REUTERS: The United States so far this year has recorded 839 cases of measles in 23 states, its largest outbreak since public health officials in 2000 declared the disease eradicated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.The following are key facts about the outbreak:* Public health officials blame the measles resurgence on the spread of misinformation about vaccines. A vocal fringe of parents opposes vaccines, believing, contrary to scientific studies, that ingredients in them can cause autism.* The largest outbreaks are concentrated in New York City, which has recorded at least 466 cases, primarily in the Orthodox Jewish community in the Williamsburg neighborhood, and Rockland County north of New York City, which has recorded at least 224 cases. Those figures include infections from last year and are not directly comparable to the CDC numbers.* Other outbreaks are ongoing in California, Michigan, New Jersey, Georgia and Maryland.* The disease is highly … [Read more...] about What you need to know about the US measles outbreak
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Factbox: What you need to know about the US measles outbreak
Health The United States so far this year has recorded 695 cases of measles in 22 states, its largest outbreak since public health officials in 2000 declared the disease eradicated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 29 Apr 2019 07:24PM (Updated: 29 Apr 2019 07:24PM) Bookmark NEW YORK: The United States so far this year has recorded 695 cases of measles in 22 states, its largest outbreak since public health officials in 2000 declared the disease eradicated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The CDC on Monday is due to release updated figures on the number of cases recorded so far this year.Here are key facts about the outbreak:Public health officials blame the measles resurgence on the spread of misinformation about vaccines. A vocal fringe of parents opposes vaccines, believing, contrary to scientific studies, that ingredients in them can cause autism.The largest outbreaks are concentrated in Orthodox Jewish communities in … [Read more...] about Factbox: What you need to know about the US measles outbreak
First Asia Africa Film Festival Highlights Commonalities in Diversity
Jakarta. The first ever Asia Africa Film Festival was held at Queen's Head in Kemang, South Jakarta, on April 24-28. The festival is planned to be an annual event and this year all the screenings were held in Silver Screen, Queen’s Head's surprisingly spacious minicinema. Kennedy Ashinze, founder of festival organizer Globetrotter Lab, said he wants the festival to spark conversations between the two continents and celebrate filmmakers and actors who have created works that give true portrayals of social conditions in Asia and Africa. "We want to break down definitions and narrow boundaries that have been stereotyped on both continents, and to fight economic, class and racial boundaries," Ashinze said during a media gathering on Tuesday. "Basically we felt there was a void in Jakarta and more conversations need to be had, face-to-face ones. We want to tell different stories from different parts of the world to highlight diversity … [Read more...] about First Asia Africa Film Festival Highlights Commonalities in Diversity
Singapore, China sign 5 deals to boost cooperation in economy, customs operations
BEIJING: Singapore on Monday (Apr 29) inked five partnerships with China in the areas of business, customs enforcement and infrastructure investment.Four memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and a framework agreement were signed at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse by representatives from both countries, including Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing.The signing was witnessed by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.SINGAPORE-SHANGHAI BUSINESS COUNCILA ministerial-level cooperation council will be set up between Singapore and Shanghai, making this the eighth business council Singapore has with China. This is, however, Shanghai’s first comprehensive institutionalised platform with a foreign country. Called the Singapore-Shanghai Comprehensive Cooperation Council (SSCCC), it will cover the Belt and Road Initiative, financial services cooperation, technology and innovation, ease of doing business, urban … [Read more...] about Singapore, China sign 5 deals to boost cooperation in economy, customs operations
Xi urges more countries to join Belt and Road project
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for more countries to join his pet mega project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), even as world leaders expressed their support and rejected protectionism. In a joint communique at the end of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, Mr Xi and foreign leaders agreed to further open their markets and promote green growth and sustainable financing for BRI projects. Mr Xi made similar points at a 15-minute press conference that closed the three-day event, where Beijing has sought to address international criticism over the project to revive old trade links. "All interested countries are welcome to join us. We are committed to supporting open, clean and green development, and rejecting protectionism," he said. The press conference - where Mr Xi did not take questions - was held after meetings with the world leaders attending the summit, the second edition of the forum. Conceived in 2013 by Mr Xi, the BRI aims to build a vast mercantilist framework … [Read more...] about Xi urges more countries to join Belt and Road project