Malta Reports First Case of MPOX

Aug 30 2024

Health authorities in Malta have confirmed an imported case of Mpox, transmitted through sexual contact. The patient, currently in stable condition, does not require hospitalization and has been placed in isolation. Contact tracing is underway to prevent further spread.

The specific clade of the virus involved has not yet been identified, creating some uncertainty about its characteristics. However, officials are urging the public to take preventive measures, including practicing safe sex, discussing sexual health with partners, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and maintaining good hygiene, such as regular hand washing. Anyone with symptoms or contact with a confirmed case is advised to seek medical attention promptly.

Mpox is an infectious disease that can spread from animals to humans or through close human contact. It causes fever, muscle aches, and large, boil-like lesions. A global outbreak in 2022, driven by the clade 2b subclade, primarily affected gay and bisexual men, leading the WHO to declare a public health emergency, which ended in May 2023.

A new, more severe clade 1b subclade has since emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), raising concerns due to its higher fatality rate.

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Neil Agius Suffers Worst Jellyfish Sting, Suspects Box Jellyfish

Aug 30 2024

“Neil Agius, an ex-Olympian and current world record holder for the longest unassisted ocean swim, was stung by a jellyfish, which he described as ‘one of the worst stings to date,’ during his longest training session, a 24-hour swim.

Agius revealed the sting in a video he posted, showing how the jellyfish’s tentacle had wrapped around his body, leaving marks across his abdomen, back, and arm.

The swimmer suspects the culprit to be a box jellyfish, recently spotted in Birżebbuġa, which may have been swept to the east side of Gozo by the currents.”

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One In Five 15-Year Old Boys Having Sex

Aug 29 2024

In a study conducted by the World Health Organization, it was revealed that on average one in the year 2022 in five 15-year old boys have had and are actively having sexual intercourse.

The report also found that one in seven 15-year old girls were reported having sex, in the year 2022. The study overall showed that boys were more likely to have sexual intercourse at a younger age than girls.

It was also revealed in the study that while the overall prevalence of sexual activity has remained relatively stable since 2014, boys have shown a slight decline in recent years.

Interesting data also found that 15-year old boys from more affluent families were more likely to report to having sexual intercourse, whilst girls from low-affluence families were more likely to respond to having sex.

The survey was conducted in 2022 and involved several 15-year old students from 42 countries and regions around the world.

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Eileen Montesin To Return To MCC Stage After 18 Years

Aug 29 2024

Taking to social media, local icon Eileen Montesin shared her excitement to be returning to the Mediterranean Conference Stage after 18 years.

The last time she did so was back in 2006, when she representing Malta Song for Europe 2006 alongside Lou Bondi and Josef Bonello, which saw Fabrizio Faniello winning.

This time around she’ll be presenting Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza along with her daughter Christine Haber, Louise Tedesco, and Valerie Vella, on the 8th of September.

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