Abstract

From Editor’s Desk…..

As autumn arrives, Europe is seeing a moderate increase in COVID-19 cases, mainly due to a new Omicron variant, NB.1.8.1. Since August 2025, positive cases have increased by 12% across the European Union, with hospital stays up 15% in cities like Paris and Berlin. Fortunately, due to widespread vaccination coverage, severe cases are not reported, but older adults and those with weak immune systems are highly vulnerable. The European health agency is tracking the high-risk groups for updated booster shots to prevent further winter surge.

At the same time, in Sudan, a serious Hepatitis E outbreak is hitting displacement camps in Darfur, worsened by conflict and flooding. By late September 2025, over 3,500 cases and 38 deaths have been reported, with pregnant women facing the highest risks. The Sudanese health ministry, with help from the World Health Organization, is providing clean water and hygiene education. Vaccination campaigns for teens and high-risk groups are also started to curtail further transmission of the disease.

Meanwhile, South Korea is dealing with a major norovirus outbreak, with over 120,000 cases in 2025, the highest in a decade. The virus is spreading in schools, nursing homes, and restaurants, linked to a new strain and relaxed health rules. South Korea’s health agency is creating awareness by insisting proper handwashing, appropriate food handling, and isolating sick people to curtail the outbreak. These global health issues show the need for strong monitoring, community action, and flexible vaccination plans to tackle emerging and re-emerging infections.

Dr.Khalid Mohammed Alabdulwahhab
Editor in Chief

Key words: Editorial