The article begins with a look at the spread of Mpox, more commonly known as monkeypox. In 2022 alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 85,765 confirmed and 1,382 probable cases of the zoonotic viral disease across 110 countries. The illness, which presents symptoms reminiscent of smallpox, albeit with lower contagion, was first diagnosed in humans in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970.
The Prevalence of Mpox
The United States has been particularly hit hard by this outbreak, logging 29,948 confirmed instances of the disease. Despite the alarming numbers, WHO has assessed the global risk as being ‘moderate.’ In an attempt to avoid confusion with its historical counterpart, smallpox, the organization has expressed a preference for referring to the disease as mpox.
Various vaccines used to eradicate smallpox have provided a level of protection against mpox, with new vaccines specific to the disease also being developed and approved.
The Emergence of Marburg Virus in Equatorial Guinea
Central Africa, particularly Equatorial Guinea, is experiencing its first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak. This highly contagious disease induces haemorrhagic fever and begins suddenly, accompanied by high fever, severe headache, and intense malaise.
The virus is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats and can spread among people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or with infected surfaces and materials. The Marburg virus is lethal; of every 100 individuals who contract it, 88 are expected to lose their lives. This rare virus first came to light in 1967 after simultaneous disease outbreaks in laboratories located in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia.
Judicial Review: Clarification from the Supreme Court
Recently, the Supreme Court has clarified that the “suitability” of a candidate, as affirmed by the Collegium for appointment to a constitutional court, cannot be the subject of judicial review. Notably, judicial review is a court proceeding during which a judge examines the legality of an action or decision made by a public body.
Courts across nations execute judicial review to inspect the actions of their legislatures, executive, and administrative arms of government, ensuring said actions adhere to their Constitution’s guidelines. This form of review is regarded as a fundamental structure of the constitution, supported by numerous provisions.
Mammatus Clouds: A Beautiful Phenomenon
A recent display of nature’s wonder played out over Nebraska, United States, in the form of mammatus clouds. These unique cloud formations resemble bubbles from the bottom due to warm, moist air rising and cooling, subsequently condensing into water droplets at specific temperatures and heights.
In some conditions, pockets of the cloud harboring large droplets of water or ice may fall into clear air, evaporating on their descent. This often occurs in the turbulent air near a thunderstorm, resulting in the dramatic appearance of mammatus clouds.