Category: Healthcare

Skinos introduces Exciplex, a device for treating autoimmune skin diseases

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Skinos, a provider of aesthetic services, has unveiled its latest innovation, the Exciplex. This device, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), represents a significant advancement in the treatment of autoimmune skin diseases.

The Exciplex is a handheld monochromatic Excimer Light platform designed to address a range of autoimmune skin conditions.

It emits light at 308nm, a wavelength optimised for treating chronic autoimmune skin diseases such as Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Alopecia Areata, Mycosis Fungoids, and Atopic Dermatitis.

Shruti Gupta, Medical Director & Dermatologist at Skinos emphasised its clinical efficiency and widespread recognition among dermatologists worldwide.

One of the key benefits of the Exciplex is its ability to provide quick and effective treatmens.

Conditions like Vitiligo and Psoriasis can often lead to social withdrawal and stigma, contributing to stress and anxiety among affected individuals.

Gupta highlighted the importance of Excimer Light Therapy in addressing these visible skin conditions,

The Exciplex offers numerous advantages for both patients and doctors.

It is the smallest Monochromatic Excimer Light platform available, allowing for the treatment of localized autoimmune skin conditions and dermatological indications.

With a spot size of 25 square centimeters, the device can target large areas while also accommodating smaller lesions using reduction tips.

Its lightweight and portable design, coupled with an intuitive touchscreen interface.

The Exciplex does not require any consumables, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly treatment option.

Gupta emphasised the device’s safety and effectiveness, citing numerous clinical studies supporting its efficacy in treating autoimmune skin conditions.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

World AIDS Vaccine Day 2024: Recognising steps made in research and efforts to fight the disease

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, is observed annually on May 18. The day is dedicated to recognising and promoting the need for AIDS vaccines. It also serves as an opportunity to show gratitude and honour the people such as doctors, scientists, and community members engaged in developing vaccines.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The disease was first reported in 1981 in the United States. If HIV is not treated on time, it can lead to AIDS, which occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged and is not able to fight other diseases and infections.

World AIDS Vaccine Day: History

The day commemorates the speech made by then-President Bill Clinton at Morgan State University on May 18, 1997, where he emphasised the importance of creating a vaccine to stop the spread of the epidemic.

Since then, the day has been observed globally to spread awareness about the disease and the need for its vaccine.

World AIDS Vaccine Day: Theme

Each year, a new theme is dedicated to World AIDS Vaccine Day. The theme for 2024 is not yet decided, but the day emphasises the need for innovative research, accelerated vaccine development, and protective measures to achieve the goal of an AIDS-free world.

In 2023, the theme was ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,’ which focuses on combating the lack of awareness and urges people to take appropriate measures to detect the condition.

World AIDS Vaccine Day: Significance

The significance of World AIDS Vaccine Day lies in its role in recognising the steps made in AIDS research and the importance of continued efforts to fight against AIDS. The day serves as a reminder of the global commitment required to develop a vaccine that can prevent infections and lead to the eradication of the disease.

The day also honours those working hard day and night towards the development of an effective AIDS vaccine and raises awareness about the ongoing efforts in prevention.

Several organisations and governments organise different programmes and events on this day to spread awareness about the disease and its prevention and control.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

World Hypertension Day 2024: Know the condition and symptoms; rising cases in India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17 to create awareness about the causes, prevention and treatment of this condition. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the pressure in your blood vessels is higher than 120/80 mmHg.

Although the disease is common, it can be dangerous if not treated on time. The day also highlights the prescribed treatment to reduce hypertension and its complications.

Most people with the condition don’t feel any symptoms. However, some may get headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and other symptoms. A regular check-up is the best way to know the blood pressure level.

According to the WHO, nearly 46 per cent of adults are unaware of hypertension. As a result, it is critical to raise awareness of the condition worldwide. If the disease is left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems like cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as heart attacks and strokes, and even premature death.

The first World Hypertension Day was observed on May 14, 2005, by the World Hypertension League (WHL). Since 2006, the day has been marked on May 17 of every year as World Hypertension Day.

Hypertension: prevalence in India

According to recent epidemiological studies, hypertension is increasing in India rapidly among urban and young populations.

The Fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and Indian Council of Medical Research-INDIAB surveys have reported that there are substantial geographic variations in hypertension prevalence, with greater prevalence in more developed states and districts of the country.

According to the WHO, nearly 63 per cent of total deaths in India are due to non-communicable diseases, of which 27 per cent are attributed to cardiovascular disease, which affects 45 per cent of people in the 40–69 age group.

The most important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is high blood pressure. Furthermore, it remains poorly controlled due to poor follow-up, inadequate primary care, and low awareness of hypertension.

The 2019–2020 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reported that age-adjusted hypertension was higher in men (24.5 per cent) than women (20.0 per cent) — an increase from 19 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively, in the 2015–16 round.

However, the disease can be prevented and treated by regular monitoring of blood pressure and by following a healthy lifestyle.

According to the WHO, the government of India launched the Indian Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) to fast-track access to treatment services to meet the target of a 25 per cent reduction in the prevalence of hypertension.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

How’s AI transforming the traditionally inefficient med-device supply chain models

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In a world that is grappling with constant changes, the health and well-being of the public remains a priority. Hence, in this digital age, healthcare and related services are undergoing a massive transformation. From predicting demand fluctuations to optimising inventory management and ensuring regulatory compliance, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping every aspect of medical device supply chain.

Disruptive Power of AI

In the realm of medical device supply chains, traditional inefficiencies have long plagued operations, from manual tracking to forecasting errors. However, a new era is dawning as digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) lay the groundwork for AI-driven solutions. By automating repetitive tasks and providing real-time insights, AI enables supply chain professionals to make faster and more informed decisions.

AI-driven solutions help identify cost-saving opportunities throughout the supply chain by optimising inventory levels, reducing transportation costs, and minimising waste. However, the most significant impact of AI is its contribution to improved patient care. By ensuring the availability of critical medical devices when needed, AI helps healthcare providers deliver timely and effective treatments.

Here’s a look at the disruptive power of AI in this critical sector:

• Predictive analytics: The vast amount of data generated by supply chains can be efficiently analysed with the help of AI algorithms. AI-powered inventory management systems can optimise stock levels based on real-time data such as sales forecasts, lead times, and supplier performance. It can also predict demand fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and potential equipment failures. This helps manufacturers optimise inventory levels, reduce stockouts, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
• Supply chain visibility: AI technologies enable real-time tracking and monitoring of medical devices throughout the supply chain. This increased visibility helps identify bottlenecks, track shipments, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Quality control: AI-powered image recognition systems can detect defects in medical devices during the manufacturing process. By automating quality control processes, AI helps improve product quality, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with standards.
• Supply chain optimisation: AI algorithms can optimise supply chain logistics by analysing factors such as transportation routes, warehouse locations, and production schedules. By identifying the most efficient routes and scheduling strategies, AI helps reduce transportation costs and minimise delivery times.
• Forecasting demand: AI models can analyse various factors such as population and patient demographics and prevalence data to accurately forecast future demand for medical devices. This enables manufactures to adjust production levels and inventory levels proactively. 
• Personalised medicine: AI-powered medical devices can analyse patient data in real-time to personalise treatment plans and optimise outcomes. For example, wearable devices equipped with AI algorithms can monitor vital signs and provide tailored recommendations for dosage adjustments or lifestyle changes.

Challenges

While the integration of AI offers numerous benefits, ensuring data security and compliance with patient privacy regulations presents a significant challenge. AI-driven solutions rely on vast amounts of sensitive data, including patient information, medical records, and proprietary manufacturing data.

Therefore, it is essential to prevent unauthorised access, breaches, and potential misuse by ensuring secure handling of data, from collection and storage to analysis and dissemination. Hence, healthcare organisations and manufacturers must establish clear guidelines and ethical frameworks for the responsible use of AI to ensure patient privacy and autonomy. Moreover, patients must also be informed about the collection and use of their data.

The integration of AI technologies marks a new era of heightened efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced patient care. Through AI-driven solutions, organisations can streamline operations, optimise resource allocation, and deliver timely interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes. As the AI revolution continues to evolve, it promises to reshape the healthcare landscape, driving innovation, and ensuring access to high-quality medical devices for patients worldwide. Embracing this paradigm shift in supply chain management is not just a necessity but an opportunity to lead the way towards a healthier future.

— The author, Vishal Chaturvedi, is Chief Technology Officer at MedikaBazaar, India’s leading online medical devises supply platform. The views expressed are personal.   

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Serum Institute wants to advance needle-free injection tech so picked 20% in IntegriMedical

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Serum Institute of India (SII) has picked a 20% stake in IntegriMedical as the company envisions a needle-free solution to deliver vaccines. Financial details were not disclosed.

SII CEO Adar Poonawalla said, “At SII, we are constantly seeking opportunities to invest in technologies that align with our mission to make healthcare accessible and affordable for people worldwide.”

Speaking about IntegriMedical’s US-patented Needle-Free Injection System (N-FIS), Poonawalla said it represents a significant advancement in drug delivery and could revolutionise the way vaccines are administered, making the process more comfortable for patients and healthcare professionals.

What is known about IntegriMedical

IntegriMedical is a privately owned medical technology company focused on providing innovative drug delivery solutions for patients suffering from needle phobia.

The company says it has research centers and manufacturing facilities in the US, India, and Hong Kong. The office in India is located in Pune.

What is known about the needle-free technology

IntegriMedical has developed a US-patented needle-free injection system (N-FIS) that utilises a high-velocity jet stream using mechanical power to administer biologics and drugs. It does in-house research and operations.

According to the company, N-FIS has received regulatory approvals from CDSCO, CE, and MDSAP and is ISO 13485 certified.

The investment by Serum is expected to accelerate the development and commercialisation of the N-FIS technology, making it more widely accessible to patients in India and worldwide, the companies said in a release.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Zydus Life arm inks licensing and supply deal with MSN for tablets used to treat advanced kidney cancer

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Zydus Life on Friday, May 17, said its wholly-owned subsidiary inked an exclusive licensing and supply agreement with MSN Laboratories for the Cabozantinib tablets, which treat advanced kidney cancer, for the US market.

MSN Laboratories will be in charge and manufacturing and supplying the generic version of the CABOMETYX drug, after the receipt of the regulatory approval. Zydus Lifesciences Global FZE will, market distribute and sell the product in the US market, the company said.

MSN was the first sole ANDA applicant for the tablets, and may be eligible for 180 days of generic drug exlusivity of the drug.

“Cabozanitnib tablet is an important treatment option for many cancer patients and we are pleased to work with MSN to bring the generic version of CABOMETYX in the US market,” said, Dr Sharvil Patel, the MD of Zydus Lifesciences LTd.

Meanwhile, DR MSN Reddy the founder, chairman and MD of MSN Group said working Zydus will enable the successful commercialisation of the tablet, while advancing MSN’s advancing mission of enabling access to highqualty, affordable medicines.

As per the IQVIA MAT 20254, the total addressable opportunity of cabozanitinib tablets in uS is approximately $ 1,464 million.

Zydus Life shares ended 1.02% higher at ₹1,009 per share.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

World Hypertension Day | Why it is time for India to prioritise prevention and early detection of hypertension

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the biggest killer among the fast growing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India —home for one of the largest population living with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and other heart diseases in the world. While access to better treatments for these diseases and the economic impacts of uncontrolled disease burden are always bigger issues in the low and middle income countries, prevention and early detection for effective management of the disease is the best option that these countries can look forward to.  

Since early detection and effective management of diseases are among the most cost-effective interventions, these should be prioritised by countries like India in their healthcare programme. And this should be part of their national health benefit package offered at a primary care level.

While observing the World Hypertension Day tomorrow (May 17), it is time for India to adopt a strategy that is focussed on prevention, detection and control of high blood pressure, which forms a greater part of CVDs. For this, the country, as part of its national health programme, should promote CVD awareness campaigns, facilitation for blood pressure check-up,  and implementation of other effective disease prevention and management measures. 

Hypertension or high blood pressure is often referred to as a silent killer because a person suffering from it may not experience symptoms. However, the health condition can cause damage to various body functions, affecting heart health, stroke, kidney failure among others. High Blood Pressure is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher)

Need to scale the coverage 

Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide. According to a WHO report released in September 2023, approximately 4 out of 5 people with hypertension are not adequately treated in the world, but if countries can scale up prevention and treatment coverage, 76 million deaths could be averted between 2023 and 2050. 

The number of people living with hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher or taking medication for hypertension) doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion. Nearly half of people with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their condition. More than three-quarters of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries.

Old age and genetic disorders can increase the risk of having high blood pressure, but modifiable risk factors such as eating high-salt diet, not being physically active and drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of hypertension, the report said.

Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may need medicines that can control hypertension effectively and prevent related complications. 

WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was recently quoted saying; “Hypertension control programmes remain neglected, under-prioritised and vastly underfunded. Strengthening hypertension control must be part of every country’s journey towards universal health coverage, based on well-functioning, equitable and resilient health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care.”

In the WHO report, it was highlighted that reducing salt intake and increasing potassium intake not only lowers blood pressure but also helps prevent cardiovascular events. The report emphasises potassium-enriched salt substitutes as an affordable strategy. However, treatment resistant hypertension is another threat emerging now with existing medication.  

 New Drugs, New Therapies 

As the medical research progresses, there comes new and innovative treatments, though a general access to those new generation medicines is still a concern. One of the latest among those new options has been aprocitentan, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). This new generation drug, approved for lowering blood pressure, is used in combination with other antihypertensive agents, in adults with treatment-resistant hypertension. 

“We have had to wait for over 30 years to see the approval of an oral anti-hypertensive agent that works on a new therapeutic pathway, so aprocitentan, currently branded as Tryvio, provides transformational progress in the field of systemic hypertension,” says Michael A. Weber, MD, State University of New York, one of the clinical investigators of this new medicine. 

Another investigational drug called zilebesiran has been found to be safe and effective in reducing systolic blood pressure in people with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure for up to six months with just one injection. 

Physical activity and mental balance have a major role in controlling hypertension. A British Journal of Sports Medicine study suggests that two isometric exercises, planks and wall squats, may be highly effective in lowering blood pressure. 

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

One-third of participants who took Covaxin report adverse events, says new study

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A significant rate of adverse events of special interest (AESI) was reported among the participants of Bharat Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, a new study has revealed.

The study found that nearly one-third of the participants experienced AESI, according to a report on SpringerLink, an integrated platform for journals and other materials published by Springer.

It is also revealed that female adolescents and individuals with a history of allergies are at a higher risk of AESI.

The study was conducted by Sankha Shubhra Chakrabarti and his team at Banaras Hindu University. She said, “The majority of the AESI persisted at the one-year follow-up.”

During the one-year follow-up, 635 adolescents and 291 adults of the 1,024 enrolled persons were contacted. The study further revealed that 124 (42.6%) adults and 304 (47.9%) adolescents reported having viral upper respiratory tract infections after taking the vaccine.

The most common AESIs in adolescents were new-onset skin and subcutaneous disorders (10.5%), general disorders (10.2%), and nervous system disorders (4.7%).

Meanwhile, in adults, the common AESIs reported were nervous system disorders (5.5%), musculoskeletal disorders (5.8%), and general disorders (8.9%).

Additional reported issues were menstrual abnormalities in 4.6% of female participants, ocular abnormalities in 2.7%, and hypothyroidism in 0.6% of participants.

Serious AESIs such as stroke and Guillain-Barre Syndrome were noticed in 0.3% and 0.1% of participants, respectively.

The study also said that the participants with a history of allergy and post-vaccination typhoid were at 1.6, 2.8, and 2.8 times higher risk of AESIs, and the majority of AESIs occur during one-year follow-up.

Females and adolescents with a history of pre-vaccination COVID-19, comorbidities, or post-vaccination typhoid had 1.6, 2, 2.7, and 3.2 times higher odds of persistent AESIs. Adults with comorbidities had more than twice the risk of both AESIs and persistent AESIs compared to others.

Adolescents and adults experienced different patterns of adverse effects after being administered Covaxin than were observed with other COVID-19 vaccinations.

The researchers also emphasised the necessity of extended surveillance of COVID-19-vaccinated persons to understand the long-term effects and outcomes of these adverse events.

“Focused monitoring for persistent AESIs is warranted for individuals with a pre-vaccination history of COVID,” the researchers said.

“Adults with comorbidities, such as hypertension, are at a higher risk of AESIs and persistent AESIs after BBV152 administration. The patterns of AESIs developing after Covaxin differ from those seen after Covishield, as well as among different age groups,” it added.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

National Dengue Day: Tips to stay safe from the mosquito-borne infection

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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National Dengue Day is observed in India on May 16 every year. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has officially announced the day to raise awareness about the disease, its prevention, and control measures.

The initiative highlights the importance of community participation in preventing mosquito breeding, recognising the symptoms early and seeking timely medical advice.

The theme for National Dengue Day 2024 is “Dengue Prevention: Our Responsibility for a Safer Tomorrow.”

The day serves as an important reminder of the need for public involvement and proactive measures to reduce the incidence of dengue and protect public health.

Dengue statistics in India

According to the data from WHO, the cumulative number of dengue cases reported up to week 7 of 2024 was 25,541 cases, an increase of 67.5% compared to 15,243 cases for the same period in 2023. Fourteen dengue-related deaths were also reported for the mentioned period, compared to 13 deaths in 2023.

In 2023, India experienced an increase in cases in Kerala and the northeastern states compared to the previous year.

However, as per the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, over five million dengue cases and over 2,000 dengue-related deaths have been reported worldwide since the beginning of 2024.

As National Dengue Day is observed, health authorities highlight the alarming rise in dengue cases across the country and emphasise the importance of preventive measures to combat the spread of the disease.

Tips to stay safe from the mosquito-borne viral infection:

Remove stagnant water from containers, flowerpots, and other areas to prevent mosquito breeding.

Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin or wear long-sleeved clothing, especially when going outside, to prevent mosquito bites.

Install screens or close the doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Use mosquito nets while sleeping.

Keep your environment clean and dispose of garbage properly to reduce breeding.

Be aware of dengue symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, etc., and seek medical advice promptly if you or someone in your family becomes infected.

Stay updated with local health advisories and dengue outbreaks in your area.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow