Virus

Flu or cold? How to spot the differences – and when to seek help

Flu symptoms appear faster and stronger than a cold. A short guide for parents and adults: Identification, home treatment, warning signs, and when to see a doctor urgently.

A cold usually starts gradually and remains milder
Patients wait to be attended to in the waiting area of the Grarbet Tehadiso Mahber (GTM) Hospital in Butajira, on January 17, 2025.

Three confirmed deaths from Marburg virus in Ethiopia, three more suspected

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Epstein-Barr virus linked directly to lupus in landmark Stanford medicine study

A nurse fills a syringe with a vaccine before administering an injection at a kids clinic in Kiev, Ukraine August 14, 2019

Wild form of polio found in German sewage sample, Hamburg city authority says


Brazil to protect 140 million from dengue with mosquito super factory

A joint venture between the World Mosquito Program, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, and the Institute of Molecular Biology of Parana, it can produce 100 million mosquito eggs per week.

An illustrative image of a mosquito with DNA and blood cells in the background.

Chikungunya virus outbreak in China infects at least 7,700, local authorities crack down

Spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, global infections of the disease number at least 240,000 this year.

This photograph shows a mosquito trap as part of the fight against the Chikungunya pandemic by mosquitoes in Saint-Benoit on the French overseas island of La Reunion on April 22, 2025

How it will work: Nationwide vaccination against deadly respiratory virus for infants begins

This Tuesday, the Health Ministry will begin training medical teams ahead of a historic campaign to protect all Israeli infants against RSV.

Infant receiving vaccination (illustration).

Polio virus detected in Jerusalem, central Israel wastewater, Health Ministry confirms

The polio virus was detected in wastewater samples from Bnei Brak, Ramle, Lod, and the Shafdan treatment facility, following earlier findings in the Jerusalem area.

Polio virus ilustration.

Cruise ship norovirus outbreaks hit 12 by mid-May, nearly matching all of 2024’s total cases

The CDC records an outbreak when at least three percent of passengers and crew show symptoms, its vessel sanitation program reports.

 Norovirus outbreaks surge on cruise ships: 12 cases logged by mid May, nearly matching full 2024 tally.

Scientists discover 22 new viruses in Chinese bats

The newly discovered viruses are closely related to deadly viruses that can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory disease in humans, with mortality rates reaching up to 75%.

 Bats in the market.

Measles outbreak: 11 children hospitalized, three in serious condition

Senior health officials also warn of a potential mass infection at the upcoming Lag Ba'omer Mount Meron pilgrimage, as vaccination rates in certain haredi communities remain very low.

 Doctors treating a baby incubated suffering from a measles infection; illustrative

Nearly half of Israelis have fallen victim to online scams - study

The Israel Internet Association stressed that the findings highlight the urgent need to raise awareness and promote individual responsibility among users.

 Hacker

Phage virus discovered at Hebrew University named after fallen soldier

Phages are viruses that precisely target and kill bacteria, which can offer “a potential solution to the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.”

 An aerial view of Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Mount Scopus campus.

Zika virus turns human skin into a mosquito magnet, enhancing viral spread

Researchers find infected individuals produce more compounds that encourage mosquito bites.

 Zika virus turns human skin into a mosquito magnet, enhancing viral spread. Illustration.

Marburg virus kills eight in Tanzania; WHO warns of potential spread

Marburg is a highly contagious virus similar to Ebola, with fatality rates up to 90%.

 Straw-colored fruit bat.