These are the changes that can be seen in the body after giving up sugar for a month

 These are the changes that can be seen in the body after giving up sugar for a month

By completely or largely stopping the consumption of sugar for a month, positive changes such as weight control and stable energy levels can be seen in the body.

In today's busy lifestyle, the habit of eating sweets has become very common. Tea, cold drinks, sweets and packaged foods contain a lot of sugar. But if a person stops consuming sugar completely or largely for a month, various positive changes start to be seen in the body. The first few days may feel a little uncomfortable, but in the long run, it can have many health benefits.

The first few days can be challenging

For the first 3-7 days after giving up sugar, you may experience increased cravings for sweets, headaches, fatigue, irritability or difficulty concentrating. This is normal because the body is used to regular consumption of sugar.

Can help in weight control

The process of fat accumulation in the body can be reduced by reducing the extra calories obtained from sugar. It can help reduce fat around the belly, especially around the waist, and can help you gradually control your weight.

May help keep your blood sugar levels balanced

Reducing sugar can help reduce the problem of sudden increases and decreases in blood glucose levels. This can help improve the effectiveness of insulin and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.

May keep your energy levels stable throughout the day

Although too much sugar may give you a short-term boost of energy, you may feel tired later. Reducing sugar can help keep your energy levels more stable, which can help you stay active and focused throughout the day.

May improve your skin

Excess sugar can increase inflammation in the body, leading to acne, pimples, and skin problems. Reducing sugar can make your skin look clear, healthy, and naturally radiant.

May have a positive effect on heart health

Excessive sugar intake can increase triglycerides, blood pressure, and the risk of heart disease. Reducing sugar can help reduce these risks.

Liver health may improve

High intake of fructose, especially found in sugar, increases the risk of fat accumulation in the liver. Reducing sugar can reduce the extra burden on the liver.

May improve dental and oral health

Sugar can increase tooth decay and gum problems. Reducing sugar can also reduce the risk of tooth loss.

May improve sleep quality

Reducing sugar can help balance the body's energy levels, which can help you sleep better at night and feel refreshed in the morning.

May improve the digestive system

Reducing sugar and increasing fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods can improve the digestive system and have a positive effect on intestinal health.

Overall benefits that can be seen after a month

Reducing sugar intake for a month can help you experience weight control, improved skin, stable energy, balanced blood sugar levels, improved heart and liver health, better sleep, and positive changes in overall health. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist before making any major dietary changes.

What to consider when giving up sugar?

Giving up sugar does not mean giving up all carbohydrates. Natural sugars found in fruits, milk, and whole grains are generally considered part of a healthy diet.

To do this, you should make it a habit to read the labels of packaged foods. Reduce your intake of cold drinks, sweets, chocolate, and packaged juices. Choose fresh fruits instead of sweets. Drink plenty of water. Eat enough protein and fiber-rich foods. Also, prioritize regular exercise and adequate sleep.

3 dead on cruise ship in Atlantic Ocean, 1 with rare disease Hantavirus

 3 dead on cruise ship in Atlantic Ocean, 1 with rare disease Hantavirus

Three people have died on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. At least one of the dead has been confirmed to have the rare disease ‘Hantavirus’, which is transmitted by rats.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a possible outbreak of Hantavirus is being investigated on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde.

In a public statement on Sunday, the WHO said that one person has been confirmed infected and at least five more passengers are suspected of being infected.

‘Of the six affected, three have died and one is being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) in South Africa,’ the statement said.

According to the WHO, additional laboratory tests and epidemiological investigations are ongoing. The necessary health care and support are being provided to passengers and crew, and the gene sequencing of the virus is also being carried out. It also said it was coordinating with countries to rescue two other passengers who were showing symptoms.

Hantavirus is a rare disease transmitted to humans through the feces or urine of infected rats. In severe cases, it can cause hemorrhagic fever and even death.

Couple also died

South Africa’s health ministry had earlier reported an outbreak of “severe acute respiratory disease” on Sunday, with at least two deaths. A third person was being treated in an intensive care unit in Johannesburg, AFP reported.

Ministry spokesman Foster Mohale said the patient, who was being treated in Johannesburg, had tested positive for hantavirus.

The first person to show symptoms was a 70-year-old man who died on board the ship. His body is currently being held on the British territory of St. Helena in the South Atlantic.

His 69-year-old wife was also taken to South Africa after falling ill, where she died in a hospital in Johannesburg, Mohale said.

The nationalities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, but the patient in the ICU is a 69-year-old British citizen, AFP reported.

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.

How at risk is Nepal from the Hanta virus that has swept the world?

 How at risk is Nepal from the Hanta virus that has swept the world?

Since the initial symptoms of many infectious diseases are very similar to each other, laboratory tests are helpful in distinguishing the infection.

According to the World Health Organization, 3 out of 8 people have died from Hanta virus seen on a cruise ship.

Although Hanta virus is transmitted through the feces, urine or saliva of infected rats, it has been confirmed that the 'Andean' species can be transmitted from person to person.

Nepal is at risk of Hanta virus, but even if it has not been confirmed as an outbreak, regular testing and research are necessary.

Recently, the Hanta virus seen on a cruise ship has swept the world. According to the information published by the World Health Organization a few days ago (on May 8), 3 out of 8 people have died.

That is, about 38 percent of the infected have died. This human-to-human transmission is considered very rare, but currently, dozens of cases on cruise ships have become a matter of concern and interest.

At the time of writing, the main source of infection is unknown. Information on the circumstances under which it spread from person to person is yet to be released.

Hantavirus can be transmitted to humans through contact with the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rats. Even if an infected rat does not show symptoms, it can still cause death if it infects humans.

The mortality rate of the Hantavirus strain seen in the Americas is many times higher than that of the Hantavirus strain seen in Europe and Asia, which is about 50 percent. Recently, a cruise ship has seen a mortality rate of about 38 percent. The World Health Organization has reported that the mortality rate of the Hantavirus strain seen in Europe and Asia is up to 15 percent.

Although Hantavirus is said to be transmitted only through the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rats, the ‘Andean’ strain of Hantavirus can be transmitted from person to person to some extent.

The Hantavirus strain currently circulating on cruise ships has also been confirmed by gene sequencing to be ‘Andean’. Hantavirus is mainly divided into two types based on symptoms, which also vary according to geographical location.

First, Hanta pulmonary syndrome and second, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.

Hanta pulmonary syndrome is mainly seen in the Americas, while hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and Hantavirus are seen in Europe and Asia.

Hanta pulmonary syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills and dizziness, muscle pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure. If it becomes complicated, coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and pneumonia may occur.

These symptoms may appear within one to six weeks of infection.

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Hanta virus causes chills, stomach pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, red eyes, and later complications, bleeding, and there is a risk of kidney failure.

These symptoms appear one to two weeks after infection, and sometimes up to 8 weeks. This Hanta virus is seen in Asia, especially in countries like China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. Research articles have also been published that Hanta virus has been seen in neighboring India. But there is no information that it has taken the form of a major outbreak.

Is there a risk of Hanta virus in Nepal?

Hanta virus is transmitted when it comes into contact with rat feces, urine, or saliva. Rats are seen in significant numbers in all villages and cities in Nepal.

The number of people who come to Teku Hospital for treatment of rat bites is also high. Most people with such problems do not come to the hospital. There is a lot of contact between humans and rats in Nepal too.

Hundreds of scrub typhus cases are reported in Nepal every year. The main source of scrub typhus infection is the mite found in rats. This also clearly shows that the risk of any infection that can be spread by rats in Nepal is high.

Hanta virus is no exception. In 2017, a tourist fell ill and was admitted to the ICU immediately after returning to his country after visiting Nepal. A research article was published stating that the person had been diagnosed with hanta virus. This was published in an American medical journal in 2020.

This also indicates that the risk of hanta virus is present in Nepal.

However, as in India, there is no confirmation of an outbreak in Nepal yet. Since this infection is not included in routine laboratory tests, we are unaware of the status of hanta virus in Nepal.

Blood tests of tourists infected with hanta virus in Nepal show a decrease in platelet count and an increase in liver enzymes, which the author has experienced is also widely seen in fever patients in Nepal.

However, the possibility of Hantavirus seems to be overlooked when sending for diagnostic tests for limited infections. Since a large number of fever patients are still not diagnosed in Nepal, there is a need to increase the scope of testing.

In the case of a new infection or a first-time infection, testing for that infection should also be included in routine testing. Since the initial symptoms of many infectious diseases are very similar to each other, laboratory testing is helpful in distinguishing infections. Only if the infection is diagnosed can treatment, prevention, and counseling be correct.

Currently, the World Health Organization has stated that the risk of further spread of this virus is low. However, the number of infections on a cruise ship at the same time is so high. And as the problem becomes more complicated and the mortality rate is higher, it cannot be ruled out that the contagiousness and lethality of this virus has increased compared to the past.

Nepal cannot completely ignore the risk of the virus, given the confirmed research on this virus and the frequent contact with rats, which is considered the source of the virus.

If national guidelines were developed in Nepal, prioritizing research on Hanta virus, it would be useful for health workers in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.