be for the future, not for the past. For example, Tribhuvan University could have said, ‘Starting this year, equality will not be given to those doing residency in the Philippines.’ But instead of doing so, the rule was implemented immediately. Which completely ruined the future of doctors who had completed their studies abroad and are studying.

Imagine, what must have happened to doctors who were in the middle of their residency in 2017? Long duty, sleepless nights, hungry stomachs, physical and mental fatigue. What must have happened to doctors who were struggling for a happy future despite facing all this with this sudden decision?

The arbitrary and discriminatory policy of the system has shattered the hopes of many doctors.

Some doctors have said that this sudden decision has even made them victims of depression.

No decision has been made yet about what will happen to those who had submitted all the necessary documents and the 5,000 rupee fee for the equivalence certificate in 2073 BS, shortly before the implementation of this rule. What kind of justice is this done to citizens?

The lack of recognition is not only undermining the hard work of these doctors, but also weakening Nepal’s health system. Nepal’s much-needed specialist surgeons, physicians, and pediatricians have returned with experience abroad. However, they are not allowed to teach in Nepal’s medical colleges or work as specialists in government hospitals. This is because TU refuses to issue the necessary certificates. Yet these same specialists are welcomed in other countries, their skills are respected, and they are employed.

In addition, there is widespread discrimination within the health system. Nepali doctors who return from high-level training abroad, especially those from the Philippines, are often the target of suspicion, professional jealousy, and administrative obstruction. They are treated like outsiders in their own homeland.

They are deprived of leadership roles, excluded from decision-making processes, and kept out of opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s health sector. They have now emerged as a group of highly skilled and talented doctors trained abroad. The message is clear—an attempt is being made to discredit expertise and create administrative obstacles in Nepal.

The Philippines has adopted a medical education and residency training system similar to the US. Nepal, on the other hand, has followed the Indian model, which is influenced by the British model.

The residency years in Nepal and the Philippines are similar, with some being longer in the Philippines.

For example:

-General Surgery – Nepal: 3 years, Philippines: 5 years

-Radiology – Nepal: 3 years, Philippines: 4 years

-Orthopedic – Nepal: 3 years, Philippines: 4 years

-Internal Medicine – Nepal: 3 years, Philippines: 3 years

-ENT – Nepal: 3 years, Philippines: 4 years

-Obstetrics and Gynecology – Nepal: 3 years, Philippines: 4 years

Based on this comparison, the claim that Philippine residency is ‘mere training’ is baseless. Rather, the programs are more structured and longer than those in Nepal, which raises serious questions about the biased policy of TU.

What is even more sad is that all responsible institutions are aware of this problem. Dean of the Institute of Medical Studies (IOM), Nepal May The Dical Council, the Nepal Medical Association, the Ministry of Health and Population, and the Ministry of Education are all aware of this problem.

But no one has taken responsibility for solving it. The main players are the current and former two deans and the officials of the Curriculum Development Board of Tribhuvan University.

Was this decision approved by the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Health? The answer to this question has not come from anywhere. Under whose direction were these decisions made? Was there an influence of money or power? Why was a policy made to stop the specialists needed by the nation? Will these responsible people ever be investigated and held accountable?

Recently, about 200 specialist doctors have filed a petition in the court, where a permanent order has also been issued. However, no concrete solution has been reached yet.

Why is there so much silence about this policy that has become a factor in the exodus of specialist doctors?

Nepal is already suffering from a shortage of specialists in fields such as cancer, neurosurgery, cardiology, and pediatrics. But the doctors who can fill these vacancies are migrating abroad in large numbers. Most of the doctors who have gone abroad have left the country permanently.

They have gone to places where their training is recognized, respected and valued. Nepali patients are forced to travel abroad for expensive treatment or rely on substandard services.

If Nepal wants to save its medical talent, urgent reforms are needed. Tribhuvan University and the Nepal Medical Council must adopt a transparent and fair policy for recognizing foreign degrees.

Especially degrees from countries like the Philippines, where residency is internationally recognized. Instead of abolishing these programs, Nepal should focus on evaluation, breeding systems and collaborative partnerships. It is also essential to end discrimination and create a culture of respect for all specialists.

Ways to keep Dashain meat healthy and safe for a long time

Ways to keep Dashain meat healthy and safe for a long time

During the festival season, many homes have an abundance of meat. If it is not properly preserved, it can spoil.

Clean equipment should be used while slaughtering and cleaning meat, and storage should be done at a temperature below 4 degrees Celsius.

The minimum internal temperature should be maintained at 62.8 degrees Celsius when cooking meat.

Now is the festive moment of Dashain. Those who are away from home for work and study have started returning home and gathering. How many people are traveling? How many are preparing for the trip? Meat is the most consumed food during Dashain family gatherings. Except for vegetarians, most people eat meat like every meal during Dashain.

Most families slaughter animals at home and store plenty of meat. At this time, every house has an abundance of meat. In this situation, if the meat is not stored properly, there is a risk of spoiling. And the meat can become poisonous. Consuming such meat can cause various health problems.

Improper slaughterhouse practices and methods, poor hygiene, and improper and inadequate meat preservation methods for large quantities of meat can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can cause unpleasant and sometimes serious illnesses.

To avoid such problems, special care must be taken from the time of slaughtering the animal to its other processes, storage, and even cooking.

Food poisoning from contaminated meat is mainly caused by microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. It can have mild to severe symptoms.

Symptoms

- Nausea, vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Abdominal pain

- Fever

In vulnerable people, such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, food poisoning can have serious consequences.

How to slaughter safely?

For many, the Dashain tradition of slaughtering goats or other animals at home is a tradition. If this practice is not done hygienically, it can be a major source of infection in the meat.

-The designated place for slaughter should be clean and away from household waste and drains. There should be a place where the animal can be cleaned again after slaughtering.

-Make sure that the animal prepared for slaughter is healthy.

-Plenty of clean water should be provided for washing hands, tools and meat. Tools should be washed thoroughly with soap and hot water before and after using them.

-The person performing the slaughter should also pay attention to hygiene. Meat can be contaminated by a dirty person.

-People with contagious diseases (cold, fever, dysentery, etc.) should not participate in this activity.

-The intestines and internal organs should be removed carefully. When removing the internal organs, be very careful not to pierce the intestines, as this can spread feces and bacteria to the meat.

-After cooking, meat should be cooled to below 4°C as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. This can be done by using a refrigerator or clean ice.

Kitchen Safety

Once meat is brought into the kitchen, special care should be taken to prevent contamination. Maintaining good hygiene is important to prevent such problems.

Keeping raw meat and other vegetables separate

Use separate chopping boards, knives and utensils for raw meat and other foods, such as vegetables and salads. This will prevent harmful bacteria from being transferred from raw meat to ready-to-eat items.

-Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw meat.

Cooking to the right temperature

Most harmful bacteria are killed when cooked thoroughly. When preparing dishes, meat should be cooked thoroughly, especially until the pink color is gone.

For large cuts of meat, the recommended minimum internal temperature is 62.8°C. The best way to measure the temperature is to use a food thermometer.

Storing for later: Modern and traditional preservation

When a large amount of meat is available, how to store it properly?

Meat storage methods

1. Freezing

Fresh meat can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius or lower and consumed within a few days. For long-term storage, the meat should be frozen. For this, it should be cut into the required pieces, filled with packaging plastic, sealed and placed in the freezer.

The refrigerator used for storing meat must be in good condition. Meat can be contaminated and spoiled in a dirty refrigerator. If the meat is kept in this way, it can be stored for a long time.

2. Preserving cooked meat in fat

This method is called confiting in English. In this method, the meat, especially goat, pig or duck meat, is well marinated and then immersed in its own fat. The fat acts as a protective seal. The meat can be taken out when needed and prepared in various dishes as desired. No refrigeration is required for this.

3. Salting

This method is used especially in Western countries. In this, raw meat is salted heavily and hung in a dry, cool place or stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. Before using such meat, it should be washed thoroughly in water to remove the salt.

4. Making Sukuti

This is a traditional Nepali method of preserving meat for a long time. Many Nepalis used to make long pieces of Dashain meat and hang it over the fire. Even today, meat can be seen being stored in this way in rural areas.Once the meat is well dried, it will not spoil even if kept for a long time.

To make suketi, the meat should be cut into thin and long pieces. This will allow it to dry evenly. It is best to dry it in a well-ventilated place, covered with a net to protect it from flies. The meat should be completely dry and hard before storing. Meat dried in a slightly smoky place will last longer.

5. Making Pakku

Pakku is a traditional Nepali meat dish. It is mainly made from goat or cow meat. The method of making it is special. The pieces of meat are marinated in spices such as ginger, garlic, cumin, and coriander and placed in a pot. Then, without using water, the meat is cooked in its own fat and juices at a low temperature for a long time.

When cooked in this way, the meat melts completely, becomes very soft and tasty, and its color is dark brown or black. Since it is cooked in its own fat without adding water, it does not spoil for many days.

It can be made into a broth and gravy as per the requirement. It can also be eaten with rice and curries. The pakku prepared in this way can also be stored at normal room temperature. If kept in the refrigerator, it will not spoil for many more days.

Do not eat too much

Consuming too many fatty and spicy meat dishes can cause digestive problems. To facilitate the digestion process, plenty of fresh vegetables, salads, and fruits should be included in the diet.

Drink plenty of water

Drink plenty of clean water throughout the day.