UK identifies 4 cases of new mpox variant, the first cluster outside Africa British health officials say they have identified four cases of the new, more infectious version of mpox that first emerged in Congo, marking the first time the variant has caused a cluster of illness outside of Africa. AP News

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'Perfect storm' of distrust deepened inequalities during COVID-19 pandemic

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Research led by University of Manchester academics, examined the attitudes of people from minoritized ethnic groups, young adults and those with long-term physical and mental health conditions toward the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Researchers found that a "perfect storm" of marginalization and experience of structural inequalities led to distrust of the COVID-19 vaccination drive—and that marginalized communities felt "left behind" by policy and decision-makers prior to and during the pandemic.

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Covid XEC: What are the symptoms of new virus strain? Everything you need to know about the Covid XEC strain Yahoo News

A new strain of Covid emerging in the UK is spreading as cases increase at a high rate, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.