Monkeypox in Europe – what you need to know now

Previously only widespread in Africa, a new variant of the monkeypox virus has now made it to Europe, which is what you need to know. On Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global smallpox emergency for the second time in two years. The authority is particularly concerned about a new variant of the Mpox virus: clade Ib (Roman 1 b). This variant has spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, triggering the WHO’s measures. Sweden has now reported…

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Day is fixed! When climate bonus lands in your account

The date is now fixed—when the climate bonus will be credited to your account. (Almost everyone in Austria will receive the climate bonus again this year.The climate bonus will be paid out at the same time as school starts (at least in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland). The climate bonus is now entering its third round. While it has been clear for some time that the payout will be higher this year than in previous years, the Climate Ministry has long kept the exact start date a secret. First, there…

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2024 is likely to be the hottest year ever in Austria

According to the temperatures measured so far, 2024 could be the hottest year in Austria’s history. This is according to the latest data from Geosphere Austria. Regarding the measured air temperature, the Austrian annual average for 2024—including the forecasts for August—is already 3.8 degrees above the 1961–1990 average. According to Geosphere Austria, only two above-average or four average cold autumn and winter months can change this value, so 2023 to 2018 (around 2.5 degrees above the 1961–1990 average) are not exceeded. Even a cold December, which was relatively warm in…

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Which fruit contains the most sugar?

When discussing a healthy and balanced diet, we cannot ignore fruits, as they are known for their numerous benefits and contributions to the desired nutrition of the human body, such as vitamins, essential minerals, fiber, water, and antioxidants. The promotion of fruit consumption for a healthy diet has been recognized worldwide, even by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has promoted its well-known campaigns for consuming five portions of daily fruit. Despite the benefits of eating fruit, we must not forget one element it contains: natural fructose (sugar). Although not…

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Editorial: Confronting Austria’s Scorching Summers – The Unmistakable Signs of Climate Change

Austria, known for its alpine landscapes, lush forests, and temperate climate, is facing an alarming shift in its weather patterns. Recent summers have brought severe heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. This disturbing trend is not just a random anomaly but a clear manifestation of the global climate crisis. The cause of these severe hot temperatures in Austria is multifaceted, rooted primarily in human-induced climate change, exacerbated by local and regional factors. The Role of Global Climate Change At the heart of Austria’s extreme heat is the broader context…

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Beware of Skimming: Protect Your Credit Card While on Vacation

As more people resume travel in the post-pandemic era, the risks associated with using credit cards while on vacation are increasing. One of the most common threats is skimming, which criminals use to steal credit card information. This article explores skimming, how to detect it, and what steps you can take to protect yourself while travelling. What Is Skimming? Skimming occurs when criminals use hidden devices to capture credit card information. These devices, often installed on ATMs, gas pumps, or point-of-sale (POS) terminals, are designed to look like legitimate card…

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Do you drink too much sparkling water? These are the risks

Drinking sparkling water is generally considered safe and can be a refreshing alternative to still water. However, there are some potential risks and considerations to be aware of: 1. Dental Health Acidity: Sparkling water is slightly acidic due to the carbonic acid formed when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water. Although less acidic than soft drinks, this can still contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time, especially with frequent consumption. Added Flavors: Some flavoured sparkling waters contain citric acid or other acidic additives, which can further increase the risk of…

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36 degrees and thunderstorms on the way: weather forecast until next week

The summer heat is here to stay on Friday. While temperatures will once again reach high levels, the risk of thunderstorms will increase from the afternoon onwards. Friday will begin with bright sunshine in large parts of Austria, although the northern edge of the Alps may see thicker clouds at the start of the day. After a sunny morning, clouds will quickly develop by midday, and the first showers and thunderstorm cells could develop. Thunderstorm risk in the mountainsThe central and northern mountain regions are particularly affected, where the thunderstorms…

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Fever, pain, rash—the Mpox pandemic feared

The World Health Organization calls upon authorities worldwide to prepare for possible Mpox outbreaks.The disease caused by the monkeypox virus manifests itself through a wide variety of symptoms. The WHO is now sounding the alarm again. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared its highest alert level due to a new variant of the viral disease, Mpox, in Africa. It has declared a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC). This has no specific implications but is intended to alert authorities worldwide to prepare for possible outbreaks. The monkeypox virus…

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