Statins, typically used to lower blood pressure may also help lower the risk of death among patients suffering from deadly sepsis by 39 per cent, according to a study on Friday.

Sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection, causing such a strong inflammatory response that vital organs begin to shut down. It is life-threatening, as in about 15 per cent of cases, sepsis worsens into septic shock, characterised by dangerously low blood pressure and reduced blood flow to tissues.

The risk of death from septic shock is even higher, between 30 per cent and 40 per cent.

In response to the surge of new Covid-19 variant cases in neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto summoned Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin to the State Palace in Jakarta.

The meeting discussed strategic measures to prevent the entry of the new variant into the archipelago and to strengthen the national healthcare system, Sadikin said

"There is no need for the public to worry or panic. These new variants are relatively milder, but it is important to stay vigilant," Sadikin said after leaving the Palace.

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Indonesia from January to May 2025 was 72 out of a total of 2,160 specimens tested, according to Aji Muhawarman, head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Information at the Ministry of Health.

Blood sugar responses after food, especially carbohydrates, may indicate metabolic health status as well as signal the risk of prediabetes, according to a study.

Researchers from Stanford University in the US explained that the differences in blood sugar response patterns among individuals were associated with specific metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance or beta cell dysfunction -- both can lead to diabetes.

The findings, published in Nature Medicine, suggest that this variability in blood sugar response could lead to personalised prevention and treatment strategies for prediabetes and diabetes.

"This study suggests that not only are there subtypes within prediabetes, but also that your subtype could determine the foods you should and should not eat," said Michael Snyder, Professor in Genetics at Stanford Medicine.

Laos authorities are urging all sectors and the public to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of dengue, particularly during the rainy season, when flooding creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and raises the risk of infection.

The number of dengue fever cases in Laos has reached 1,370, with no deaths reported so far this year, according to a report issued by the Lao Ministry of Health on Wednesday.

The highest number of cases occurred in Lao capital Vientiane, where 456 cases were reported, followed by Luang Namtha province with 159 cases, and Sekong province with 153 cases.

The health ministry also urged people to remain vigilant and help control the spread of the mosquito-borne viral disease, news agency reported.

After six new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, the number of Covid-19 patients has risen to 30 in Patna since May 23, according to the latest report released by the Bihar Health Department.

The new cases include a 19-year-old male, a 21-year-old female, and three senior citizens aged 55, 66, and 73 years.

Currently, 24 patients are active, while six have recovered and been discharged. Of the total, 16 cases were confirmed by government labs (AIIMS, NMCH, IGIMS), while the remaining 14 came from private labs, raising concerns about the silent spread of the virus.

Some doctors, nurses, and medical students at prominent hospitals like Patna AIIMS, NMCH, and IGIMS are among those infected, raising concerns. Experts have warned that this could hamper hospital preparedness if adequate precautions are not maintained.

A newly constructed, state-of-the-art hospital under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) has become operational within the Sadar Hospital complex in Muzaffarpur, significantly improving healthcare access for the local residents.

The Bihar Health Department constructed this facility at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore. It aims to significantly improve medical services for the people of the region.

Previously, patients and their families faced considerable hardships, including standing in long queues under the scorching sun or getting drenched in rain while waiting for registration and treatment. With the launch of this new hospital, those challenges are set to become a thing of the past.

Sadar Hospital Superintendent Dr. B.S. Jha explained, “Earlier, patients had to wait outside in the heat for hours. Now, they will be able to queue under shaded areas equipped with fans. During the rainy season too, there will be no such issues. Around 900 patients visit the hospital daily, and they will now receive care under one roof.”

Amid fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, a team of US researchers has developed a new type of mRNA vaccine that is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1.

While the currently available mRNA vaccines are highly effective at inducing an immune response against Covid, they present challenges like the high amount of mRNA needed to produce them and the constantly evolving nature of the pathogen.

"The virus changes, moving the goal post, and updating the vaccine takes some time," said senior author Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.

The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday recommended declaring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a national public health emergency amid the 500 per cent surge in cases among the country's youth.

In a video message on Tuesday, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the significant increase was recorded among individuals aged 15 to 25 years.

The DOH reported that the number of confirmed HIV cases daily reached 57 from January to March this year, with the highest in the Western Pacific region.

According to DOH data, newly diagnosed HIV cases have more than doubled over the past 10 years, from just 21 daily cases in 2014 to 48 in 2024.

Vaccination may play a significant role in preventing hearing loss in children and adolescents, according to a study that identified 26 infectious pathogens that can potentially cause hearing loss.

Over 1.5 billion people worldwide are affected by some degree of hearing loss. While it is often linked to ageing, a lesser known but significant cause is infections contracted during childhood and adolescence, many of which are preventable.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 60 per cent of childhood hearing loss could be prevented through public health measures such as vaccination against rubella and certain forms of meningitis.

The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) on Tuesday praised the government for progressive reforms in public procurement and the robust judicial support that ensured the reiteration of the country's commitment to Atmanirbharta in healthcare which became a national imperative post-Covid.

With policy, regulations, and the judicial framework now aligned, Indian manufacturers look forward to a level playing field for tenders.

"We heartily welcome the initiatives of the Government, the policymakers, and the Judiciary in driving a long-overdue move towards fairness in procurement," said Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, AiMeD.

"The word is now loud and clear: preference to foreigners over Indians is not only archaic -- it is no longer legally tenable," Nath added.