Austria is seeing a sharp rise in infections with the West Nile virus (WNV), with 2024 marking a record year. According to new findings from the Institute of Tropical Medicine and a long-term study by the Medical University of Vienna, 37 human cases were confirmed—more than ever before. The virus was first detected in Austria in 2009. Researchers warn that the pathogen, transmitted by native mosquito species, is no longer appearing sporadically. Instead, it is spreading continuously across the country. As a result, experts now classify West Nile virus as…
Read MoreMore Than One-Third of All Cancer Cases Worldwide Are Preventable, New Analysis Shows
A significant share of global cancer cases could be avoided through changes in behavior and environment, according to a new international study. The analysis, published in Nature Medicine, finds that roughly four in ten cancer diagnoses worldwide are linked to preventable risk factors — with smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain infections topping the list in 2022. Researchers estimate that 38 percent of all cancer cases globally could have been prevented. The burden is not evenly distributed: 45 percent of cancers in men are considered preventable, compared with around 30 percent…
Read MoreAustria’s Population Reaches 9.2 Million in 2025, Growth Slows Further
Austria’s population continued to grow in 2025, but at a noticeably slower pace than in previous years. According to preliminary figures released by Statistics Austria on Monday, 9,219,113 people were living in the country on 1 January 2026 — an increase of 21,900, or 0.2 percent, compared with the beginning of 2025. The growth rate marks a further decline from previous years: population increased by 0.4 percent in 2024, 0.6 percent in 2023, and 1.4 percent in 2022. “Austria’s population is still growing, but the pace has slowed again in…
Read MoreInternet Scammers – Warning Against Fraudulent Locksmith Services
The Chamber of Labour of Upper Austria (AK OÖ) has issued a sharp warning about dubious locksmith services that exploit people in stressful situations. When someone is locked out of their home, the urgency and panic often make them vulnerable to dishonest providers who demand excessive fees and use questionable practices. According to the AK, many complaints involve so‑called “emergency services” found online. What appears to be a local company often turns out to be a mailbox firm registered abroad. Customers report long waiting times, only to be met by…
Read MoreAustria Weather Outlook: Sun Returns Briefly Before More Rain
Austria faces another week of unsettled weather, according to forecasts from Geosphere Austria. While sunshine will make occasional appearances, a warm front arriving Tuesday will bring milder air and rising temperatures of up to 12°C — but only for a short time. In short: the sun will return, but only briefly, before Austria slips back into a cycle of clouds, rain, and shifting snow lines.
Read MoreWarning: Fraud Alert! 4 Clear Signs an ATM Has Been Tampered With
Manipulated ATMs remain one of the most common tricks used by fraudsters to steal money from unsuspecting passersby. The scam, known as skimming, involves criminals tampering with machines so that cash or card data is intercepted before reaching the rightful owner. The term comes from the English verb to skim, meaning “to scoop off,” which perfectly describes how attackers siphon off funds. Experts often classify skimming as a type of “man-in-the-middle” attack, since fraudsters position themselves between the bank and the customer withdrawing money. 4 Warning Signs of a Tampered…
Read MoreVienna Faces Its Gloomiest Winter in Three Decades
Vienna is currently enduring its darkest winter in 30 years, a season marked by persistent fog and a striking lack of sunlight. The city, usually brightened by crisp winter days, has been shrouded in gray skies that weigh heavily on the mood of its residents. A City Under a Blanket of Fog The Austrian capital has seen unusually low sunshine hours this season. December brought only 38 hours of sunlight compared to the long-term average of 52. January was closer to normal with 55 hours, but February has so far…
Read MoreWhy You Should Always Pay with Cash
As living costs continue to rise, many people are looking for ways to keep tighter control over their finances. One surprisingly effective method is switching from digital payments to cash. Cash Helps You Save Digital payment options such as PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay offer convenience, but they often make it harder to track spending. With cash, the situation is different: every note and coin you hand over gives you a clear sense of how much money you have left. Experts say this direct awareness helps prevent overspending. A…
Read MoreMassive Study Reveals True Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines
The debate over COVID-19 vaccines continues years after the pandemic began. A new long-term study now provides crucial scientific insights into how effective mRNA vaccines truly were and what impact they had. Researchers led by Laura Semenzato from France’s drug safety authority analyzed data from more than 28 million people. The study compared 22.7 million vaccinated individuals with 5.9 million unvaccinated people aged 18 to 59 over nearly four years (November 2021 to September 2025). By statistically balancing the two groups, the researchers ensured reliable conclusions about benefits and risks.…
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