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Disease

Disease

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Disease. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

last updated:

9 September, 2024

Andrea Vanek in Vienna, Austria, with medicine she takes for long Covid, a condition in which patients fail to recover fully from the acute phase of Covid infection. Photo: AFP

5 years after pandemic began, long Covid still turns lives upside down

Two victims describe lingering, debilitating symptoms that keep them from reclaiming their lives; WHO expert describes barriers to diagnosis.

20 Dec 2024 - 3:22PM

Snake gut secrets unlocked by new study may help treat human diseases

20 Dec 2024 - 5:21AMvideocam

New Congo death suggests mystery outbreak could be more than just malaria

20 Dec 2024 - 2:43AM

First severe human case of bird flu in US sparks alarm

Louisiana case, along with a recent severe case in Canada, has heightened concerns about a potential bird flu pandemic.

19 Dec 2024 - 10:12AM

This colourised electron microscope image shows avian influenza A H5N1 virus particles (yellow). File photo: CDC/NIAID via AP

A liver acid could be an anti-ageing ‘elixir’, Chinese scientists say

Researchers find naturally occurring acid induces pseudo-starvation effects, resulting in anti-ageing effects in animals.

19 Dec 2024 - 12:15AMvideocam

Farm breeds pigs for human kidney transplant; it’s a blessing, patient says

The US’ long waiting list for transplants could be shortened with the use of genetically modified animal organs. This farm is key to process.

18 Dec 2024 - 3:16PM

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Surge in colon cancer in young people reflects global lifestyle changes

Colon cancer rates are falling among older people, but rising among young people because of sedentary lifestyles and processed-food diets.

17 Dec 2024 - 10:30AM

Snack foods tend to be in high in salt, sugar, and fat. Photo: Shutterstock

New medical drugs

Novel drug awaits Hong Kong diabetics suffering from debilitating eye disease

Oculis’ OCS-01 eye drops, currently in phase 3 trials for diabetic macular edema, can be an alternative to injection, CEO says.

16 Dec 2024 - 9:07AMvideocam

How meditation benefits health and a free app for beginners

A psychologist who helped develop an award-winning meditation app explains how the practice can lower stress, boost concentration and more.

15 Dec 2024 - 7:45AMvideocam

‘It was hell’: is India losing its fight against eradicating TB by 2025?

India’s anti-tuberculosis drive has been slowed by social stigma, superstition, poor public awareness and widespread tobacco use.

14 Dec 2024 - 3:00PM

A doctor checks a tuberculosis patient’s chest X-rays at a clinic in Mumbai. Photo: AFP

Explainer | Why ‘growing snakes’ – shingles – is so painful and how to prevent it

Shingles causes a rash that can feel like ‘being burned and electrocuted’ at the same time. We look at its symptoms, treatment and vaccine.

14 Dec 2024 - 1:15PM

That snake-like shingles rash can appear anywhere - not just on the trunk, but also the face where it can affect the eyes and vision.
Photo: Shutterstock

Japan faces ‘slapped-cheek syndrome’ outbreak, as experts warn of reduced immunity

Japan is facing a significant outbreak of parvovirus B19 due to reduced post-pandemic immunity, posing significant risks to pregnant women and children.

14 Dec 2024 - 9:32AM

Explainer | As TCM is promoted in Hong Kong, a primer on the cultural ‘treasure’

A festival of traditional Chinese medicine and a dedicated hospital are ways TCM is being promoted in the city. Here’s what you need to know.

17 Dec 2024 - 3:39PMvideocam

Trending in China

Millions in China moved by sick baby who dies in mum’s embrace watching fireworks

After heart surgery at five months old, doctors advise couple to stop further medical treatment for their baby.

14 Dec 2024 - 10:24PM

A Chinese boy with heart disease tragically died in his mother’s arms while watching fireworks. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock

World Health Organization (WHO)

Mystery ‘Disease X’ outbreak widens as WHO sends team to DR Congo

Dozens of people have died in southwest Congo after contracting a mysterious illness, dubbed Disease X.

9 Dec 2024 - 1:35PM

A hospital in the Panzi health zone in southwestern Congo. Photo: AP

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

About 90% of vulnerable Hongkongers got last Covid jab more than 12 months ago

Concern group urges residents to get inoculated against Covid-19 as city enters winter flu season.

8 Dec 2024 - 6:34PM

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Effort needed to lift Hong Kong’s organ donation rates

While respect for cultural sensitivities must be maintained, becoming a donor is ultimately about saving and improving the quality of lives.

7 Dec 2024 - 11:32PM

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Why eating dark chocolate could lower your diabetes risk

Christmas means lots of tempting chocolate. A study shows eating five small portions a week of the dark kind may have major health benefits.

6 Dec 2024 - 4:22PM

There is lots of chocolate to tempt this holiday season. For your health’s sake, choose dark chocolate. Photo: Shutterstock

How short bursts of daily activity can lower your risk of heart trouble

Four minutes a day of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (Vilpa) halve the risk of cardiovascular events in middle-aged women.

6 Dec 2024 - 3:15PM

What is mystery ‘Disease X’ and why have dozens died in DR Congo?

Congo government says it’s on ‘maximum alert’ as patient specimens are being analysed.

9 Dec 2024 - 1:29PM

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hongkongers could face eligibility tests for dental treatment at public clinics

Authorities will also offer free check-ups for preschoolers and affordable services for adolescents.

6 Dec 2024 - 9:38PMvideocam

An elderly woman of Kwai Tsing is getting her teeth cleaned at a dental truck in Lai King. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong tightens airport health checks amid Congo mystery disease outbreak

The unknown disease has left 79 dead and more than 300 infected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since late October.

6 Dec 2024 - 1:33PM

The Democratic Republic of Congo on a map. Photo: Shutterstock

Beans, peas better than veggie burgers as alternatives to meat

Eating plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy lowers the chance of an early death. Scientists ranked the best foods to switch to.

6 Dec 2024 - 5:20AM

Bird flu viruses

How close is the next pandemic?

China’s top infectious disease expert says a strain of avian influenza virus is adapting and could make the leap from birds to mammals

5 Dec 2024 - 6:00PM

How close is the next pandemic? Chinese researchers have new clues

China’s top infectious disease expert says a strain of avian influenza virus is adapting and could make the leap from birds to mammals.

6 Dec 2024 - 12:50AMvideocam

A study led by China’s top virologist has raised concerns that a strain of the virus H2N2 recently found in the wild now has the ability to infect humans. Photo: Reuters

You have a disease that will make you blind. How do you prepare?

Hong Kong resident Cheng Kwok-kwong, who has degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa, is getting ready for when his vision fails.

3 Dec 2024 - 7:54PM

Cheng Kwok-kwong learns Braille in the Rehabilitation Centre at The Hong Kong Society for the Blind, in Shek Kip Mei. Photo: Jelly Tse

Health in China

China promotes fidelity for elderly as HIV/Aids cases rise in over 50s

Rising infection rates attributed to loneliness, a lack of understanding about safe sex and reluctance to discuss it with doctors.

3 Dec 2024 - 6:00PMvideocam

Harvey Weinstein

Harvey Weinstein hospitalised after ‘alarming blood test’, lawyer says

Disgraced film producer has a litany of medical afflictions, which include chronic myeloid leukaemia and diabetes.

3 Dec 2024 - 12:49PM

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