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Explosion in US adolescent overdoses, mainly fentanyl
Drug overdoses among people aged 10 to 18 more than doubled in the United States between 2019 and 2021, according to a study released Thursday by health authorities, who warned in particular of the risks of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
Medic's death highlights Covid strain on China hospitals
The death of a young medical student in China ignited concern Thursday over the strain on the country's healthcare system as staff battle a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases.
Migrants amass on Mexico-US border as health policy to expire
Hundreds of migrants amassed Wednesday on the Mexican border, waiting for the expiry next week of a Covid-19 health measure that automatically blocks asylum seekers from entering the United States.
China Covid 'explosion' began before restrictions eased: WHO
The flare-up in Covid-19 cases in China was well underway before the government began easing restrictions, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.
WHO eyes end to Covid and Mpox emergencies in 2023
The World Health Organization said Wednesday it hopes that Covid-19 and Mpox will no longer be public health emergencies in 2023 as both diseases end their most dangerous phase.
China says tracking Covid cases 'impossible' as infections soar
China's top health body said Wednesday the true scale of coronavirus infections in the country is now "impossible" to track, with officials warning cases are rising rapidly in Beijing after the government abruptly abandoned its zero-Covid policy.
Life with Covid, once taboo, goes viral in China
With photos of test strips, health tips and detailed symptom diaries, China's social media is flooded with posts about catching and surviving Covid-19 as the country learns to live with the virus for the first time.
China says tracking Covid cases now 'impossible' as infections soar
The true scale of Covid-19 infections in China is now "impossible" to track, the country's top health body said Wednesday, as officials warned of a rapid spread in Beijing after the country abruptly dropped its zero-tolerance policy.
New Olympic sports had high rate of injuries in Tokyo: research
Athletes competing in the newly introduced Olympic sports of BMX freestyle, karate and skateboarding suffered some of the highest rates of injuries at the Tokyo Games, new research showed Wednesday.
Mali's world-beating nonuplets back home
A Malian mother who gave birth to nine babies in Morocco last year returned home on Tuesday with her infants, Health Minister Dieminatou Sangare told AFP.
Hong Kong further eases Covid curbs, but many rules remain
Hong Kong announced Tuesday it would no longer require residents to use a scanning app to enter venues and that overseas arrivals could now visit bars and restaurants from the moment they land in a further easing of Covid restrictions.
'Everything is allowed': Vienna's dementia-friendly concerts
The elegant audiences for its world-famous New Year's Concert with the Vienna Philharmonic may be the epitome of buttoned-up reserve, all tailcoats and taffeta.
China protester detained for nine days: mother
A young protester has been held in police detention in southern China for nine days after taking part in rallies against Covid restrictions, her mother told AFP, expressing fear and anguish over her daughter's safety.
Hong Kong scraps virus tracing app, curbs on arrivals
Hong Kong announced Tuesday it would no longer require residents to use a scanning app to enter venues and that overseas arrivals could now visit bars and restaurants from the moment they land in a further easing of Covid restrictions.
Video game hub Japan confronts problem of addiction
From Super Mario to Final Fantasy, Japan has long been synonymous with gaming, but some experts and parents fear a growing addiction problem is going unaddressed.
Musk's attacks on Fauci 'incredibly dangerous': W.House
The White House on Monday condemned billionaire Elon Musk's call for Anthony Fauci, the US infectious disease expert who is a hate figure for many on the right, to be prosecuted over his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pele's health improving, but not ready for release: doctors
Brazilian football legend Pele's health continues improving, but no date has been set for his release from hospital, where he was admitted nearly two weeks ago, doctors said Monday.
China faces soaring Covid cases as hardline policy eases
Covid cases are surging in the Chinese capital, officials said Monday, as the country navigates a rapid turn away from its zero-tolerance coronavirus strategy.
China retires major Covid tracking app as virus rules ease
China said Monday it would retire an app used to track Covid-19 contacts, a milestone in the country's rapid turn away from its zero-tolerance coronavirus strategy.
Striking UK nurses say walkouts over pay 'last resort'
UK nurses are set to walk out on strike for the first time in their union's 106-year history this week, insisting they are taking action as a "last resort".
Top China expert says Covid 'spreading rapidly' after rules easing
One of China's top health experts has warned of a surge in Covid-19 cases, state media said Sunday, in the wake of the government's decision to abandon its hardline coronavirus strategy.
Ready, set, roll! Thai joint contest kicks off in Bangkok
Stoners might have a reputation for moving at a glacial pace, but it was full steam ahead at the inaugural Cannabis Cup Thailand competition on Saturday.
Global economic chiefs laud China's 'decisive' zero-Covid reversal
Global economic leaders on Friday hailed China's move away from its hardline zero-Covid policy, with the IMF chief saying the "decisive actions" would help revive growth both in the country and globally.
Celine Dion reveals rare neurological disorder, cancels shows
Pop diva Celine Dion on Thursday tearfully revealed that she is suffering from Stiff-Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that is affecting her singing, and said she would have to cancel or postpone a series of European shows.
Challenging last mile for China's vaccine push after zero-Covid retreat
China is finally beating a retreat from its strict zero-Covid policy, but low vaccination rates among its elderly have seeded fears that the coronavirus could kill as many as 2.1 million people.
Tributes pour in for whistleblower doctor after China's zero-Covid U-turn
Hundreds of Chinese internet users have paid tribute to "martyr" doctor Li Wenliang, who first blew the whistle on the coronavirus outbreak, in the wake of a dramatic reversal of strict Covid rules by the government.
China's capital adjusts to life with Covid after policy reversal
The Chinese capital showed tentative signs of a return to normal Thursday after a sudden reversal of a hardline pandemic policy that hammered the world's second-biggest economy and ignited rare protests.
China announces nationwide loosening of Covid restrictions
China announced Wednesday a nationwide loosening of Covid restrictions following protests against the hardline strategy that grew into calls for greater political freedoms.
Heat will stay on in Europe this winter, but after?
Europe is likely to scrape through this winter without cutting off gas customers despite reduced Russian supplies, but even adjusting to colder homes and paying more may not be enough in coming years, analysts say.
Pandemic treaty plans thrashed out at WHO
Negotiators are meeting in Geneva this week to thrash out a pandemic treaty aimed at ensuring the flaws that turned Covid-19 into a global crisis could never happen again.
Pele health 'improving progressively': hospital
Pele's health is "improving progressively," his doctors said Tuesday, a week after the 82-year-old Brazilian football legend was hospitalized in Sao Paulo amid ongoing treatment for colon cancer.
Warmer noses are better at fighting colds: study
Chilly weather and common respiratory infections often go hand in hand.