News — public health

Throughout history, various pandemics have left their mark on societies around the world, from plagues to vitamin deficiencies. One lesser-known but historically significant health crisis is beriberi, a condition caused by a lack of thiamine, or vitamin B1. Long before the scientific understanding of vitamins and nutrition, communities affected by beriberi faced mysterious symptoms that ravaged populations and challenged medical practitioners.

This article explores the history, symptoms, causes, and global impact of beriberi, including how societies responded to the epidemic and the eventual discovery of its nutritional roots. Beriberi is a powerful reminder of the importance of vitamins in human health and the dangers that can arise from dietary imbalances.

Monkeypox, a rare viral disease related to smallpox, has recently gained global attention due to outbreaks in different regions. Although less severe than smallpox, monkeypox can cause serious health issues, particularly in vulnerable populations. Understanding how monkeypox spreads is crucial for controlling its transmission and preventing outbreaks.

The virus, which originates from animals such as rodents and primates, can jump to humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. However, human-to-human transmission is also possible, primarily through close contact, respiratory droplets, and bodily fluids. In this article, we will explore the various transmission routes of monkeypox and offer insights into how the virus spreads, its symptoms, and ways to prevent it.