Marburg virus outbreak

Marburg virus outbreak

Marburg virus, new threat in Africa, kills half of infected: WHO

The virus has spread in the northwestern Kagera region of Tanzania. At least five people have died of the virus and three more have been infected, according to the BBC.

Marburg is a highly contagious Ebola virus. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting and sometimes excessive bleeding. In recent years, hundreds of people have died from this virus in various African countries.

According to the World Health Organization, half of the patients infected with this virus have died.

The World Health Organization believes the virus can spread through people who have worked in caves and mines for long periods of time, or where there are large numbers of bats.

Fasting

Fasting is a practice that has been used by many cultures throughout history for various reasons, including religious, spiritual, and health purposes.

Religious fasting can be traced back to ancient times, with examples found in many major religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In some religions, fasting is seen as a way to purify the body and mind and increase spiritual awareness. In others, it is seen as a form of sacrifice or penance.

Several civilizations have historically used fasting for therapeutic purposes in addition to religious fasting. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is known to have prescribed fasting as a treatment for various ailments, and fasting was also used in traditional Chinese medicine.

In the modern era, fasting has gained renewed attention for its potential health benefits. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting, where people alternate periods of fasting with periods of eating, may have a range of health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and reduced inflammation.

Fasting has been practiced for thousands of years, and evidence of its use can be found in many ancient texts and artifacts. For example, ancient Egyptians practiced periodic fasting as part of their religious and spiritual beliefs. Greek philosophers and physicians, including Pythagoras and Galen, also recommended fasting as a way to improve health and longevity.

Fasting has also been used for political purposes throughout history. Mahatma Gandhi famously used fasting as a means of nonviolent resistance during India's struggle for independence from Britain. In the United States, civil rights activists, including Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King Jr., used fasting as a way to draw attention to social and political issues.

In recent years, fasting has gained popularity as a weight loss tool and as a way to improve overall health and well-being. Many people practice intermittent fasting, which involves restricting food intake for a certain number of hours each day or for specific periods of time throughout the week.

There are many different types of fasting, including water fasting, juice fasting, and intermittent fasting. Each type of fasting has its own benefits and risks, and it is important to talk to a healthcare professional before beginning any type of fasting regimen.

However, fasting has a long and complicated history and is still practiced in a variety of ways for a wide range of reasons. Fasting can be a useful technique for people who want to better their health or connect with their spiritual or religious beliefs, even though it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Fasting is an important aspect of Islamic practice, observed by Muslims around the world during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it is considered a holy month for Muslims.

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset each day. This period of fasting is known as sawm. Fasting is considered a way for Muslims to purify their bodies and souls, and to develop a greater sense of discipline, patience, and humility.

Muslims are urged to refrain from bad deeds and thoughts throughout Ramadan in addition to refraining from eating and drink. They are urged to read the Quran, perform deeds of kindness, and spend time in prayer and thought.

The month of Ramadan ends with a festival called Eid al-Fitr, during which Muslims break their fast and celebrate with family and friends. In many Muslim-majority countries, the entire month of Ramadan is a time of celebration, with markets, festivals, and other events taking place throughout the month.

Fasting is also practiced in other Islamic contexts, such as during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Muharram, which is known as the month of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. In addition, some Muslims choose to fast on Mondays and Thursdays or during the month of Sha'ban, the month preceding Ramadan.

Ultimately, fasting is a significant component of Islamic practice and offers Muslims a means of strengthening their ties to their religion, increasing their spiritual awareness, and improving their self-control and compassion.

In Islam, fasting is not only considered a spiritual practice but also a commandment of Allah (God) as mentioned in the Quran. Muslims believe that fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the basic acts of worship that are mandatory for all Muslims to practice.

Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically able to fast. However, there are certain exemptions, such as for pregnant or breastfeeding women, travelers, and those who are ill or have a medical condition that prevents them from fasting. In such cases, individuals may make up the missed fasts at a later time or pay fidyah (a charitable donation).

Muslims believe that fasting during Ramadan has numerous benefits beyond the spiritual, including promoting self-discipline, improving health, and fostering empathy and solidarity with those who are less fortunate. Fasting also encourages Muslims to be mindful of their actions and thoughts, and to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of gratitude and compassion.

In many Muslim countries, the month of Ramadan is a time of community and family gatherings, with special meals shared at the time of breaking the fast each evening, known as iftar. The month of Ramadan also sees increased charitable giving, with many Muslims donating to those in need and participating in other acts of service and volunteerism.

Fasting in Islam is not only limited to abstaining from food and drink during the daylight hours of Ramadan. Muslims are also encouraged to practice voluntary fasting throughout the year, as a means of increasing their spiritual connection with Allah and as an act of self-discipline and self-improvement.

Voluntary fasts can be observed on Mondays and Thursdays, or on the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth days of the Islamic lunar month. Muslims are also encouraged to fast on the Day of Ashura, which marks the day of the Prophet Moses' victory over the Pharaoh of Egypt, and on the day of Arafah, which is the day before the festival of Eid al-Adha.

There are various physiological benefits connected with fasting in addition to the spiritual advantages. According to studies, intermittent fasting, such as that observed during Ramadan, can lower inflammation in the body, aid to control blood sugar levels, and improve heart health.

Fasting is also seen as a way to develop empathy and solidarity with those who are less fortunate. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to give generously to charity and to engage in acts of service and volunteerism. In many Muslim countries, it is common for businesses to reduce their hours during the month of Ramadan, in order to allow employees more time to engage in religious observances and spend time with their families.

All things considered, fasting is a multidimensional practice in Islam that promotes self-discipline, spiritual connection, and self-improvement. Millions of Muslims around the world observe it annually and it is a key component of the Islamic faith.

Easter Island

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a small island located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The island is known for its large stone statues, called moai, which were created by the Rapa Nui people who inhabited the island.

The island was first settled by Polynesian explorers around 700-800 AD, and it remained isolated from the rest of the world until the arrival of Europeans in the 18th century. The island's population grew and thrived for many centuries, but by the late 17th century, the island had become overpopulated and its resources had been depleted.

In the 18th century, European explorers arrived on the island and brought with them diseases that decimated the Rapa Nui population. European contact also brought slave raids, which further reduced the population. By the late 19th century, the Rapa Nui people had been largely displaced and their culture and traditions had been eroded.

Today, Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its moai statues continue to attract visitors from around the world. The island's economy is largely dependent on tourism, and efforts are being made to preserve the island's cultural heritage and protect its natural environment.

In addition to its iconic moai statues, Easter Island is also home to a unique and diverse ecosystem. The island's isolated location has allowed for the evolution of many endemic species, including plants, insects, and birds.

The island's environment has been severely impacted by human activity, particularly by deforestation and the introduction of non-native species. However, conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore the island's native flora and fauna.

Easter Island is also known for its rich cultural history and traditions, including music, dance, and oral storytelling. The Rapa Nui language is still spoken by a small number of people on the island, and efforts are being made to revitalize and promote the language.

In recent years, Easter Island has faced challenges related to tourism, including overcrowding, environmental degradation, and cultural appropriation. However, there are ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices and to ensure that the island's cultural heritage is respected and preserved for future generations.

Easter Island's history and culture have been the subject of much research and debate among scholars and archaeologists. The island's mysterious moai statues and the ways in which they were constructed and transported continue to fascinate and intrigue people around the world.

The Rapa Nui people's traditional way of life was heavily reliant on the island's limited resources, and they developed sophisticated agricultural and fishing practices to sustain themselves. The island's volcanic soil and unique climate allowed for the cultivation of a variety of crops, including sweet potatoes, yams, and taro.

The Rapa Nui society was highly stratified, with a ruling class of chiefs and a class of commoners who were responsible for building and maintaining the island's infrastructure. The construction of the moai statues was a massive undertaking that required the mobilization of significant labor resources and the development of complex social systems.

Today, Easter Island is home to a small population of around 7,500 people, the majority of whom are of mixed indigenous and European descent. The island's economy is largely based on tourism, fishing, and agriculture, and there are ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and protect the island's natural and cultural resources.

Easter Island has a complex and controversial history of cultural and political interactions with the outside world. The island was annexed by Chile in 1888, and the Rapa Nui people were subjected to forced labor and other forms of oppression. In the mid-20th century, the island became a hotspot for Cold War intrigue, with the United States establishing a secret military base on the island and the Soviet Union launching a spy satellite from the island's airstrip.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the rights and perspectives of the Rapa Nui people. The Chilean government has taken steps to return some land on the island to indigenous control, and there have been efforts to promote Rapa Nui language and culture in schools and other public institutions.

Easter Island's fragile environment and cultural heritage continue to face a range of challenges, including climate change, tourism pressures, and the effects of globalization. However, there is also a strong sense of pride and resilience among the Rapa Nui people and their supporters, who are working to preserve and celebrate the island's unique identity and legacy.

Recent Expedition News: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-moai-statue-found-on-easter-island-180981717/