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Asia Tightens Airport Screening as Nipah Virus Concerns Rise

  Airport health authorities wearing protective masks monitor passengers from international flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, amid reports of a Nipah outbreak. Airports across Asia are stepping up health surveillance as several countries respond to renewed concerns over the Nipah virus following confirmed cases in India. The virus, known for its high fatality rate and potential for human‑to‑human transmission, has prompted authorities to reintroduce precautionary screening measures to limit cross‑border spread. Health officials in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Taiwan have implemented temperature checks, health declarations, and targeted monitoring of passengers arriving from affected regions. While the number of confirmed cases remains limited, the severity of the virus has led governments to act swiftly. Nipah virus infections are rare but dangerous, with symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to severe respir...

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Health Canada authorizes updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine


Health Canada has authorized Pfizer-BioNTech’s updated COVID-19 vaccine for people six months and older.

The mRNA vaccine targets the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant that is circulating in Canada.

This is the second vaccine targeting XBB.1.5 that will be available in this country.

Earlier this month, Health Canada authorized Moderna's updated mRNA vaccine.

Both Pfizer and Moderna's shots are one-dose vaccines for people five years of age and older.

Three shots of the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for children between six months and four years of age who have not received their primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Health Canada says it is currently reviewing an updated non-mRNA vaccine from Novavax.

Novavax’s vaccine has been submitted for consideration for people age 12 years and older.

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