good news

NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has announced that the NIH Public Access Policy, originally slated to go into effect on 12/31/25 will now be effective 7/1/25. Read more in his statement: https://t.co/iktaa5tlcO pic.twitter.com/iUTbh676w9

— NIH (@NIH) April 30, 2025

MPOX in Philippines

DOH confirms Mpox case in Cotabato province https://t.co/NL3Ozej6Jh

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) April 26, 2025

Inquirer link

In South Cotabato, the IPHO is closely monitoring two cases of suspected Mpox infection.,,,Serame said one of the two patients was from nearby province but sought consultations in South Cotabato while the other is from the province but had travel history

so I asked Grok, and even they said there was no information on where the infection came from

however, back in Sept 2024 there were two cases in Minadano and 14 cases in Manila.

a>

this is spread via close contact: so did they visit Africa? Was it spread via sex tourism? Or did it enter the Philippines with imported monkeys? This is how Ebola Reston entered the Philippines and later spread to pigs and their human caretakers in a nearby town a couple years ago.

but this study

from Thailand suggests yes there is a spread via sex tourism:

Travel Med Infect Dis. 2023 May 30;54:102597. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102597 The silent, rapidly unfolding threat of mpox spread via international travel to Southeast Asia: Are we ready?

At the time of this writing, over 84,000 laboratory-confirmed cases and 75 deaths have been identified in 110 countries. Additionally, despite the downward trend in the past months, a 7-day increase of 48.7% has been observed in early December 2022 before decreasing in following weeks. Singapore declared the first imported case in Southeast Asia during the present outbreak, with 38 mpox cases detected in the region as of 5 January 2023 (Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand) (https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/world-map.html). Interestingly, the first autochthonous case in Singapore was identified 2 weeks after detection of the first imported case, with no direct epidemiological link between these two cases. This phenomenon reflects the looming threat of a potential outbreak that could easily spill over to the entire Southeast Asia region. Although recent mathematical modelling suggests no direct association of mpox outbreaks with air travel, these models could be used to assess the probability of an indirect association with air travel [9]. The situation throughout Southeast Asia is fluid, which raises public health concerns regarding the possibility of importing mpox via international travel, subsequently leading to community transmission, especially in places where tourism has resumed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

health interview

 for watching later:

【生配信】時間がない！WHO総会間近 パンデミック条約の正体は生物兵器開発インフラ構築 James Roguskiインタビュー4月24日19時〜 https://t.co/77M7ivx20R

— 我那覇真子 Masako Ganaha (@ganaha_masako) April 24, 2025

Blame the squirrels

Nature Magazine reveals: 

An animal source of mpox emerges — and it’s a squirrel 

Researchers solve the mystery of a disease outbreak through long-term surveillance of wildlife in Africa. an international team of scientists suggests that it has an answer: the fire-footed rope squirrel (Funisciurus pyrropus), a forest-dwelling rodent found in West and Central Africa1.

 

Monkeypox in Africa: the science the world ignored Although the name ‘monkeypox’ comes from the virus’s discovery in laboratory monkeys in 1958, researchers have long suspected rodents and other small mammals in Africa of being reservoir hosts.

And studies published in the past year2,3 have demonstrated that African outbreaks of mpox, the disease caused by the virus, have been fuelled by several transmission events from animals to humans.

Three pieces of evidence then led the researchers to conclude that Bako, who survived the infection without developing symptoms, had caught the virus after eating a fire-footed rope squirrel.

The first was that they observed mangabeys hunt and eat F. pyrropus. The second was that they found an F. pyrropus carcass teeming with a virus identical to the one infecting the mangabeys one month before Bako’s faecal samples turned positive. And finally, they identified F. pyrropus DNA in the earliest positive faecal sample from Bako.

 not yet proven: do humans first get it from eating monkeys or from eating squirrels?

according to the CDC, several animals do carry mPox: including   monkeys, anteaters, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, squirrels, and shrews...and it was prairie dogs, who were the source of a 2003 outbreak.

well, one does hope they didn't catch it from gerbilling.

well I asked grok and it said no:

....The idea of gerbilling as a transmission route is not supported by any peer-reviewed studies, public health reports, or data from the World Health Organization, CDC, or other authoritative sources....  

 

headsup

Dave Barry who has an ongoing squirrels are out to destroy the world meme.

Yellow Fever in Colombia?

medieval hospitals

lassa fever

 

Federal, state, and local response to Lassa fever case in Iowa - the first such case in the U.S. in eight years - helps inform preparedness for future outbreaks. https://t.co/w7nwplYWVl pic.twitter.com/mICsIztX66

— MMWR (@CDCMMWR) April 4, 2025

.......

Federal, state, and local response to Lassa fever case in Iowa - the first such case in the U.S. in eight years - helps inform preparedness for future outbreaks. https://t.co/w7nwplYWVl pic.twitter.com/mICsIztX66

— MMWR (@CDCMMWR) April 4, 2025

There is a new outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria with 100 deaths confirmed in the first 3 months of 2025.

We explained what we know about Lassa fever, experts' opinions about why the cases of Lassa fever increase annually, and how to keep safe.

To read our full explainer on… pic.twitter.com/0Td1V3Ukp9

— Africa Check Nigeria (@AfricaCheck_NG) March 21, 2025

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

💉 The NIH announced a phase 1 trial of a vaccine for Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.

We spoke with Wilbur Chen, MD, MS, of @UMmedschool, and Robert F. Garry, PhD, of @Tulane, about the trial.https://t.co/1jWEhaSsIz

— Infectious Disease News (@InfectDisNews) March 24, 2025

Another mRNA disease vaccine: The RSV problem

 

Wikipedia on RSV in adults and the use of vaccines:

 Very nasty virus infection in kids.

Some of these kids who got very sick ended up living in our office with one infection after another until they hit three or four years old and then they got over it.

But adults? Likd Dr. C I have not gotten infected from these kids. 

and I seem to remember them having an RSV vaccine years ago: LINK

In 1966, the first vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine, was administered to U.S. infants and children participating in four clinical trials. The vaccinated children were subsequently exposed to RSV in the community and those who had no antibodies against RSV infection prior to vaccination experienced more frequent and severe RSV infection, a condition known as enhanced respiratory disease.

As a result of the failed vaccine and harms caused to those who received this experimental vaccine, development of further vaccines to prevent RSV infection stalled for several decades.

the article from 2015 reviews the same history

and explains why this happened:

Decades of research defined enhanced RSV disease (ERD) as the result of immunization with antigens not processed in the cytoplasm, resulting in a nonprotective antibody response and CD4+ T helper priming in the absence of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This response to vaccination led to a pathogenic Th2 memory response with eosinophil and immune complex deposition in the lungs after RSV infection....

 italics mine.

enhanced T cells, hyper immune response, maybe even made worse because they used formaldahyde to kill the virus?

I will have to read the whole thing, but my problem is that this immune stuff was not known when I studied in medical school

and the problem seems to be similar to the enhanced immunity for the dengue vacccine if given to those who never had dengue: 

Two mysterious observations defied our understanding of ERD susceptibility for decades: ERD never occurred in those infants who were seropositive for RSV at the time of FIRSV administration, and no child ever experienced ERD twice (26).  

The answer to these two enigmas also explains why FIRSV elicited antibodies that failed to protect against RSV infection (26).

The mechanism responsible for the absence of a protective antibody response against RSV remained unclear for decades, hampering the development of new vaccines against the virus.,,,,

 

In summary, vaccines eliciting nonneutralizing antibody against RSV in seronegative individuals may prime for ERD and should not be administered to infants (at least until effective nonneutralizing mechanisms of antibody-mediated protection are demonstrated).

 which is what we saw with the Dengue vaccine: Enhanced disease if you gave the shot to kids who never had Dengue.

Death by makeup

 I   am reading about the Tale of Gengi and the women's diaries from this time in medieval Japan.

Yup. Sei Shonagon did play around a bit, but not the author of Tale of Genji.

One of Murasaki's diaries mentions a man knocking at her room asking for a poem, and she declined to see him because she hadn't put on her makeup yet, but did have her lady in waiting hand him the poem he asked for. 

Well, I was aware of blackened teeth but did women back then use white lead makeup such as we see in Geisha photos? 

and did lead poisoning make people sick?

That, plus infectious diseases like small pox, poor diet that could lead to beriberi from white rice, and of course tuberculosis, might explain why so many characters tended to die a lingering death at a young age.

Grok answers:

Yes, makeup during the Heian period (794–1185) in Japan often contained lead.

The most prominent example is oshiroi, the white face powder used by aristocratic women to achieve a pale complexion, which was a symbol of beauty and status. This powder was typically made from ground rice or other starches, but in many cases, it was mixed with white lead (basic lead carbonate) to enhance its opacity and smoothness.

Lead-based cosmetics were common across many cultures at the time, including Japan, due to their desirable texture and color.

While the Heian period's records don’t extensively detail the exact composition of all cosmetics, historical accounts and later studies of traditional Japanese makeup confirm that lead was used in oshiroi. For example, the Genji Monogatari and other Heian literature describe women applying thick white makeup, which aligns with the use of lead-based powders.

The toxicity of lead wasn’t understood then, so its use persisted despite health risks like skin damage or systemic poisoning over time. Other makeup, like beni (red lip and cheek pigment made from safflower) and sumi (black ink for eyebrows and teeth blackening, or ohaguro), didn’t typically contain lead, but the white base was the primary culprit. If you’re digging deeper into this, I can look for specific sources or analyze related content for you.

so what led me to ask this? Well this video popped up on my youtube feed.

Queen Elizabeth probably had smallpox scars and heavy make up would cover it up. 

But what about modern makeup/cosmetic customs?

well, one well known problem is arsenic in skin whiteners:

So what does Grok say about this?

Modern makeup can sometimes contain trace amounts of lead or other toxic metals, but it’s heavily regulated in many countries to minimize health risks.

uh, Grok: not only is there a risk of arsenic in skin whitener, this.BBC article is about mercury in skin whitener in Africa 

 

Here’s the breakdown: Lead: Lead is not intentionally added to cosmetics today, but it can appear as a contaminant in ingredients like pigments, talc, or mica due to natural deposits in the earth. For example, lipsticks and eyeshadows, which use mineral-based colorants, may have trace lead. The U.S. FDA sets a limit of 10 parts per million (ppm) for lead in cosmetics applied to the skin and 20 ppm for lip products, deeming these levels safe based on exposure studies. Tests by the FDA and groups like Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have found some products with lead below these thresholds (e.g., 0.1–3 ppm in lipsticks), but none exceeding dangerous levels in regulated markets. Developing countries with lax rules might have riskier products.

Other Toxic Metals: Metals like arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and chromium can also show up as impurities. These are typically found in trace amounts in mineral-based ingredients (e.g., iron oxides in foundations or eyeshadows). The EU’s Cosmetics Regulation and similar laws in Canada and the U.S. cap these at very low levels (e.g., arsenic < 3 ppm, mercury < 1 ppm). Mercury was historically used in skin-lightening creams but is now banned in most regulated markets, though illegal products still circulate, especially in parts of Asia and Africa. Health Risks: At regulated levels, these trace metals are considered safe for most people, as exposure is minimal compared to, say, food or water. However, cumulative exposure (especially for heavy makeup users) or use of unregulated products can raise concerns, like skin irritation or, in rare cases, systemic effects. Safer Options: Brands labeled “clean” or “non-toxic” often avoid mineral pigments altogether or use highly purified ingredients to reduce metal content. Certifications like ECOCERT or USDA Organic can guide choices, though they don’t guarantee zero metals. If you’re worried, check product origins—U.S., EU, Japan, and Canadian brands face stricter scrutiny than some imported goods.

when one reads about skin whiteners, one thinks: For the face.

but you know, even deodorant here for women has skin whitener. ? 

lots of explanations why, but I suspect Acanthosis nigricans? That is associated with the gene for metabolic syndrome, and when we saw it in our Objibwe patients, we kept an eye on their blood sugar.

well, anyway, I usually use Old Spice: because it was easier to just buy a man's brand when I lived in a household of men, since the boys would always end up just using the one in the bathroom.

---------------

update: So anyway, since Grok's answer above was about the well regulated market in the US, I asked specifically about third world cosmetics:

Heavy metals in makeup, particularly in products from less-regulated markets often associated with developing countries, pose significant health and environmental risks.

These metals—such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium—can contaminate cosmetics through impure raw materials, poor manufacturing practices, or intentional addition for effects like skin lightening.

The problem is amplified in regions with lax regulations, limited testing, and economic pressures that prioritize cheap production over safety. Health-wise, these metals are toxic even in small amounts.

Lead, found in lipsticks and powders, is a neurotoxin that can impair cognitive development, especially in children exposed through maternal use or direct contact.

Mercury, common in skin-lightening creams, damages kidneys and the nervous system and is absorbed through the skin.

Cadmium and arsenic, sometimes present as colorants or impurities, are linked to cancer and skin irritation.

Chromium can cause allergic reactions or, in its hexavalent form, act as a carcinogen.

Chronic exposure from daily makeup use can lead to bioaccumulation, where metals build up in the body, causing long-term harm like reproductive issues or immune system damage.

Economically and socially, the issue thrives in developing nations due to high demand for affordable beauty products, particularly skin-whitening creams driven by cultural preferences for lighter skin. These products, often produced locally or imported cheaply, bypass stringent checks. For example, studies have shown mercury levels in some fairness creams in South Asia and Africa exceeding safe limits by thousands of times, yet they remain widely sold due to weak enforcement.

Consumers, often unaware of the risks, are exposed to aggressive marketing that downplays dangers.

Environmentally, heavy metals from cosmetics contribute to pollution. Improper disposal of products releases these persistent toxins into soil and water, affecting ecosystems and food chains. Manufacturing processes in under-regulated regions also emit metal-laden waste, compounding the problem. The root causes include inadequate regulatory frameworks, corruption, or lack of resources to enforce standards. Global trade loopholes allow contaminated products to cross borders, especially into markets with less oversight. Unlike developed nations with agencies like the FDA or EU’s strict cosmetic laws, many developing countries lack equivalent systems or prioritize economic growth over safety. Solutions are tricky but not impossible. Strengthening local regulations and aligning them with international standards (like WHO or EU limits) is a start, but enforcement is key—random testing and hefty penalties could deter violations. Public awareness campaigns, tailored to cultural contexts, can shift consumer behavior away from risky products. Supporting ethical brands that test for metals and use clean ingredients could drive market change, though affordability remains a barrier. Tech like blockchain for supply chain transparency or portable testing devices could help regulators and consumers verify product safety. On the flip side, overregulation might stifle small businesses in these economies, and blanket bans on certain products could fuel black markets, where even worse quality control prevails. Cultural attitudes toward beauty standards also resist quick fixes—skin lightening, for instance, is deeply entrenched in some societies, and change requires addressing systemic biases. The problem isn’t just “third world”—global supply chains mean these issues can spill into any market. It’s a messy intersection of health, economics, and culture, and tackling it demands both local grit and global cooperation.

deesigner babies

Gateway Pundit summarizes the Joe Rogan discussion about China's using gene modification to make enhanced humans.

Lamm pointed to BGI (Beijing Genomics Institute) as a key player in this effort. He claimed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, BGI offered free testing to countries around the world—not just out of goodwill, but to harvest DNA at scale. “They’re like, ‘We’ll do all the COVID testing for you free,’” he said. “Just send us your data.”

BGI has drawn global scrutiny. A 2021 Reuters investigation revealed that the company’s prenatal tests, taken by millions of women globally, were being used to collect genetic data for the Chinese military without proper consent or oversight.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

not just humans but extinct wolves.

when you can't trust the authorities

digging wells in Africa

 

we did a similar project when I worked in Africa in the 1970s: THe pumps were bought by a grant but the construction and digging was done by locals.

ancient epidemics

 

....

....

 

....

...but is tularemia that infectious since it spread via ticks or contaminated meat? 

discussion here:

more here.

Modern epidemics of tularemia:

Actually I suspect it might have been bubonic plague, since it returned to the Hittites with Egyptian POWs...

diseases change: they often get less virulent with time, so the esymptomes might be diffrent.

And sometimes one wonders if anyone has common sense: The famous story in the Bible about the Philistines retuning the Arc of the Covenant because of an epidemic of hemorrhods, and which included golden mice with the arc, is obviously a mistranslation: Bubos in the groin (necrotic abcesses) are not the same as hemorrhoids, but I can't think of any fatal epidemic that causes heorrhoids, so I suspect this is a mistranslation.

the US Military has several books on biological warfare including which disease could be used. The Black death was used by the Mongols and attributed to the spreaed in Europe. The Japanese experiments in China during world war II including cholera and tularemia killed an estimated 400 thousand civilians.

the only biological attack on the USA was when the Germans introduced foot and mouth disease into the USA during World War I, or the cult that infected salads with salmonella to make people too sick to vote against them in an election...

the animal diseases are also a threat: a lot of the beriberi during the Philippine was against Spain and then the USA was because there was an epidemic of foot and mouth disease that killed the animals that were used to plant rice, and the imported white rice lacked the vitamin of brown rice, so people died of beriberi.