Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments in healthcare. image Monkeypox outbreak spreading globally A new infectious disease has been cast into the spotlight. What used to be a rare viral disease typically found in Africa, has been found spreading rapidly into Europe, North America and Australia in the past week. As of Monday, more than 100 cases of monkeypox infection were detected in 15 countries, surpassing the total number of cases detected outside of Africa since the virus was first detected in 1970. Scientists are baffled by the spread as many confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox had no direct travel links to Africa. It is still not clear how the virus has been transmitted, although experts believe that the current outbreak is spread through contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids of an infected person. Many of the diagnosed cases are men who had sex with men. The UK is expecting a surge in numbers as local transmission has been confirmed. To contain the virus, Belgium has become the first country to declare a mandatory 21 days quarantine for anyone testing positive for monkeypox. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is expecting more cases to emerge as it steps up surveillance of the disease. Monkeypox typically causes fever, chills, rash, and lesions on the face or genitals. According to the WHO, symptoms usually appear in six to 13 days and can last for two to four weeks. Smallpox vaccines are found to be 85% protective against monkeypox and some antiviral drugs are currently being developed. Healthcare in the Spotlight Nature: Flu vaccine could cut COVID risk A study of more than 30,000 healthcare workers in Qatar found that those who got a flu jab were nearly 90% less likely to develop severe COVID-19 over the next few months compared to those unvaccinated. China Daily: Plan looks to expand Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) globally Cambodia is turning out to be an ideal testing ground for China’s plans to boost international exchange and cooperation in TCM. World Economic Forum: 6 new breakthroughs in the fight against cancer Scientists are using artificial intelligence, DNA sequencing, precision oncology, and other technologies to improve the treatment and diagnosis of the disease. Herts Live: Alzheimer’s Society release checklist to help early dementia diagnosis Dementia symptoms are often dismissed as just getting old. The checklist developed with the Royal College of GPs helps facilitate conversations for early diagnosis and access to support. The Straits Times: S’pore in emergency phase as dengue cases cross the 8,000 mark It exceeds the 5,258 cases reported in the whole of 2021, causing worry for the authorities. The Guardian: Global heating is cutting sleep across the world, study finds Data shows people finding it harder to sleep, especially women and older people, with serious health impacts Inside Climate News: Study identifies outdoor air pollution as the ‘largest existential threat to human and planetary health’ Deaths from exposure to emissions from vehicles, smokestacks and wildfires have increased by more than 50 percent this century, with poorer countries bearing the brunt of the impacts. Healthbytes The 6 best mobility exercises for longevity, according to an occupational therapist Source: Well+Good Having greater mobility helps improve longevity and quality of life, especially for older adults. Learn which exercises you can do to maintain your mobility and independence later into life.