ye7 legit or not Incumbent president Zoran Milanovic, the opposition Socialist Democrats' candidate, was on track to win a second term of office in the first round of Croatia's presidential election, the State Electoral Commission said. or signup to continue reading Preliminary results on Sunday showed that based on results from nearly 52 per cent of polling stations Milanovic had won 50.1 per cent support, far ahead of his main challenger Dragan Primorac - the candidate of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) - on 22.3 per cent. Around 3.8 million Croats were eligible to vote, choosing from eight candidates ranging from across the political spectrum. The post of president is mostly ceremonial. The election will go to a second round on January 12 if none of the candidates wins a majority. During his five-year term which expires on February 18, Milanovic, a former prime minister, has clashed with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic over foreign and public policy and has fiercely criticised the European Union and NATO over their support for Ukraine. The president cannot veto laws, but has a say in foreign policy, defence and security matters. Despite his populist rhetoric, Milanovic is seen by many as the only counterbalance to the HDZ-dominated government, which has seen 30 ministers forced to leave in recent years amid allegations of corrupt practices. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement

Himax Technologies: Current Headwinds Hide A Bright FutureNone

The appeals court that upheld a law that could ban TikTok in the United States said the government offered no evidence that China is manipulating content on the platform in the United States. However, the panel of judges wrote in their opinion that evidence that China has compelled TikTok to manipulate content elsewhere was enough for it to uphold a federal law signed by President Joe Biden that would force TikTok's sale in the United States to an American company or ban it from app stores. The US District Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia found on Friday in a majority opinion that the federal law is constitutional. The law, which was passed in April, requires TikTok's Chinese parent company, Bytedance, to divest from the company by January 19 or face a ban in the United States. US officials across political lines have worried that TikTok poses a national security risk because of its Chinese ownership. Some members of Congress have said they fear that TikTok could be used as a propaganda tool to push narratives favorable to China's Communist Party. In statements supporting the bill, Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Jake Auchincloss called TikTok "a tool of censorship and propaganda" for the Chinese Communist Party, and Republican Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood said the app has "been used as a tool of propaganda in our country." Still, the federal appeals court wrote in its majority opinion that the government did not present any evidence that China has tried to manipulate content on TikTok in the United States. "The Government acknowledges that it lacks specific intelligence that shows the PRC has in the past or is now coercing TikTok into manipulating content in the United States," the opinion says, referring to the People's Republic of China. However, the government argued in court that ByteDance and TikTok have censored content at China's request in other countries. The appeals court wrote that TikTok "never squarely denies" that it has ever manipulated content on its platform at China's request, which it says is "striking" given the intelligence community's concerns. The court concluded that Bytedance and TikTok have "a demonstrated history" of manipulating content in other countries, sometimes at the request of China. "That conclusion rests on more than mere speculation," the judges wrote in the court opinion. "It is the Government's 'informed judgment' to which we give great weight in this context, even in the absence of 'concrete evidence' on the likelihood of PRC-directed censorship of TikTok in the United States." TikTok argued in court that its "recommendation engine," or algorithm, is not based in China because it is . The court said that while this is correct, ByteDance still controls the source code for TikTok, including the recommendation engine. "TikTok is therefore correct to say the recommendation engine 'is stored in the Oracle cloud,' but gains nothing by flyspecking the Government's characterization of the recommendation engine still being in China," the document says. A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider that the TikTok ban "was conceived and pushed through based on inaccurate, flawed, and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people." "The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," TikTok said in the statement. Like many social media networks, TikTok has faced intense scrutiny for how the app is used to influence elections. The company this week announced that it removed three "influence networks" on the app that attempted to after a probe by the country's defense council. The company said it removed at least 40 similar influence campaigns this year. Read the original article onA Vernon soccer star tops the list of 10 recruits heading to the UBC Okanagan Heat program in Kelowna for 2025. Charlotte Schommer is a five-foot-eight centre back who plays for the Okanagan United FC out of Kelowna. She also took part in the B.C. Soccer provincial identification program. "I’m super excited and very grateful to announce my verbal commitment to the University of British Columbia Okanagan," said Schommer on social media. "A huge thank you to all my coaches for helping and guiding me along the way, and an even bigger thank you to my family for their constant support. I am looking forward to continuing my soccer career and academics at UBCO." Schommer will be joined at UBCO in 2025 by Okanagan United FC teammate, keeper Kat McCleary of Kamloops. Also recruited by the Heat from B.C. for next season are Katie Chan and Katie Scarth, both from Burnaby, and Lucy Evans of Port Coquitlam. The other five recruits are from Alberta. "I'm really excited about the incoming group of players," said Heat head coach Craig Smith. "We have players of all different skill sets; some are good between the lines, some really good at running in the depth with some very good in the duel in both attacking and defending. "We're looking forward to see them training with our current group as the potential of this class is very exciting and they're all great people who will create really strong friendships on the team." The 10 new additions will join a Heat program that is coming off a 6-5-3 regular season record, their second consecutive campaign with a winning record. The Heat also set a program record for fewest goals allowed in a season since joining Canada West, conceding just 15 times in 14 matches. The Heat have reached the quarterfinals in the U-Sports Canada West Conference playoffs the last two seasons.

The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . TEANECK, N.J. (AP) — Dylan Jones had 22 points in Fairleigh Dickinson’s 98-54 victory over Lehman on Saturday. Jones shot 6 for 10 (6 for 9 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Knights (4-7). Terrence Brown added 19 points while shooting 7 for 12 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line and also had six rebounds, five assists, and six steals. Cameron Tweedy had 11 points and shot 4 of 5 from the field and 3 for 5 from the line. The Lightning were led in scoring by Kai Parris, who finished with 12 points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Syrian rebels say they've entered Damascus as residents report hearing gunfire in capital

The list of President-elect Donald Trump's legal cases is shrinking — or being delayed. On Monday, Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a motion to dismiss the Washington, D.C. election subversion case. He also asked a federal appeals court to stop reviewing the classified documents case in Florida. On Tuesday, that court granted dismissal of the case against Trump — though not against other appellees. In dismissing the cases, the Special Counsel cited the Department of Justice's long-standing policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents. "After careful consideration, the Department has determined that OLC's prior opinions concerning the Constitution's prohibition on federal indictment and prosecution of a sitting President apply to this situation and that as a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated," Smith wrote in his court filing regarding the election subversion case. "We've used the word unprecedented a lot over the course of the last four years, and yet again this is something that is unprecedented, and Smith himself said this in his motion," former state and federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein told Scripps News. "He took great detail to point out that this was not based on the strength or weakness of the case." In a post on Truth Social , Trump said in part "These cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless." RELATED STORY | Special counsel evaluating how to wind down federal cases against Trump Earlier this year, Trump faced four on-going criminal cases. He was convicted in his New York hush money case in May, but sentencing — which was scheduled for this week — has been delayed . After Smith's actions Monday, Trump now faces only the Georgia election interference case. In Georgia, Trump was indicted along with 18 allies, accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. But that case is now on hold after the state appeals court unexpectedly removed a December hearing from its calendar. That court will issue a new order on how this case will move forward, but with less than two months before the inauguration, the future of the Georgia and New York hush money cases are still being decided. "The two state cases are likely to recede into the background — at best," former Department of Justice attorney and current partner at Gelber, Schachter & Greenberg, Barbara Llanes, told Scripps News. "We probably won't hear much about these cases following the inauguration of President-elect Trump." Defense attorneys for Trump believe his election victory is enough for the hush money case to be dismissed. They need to file a motion by Dec. 2 making that argument. Then prosecutors have until Dec. 9 to file a rebuttal. They still believe Trump should be sentenced — even if it's after he leaves office. Judge Juan Merchan will then make a decision on how this case should move forward. There's no set date on exactly when he will make that decision.Listen, I know is ~technically~ supposed to be all about for your loved ones or splurging on a spendy appliance while it's at its lowest price of the year. But hear me out: with earlier sunsets and frigid AF weather, now is the perfect time to make some , too. And considering that so many of ? Yeah, I rest my case. The race is officially on to find all the happening now—and our editors are working overtime (no, literally) to bring you all the latest and greatest finds. Right now, days before Black Friday, DTC darlings like and , not to mention mega-retailers like and , have major clothing discounts for the taking, . Related Stories As one of our editors' absolute , Abercrombie is always when it comes to Black Friday shopping. From November 27 through December 1, shoppers can take 25% off sitewide, plus an But if you're a myAF Member (it's free to ), you can start shopping deals now. There's nothing worse than getting a brand-new pair of shoes, only for them to be SO painful to walk in. That's why I love ALDO's selection of loafers, heels, boots, and more—they're outfitted with special "Pillow Walk" insoles that makes them actually comfortable. Bonus: you can shop (plus free shipping!) this Black Friday. The iconic athleisure brand known for its whisper-soft sweat sets and stylish workout sets is currently offering — —for Black Friday. Naturally, the most sought-after deals are selling out fast, but I managed to find a few pieces in stock in most sizes—like a pair of high-waisted leggings and a major faux leather puffer. When it comes to variety, few retailers are doing it quite like Amazon. There are literally of Black Friday fashion steals happening during Amazon's Black Friday sale (which runs ), including deep discounts on Levi's denim and platform suede slippers. And did I mention free two-day shipping for Prime members? This Black Friday, Anthropologie is giving shoppers an . I'm partial to the brand's impressive array of funky statement jewelry, but I also spotted deals on cold-weather essentials like snuggly sweaters and holiday party dresses. PSA: I found during the brand's Black Friday sale. You can also on over 1,000 styles, from luxe cashmere-wool coats to sleek bodysuits. When your office outfits need a lil' refresh (AKA always), check out Banana Republic Factory's Black Friday sale. The brand is offering . And if you have a Gap Inc. credit cart, the sales get even steeper, with an extra 30% discount stacked on top. Score designer at a discount thanks to Bloomingdale's Black Friday sale, which is offering an extra . Below, I've highlighted some of my top budget-friendly picks including studded Sam Edelman flats and a cozy sweater in 100% cotton. Just in time for holiday gifting szn, —I'm talking everything from trendy shoulder bags to classic totes and small leather goods like wallets and card cases. If you need me, I'll be upgrading my loungewear collection with all things soft and snuggly from Cozy Earth this winter. Right now, the brand is offering (plus free shipping over $50) for Black Friday, including a pair of pajamas that made —score! Step up your shoe game with Dolce Vita's 6 Days of Dolce, featuring discounts of . Plus, take during the brand's Black Friday sale . At DSW, save like Nike and Reebok during the brand's early Black Friday sale. What's more, I found deals of up to , including the viral Mini Bootie. Add code at checkout for an extra 30% off select items. Stars like Sofia Richie, Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner, and Meghan Markle have all been spotted in Eberjey's stylish pajamas. Save on celeb-loved sleepwear (and a bathrobe from Oprah's Favorite Things list) from November 24 through December 2 with code . Everlane is one of the best places to shop for for high-quality basics, and you can save during the brand's current Black Friday sale, which runs through November 27. But if you wait to shop until November 28, the discounts get even steeper, at up to 70% off—that is, if these best-selling pieces are still in stock. at Franco Sarto's Black Friday sale. The brand is slashing prices on everything from slingbacks to sandals, but I'm partial to the gorgeous selection of leather boots. Halara's trendy and affordable activewear has been all over my TikTok feed lately, in no small part due to Taylor Swift wearing the brand's pleated buckle skirt at Coachella this year. Now, you can —yes, including the famous skirt—at Halara's Black Friday sale. Editor-loved activewear brand Lululemon is still being hush-hush about , but I dug through the We Made Too Much section to bring you the very best pieces, like and the ever-popular Everywhere Belt Bag. Save on everything from essential denim to gift-worthy leather bags at Madewell's Black Friday sale. The brand is currently giving shoppers —that includes sale items, which means you can stack discounts for maximum savings. Mango is kicking off the Black Friday savings with up to including workwear, coats, accessories and more. Plus, get free shipping on orders of $220 or more. The brand behind some of , Mazin Jewels, is hosting a Black Friday sale. on all kinds of stunning baubles. Once the sale begins, all of these Blondie-approved pieces will all be available for under $50(!). Spoil yourself (and your loved ones) with fine jewelry from Mejuri. The brand's Black Friday sale is offering —just create a free Mejuri account to enjoy these discounts. Beginning November 29 and running through December 2, shop almost . That includes statement jewelry, stacking necklaces, earrings, and more. I keep finding sooo many of my favorite trends at Mint Velvet, from eye-catching holiday outfits to quality wardrobe staples. From November 27 to December 2, you can , so you can thank me later when your new wardrobe gets you tons of compliments. TBH, *so* many of our editors love Negative Underwear's ridiculously soft loungewear sets—which is why we were stoked to find out that the brand's Black Friday sale . Shop between November 28 and December 2 to save. Nordstrom has thousands of Black Friday deals to choose from at . I even spotted rare markdowns on coveted pieces, like a pair of Hoka Bondi 8s and the TikTok-viral SKIMS bodysuit. "Thanks, I got it on sale"—you, after shopping Reformation's Black Friday deals. Save 25% sitewide through midnight on December 2—and yes, that includes celeb favorites like Zendaya's cashmere sweater, and Kendall Jenner's mini skirt. From wedding guest dresses to trendy going-out tops, Revolve is my #1 . And although the retailer hasn't dropped any Black Friday deals (yet!), I found some fun finds in its clearance section. During Saks Off 5th's Holiday sale, you can like coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and sweaters when you use the code at checkout. Complete your new outfit with a pair of ultra-strong Sheertex tights, on sale now for Black Friday. You from simple sheers to playful polka dots, plus enjoy free shipping on your order. Ahead of SKIMS' official Black Friday offering, I spotted lots of lingerie and loungewear at a major discount in the brand's sale section. Save . I know Spanx is famous for its shapewear, but the brand has tons of clothing options that are perfect for the office. Before Spanx drops its official Black Friday deals, shop these . Spendier items like designer boots are one of the best things to shop during Black Friday, so I highly recommend checking out Stuart Weitzman's outlet to —just use the code at checkout . Snag at Sunglass Hut's Black Friday sale—including top brands like Versace, Ray Ban, and Burberry. From November 22 through November 28, Uniqlo is offering , like down parkas for under $100 and layering essentials starting at $15. Don't sleep on Walmart's fashion department. The mega-retailer has sooo many affordable (and adorable) finds on sale. From November 25 through December 1, you can at Walmart's Black Friday sale. at Zappos' Black Friday sale, plus apparel and outerwear. IMO, the best deal is on the ultra-popular Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers, since they almost never go on sale. Related Stories Lauren Gruber is an associate commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes for publications like , , , , , and more. She has over four years of professional experience covering a variety of lifestyle topics from home to fashion, with an advanced background in beauty and fragrance. When she’s not researching the most worthy Prime Day deals or hands-on testing all the latest perfume launches, Lauren is probably hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater. You can find her previous work at , , , , , and .

Electrical Network Analyser Market | Business Growth, Development Factors, Current and Future Trends till 2031 | Seekway Technology Ltd. SeeReal Technologies GmbH Sony CorporationMARRIED At First Sight star Jordan Gayle has revealed he has split from his girlfriend after five months together. Earlier this year, Jordan , 27, went Instagram official with Australian beauty Melissa Golik,32, who works as a nurse. But the pair have called time on their relationship, leaving the E4 star heartbroken just nine months after splitting from co-star Erica Roberts , 26 . Jordan took to his Instagram story to share the sad news. He wrote: "It's with a heavy heart that I announce I've gone through another break-up," followed by a broken heart emoji. Jordan continued: "When you are from the other sides of the world it makes it very difficult to work." READ MORE ON MAFS He added: "I wish nothing but happiness for Mel." Back in August, Jordan shared a slew of snaps with Melissa. In the images, the new couple were seen sipping on cockatils as they enjoyed romantic nights out in London. Jordan couldn't keep his eyes off the beauty as they partied in China Town and cosied up in a swanky-looking club. Most read in News TV Jordan wrote in his caption: "Life with you," followed by heart and lock emojis and an Australian flag. In July, the reality star reignited a very bitter feud with Erica , accusing her of recording '14 TikToks about him'. Exes at war Jordan hit back at his ex in a podcast and claimed she has 'dragged his name through the mud' with her videos. Erica, however, clapped back and insisted her videos are NOT about him. But Jordan said on The Bro'Cast Podcast : "So she's done 14 TikToks where everyone has assumed it's about me. "Everyone has flooded to my page, viewed my Stories, sent me messages, saying, 'Look what she's saying about you'... that I'm toxic or my behaviour was horrible. I've done this, this, this. "She's aware that people are assuming it's about me. "Whether it is about me or it isn't, the fact that people are assuming it's about me is bringing all this negativity. It's making people look negatively at me. "It's dragging my name through the mud. To me, I would never do that because it's not worth social media views and I wouldn't do that to anyone." Jordan added: "If I don't start defending myself, it's going to run away. This has been going on for four months now." Jordan shared a clip from the podcast on his Instagram account and added screenshots from Erica's TikTok account to it. One was from a video of Erica rolling her eyes with the caption: "I focused on myself after the breakup and you had to go seek validation from multiple women." Erica has insisted the TikToks are nothing to do with Jordan, however, and hit back on his Instagram page. She blasted: "You are genuinely clutching at straws here. "Did I not message you 3 weeks ago to clear up that my TikTok’s were NOT about you as I’d seen you on multiple podcasts trying to run with this false narrative, so why are you still going please stop flattering yourself. "I’ve not spoken about you or the break up once online you’re the only one still yapping on." She added: "Please go heal and move on." Jordan and Erica appeared on last year's series of Married At First Sight and tied the knot within seconds of setting eyes on each other. Their relationship appeared to be going well once outside of the TV experiment, but The Sun revealed they had split in February. A source said at the time: "It was Erica that ended her marriage with Jordan... she did everything possible to make it work but sadly they struggled and in the end, she had no choice but to give up." Jordan previously spoke out and said he felt "a mug" for falling so hard and fast for Erica on the show last year. The fitness fanatic admitted in another podcast: “I feel like a mug for falling as hard as I did. READ MORE SUN STORIES "It’s weird because I’ve not got emotional about it for a long time because I think I've been holding it back a bit." He added: "I didn’t care about any of the fame or the opportunities or any of the money, so losing the relationship was like the be all and end-all for me.”Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson won his first NFL MVP Award with Greg Roman as his offensive coordinator. But the honeymoon didn't last.

Who are the 10 biggest UK lottery winners?Authorities say 15-year-old ID'd as armed person killed by officer after gunshots heard nearbyHeartbroken Married At First Sight UK star reveals shock split after five months and reveals reason it didn’t work out

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — J.K. Dobbins will miss at least the next four games after the Los Angeles Chargers placed the running back on injured reserve Saturday. The team also placed safety Alohi Gilman on injured reserve and signed safety Tony Jefferson to the active roster. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns

The ominously named Disease X could potentially trigger the next major pandemic , a medical expert has cautioned, while also expressing concern that the world is ill-prepared for a sudden surge in cases . Disease X - essentially a placeholder name for an unidentified infection - was listed among 11 other perilous diseases that have doctors on high alert for the upcoming year. Measles, cholera, scabies, bird flu, and even another Covid outbreak were also included in the scientific community's list of most dreaded infections for 2025 . The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously classified unknown pathogens as Disease X, including it in its priority list of diseases requiring urgent research. Most recently, it claimed at least 31 lives - predominantly children - in the Panzi region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Unknown flu-like disease kills almost 150 sparking pandemic fears Long Covid linked with increased risk of chronic neurological diseases says chilling new study Between October 24 and December 5, the WHO reported over 400 instances of an unidentified disease in the DRC. Common symptoms included fever, headache, body aches, and a severe cough. However, the most critical cases were often associated with extreme malnutrition. According to Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton, Disease X is one of the infections most likely to result in serious outbreaks, possibly even escalating to a pandemic. If such an outbreak were to occur suddenly, the world would likely be caught off guard, much like the global shock caused by the coronavirus. Disease X isn't exactly a specific illness think of it as more of a placeholder for any yet-undiscovered sickness. Despite not being pinpointed, the threat of some mysterious virus or bacterial menace is quite concrete, and boffins have been nudging governments to gear up for any curveballs from Mother Nature. "Disease X is the name given to an as-yet-unknown bug, that has the potential to cause large outbreaks or even a pandemic," Dr. Head confided to the Mirror. "This bug would have the potential to spread quickly and have a high mortality rate; for example like COVID-19." "The world was caught flat-footed by the most recent pandemic, and even with our fancy tech upgrades, such as mRNA vaccine platforms and other medical marvels, we're still at risk of being caught off-guard if Disease X appeared out of the blue." Symptoms: It's anybody's guess! They could run the gamut depending on what this future germ is made of. We could be talking coughs or wheezing if its airborne. But if it's some sort of bacterial bogeyman, expect something along the lines of tummy troubles. Currently, dengue fever holds the dubious title of the top virus mosquitos spread worldwide. With tens of millions of cases popping up each year and a death tally reaching around 25,000, it's nothing to swat at. The disease is predominantly found in South America and Southeast Asia, but an increasing number of cases are emerging in southern Europe, largely due to climate change. France, Italy, and Spain are the countries most likely to experience outbreaks of dengue - often referred to as the 'bone breaker' disease. The mosquito that transmits the virus is anticipated to eventually establish itself in the UK, although the exact timeline remains uncertain. Paul Hunter, a medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, predicts an increase in dengue fever cases by 2025, particularly in southern Europe. Symptoms: The virus typically manifests with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, joint pain, and a distinctive rash composed of slightly raised spots. In extreme cases, it can result in bleeding gums, frequent vomiting, and intense abdominal pain. In 2024, only one case of chikungunya was confirmed in Europe, but Professor Hunter warns that this could increase in the upcoming year. It's another viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, similar to the mayaro virus and the ross river virus. Almost all instances of the virus are detected in South America; especially in Brazil, which reported more than 400,000 cases between August and October in 2024. However, as European climates become increasingly hospitable for mosquitoes, scientists fear a rise in chikungunya. Professor Hunter has voiced concerns that Southern Europe could see an uptick in mosquito-borne diseases: "I think we will likely see more mosquito-borne diseases in southern Europe; mainly dengue but also probably chikungunya. I also worry about West Nile fever." Chikungunya often results in joint pain and high fever around five days post-infection. Most people get better after a week, though some may suffer long-term, severe joint pain. Around 80% of those infected with the West Nile virus don't exhibit symptoms. However, the remaining 20% may contract the serious West Nile fever. Mosquito bites typically transmit the virus, but it can also be passed on through blood transfusions and organ transplants. While local transmission hasn't been reported in the UK, there have been incidences of travelers returning home with the infection. Human cases have been documented in several European countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Germany, since the beginning of November 2024. The most severe form of the illness, West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), affects the nervous system and can lead to meningitis, encephalitis, and acute flaccid myelitis. Symptoms: West Nile fever generally causes headaches, fevers, fatigue, and gland swelling, with some patients experiencing an itchy rash on the back, arms, or torso. Measles, a grave airborne disease, predominantly strikes young kids. In 2023, the illness claimed over 107,000 lives worldwide, with the under-five age group being the hardest hit. Spread through coughs and sneezes via air droplets, measles can linger in the atmosphere or on objects for a couple of hours, making it extremely contagiousabout 90% of those not vaccinated and in close proximity will catch it. The Western world has seen a resurgence of measles recently, mainly due to declining vaccination rates. Back in 2019, 86% of children got their first measles shot, but by 2023, that number dipped to 83%. Dr Head remarked: "Measles is vaccine-preventable. With two doses of the MMR vaccine, that stops measles in its tracks. With a high uptake, we could literally eradicate it from the planet, like smallpox. A lower uptake, partly due to too much covid interrupting health service delivery in the pandemic, means children in the UK and globally are being affected. It is a nasty infection in unvaccinated children, and it can and does kill." Symptoms include initial flu-like signs, followed by the distinctive 'measles rash'raised spots that merge into large blotchy skin patches, starting at the face and spreading downward. Coronavirus has remained a lingering adversary, subtly continuing its existence in the backdrop. To add to the concern, the virus persists in evolving, with novel variants arising that may outpace current vaccines in terms of infectiousness and resistance. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed in October that a new, apparently more transmissible strain had emerged. This XEC variant, a hybrid of the KS. 1.1 and KP. 3.3 strains, has triggered a significant spike in Covid cases throughout the nation. In just a week, the rate of Covid-positive hospital admissions leaped from 3.7 to 4.5 per 100,000 individuals. Dr Head commented: "The vaccines, along with use of medicines and diagnostics etc., have massively blunted the public health impact of COVID-19. But, it's still here, very much hasn't gone away, and will continue to pose a problem to health services and populations everywhere around the world. Do get vaccinated if another dose if offered to you! ". Symptoms: Despite the emergence of new variants, the principal indicators of Covid have stayed consistent over time, showing no preliminary hints of variants bringing unique symptoms. A persistent cough, elevated fever, or alteration in your sense of smell or taste are all markers of the virus. Others may experience additional effects such as fatigue, sore throat, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and symptoms akin to the common cold. Cholera poses a significant threat to global public health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This severe diarrhoeal disease is caused by ingesting food or water tainted with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. In the most severe instances, the infection can progress rapidly, potentially leading to death within hours if left untreated. Cholera claims up to 143,000 lives globally each year. Since the 19th century, there have been seven cholera pandemics, with the most recent one in 1961 primarily impacting South Asia. However, Professor Hunter warns that forced migration due to climate change could trigger another significant increase in cholera cases by 2025. Despite this, cholera remains extremely rare in Europe, with the majority of confirmed cases reported in Africa and Asia. For instance, in 2022, nine EU countries reported a total of 29 cases, all of which involved travel history to a cholera hotspot. Symptoms: The primary symptom of cholera is profuse watery diarrhoea, often accompanied by intense vomiting and abdominal pain, leading to dehydration. Avian flu, more commonly referred to as bird flu, is widely recognized as the most probable source of the next pandemic. This type of influenza virus typically circulates among birds but has been known to cross over to humans. While the virus doesn't easily transmit to humans, its rapid mutation rate has scientists on high alert for a potential widespread outbreak. Currently, nearly all reported cases of H5N1 - the predominant bird flu strain in humans - have occurred in individuals who work closely with animals. "Avian influenza is always on the 'potential infectious disease threat' list. It evolves much like the Covid variants and could potentially cause a pandemic," Dr Head explained. "We haven't yet seen widespread human-to-human transmission - but it's possible." Bird flu can be contracted by humans through contact with infected animals, their feces or bedding, or during the preparation of infected poultry for cooking. There isn't a specific seasonal vaccine for bird flu, but a universal vaccine that could protect against all types of flu, including avian flu, would be the "holy grail", Dr Head added. Symptoms: The earliest indication of a bird flu infection is usually a very high fever, accompanied by fatigue and a severe headache. Some patients have also reported intense conjunctivitis or bleeding from the nose or gums. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about the rising number of antibiotic-resistant infections in the UK, echoing the World Health Organization's (WHO) statement that antimicrobial resistance is one of the most significant global health threats. Antimicrobials, which include antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, are typically used to treat infectious diseases. However, scientists have raised concerns that these infections are becoming more resistant to these medications as they evolve to defend against them. According to the UKHSA, individuals who contract a bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotics have a higher likelihood of dying within 30 days. Professor Hunter expressed that bacteria resistant to antimicrobials pose a "significant concern" looking ahead to 2025. E. coli, which often results in diarrhoea, vomiting, and urinary tract infections, is the most prevalent type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the UK. By mid-2024, the UK reported over 600 cases of this bacteria, a significant increase compared to previous years. In November, UKHSA Chief Executive, Professor Dame Jenny Harries, stated: "Increasingly the first antibiotics that patients receive aren't effective at tackling their infections. That's not just an inconvenience it means they are at greater risk of developing a severe infection and sepsis. Our declining ability to treat and prevent infections is having an increasing impact, particularly on our poorest communities." Symptoms: Who knows? It could include anything dependent on its biological make-up. If it were a respiratory virus, it could cause coughs or difficulty breathing. But if it were a bacterial infection, it might cause more stomach bug-like symptoms. Dengue fever is the world's most commonly transmitted virus by mosquitoes. Tens of millions of cases are reported every year, and up to 25,000 people die annually. It's most commonly found in South America and Southeast Asia, but more and more cases are cropping up in southern Europe - mainly driven by climate change. France, Italy and Spain are most likely to see outbreaks of dengue - which is commonly referred to as the 'bone breaker' disease. Map shows states with highest COVID-19 cases as 'wave of summer infections' sweeps US Ohio woman with debilitating disease who 'paid Social Security all her life' denied benefits The mosquito that carries the virus is eventually expected to gain a foothold in the UK, although it's still unclear exactly when that might be. Medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, Paul Hunter, expected to see more cases of dengue fever in 2025 - particularly in southern Europe. Symptoms: The virus usually causes flu-like symptoms, including a fever, headaches, joint pain, and a characteristic rash mad eup of slightly raised spots. In the most severe cases, it could lead to bleeding gums, repeated vomiting, and severe stomach pain. There was only one confirmed case of chikungunya in Europe in 2024, but it could be on the rise in the coming year, warned Professor Hunter. It's another mosquito-driven viral infection, and is similar to the mayaro virus and the ross river virus. Almost all cases of the virus are found in South America; particularly in Brazil, which had more than 400,000 between August and October in 2024. But, European climates are becoming more favourable for mosquitoes, and scientists fear chikungunya could be on the rise. Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sports and entertainment stories Professor Hunter said: "Only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family. This isn't just for your own health - it's about protecting everyone in our communities and future generations." Symptoms: The signs of infection can differ based on whether the infection is bacterial or viral. For instance, an E. coli infection can lead to symptoms like bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and cystitis. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that targets the lungs and can be fatal if not treated. It primarily affects infants and young children, but anyone can develop symptoms if they become infected. The infection gets its name from the distinctive 'whoop' sound made by infected babies when they take deep breaths. However, not all babies make this noise, which means the infection can go unnoticed for a while. The UK is currently experiencing a significant outbreak of whooping cough, with confirmed cases surpassing 10,000 in August. The second quarter of the year saw more confirmed cases than any quarter in 2012, the year of the last major outbreak. Professor Hunter stated that it's still uncertain whether there will be more cases of whooping cough in 2025 than in 2024, but it remains a "big concern". Since the start of the current outbreak, which began in November 2023, at least 10 infants in the UK have died. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter. Dr Mary Ramsay, the UKHSA Director of Immunisation, emphasized earlier this year the critical importance of vaccinations to fend off whooping cough: "Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time. Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks." "This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth in the first months of their life when they are most vulnerable and before they can receive their own vaccines." Whooping cough starts off deceptively mild with symptoms resembling a common cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat. However, within about a week, it escalates to severe coughing spells, breathing difficulties, and thick mucus expectoration. In other health news, doctors are cautioning the British populace not to overlook the clear signs of scabies following a recent increase in reported incidents. This skin infestation involves minuscule mites burrowing beneath the surface to lay eggs, resulting in a highly unpleasant and itchy rash. While not fatal, scabies can seriously deteriorate the quality of one's life, says Dr Head. The affliction is no stranger to the UK frequently occurring in communal environments like schools, care facilities, and correctional institutions. Disturbingly, England's registered cases of scabies surged by 58% in the initial half of 2024 compared to 2023, with GP diagnoses far exceeding the five-year norm. It appears the north of England bore the brunt with the highest rate of new cases. Dr. Head pointed out the discomfort scabies can cause, explaining: "The mites burrow under the skin, causing an immune response that triggers inflammation and itching," and warned, "You can catch it by prolonged skin-to-skin contact, or via clothes, furniture or bedding that an infected person may have used previously." Signs of distress: Anyone tormented by relentless itching, especially when the moon is up, might be facing a bout with scabies. Alongside the itch, you could spot a rash dotted with red indicators of where the mite laid its eggs. This rash tends to show up between fingers and can turn into persistent dark splotches.