(Vatican Radio) Brazilian researchers in Rio de Janeiro have identified the genome sequence of the Zika virus, finding further evidence that the mosquito-borne disease is related to the incidence of microcephaly, an illness causing babies to be born with abnormally small heads. Scientists call the mapping of the virus’ genetic data a “significant step” towards understanding how the virus operates in the human body.The World Health Organization, meanwhile, is calling for $56 million in aid to combat the virus which is believed to be linked to hundreds of cases of microcephaly in Brazil and has spread to 39 other countries.The WHO, which declares the outbreak a “global health emergency,” will use the funds to fast-track vaccines and research how the virus is spread.Dr. Tarun Dua, a medical expert at the WHO in Geneva, explains that in addition to microcephaly, the virus has been linked to an increasing number of cases of Guillain-Barre &ndas...
(Vatican Radio) Brazilian researchers in Rio de Janeiro have identified the genome sequence of the Zika virus, finding further evidence that the mosquito-borne disease is related to the incidence of microcephaly, an illness causing babies to be born with abnormally small heads. Scientists call the mapping of the virus’ genetic data a “significant step” towards understanding how the virus operates in the human body.
The World Health Organization, meanwhile, is calling for $56 million in aid to combat the virus which is believed to be linked to hundreds of cases of microcephaly in Brazil and has spread to 39 other countries.
The WHO, which declares the outbreak a “global health emergency,” will use the funds to fast-track vaccines and research how the virus is spread.
Dr. Tarun Dua, a medical expert at the WHO in Geneva, explains that in addition to microcephaly, the virus has been linked to an increasing number of cases of Guillain-Barre– a syndrome that can cause paralysis and sometimes even death. She tells Sophia Pizzi more about it…
Listen to the interview:
Guillain-Barre syndrome can cause paralysis, death
“There is muscle weakness so the person could have difficulty walking and then have difficulty using their arms, and loss of sensation. And sometimes it can also lead to the chest muscles – muscles that control breathing and this is one of the reasons that when you have paralysis of these muscles, the person can die. Some of the other causes of death are also infections or lung clots or cardiac arrest,” says Dr. Dua.
The World Health Organization reports that Brazil, Columbia El Salvador, Suriname and Venezuela have registered an increase in Guillain Barre (GB) virus syndrome. In July 2015, health authorities in Brazil registered 42 cases of GB syndrome.
Out of the 42 cases, Dua notes, 7 were confirmed as carrying the Zika virus infection. “There is a suspicion [that Zika may be linked to the syndrome], but it’s not yet proven, and there is research ongoing” among regional and global researchers to determine any possible causal links.
A handful of cases of sexual transmission of the Zika virus have been reported in the international press. Dr. Dua observes “we know quite a bit about the microcephaly that is occurring and Zika virus infections during pregnancy,” but “I think we need to look at much more evidence and look at the causal link before [sexual transmission] is confirmed.”
Prevention
Dr. Dua reiterates that the most effective means of protecting oneself against the Zika virus and hampering its spread, is through information and awareness. Wearing long pants and shirts can also reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitos as well as using insect repellent and mosquito nets. Eliminating places where water can stagnate, the breeding grounds for the mosquito-vectors of Zika, can also help prevent the diffusion of the virus.
And, if they are traveling to countries affected by the Zika virus, pregnant women should discuss their travel plans with their doctors, Dua stresses. “They should consider delaying travel to any area where locally-acquired Zika infection is occurring.”
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has told members of the Curia to tend to their flocks with generosity and mercy and has urged them to become a ‘model’ for all.The Pope was speaking during his homily at Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Monday morning, as he celebrated the Feast of the Chair of Peter and the Jubilee of Mercy for the Roman Curia and all the Institutions related to the Holy See.Before participating in the Mass, all those present gathered in the Paul VI Hall for a meditation on the theme "Mercy in our everyday life", and together with the Holy Father walked in procession through the Holy Door and into the Basilica.“Pastors are first of all required – the Pope said – to have God himself who takes care of his flock as a model.”He reminded them that God goes in search of the lost sheep, re-conducts them to the fold, cares for the wounded and heals the sick ones. “This kind of behavior is the sign of lo...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has told members of the Curia to tend to their flocks with generosity and mercy and has urged them to become a ‘model’ for all.
The Pope was speaking during his homily at Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Monday morning, as he celebrated the Feast of the Chair of Peter and the Jubilee of Mercy for the Roman Curia and all the Institutions related to the Holy See.
Before participating in the Mass, all those present gathered in the Paul VI Hall for a meditation on the theme "Mercy in our everyday life", and together with the Holy Father walked in procession through the Holy Door and into the Basilica.
“Pastors are first of all required – the Pope said – to have God himself who takes care of his flock as a model.”
He reminded them that God goes in search of the lost sheep, re-conducts them to the fold, cares for the wounded and heals the sick ones.
“This kind of behavior is the sign of love that knows no boundaries. It is faithful, constant, unconditional dedication, so that even the weakest may be reached by His mercy” he said.
And Pope Francis also urged those present to cultivate and practice a strong pastoral attitude within all Vatican work environments, “especially towards the people we meet every day”.
“May no one – he said – feel neglected or mistreated, may everyone experience the loving care of the Good Shepherd”.
Irondale, Ala., Feb 22, 2016 / 06:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The nuns of Mother Angelica's monastery have thanked those who have prayed for the EWTN founder and have asked continued prayers for the 92-year-old nun.“Mother's condition remains delicate and she receives devoted care day and night by her sisters and nurses,” the nuns of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery said in a Feb. 22 update.“Although she is most often sleeping, from time to time Mother will give a radiant smile. There is no doubt that her heart must be 'on things above,'” the nuns said, referencing St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians.Mother Angelica founded Eternal Word Television Network in 1981. The organization would become EWTN Global Catholic Network. She headed the organization until the year 2000 and became one of the most influential Catholic women in the U.S.She suffered a stroke in 2001. She continues to live at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Ala. ...
Irondale, Ala., Feb 22, 2016 / 06:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The nuns of Mother Angelica's monastery have thanked those who have prayed for the EWTN founder and have asked continued prayers for the 92-year-old nun.
“Mother's condition remains delicate and she receives devoted care day and night by her sisters and nurses,” the nuns of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery said in a Feb. 22 update.
“Although she is most often sleeping, from time to time Mother will give a radiant smile. There is no doubt that her heart must be 'on things above,'” the nuns said, referencing St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians.
Mother Angelica founded Eternal Word Television Network in 1981. The organization would become EWTN Global Catholic Network. She headed the organization until the year 2000 and became one of the most influential Catholic women in the U.S.
She suffered a stroke in 2001. She continues to live at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Ala. It was reported last November that Mother Angelica was placed on a feeding tube.
“We want to extend a very special and heart-felt thank you to each of you who have been praying for Mother Angelica,” the nuns said. “Mother herself is regularly fortified by the sacraments. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Each day is a gift!”
Mother Angelica was able to pass through one of the special Holy Doors designated for the Catholic Church’s Year of Mercy.
“God bless you, Mother Angelica!” the Pope said in a video taken by journalists on his flight.
Near the end of 2015, all the friars of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word came to the monastery for the offering of a special Mass for Mother Angelica.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, which includes Catholic News Agency, is the largest religious media network in the world.
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) -- Residents of the Syrian capital expressed skepticism on Monday about reports that a "provisional agreement" has been reached for a truce, a day after a wave of Islamic State bombings killed about 130 people in government-held areas near Damascus and beyond....
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) -- Residents of the Syrian capital expressed skepticism on Monday about reports that a "provisional agreement" has been reached for a truce, a day after a wave of Islamic State bombings killed about 130 people in government-held areas near Damascus and beyond....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook said in an early Monday morning email to employees that the U.S. government should withdraw its demand that Apple help the FBI hack a locked iPhone used by a shooter in the San Bernardino attack....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook said in an early Monday morning email to employees that the U.S. government should withdraw its demand that Apple help the FBI hack a locked iPhone used by a shooter in the San Bernardino attack....
BERLIN (AP) -- Alaa Ammar fled Syria to escape not just civil war but also the threat of persecution as a gay man. Yet when he arrived in The Netherlands last spring, he did not find the safe haven he craved....
BERLIN (AP) -- Alaa Ammar fled Syria to escape not just civil war but also the threat of persecution as a gay man. Yet when he arrived in The Netherlands last spring, he did not find the safe haven he craved....
WASHINGTON-Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York called on everyone "concerned about the tragedy of abortion" to recommit to a "vision of life and love, a vision that excludes no one" on January 14. His statement marks the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Cardinal Dolan chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops."Most Americans oppose a policy allowing legal abortion for virtually any reason - though many still do not realize that this is what the Supreme Court gave us," wrote Cardinal Dolan. "Most want to protect unborn children at later stages of pregnancy, to regulate or limit the practice of abortion, and to stop the use of taxpayer dollars for the destruction of unborn children. Yet many who support important goals of the pro-life movement do not identify as 'pro-life,' a fact which should lead us to examine how we present our pro-life vision to others.""Even as Americans rema...
WASHINGTON-Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York called on everyone "concerned about the tragedy of abortion" to recommit to a "vision of life and love, a vision that excludes no one" on January 14. His statement marks the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Cardinal Dolan chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"Most Americans oppose a policy allowing legal abortion for virtually any reason - though many still do not realize that this is what the Supreme Court gave us," wrote Cardinal Dolan. "Most want to protect unborn children at later stages of pregnancy, to regulate or limit the practice of abortion, and to stop the use of taxpayer dollars for the destruction of unborn children. Yet many who support important goals of the pro-life movement do not identify as 'pro-life,' a fact which should lead us to examine how we present our pro-life vision to others."
"Even as Americans remain troubled by abortion," wrote Cardinal Dolan, a powerful and well-funded lobby holds "that abortion must be celebrated as a positive good for women and society, and those who cannot in conscience provide it are to be condemned for practicing substandard medicine and waging a 'war on women'." He said this trend was seen recently when President Obama and other Democratic leaders prevented passage of the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, "a modest measure to provide for effective enforcement" of conscience laws.
"While this is disturbing," said Cardinal Dolan, "it is also an opportunity." Pro-life Americans should reach out to "the great majority of Americans" who are "open to hearing a message of reverence for life." He added that "we who present the pro-life message must always strive to be better messengers. A cause that teaches the inexpressibly great value of each and every human being cannot show disdain or disrespect for any fellow human being." He encouraged Catholics to take part, through prayer and action, in the upcoming "9 Days for Life" campaign, January 16-24. More information on the campaign is available online: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxJwfcefUiU
He also cited the Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis as a time for women and men to find healing through the Church's Project Rachel post-abortion ministry.
The full text of Cardinal Dolan's message is available online. --- Keywords: Roe v. Wade, anniversary, Pro-Life, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, 9 Days for Life, USCCB, U.S. bishops, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Year of Mercy, Project Rachel, Pope Francis # # # MEDIA CONTACT Don Clemmer O: 202-541-3206
WASHINGTON-The Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, February 1, on behalf of USCCB, the Texas Catholic Conference and several Christian partners in support of a Texas law mandating health and safety standards protecting women who undergo abortions. Other groups joining the brief include the National Association of Evangelicals, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. The case is Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court."There is ample evidence in this case that hospital admitting privileges and ambulatory surgical center requirements protect women's lives and health," said the brief. "When such requirements are not enforced, abuses detrimental to women's lives and health arise."The brief noted that some abortion clinics have decla...
WASHINGTON-The Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, February 1, on behalf of USCCB, the Texas Catholic Conference and several Christian partners in support of a Texas law mandating health and safety standards protecting women who undergo abortions. Other groups joining the brief include the National Association of Evangelicals, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. The case is Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court.
"There is ample evidence in this case that hospital admitting privileges and ambulatory surgical center requirements protect women's lives and health," said the brief. "When such requirements are not enforced, abuses detrimental to women's lives and health arise."
The brief noted that some abortion clinics have declared the standards too strict, although the standards are similar to those issued by the abortion industry. It added that abortion providers "should not be allowed to rely upon their own failure to comply with health and safety laws" as a reason to strike such laws down. The brief said the providers' resistance to such regulations is not in the best interests of women's health and safety. It also noted that over 40 years of precedent, including the Court's 1992 decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, reaffirms that states may regulate abortion to protect maternal life and health.
Full text of the brief is available online: www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/Whole-Woman-s-Health-v-Hellerstedt.pdf --- Keywords: General Counsel, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Texas law abortion, amicus curia, National Association of Evangelicals, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, U.S. Supreme Court
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Four drivers went into the Daytona 500 determined to end Joe Gibbs' 23-year losing skid in NASCAR's biggest race of the year....
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Four drivers went into the Daytona 500 determined to end Joe Gibbs' 23-year losing skid in NASCAR's biggest race of the year....
