NB-UVB Phototherapy Effective Alternative to Cyclosporine for Refractory CSU: Study

A new clinical study suggests that narrow Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is effective, well-tolerated treatment for antihistamine-refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria, offering a viable alternative to oral cyclosporine.

CSU, marked by persistent hives and itching lasting more than 6 weeks, often leaves patients and clinicians struggling to find effective treatment beyond antihistamines. Cyclosporine, though effective, is typically reserved as a third-line option due to concerns about toxicity and rebound flares. The current study highlights NB-UVB phototherapy as a promising contender in this treatment landscape.

This trial enrolled 50 patients whose CSU had failed to respond to maximum-dose antihistamines. The participants were divided into 2 groups: one received NB-UVB phototherapy 3-times weekly, while the other was prescribed cyclosporine at 3 mg/kg/day. Both regimens lasted 90 days, with outcomes tracked for another 90 days post-treatment.

This study assessed patients primarily using the Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days (UAS7). Secondary measures included the Urticaria Control Test (UCT), the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life (CU-QoL) questionnaire, and changes in serum biomarkers such as IL-6, IL-31, and IgE.

Both treatment groups showed significant symptom relief by Day 15. Cyclosporine worked faster, providing rapid reductions in UAS7, but patients frequently experienced rebound flares after discontinuation. NB-UVB, on the other hand, produced more gradual but longer-lasting control, with sustained improvements noted even after therapy ended.

When comparing efficacy, NB-UVB met the non-inferiority criteria, meaning it was not significantly less effective than cyclosporine in reducing UAS7 scores. Quality of life measures (CU-QoL) improved in both groups, while UCT scores confirmed patients reported better control of their condition under either regimen.

In terms of biomarkers, both groups experienced reductions in serum IgE. However, the cyclosporine group showed a more pronounced decrease in inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-31, aligning with the drug’s systemic immunosuppressive effect. NB-UVB proved to be well tolerated with minimal side effects, reinforcing its suitability for long-term disease management. Cyclosporine, although effective, carried its usual risks, and the flare-ups post-discontinuation raised concerns about dependency.

The limitations of this study include its single-center design and relatively short follow-up of 90 days after treatment cessation. Broader, multi-center research with extended monitoring will be essential to validate these findings. Overall, the results place NB-UVB phototherapy firmly on the map as a potential alternative to cyclosporine in antihistamine-refractory CSU.

Source:

Roshini, N., Mehta, H., Bishnoi, A., Kumar, V., Kumar, A., Parsad, D., & Kumaran, M. S. (2025). Narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy versus oral cyclosporine in the treatment of chronic urticaria. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 41(5),. https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.70050

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High Uric Acid at ICU Admission Signals Higher Risk of Kidney Complications and Mortality: Study

An ancillary analysis of the FROG-ICU cohort, published in Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain Medicine, has found that elevated serum uric acid levels at the time of intensive care unit admission are strongly associated with adverse outcomes, including higher mortality and kidney complications. The study, known as the URIC-ICU analysis, examined whether uric acid could serve as a prognostic marker in critically ill patients. The authors report that patients with high uric acid at admission had worse survival rates at both 90 days and one year, along with an increased risk of acute kidney injury and major adverse kidney events within 30 days.

Importantly, the study revealed that the link between uric acid and poor outcomes persisted even in patients who had normal kidney function at the time of ICU admission. This suggests that uric acid itself may be more than a simple indicator of kidney dysfunction and could play a role in the pathophysiology of critical illness. The researchers highlight that uric acid reflects metabolic stress, oxidative injury, and systemic inflammation, all of which can contribute to organ damage and mortality. By identifying high-risk patients early through a simple blood test, clinicians may have an opportunity to improve monitoring and consider targeted interventions.

The findings support the use of serum uric acid as a potential biomarker for risk stratification in intensive care. While the study underscores the prognostic value of uric acid, the authors also caution that further research is needed to determine whether lowering uric acid levels can directly improve patient outcomes. Nevertheless, the URIC-ICU analysis offers important insights for critical care practice, suggesting that measuring uric acid at admission could help identify patients who require closer surveillance and more aggressive management.

Reference:
Quenot JP, Darreau C, Lasocki S, Biais M, Besch G, Deye N, Laterre PF, Mira JP, Vinsonneau C, Cariou A, Payen D, Annane D, Vignon P, Mebazaa A, Gayat E. Association between serum uric acid level and outcome in intensive care unit, an ancillary analysis of the FROG-ICU cohort (URIC-ICU). Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.accpm.2025.100451

Keywords: Serum uric acid, intensive care unit, acute kidney injury, mortality, prognostic biomarker, FROG-ICU, URIC-ICU, Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain Medicine

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Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Meniere’s Disease and Hearing Loss Severity: Study

Researchers have found in a new study that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with Meniere’s disease and worsened hearing loss. The findings highlight the importance of nutritional factors in ear health, particularly the role of Vitamin D in maintaining balance and auditory function. Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear condition marked by symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss. While its exact cause has remained unclear, recent research suggests that Vitamin D levels could play a part in both the onset and progression of the condition.

The study, published in Frontiers in Neurology (Kohli et al., 2025), examined serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in patients diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. It revealed that individuals with low Vitamin D were more likely to experience more severe hearing loss compared to those with sufficient levels. The researchers emphasized that Vitamin D contributes not only to bone and immune health but also influences the inner ear’s calcium metabolism, which is vital for hearing and balance. This suggests that addressing Vitamin D deficiency may help reduce the burden of symptoms for patients and potentially improve quality of life.

Although the research does not claim a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it highlights a significant association that warrants further clinical attention. For people living with Meniere’s disease, monitoring Vitamin D intake through diet, supplementation, or lifestyle adjustments like safe sun exposure may prove beneficial. Clinicians may also consider evaluating Vitamin D status as part of routine care for patients presenting with inner ear disorders. As the study notes, better understanding the link between nutrition and auditory health could open new avenues for treatment and management strategies. With no definitive cure for Meniere’s disease, these insights add a valuable dimension to ongoing efforts in reducing its impact on patients.

Reference: Kohli, K.K., et al. (2025). Association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with hearing loss severity in Meniere disease: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Neurology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1638357

Keywords: Vitamin D deficiency, Meniere’s disease, hearing loss, auditory health, inner ear disorders, nutritional factors, balance.

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UP NEET Counselling 2025 Round 3 schedule OUT, check details

Lucknow: The Director General, Medical Education and Training, Uttar Pradesh (UPDGME) has issued the time schedule for third round of UP NEET counseling 2025 for admissions to MBBS and BDS courses in the state run medical and dental colleges for this academic year 2025-26.

All the concerned candidates are advised to take note of the following details as released by the UPDGME.

In accordance with the schedule issued by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), New Delhi, for the NEET UG admissions, the schedule for the third round of online counselling for admission to state quota seats in undergraduate courses (MBBS/BDS) in government/ private medical/ dental colleges /institutions/ medical universities is as follows:-

Sr. no. Description Dates Total days
1 Date
of online registration and
uploading of documents 		From:- 06-10-2025 (11:00 AM)                                            To :- 09-10-2025 (11:00 AM).
 03
Days
2 Date of depositing registration and security
money		 From:- 06-10-2025 (l 1:00 AM)                                          To :- 09-10-2025 (02:00 PM). 04 Days
3 Date of Merit List Declaration On :- 10-10-2025 01 Day
4 Date of On-line Choice filling From:- 11-10-2025 (11:00 AM)                                            To :- 13-10-2025 (02:00 PM). 03 Days
5 Date of Allotment Result Declaration On :- 15-10-2025 01 Day
6 Date for downloading the allotment letters & Admission From:- 16-10-2025                                                                To :- 18-10-2025
& 24-10-2025		 04 Days

As per the instructions contained in the government order/brochure of UP NEET UG 2025, candidates should assess their eligibility themselves.

Only those candidates will be eligible for choice filling who have completed the online registration process, whose original documents have been verified online, and who have deposited the required security amount.

Also Read:UP NEET Counselling 2025: 3864 MBBS, BDS seats up for grabs in Round 2, choice filling till September 23

The UP DGME has further issued a set of guidelines for the candidates. 

To view the full official notice, click link below: https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2377-302838.pdf

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/2396-302859.pdf


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ESIC Hospitals hold health camps to promote women’s health

Guwahati: As part of the ongoing Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan being organized nationwide from 17th September to 2nd October 2025, Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospitals conducted a series of health camps and awareness programmes on 28th September 2025 at multiple locations, including Tiruppur, Tirunelveli, Beltola (Guwahati) and other outreach sites.  

The initiative is aligned with the objectives of Poshan Maah and aimed at strengthening preventive healthcare, nutrition awareness, and women’s health.

At ESIC Hospital, Tiruppur, a special health camp was organized where 27 women beneficiaries underwent structured screening for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Clinical investigations included haemoglobin estimation, oral, breast, and cervical cancer screening, and sickle cell screening.

Also Read:All 200-bed ESIC Hospitals to be upgraded with Medical Colleges: Dr Mansukh Mandaviya

Health awareness sessions were also conducted on anaemia prevention, menstrual hygiene, nutrition, vaccination, and lifestyle-related disorders.

At Thoothukudi Corporation (West Zone) and ESIC Hospital, Tirunelveli, more than 160 participants attended the camp, with 127 individuals undergoing preventive screenings. Special focus was given to women sanitation workers, Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBC), and Micro Compost Centre employees.

Awareness sessions covered menstrual hygiene, maternal health, workplace wellness, and lifestyle interventions to prevent Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). ESIC also facilitated social security registrations on-site under the SPREE 2025 special registration drive, ensuring inclusion of unregistered workers under the ESI scheme.

At ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Beltola (Guwahati), both in-house and outreach camps were held. Screening was conducted for hypertension, diabetes, anaemia, and cancers of the breast, cervix, and oral cavity. A total of 111 beneficiaries were screened, including 49 in-house and 62 at the outreach camp in the Brahmaputra Industrial Park.

Awareness sessions emphasized menstrual health, breastfeeding, nutrition, and self-breast examination. Iron Folic Acid, calcium, multivitamins, and ORS were distributed to women participants.

The Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan continues to make meaningful contributions towards women empowerment, in line with the vision of providing inclusive and preventive healthcare to all sections of society.

Through these camps, ESIC hospitals are not only providing preventive healthcare services but also generating community-level awareness on nutrition and women’s health.

Also Read:Dr Mansukh Mandaviya to Inaugurate 220-bed ESIC Hospital in Ranchi

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KNRUHS invites applications for BAMS, BHMS, BUMS courses 2025, check admission details here

Telangana: The Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) has invited online applications for Admission into BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BNYS Courses under the competent authority quota for the academic year 2025-26.

Candidates can register online and upload scanned original certificates on website upto 05-10-2025. Provisional Final Merit position of the applied candidates will be prepared based on UG AYUSH 2025 Score and other eligibility criteria notified hereunder after verification of uploaded certificates. 

All the interested candidates seeking UG AYUSH admissions at KRNUHS are advised to take note of the following details:

NUMBER OF SEATS UNDER COMPETENT AUTHORITY QUOTA

Total number of seats for the academic year 2025-26 in UG AYUSH Courses after exclusion of 15% seats to All India Quota in AYUSH Colleges affiliated to KNR University of Health Sciences, Warangal shall be notified on KNRUHS website before counseling.

a. In case any BAMS/BHMS/BUMS and BNYS seats are permitted by NCISM/NCH in colleges affiliated to the University for the Academic Year 2025-26, those seats also will be filled up. NO FURTHER NOTIFICATION WILL BE ISSUED.

2. Tuition Fee will be as notified by the Government of Telangana.

3. Age: The Candidate should have completed 17 years of age as on 31-12-2025. The candidates who do not complete 17 years of age as on 31-12-2025 are not eligible for admission.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION INTO BAMS/BHMS/BUMS and BNYS: In accordance with NCH/NCISM Regulations as follows:

The candidate should have passed Intermediate (10+2 pattern) or its equivalent examination from any recognized Board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology and English. Candidates have to apply online and upload the original certificates for Competent Authority Quota seats in colleges affiliated to Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences, Warangal.

• OC candidates including candidates seeking EWS reservation should obtain not less than 50% marks in science subjects.

• BC/SC/ST candidates should obtain not less than 40% marks in science subjects.

• BC/SC/ST PWD candidates should obtain not less than 40% Marks in the science subjects.

• OC PWD candidates should obtain not less than 45% marks in science subjects.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION INTO BUMS COURSE AS PER REGULATIONS OF NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE(NCISM)

Admissions to Kamil-E-TIB-Wa-Jarahat course: A candidate seeking admission to main Kamil-E-Tib-Wa-Jarahat (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery – B.U.M.S.) Course must have passed.

(i) The candidate shall have passed 10+2 or its equivalent examination from any recognized Board with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Biotechnology and shall have obtained a minimum of fifty per cent marks taken together in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Biotechnology in the case of General category and forty per cent. marks in the case of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes: Provided that in respect of persons with disability candidate specified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (49 of 2016), the minimum qualifying marks in the said examinations shall be forty-five per cent. in the case of General category and forty per cent in the case of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

(ii) Candidate shall have passed Urdu or Arabic or Persian language as one of the subjects in the 10th Standard or in 12th Standard.

(iii) Candidate who is not covered under clause (b) shall have to study Urdu language along with Arabic and Mantiq wa Falsafa (Logic and Philosophy) as a subject during the First Professional B.U.M.S. session.

(iv) The Pre-Tib examination shall be for one-year duration.

RESERVATIONS

15% seats under Competent Authority Quota shall be reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes. As per G.O. Ms. No. 10, SCD(POA.A2) Dept., Dated: 14.04.2025 and as per Government orders dated. 16.05.2025, out of 15% of seats reserved for SC, 1% of seats shall be reserved for SC Group I, 9% of seats shall be reserved for SC Group II, 5% of seats shall be reserved for SC Group III. The Rationalization of reservations shall be followed as per the said G.O. and Government orders from the AY 2025-26.

10% of seats under Competent Authority Quota shall be reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes as per G.O.Ms.No. 33, Tribal Welfare Department, dated. 30.09.2022.

29% of the seats under Competent Authority Quota shall be reserved for candidates belonging to Backward Classes. BC-A -7%, BC-B-10%, BC-C-1%, BC-D-7% & BC-E-4%

No candidate seeking reservation for admission under the above categories be allowed to participate in the Counseling for admission unless candidate produces the Integrated Community Certificate prescribed by the Government and issued by the Revenue Authorities in the Government (Vide G.O.Ms.No. 58, Social Welfare (J) Department, dated. 12-05-1997).

10% of total seats in specified Government Ayush Colleges ( Specified for EWS Reservation implementation) are reserved for Economically Weaker Section ( EWS ) Category candidates who are not covered under the existing scheme of reservation for SC,ST & Socially and Educationally Backward Classes. These reservations will be implemented from seats sanctioned for implementation of EWS reservations by Ministry of Ayush, Government of India .

33 1/3% of seats shall be reserved for women candidates in each category; This regulation of guarantee shall not be applicable if women candidates are selected on merit in each category from 33 1/3% or more of the seats therein.

SERVICE QUOTA RESERVATION:

Seats shall be reserved in each course and in each category for the following to the extent indicated against them: A CAP (Army) : 1 %; B Persons With Disabilities (PWD) : 5 %.

NOTE:

i) Reservation under CAP Category: 1% for children of Ex-Service men & Serving personnel of 3 wings of defense service viz., Army, Navy & Air-Force. The above reservation is applicable to the children of Ex-Service men & Serving personnel of 3 wings of defense service viz., Army, Navy & Air-Force., who aredomiciled in Telangana based on the Permanent address / Home town declared by them while joining service and as recorded in their service register. (Vide G.O.M.S.No.166 HM&FW (E2) Dept. Dated: 23-09-2023).

ii) The guidelines of Govt. of India and regulations of NCH, NCISM/NMC shall be observed in making admissions of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) candidates.

iii) The candidate who claim for admission under Persons with Disabilities (PWD) category shall mention in the online application as applying under PWD category and have to appear before Medical Board to be constituted for the purpose by the University as per the schedule to be notified by the university for eligibility under PWD status.

ONLINE APPLICATIONS

The on-line application form for determining merit position in respective categories for Competent Authority quota seats using NEET UG–2025 scores will be available on the website https://tsbahnu.tsche.in from 8.00 AM on 01-10- 2025 to 11.30 PM on 05-10-2025.

Note: The candidates are advised to take a print out of the Prospectus / Instructions.

The candidate should fill the online application form available in the Website with the data required for through computer. The online application form can be filled through any computer with internet connection. The candidate is advised to fill the online application form after going through the Prospectus by keeping all the Certificates, Scanned Photo and Signature in the jpg/.gif format separately (as shown below) (step-1) and ready to enter his/her correct data and upload the necessary certificates, photo and signature after the payment of application fee through Online.

PROCEDURE TO FILE ONLINE APPLICATION CERTIFICATES REQUIRED BEFORE FILLING THE APPLICATION FORM ON-LINE

The following Certificates are required to be uploaded to complete the application process. Certificates marked as mandatory shall be uploaded by every candidate. Other certificates are to be uploaded as per the candidate requirement category .The certificates are to be scanned and kept ready to upload. Application fee has to be paid through online.

List of Documents

Sl.No Details of Certificate File Type Size
of file
1 NEET UG 2025 Rank Card. (Mandatory) pdf 500 KB
2 NEET UG 2025 Admit Card pdf 500 KB
3 Birth Certificate (SSC Marks Memo).
(Mandatory)		 pdf 500 KB
4 Qualifying Exam Certificate (Intermediate Marks Memo OR Equivalent
– Grade Certificate not Accepted) (Mandatory)		 pdf 500 KB
5 Study Certificates from 9th to 10th (If More than one certificate scan all into a single PDF file) (Mandatory) pdf 500 KB
6 Study Certificates – Intermediate or equivalent for 2 Years (If
More than one certificate scan all into a single PDF file)
(Mandatory)		 pdf 500 KB
7 Transfer Certificate pdf 500 KB
8 Caste Certificate (If applicable) pdf 500 KB
9 EWS Certificate issued after 1st April,2025 valid for the year
2025- 26 claiming reservation under EWS Categories issued by competent
authority (Tahasildar) of State of Telangana ((Mandatory) If applicable)		 pdf 500 KB
10 Parental Income Certificate (If applicable) pdf 500 KB
11 NCC Certificate(If More than one certificate scan all into a
single PDF file) (If applicable)		 pdf 1500 KB
12 CAP Certificate (If More than one certificate scan all into a
single PDF		 pdf 1000
file)(If applicable) KB
13 Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Certificate (If applicable) pdf 500 KB
14 Residence certificate of the candidate issued by MRO / Tahasildar
of Telangana for a period of four – years (Period to be specified with exact
month and year) for candidates who have qualified from open schools.		 pdf 500 KB
15 Aadhar Card pdf 500 KB
16 Candidate’s Latest passport size Photo (Mandatory) jpg OR jpeg 100 KB
17 Specimen Signature of the Candidate (Mandatory) jpg OR jpeg 100 KB

1. Open the website https://tsbahnu.tsche.in Home page displayed as follows.

There are 4 steps to register for UG admission program i.e

a. Mobile and Email Registration, (Mobile and Email registration is to be done only once (if it is successfully completed))

b. Candidate Registration (Payment of fee), (If Payment is successful, you will receive registration number to your mobile and email. you need not repeat this step again if you receive registration number)

c. Updating of data (you can edit data any number of times till the verification process starts)

d. Uploading of Certificates. (you can edit data any number of times till the verification process starts)

2. Monitor Resolution to be set to maximum, Best viewed in 1920 X1080 pixels.

3. Click on the Mobile and Email Registration. The candidate should have a valid /working Mobile and Email Id. OTP will be sent to registered Mobile and Email Id at different stages. The candidate should keep the Mobile and Email Id active till completions of the counselling process. The candidate has to enter OTP’s received to mobile and Email Id for registration and Verification of Mobile and Email Id.

4. After entering the details click on validate button.

5. If all the details entered are correct and verified with OTP’s your system will display a successful message and proceed to registration form.

6. Registration Form appears in which Candidate has to give the details.

7. After entering the details click on validate button it will take you to the Payment Gate way for payment fee.

8. If all the details entered are correct your system will display payment reference number Button to proceed for payment. Depending on your caste category the Registration fee is varied. Once paid you will not get any refund. Hence, you are requested to double check the eligibility conditions mentioned in the Prospectus yourself and pay the fee.

9. Now you will be directed to the Payment Gateway, Click OK

10. Select mode of payment

11. After payment you will receive a Successful Payment message on the screen and you will receive the Registration number to your mobile and email. Please note down the registration number for further correspondence. Do not refresh or close the page until you will receive a Successful Payment message. It may take few seconds to processes the payment and verify the details wait patiently

12. For updating the details of the candidate enter Roll Number and the Registration number and click on validate button to enter into the Application form.

13. The application form will be displayed as shown below. You have to fill the details and upload Passport Size Photo and Signature (Note: Scanned photo and Signature should be less than 100 KB and in JPEG or JPG format)

14. After filling the form, click on Save and Exit Button. This process can be repeated till all the data you entered are correct using Data Updation link on the Home page. Then click on Upload Certificates Button to proceed for document attachments.

15. After uploading all the required certificates, Click on Save and Print, You will get your filled in application form, take printout of this form for further assistance. If you click on Print Application button you will get earlier saved data.

To view the full official notice, click here: https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/20250930110257knruhs-ug-ayush-admissions-under-competent-authority-quota-for-the-ay-2025-26-prospectus-302822.pdf

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Medical opposition to capital punishment is needed as executions surge, researcher argues

The health care community has an important role in opposing the death penalty, argues an expert in The BMJ.

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Commercial sunbeds should be banned in the UK, say experts

Commercial sunbeds should be banned in the UK, argue experts in The BMJ today.

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Medical opposition to capital punishment is needed as executions surge, researcher argues

The health care community has an important role in opposing the death penalty, argues an expert in The BMJ.

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India could bear biggest impact from chikungunya, new maps suggest

The most comprehensive mapping to date of the global risk of chikungunya suggests India could experience the greatest long-term impact from the mosquito-borne virus.

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