Over 700 monkeypox cases globally but no fatalities

Jun 5 2022

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that it was aware of over 700 monkeypox cases worldwide. 21 of these were reported in the US, but all patients are in recovery of have recovered.

No cases have been fatal as of yet. 14 are thought to be travel-related whereas 16 of the first 17 cases were among men who have sex with men, the CDC reports.

The rare disease is related to smallpox, but is far less severe an causes a rash that spreads among other symptoms.

The disease is already endemic in western and central Africa, but cases were reported in Europe since May of 2022. Canada also revealed that it has around 77 confirmed cases, all confined to Quebec.

This comes as Superintendent Charmaine Gauci unveils that people with monkeypox are to self-isolate for three weeks (21 days).

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Woman grievously injured after being hit by car in Zabbar

Jun 5 2022

A 29-year-old German woman resident of Hal Tarxien had to be taken to Mater Dei Hospital yesterday evening at around 1930hrs.

This was due to a traffic incident in Triq San Anard, Haz-Zabbar. Preliminary investigations showed that the woman was hit by a Honda Fit which was being driven by a 59-year-old Mosta resident.

The victim was given medical assistance and subsequently taken to Mater Dei hospital where she was certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Police are still investigating the case.

#MaltaDaily

Firefighters tending to grass fire dangerously close to Mgarr harbour

Jun 4 2022

Firefighters have rushed to contain a grass fire in Gozo on Saturday, with footage and photos shared to social media showing the flames veering dangerously close to the Mgarr harbour.

As the island enters the first heatwave of the summer 2022 season, police were notified about the flames at 2pm. No one has been reported injured and the authorities are doing all the can to contain the blaze.

Such grassfires are common in Malta as the heatwaves are known to reach blistering temperatures and winds carrying the blazes further. This is a developing story.

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Three people lightly injured after fireworks factory explodes in Mosta

Jun 4 2022

Three people have been confirmed to have suffered light injuries after an explosion from the 15 August Mosta fireworks factory in the limits of Mosta was reported.

Plumes of smoke were visible from across the island, with police units, ambulances, and the Civil Protection Department rushing to the scene. The explosion was first reported at around 3:20pm.

It was reported that 11 people were at the site at the time of the explosion but all managed to avoid the worst of the explosion. One of the men was confirmed to have burns on his arm whilst another was reported to have fallen a height.

The bomb disposal team is also in the area as more unexploded material is feared to be in the vicinity of the area. People are also being advised to stay away from the site of the blast as the authorities tend to the situation.

Witnesses reported that the explosion was heard from as far as the capital city, Valletta. Minister for Internal Affairs and National Security Byron Camilleri also took to social media to report the news and confirm that authorities were addressing the situation.

#MaltaDaily