hello, i'm lucy hockings. for the next 20 minutes, we'll be focusing on the mpox outbreak — and the world health organization declaring it an emergency. we'll be taking you through what we know and answering all your questions. first, let's remind ourselves of the facts. the who says there have been more than 1a,000 cases and 524 deaths in africa this year — which already exceeds last year's figures. so far, more than 96% of all cases and deaths are in a single country — dr congo. who have labelled it "a public health emergency "of international concern". that's important because it's the same category used in the past for ebola outbreaks, covid—19 and a 2022 mpox outbreak in europe. on wednesday, the world health organisation called on countries to work together

to stop the outbreak. we meet in much better understanding of the epidemiology ended their countries. we need to understand the transmission patterns, the populations at risk. we need to understand the dynamic. there are multiple outbreaks happening, there are changes in terms of what we're seeing in epidemiology itself. to understand that lettable helpers to use the limited numbers of vaccines that we have in a targeted and most appropriate way. i want to stress at one point. secondly, to request that if there are countries which have vaccines to donate to come forward and forward and work with this. the who, there. let's speak to our health correspondent dominic hughes. dorcas wangira is the bbc�*s africa health correspondent. i would like to start with some straightforward questions about mpox. dominic, what is it? mpox. straightforward questions about mpox. dominic, what is it? mpox is a virus that is —

mpox. dominic, what is it? mpox is a virus that is a — mpox. dominic, what is it? mpox is a virus that is a zune _ mpox. dominic, what is it? mpox is a virus that is a zune artic _ mpox. dominic, what is it? mpox is a virus that is a zune artic virus. - mpox. dominic, what is it? mpox is a virus that is a zune artic virus. it - virus that is a zune artic virus. it was first spotted in in captivity in the 19505 then, that spread to humans, not necessarily from monkeys. you can get it from rodent5 or rats or squirrels. it starts off as flu—like symptoms. you get achy a5 flu—like symptoms. you get achy joints, a headache, a5 flu—like symptoms. you get achy joint5, a headache, feeling tired, high temperatures, and within a few days, you might begin to get a rash of blisters appearing on the skin. they can spread from the palms of the hand and the head and the souls of the feet tall over the body, including the genitals. that can then last couple of weeks. most people will recover from that without any major treatment, but for some people, it does prove fatal. you can develop pneumonia or septicaemia. for5ome you can develop pneumonia or septicaemia. for some people, you can develop pneumonia or septicaemia. for5ome people, it

does prove fatal. septicaemia. for some people, it does prove fatal.— septicaemia. for some people, it does prove fatal. how has this been sreadin: does prove fatal. how has this been spreading in — does prove fatal. how has this been spreading in africa? _ does prove fatal. how has this been spreading in africa? in _ does prove fatal. how has this been spreading in africa? in africa, - does prove fatal. how has this been spreading in africa? in africa, we i spreading in africa? in africa, we saw the diseases _ spreading in africa? in africa, we saw the diseases spread - spreading in africa? in africa, we saw the diseases spread among i spreading in africa? in africa, we - saw the diseases spread among people who came _ saw the diseases spread among people who came into close contact with infected — who came into close contact with infected animals. people who touched animais— infected animals. people who touched animals blood, if they were consuming it, and overthe animals blood, if they were consuming it, and over the years we saw the _ consuming it, and over the years we saw the virus — consuming it, and over the years we saw the virus mutating, and we saw the outbreak in europe where the transmission was through sexual contact — transmission was through sexual contact. mostly between men who are having _ contact. mostly between men who are having sex _ contact. mostly between men who are having sex with men at the time. now, _ having sex with men at the time. now. what— having sex with men at the time. now, what we are seeing this outhreak— now, what we are seeing this outbreak is the virus spreading through— outbreak is the virus spreading through both sexual and close contact — through both sexual and close contact us up close meaning touching somebody. _ contact us up close meaning touching somebody, a hug, and sometimes even through— somebody, a hug, and sometimes even through droplets. like dominic mentioned, the fever —like flu—like symptoms — mentioned, the fever —like flu—like symptoms. if you came into contact with that _ symptoms. if you came into contact with that at — symptoms. if you came into contact with that at infected material, bedding — with that at infected material, bedding materials of somebody who is infected. _ bedding materials of somebody who is infected, that is how the disease is transmitted. infected, that is how the disease is transmitted-— transmitted. how challenging is that, particularly _ transmitted. how challenging is that, particularly in _ transmitted. how challenging is that, particularly in africa, - transmitted. how challenging is. that, particularly in africa, where touching people, whether as a greeting or a blessing, i5

touching people, whether as a greeting or a blessing, is so common?— greeting or a blessing, is so common? , , . common? yes, it is. the close contact is _ common? yes, it is. the close contact is what _ common? yes, it is. the close contact is what is _ common? yes, it is. the close contact is what is concerning, l contact is what is concerning, particularly in the drc and in burundi~ _ particularly in the drc and in burundi. we are seeing a lot of communities spreading, households where _ communities spreading, households where people live together and children — where people live together and children come together, a mother and a child. _ children come together, a mother and a child. and _ children come together, a mother and a child, and that close contact is very— a child, and that close contact is very common. even when caring for somebody— very common. even when caring for somebody who is unwelcome you have to touch _ somebody who is unwelcome you have to touch their bedding they would feel the _ to touch their bedding they would feel the stigma. this is presenting it challenging how fast the outbreak is spreading. it challenging how fast the outbreak is spreading-— is spreading. dominic why do we no loner call is spreading. dominic why do we no longer call it _ is spreading. dominic why do we no longer call it monkeypox? - is spreading. dominic why do we no longer call it monkeypox? that - is spreading. dominic why do we no longer call it monkeypox? that is l longer call it monkeypox? that is interesting- _ longer call it monkeypox? that is interesting. in _ longer call it monkeypox? that is interesting. in the _ longer call it monkeypox? that is interesting. in the last _ longer call it monkeypox? that is interesting. in the last outbreak. longer call it monkeypox? that is | interesting. in the last outbreak in 2022, 2023, there was a lot of very raci5t 2022, 2023, there was a lot of very racist language used about that, likening the disease, which was called monkeypox, and then it started to have people sharing unsavoury stuff online linking monkeypox to black people. world health organization november of 2022, after consulting with experts

and other interesting groups decided to change it to mpox. also, there was a lot of misinformation around on the internet around the disease at that time, about how it was spread, who could get it, how you got it, so they decided that in order to try to move that 5tigma got it, so they decided that in order to try to move that stigma and some of the misinformation, they were to change the name to mpox. really good to hear from you with some of those ba5ic5. to stay with us. i want to bring in two of our other guests. bronwyn nichol is senior officer of public health in emergencies at the red cross. and professorjimmy whitworth i5 emeritus professor of epidemiology at the london school of hygiene and tropical medicine. professor, very good to have you with us. bronwyn nichol, al5o. professor, can i ask you about this strain of mpox we are talking about, the variant at the moment. we have

had viewer que5tion5 saying why is this one different from what we saw in 2022? is it more dangerous? thank ou. yes, in 2022? is it more dangerous? thank you yes. that— in 2022? is it more dangerous? thank you yes. that is— in 2022? is it more dangerous? thank you. yes, that is a _ in 2022? is it more dangerous? thank you. yes, that is a very _ in 2022? is it more dangerous? thank you. yes, that is a very important - you. yes, that is a very important question — you. yes, that is a very important question there _ you. yes, that is a very important question. there are _ you. yes, that is a very important question. there are a _ you. yes, that is a very important question. there are a number- you. yes, that is a very important question. there are a number of. question. there are a number of different— question. there are a number of different variants— question. there are a number of different variants of— question. there are a number of different variants of mpox - question. there are a number of different variants of mpox that l question. there are a number of. different variants of mpox that are circulating — different variants of mpox that are circulating in— different variants of mpox that are circulating in africa _ different variants of mpox that are circulating in africa at _ different variants of mpox that are circulating in africa at the - different variants of mpox that are i circulating in africa at the moment, but this— circulating in africa at the moment, but this particular— circulating in africa at the moment, but this particular strain, _ circulating in africa at the moment, but this particular strain, which - circulating in africa at the moment, but this particular strain, which is. but this particular strain, which is called _ but this particular strain, which is called ciade — but this particular strain, which is called clade 1b _ but this particular strain, which is called clade 1b seems _ but this particular strain, which is called clade 1b seems to - but this particular strain, which is called clade 1b seems to be - called clade 1b seems to be particularly _ called clade 1b seems to be particularly lethal. - called clade 1b seems to be particularly lethal. and - particularly lethal. and particularly _ particularly lethal. and particularly easy- particularly lethal. and particularly easy to - particularly lethal. and - particularly easy to spread. as particularly lethal. and _ particularly easy to spread. as we have _ particularly easy to spread. as we have been— particularly easy to spread. as we have been hearing _ particularly easy to spread. as we have been hearing from _ particularly easy to spread. as we have been hearing from dorcas. particularly easy to spread. as we have been hearing from dorcas atj particularly easy to spread. as we - have been hearing from dorcas at the moment _ have been hearing from dorcas at the moment that— have been hearing from dorcas at the moment that is— have been hearing from dorcas at the moment. that is why _ have been hearing from dorcas at the moment. that is why we _ have been hearing from dorcas at the moment. that is why we are - have been hearing from dorcas at the moment. that is why we are worried i moment. that is why we are worried about— moment. that is why we are worried about this _ moment. that is why we are worried about this this _ moment. that is why we are worried about this. this seems _ moment. that is why we are worried about this. this seems to _ moment. that is why we are worried about this. this seems to have - about this. this seems to have emerged — about this. this seems to have emerged in— about this. this seems to have emerged in eastern— about this. this seems to have | emerged in eastern democratic republic— emerged in eastern democratic republic of— emerged in eastern democratic republic of the _ emerged in eastern democratic republic of the congo - emerged in eastern democratic republic of the congo in - emerged in eastern democratic republic of the congo in abouti republic of the congo in about september— republic of the congo in about september last— republic of the congo in about september last year. - republic of the congo in about september last year. it - republic of the congo in about september last year. it has i republic of the congo in about. september last year. it has now spread — september last year. it has now spread quite _ september last year. it has now spread quite widely, _ september last year. it has nowj spread quite widely, particularly september last year. it has now. spread quite widely, particularly in south _ spread quite widely, particularly in south kivu — spread quite widely, particularly in south kivu and _ spread quite widely, particularly in south kivu and is— spread quite widely, particularly in south kivu and is starting - spread quite widely, particularly in south kivu and is starting to - spread quite widely, particularly in south kivu and is starting to be - south kivu and is starting to be seen _ south kivu and is starting to be seen in — south kivu and is starting to be seen in neighbouring _ south kivu and is starting to be seen in neighbouring countries| seen in neighbouring countries such as burundi. —

seen in neighbouring countries such as burundi, rwanda, _ seen in neighbouring countries such as burundi, rwanda, uganda, - seen in neighbouring countries suchi as burundi, rwanda, uganda, where seen in neighbouring countries such i as burundi, rwanda, uganda, where it has never— as burundi, rwanda, uganda, where it has never been — as burundi, rwanda, uganda, where it has never been reported _ as burundi, rwanda, uganda, where it has never been reported before. - as burundi, rwanda, uganda, where it has never been reported before. this i has never been reported before. this is unprecedented _ has never been reported before. this is unprecedented in _ has never been reported before. this is unprecedented in the _ has never been reported before. this is unprecedented in the region. - is unprecedented in the region. bronwyn — is unprecedented in the region. bronwyn nichol, _ is unprecedented in the region. bronwyn nichol, i— is unprecedented in the region. bronwyn nichol, i want - is unprecedented in the region. bronwyn nichol, i want to - is unprecedented in the region. bronwyn nichol, i want to ask i is unprecedented in the region. - bronwyn nichol, i want to ask about the response. i think it's worth sharing what the health agencies are saying. but although more imported cases are expected, the agency 5tre55ed that "our assessment is that the risk is very low at the moment." that is what has been said from the european centre of disease prevention. a5 european centre of disease prevention. as far as your teams are concerned, what preparations are they making? brute concerned, what preparations are they making?— they making? we agree with the statements _ they making? we agree with the statements that _ they making? we agree with the statements that have _ they making? we agree with the statements that have come - they making? we agree with the statements that have come out. they making? we agree with the - statements that have come out from the africa cdc and who in classifying this as a public health emergency of international concern.

it will hopefully bring more attention to the outbreak and more resources to countries trying to respond to this at a local level, particularly like the rc red cross who are responding both in south kivu last year, working with communities to try to build communities. there is a 5tigma a55ociated communities. there is a 5tigma associated with this disease. we are trying to make sure that people know when they might have a problem and making sure that things are reported into surveillance system so that can be shared and we can track the epidemic globally.— be shared and we can track the epidemic globally. dorcas, can we talk about the availability - epidemic globally. dorcas, can we talk about the availability of - talk about the availability of vaccines? a vaccine exists, can people in africa get it? we know that who has — people in africa get it? we know that who has approved - people in africa get it? we know i that who has approved emergency vaccines— that who has approved emergency vaccines for use, one with an antibiotic. _ vaccines for use, one with an antibiotic, and one which is lc 16, manufactured byjapanese company. in africa. _ manufactured byjapanese company. in africa. the _ manufactured byjapanese company. in africa, the sad thing is that we do not have — africa, the sad thing is that we do not have those vaccines available.

the africa — not have those vaccines available. the africa cdc said that the continent needs at least 10 million doses. _ continent needs at least 10 million doses. and — continent needs at least 10 million doses, and so far they can only buy 200.000 — doses, and so far they can only buy 200,000. we also understand the united states delivered a donation of 50,000 vaccines for the drc but the highest we could get this is in 0ctober~ — the highest we could get this is in october. . . . the highest we could get this is in october. ., , ., ., , , october. that is a real issue. dominic, the _ october. that is a real issue. dominic, the availability - october. that is a real issue. dominic, the availability of. dominic, the availability of vaccines?— dominic, the availability of vaccines? . , ~ ~' ., dominic, the availability of vaccines? , , . ,, ., ., vaccines? yes. it is. we know what works. vaccines? yes. it is. we know what works- the — vaccines? yes. it is. we know what works. the world _ vaccines? yes. it is. we know what works. the world a _ vaccines? yes. it is. we know what works. the world a taste _ vaccines? yes. it is. we know what works. the world a taste of this - works. the world a taste of this problem in 2022, as we said earlier. we know vaccines really make a difference, and we know also public health information really makes a big difference. in 2022, and that outbreak was being driven primarily through sexual transmission advice to the men who have six with men —— sex with men, the public health advice on partners and the frequency of changing partners made a really big difference. the thing that really impacted it was getting

vaccines into people, because that really helps prevent the spread of the disease. as dorcas was saying, this is the tragedy: there are vaccines available, and we know there are countries with stockpiles of the vaccines. it is the smallpox vaccine that seems to work against these variants. we know that their existing countries. it is getting them to the areas where this current outbreak is really, really spreading will stop and we have heard from the international red cross last week. if you want it to stop coming to your country, you need to tackle it at source. that doesn't seem to be happening at the speed, at the moment. �* ., , . ., moment. bronwyn nichol, can we get our view? moment. bronwyn nichol, can we get your view? dorcas _ moment. bronwyn nichol, can we get your view? dorcas was _ moment. bronwyn nichol, can we get your view? dorcas was saying - moment. bronwyn nichol, can we get your view? dorcas was saying that. your view? dorcas was saying that 200,000 are available when many millions are needed, up to 10 millions are needed, up to 10 million vaccines are needed. what is the red cross's role in distributing and deciding who gets the vaccines? more so in terms of creating

awareness and generating uptake of the vaccines when they are available and working with communities to ensure that they trust the vaccine and making sure that in some organisations define vulnerable populations have access to the vaccine, but we don't seem to really learn our lessons from covid in terms of access to vaccines, so we are hoping that will learn our lesson better this time in terms of redistributing some of the vaccines around the world. 50. redistributing some of the vaccines around the world.— around the world. so, to be blunt, ou are around the world. so, to be blunt, you are concerned _ around the world. so, to be blunt, you are concerned some _ around the world. so, to be blunt, you are concerned some countries| you are concerned some countries will be holding the vaccines? brute you are concerned some countries will be holding the vaccines? we see it every time. _ will be holding the vaccines? we see it every time, hopefully _ will be holding the vaccines? we see it every time, hopefully we - will be holding the vaccines? we see it every time, hopefully we are - it every time, hopefully we are proven wrong. but, it is what we tend to see. proven wrong. but, it is what we tend to see-— tend to see. professor, i have a ruestion tend to see. professor, i have a question here — tend to see. professor, i have a question here from _ tend to see. professor, i have a question here from matthew . tend to see. professor, i have a i question here from matthew perth here in the uk. he says: if vaccines are available, what are the true chances of an mpox pandemic, would it be shorter than covid won? that is really important _ it be shorter than covid won? that is really important of this. i think the question—

is really important of this. i think the question is, _ is really important of this. i think the question is, as _ is really important of this. i think the question is, as the _ is really important of this. i think| the question is, as the discussion has been — the question is, as the discussion has been now. _ the question is, as the discussion has been now, if— the question is, as the discussion has been now, if vaccines - the question is, as the discussion has been now, if vaccines are - has been now, if vaccines are already— has been now, if vaccines are already available, _ has been now, if vaccines are already available, while - has been now, if vaccines are already available, while theyl has been now, if vaccines are i already available, while they are not. already available, while they are not that — already available, while they are not that is _ already available, while they are not. that is the _ already available, while they are not. that is the problem. - already available, while they are not. that is the problem. they. already available, while they are - not. that is the problem. they exist and in _ not. that is the problem. they exist and in dvit— not. that is the problem. they exist and in dvr there, _ not. that is the problem. they exist and in dvr there, but _ not. that is the problem. they exist and in dvr there, but we have - not. that is the problem. they exist and in dvr there, but we have a - and in dvr there, but we have a number— and in dvr there, but we have a numberof— and in dvr there, but we have a number of problems: _ and in dvr there, but we have a number of problems: the - and in dvr there, but we have a number of problems: the first. and in dvr there, but we have a number of problems: the first isj number of problems: the first is actually— number of problems: the first is actually scientific. _ number of problems: the first is actually scientific. we _ number of problems: the first is actually scientific. we think- number of problems: the first is actually scientific. we think that this vaccine _ actually scientific. we think that this vaccine will— actually scientific. we think that this vaccine will work— actually scientific. we think that this vaccine will work against. actually scientific. we think that. this vaccine will work against this particular— this vaccine will work against this particular clade, _ this vaccine will work against this particular clade, but— this vaccine will work against this particular clade, but we - this vaccine will work against this particular clade, but we don't - this vaccine will work against this l particular clade, but we don't know that. _ particular clade, but we don't know that. and _ particular clade, but we don't know that. and we — particular clade, but we don't know that, and we don't— particular clade, but we don't know that, and we don't know— particular clade, but we don't know that, and we don't know how- that, and we don't know how effective _ that, and we don't know how effective it _ that, and we don't know how effective it will _ that, and we don't know how effective it will be _ that, and we don't know how effective it will be here. - that, and we don't know how effective it will be here. and| that, and we don't know how. effective it will be here. and it that, and we don't know how- effective it will be here. and it is really— effective it will be here. and it is really important _ effective it will be here. and it is really important we _ effective it will be here. and it is really important we do _ effective it will be here. and it is really important we do have - really important we do have scientific— really important we do have scientific studies— really important we do have scientific studies which - really important we do have - scientific studies which demonstrate 'ust scientific studies which demonstrate just how— scientific studies which demonstrate just how effective _ scientific studies which demonstrate just how effective this _ scientific studies which demonstrate just how effective this vaccine - scientific studies which demonstrate just how effective this vaccine has i just how effective this vaccine has been _ just how effective this vaccine has been but. — just how effective this vaccine has been. but, having _ just how effective this vaccine has been. but, having said— just how effective this vaccine has been. but, having said that, - just how effective this vaccine has been. but, having said that, i- just how effective this vaccine has. been. but, having said that, i don't been. but, having said that, idon't think— been. but, having said that, i don't think that _ been. but, having said that, i don't think that that _ been. but, having said that, i don't think that that should _ been. but, having said that, i don't think that that should be _ been. but, having said that, i don't think that that should be delaying i think that that should be delaying us with— think that that should be delaying us with getting _ think that that should be delaying us with getting on _ think that that should be delaying us with getting on to _ think that that should be delaying us with getting on to trying - think that that should be delaying us with getting on to trying to - us with getting on to trying to provide — us with getting on to trying to provide it _ us with getting on to trying to provide it. the _ us with getting on to trying to provide it. the second - us with getting on to trying to provide it. the second issue l us with getting on to trying to| provide it. the second issue is about— provide it. the second issue is about supply. _ provide it. the second issue is about supply, which _ provide it. the second issue is about supply, which we - provide it. the second issue is about supply, which we have i provide it. the second issue is - about supply, which we have heard about _ about supply, which we have heard about one — about supply, which we have heard about one of— about supply, which we have heard about. one of the _ about supply, which we have heard about. one of the manufacturers. about. one of the manufacturers reckoned — about. one of the manufacturers reckoned that _ about. one of the manufacturers reckoned that they— about. one of the manufacturers reckoned that they can _ about. one of the manufacturers reckoned that they can provide l about. one of the manufacturers. reckoned that they can provide two or 3 million— reckoned that they can provide two or 3 million doses _ reckoned that they can provide two or 3 million doses by— reckoned that they can provide two or 3 million doses by the _ reckoned that they can provide two or 3 million doses by the end - reckoned that they can provide two or 3 million doses by the end of. or 3 million doses by the end of this year. — or 3 million doses by the end of this year. and _ or 3 million doses by the end of this year, and the _ or 3 million doses by the end of this year, and the 10 _ or 3 million doses by the end of this year, and the 10 million - or 3 million doses by the end of. this year, and the 10 million doses we are _ this year, and the 10 million doses we are hearing _ this year, and the 10 million doses we are hearing about _ this year, and the 10 million doses we are hearing about by— this year, and the 10 million doses

we are hearing about by the - this year, and the 10 million doses we are hearing about by the end i this year, and the 10 million doses| we are hearing about by the end of next year~ — we are hearing about by the end of next year~ that _ we are hearing about by the end of next year. that is _ we are hearing about by the end of next year. that is good, _ we are hearing about by the end of next year. that is good, but - we are hearing about by the end of next year. that is good, but that i we are hearing about by the end of next year. that is good, but that is slow _ next year. that is good, but that is slow and — next year. that is good, but that is slow and this _ next year. that is good, but that is slow. and this looks _ next year. that is good, but that is slow. and this looks like _ next year. that is good, but that is slow. and this looks like an - slow. and this looks like an epidemic— slow. and this looks like an epidemic that— slow. and this looks like an epidemic that is _ slow. and this looks like an epidemic that is spreading. slow. and this looks like an - epidemic that is spreading fast. professor. _ epidemic that is spreading fast. professor. i_ epidemic that is spreading fast. professor, ijust_ epidemic that is spreading fast. professor, i just want _ epidemic that is spreading fast. professor, i just want to - epidemic that is spreading fast. professor, ijust want to get - epidemic that is spreading fast. i professor, ijust want to get one epidemic that is spreading fast. . professor, ijust want to get one of these questions. we know that there is no treatment, although you can treat some of this treatments. one of our viewers asks: if a person has mpox and then recovers, that they retain the virus for ever? can they continue to keep being the source of infection? or does it end? is the person cured?— infection? or does it end? is the person cured? people are cured. after two or three or four - person cured? people are cured. l after two or three or four weeks of being _ after two or three or four weeks of being infected. _ after two or three or four weeks of being infected, people _ after two or three or four weeks of being infected, people will- after two or three or four weeks of being infected, people will recover unless— being infected, people will recover unless they— being infected, people will recover unless they are _ being infected, people will recover unless they are being _ being infected, people will recover unless they are being particularly i unless they are being particularly sick and — unless they are being particularly sick and have _ unless they are being particularly sick and have sadly _ unless they are being particularly sick and have sadly succumbed i unless they are being particularlyj sick and have sadly succumbed to unless they are being particularly - sick and have sadly succumbed to the infection _ sick and have sadly succumbed to the infection most— sick and have sadly succumbed to the infection. most people _ sick and have sadly succumbed to the infection. most people will— sick and have sadly succumbed to the infection. most people will recover. infection. most people will recover fully and _ infection. most people will recover fully and entirely _ infection. most people will recover fully and entirely from _ infection. most people will recover fully and entirely from this, - infection. most people will recover fully and entirely from this, and i fully and entirely from this, and they— fully and entirely from this, and they won't— fully and entirely from this, and they won't retain _ fully and entirely from this, and they won't retain virus. - fully and entirely from this, and they won't retain virus.- fully and entirely from this, and they won't retain virus. thank you so much to _

they won't retain virus. thank you so much to all— they won't retain virus. thank you so much to all of— they won't retain virus. thank you so much to all of you _ they won't retain virus. thank you so much to all of you for - they won't retain virus. thank you so much to all of you forjoining . they won't retain virus. thank you | so much to all of you forjoining us here on your questions answered on mpox. great to have you with us. thank you so much.

ukraine is continuing its incursion into russia's kursk region — with confirmation from moscow this afternoon that a third crucial bridge has been damaged. kyiv says it has seized over 80 settlements since launching a surprise strike on the region — which borders eastern ukraine — two weeks ago. ukraine's president zelensky says the assault on kursk is aimed at carving out a buffer zone on russian territory. writing on telegram, he said ukraine was "achieving its goals" and wearing down moscow's 'war machine'. translation: today, we achieved good and much-needed results _ in destroying russian equipment near toretsk. and all this is more thanjust

offence for ukraine. it is now our primary task in defensive operations overall to destroy as much russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. our ukraine correspondent, james waterhouse, is following the situation from ukraine's northern sumy region — and sent this update. president zelensky is suggesting that he is in this for the medium haul. he has previously said he does not want to permanently capture and occupied this russian territory which has been captured. but clearly, he wants to hold onto it for as long as this war rages on. because when he says buffer zone, he means a defensive measure, pushing russian forces back from the territories they routinely strike. but in time, this land will have a political value for any kind of future peace negotiation, perhaps it could be leveraged, swapped in exchange for some of the land russia

has captured and is not letting go of inside ukraine. we are seeing ukrainian forces continue to advance, moving the village to village in small armoured vehicles. they have just destroyed a second major bridge on the same river further north, frustrating russian supply lines. but there is a big but here, whilst ukraine is advancing here, russia is also pushing forward in the eastern region in ukraine. towards seven settlements. and there really is a protruding spike, if you like, on the front line, where men and machinery are being concentrated in an area towards the town of in an area towards the town. it is true russia has had to redeploy thousands of troops from ukraine as well as russia itself, but it still is not enough to slow advances in the east. nevertheless, ukraine is committed. there is no reverse gearfor now,

they are going to try to push forward where they can, i think, and try to keep hold of it. but that is a very different proposition compared to the surprise attack we saw two weeks ago. millions of people around the world have long covid. the world have long covid. but have you ever wondered how much the days off work they have to take cost the economy? well we have some figures from australia — and it's billions of dollars. nicky schiller is here with more from the very start of the pandemic, some covid patients reported being left with long term changes. they include things like brain fog, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and a loss of smell. it became known as long covid, with some estimates saying more than 65 million people worldwide have the condition. well, that's the human impact. but we now have an idea of the economic one in australia at least. new research estimates that the country lost almost $10 billion in 2022. that is 6 billion usd, all due

to people not being able to work. or to put it another way. around a quarter of australia's economic growth that year was wiped out. now, the study found that 100 million working hours were lost in 2022 to coronavirus symptoms up to a year after an initial diagnosis. now, workers aged between 30 and 49 made up more than 50% of the total hours lost. now, professor quentin grafton is from the australian national university who worked on the study. the numbers that we looked at and the way we generated our 10 billion australian dollar loss in 2022, was really about those people who are severely affected, that they're unable to work. and so that's how we get the calculation. it's based around employment hours, the employment hours missed by those people who are severely enough affected by long covid affected by long covid that they can't work, and that gives us that number.

epidemiologists in australia now want the government to make the chronic condition a public health priority, and encourage more vaccinations and the use of masks. penguins, tigers and mokeys are just some of the animals that will be weighed at london zoo for their annual audit. the regents park zoo is home to more than ten thousand animals and the weigh in allows keepers to record vital information that can help monitor the health and well—being of many threatened species. the keepers have to use clever tactics to entice the animals to cooperate and be measured. an enjoyable day. it's august and in scotland's capital city, that means only one thing — it's time for edinburgh festival fringe. for the next three and a half weeks, artists from 58 countries are putting on more than 52,000 performances, from comedy to caberet and music to magic. this week is the final week. our reporter meghan owen is there. hello. hello. yes, we have seen so

many acts— hello. hello. yes, we have seen so many acts coming _ hello. hello. yes, we have seen so many acts coming from _ hello. hello. yes, we have seen so many acts coming from all- hello. hello. yes, we have seen so many acts coming from all over - hello. hello. yes, we have seen soj many acts coming from all over the world. let us not forget that there are tiny live venues all across edinburgh. this flamenco tapas bar is only one of them. it is in full swing, here. we have to tear and lunch service ever way —— under way. let us talk to the owner of the tapas bar. let us talk to the owner of the tapas bar-— let us talk to the owner of the ta as bar. ., ,, i. _, let us talk to the owner of the taas bar. ., ,, i. _, m tapas bar. thank you, welcome. we can then perform — tapas bar. thank you, welcome. we can then perform is _ tapas bar. thank you, welcome. we can then perform is warming - tapas bar. thank you, welcome. we can then perform is warming up - tapas bar. thank you, welcome. we can then perform is warming up in l can then perform is warming up in the background. august is huge for you as a business. we the background. august is huge for you as a business.— the background. august is huge for you as a business. we are in a quiet street. you as a business. we are in a quiet street- we — you as a business. we are in a quiet street. we have _ you as a business. we are in a quiet street. we have our— you as a business. we are in a quiet street. we have our locals - you as a business. we are in a quiet street. we have our locals and - street. we have our locals and supporting us and our students, because — supporting us and our students, because we also have a dance school next door. _ because we also have a dance school next door, we do flamenco all year round. _ next door, we do flamenco all year round. but — next door, we do flamenco all year round, but the fringe is so important to our business. very important _ important to our business. very important-— important to our business. very im ortant. ., . ., important. you are telling me that in the uk we _ important. you are telling me that in the uk we do _ important. you are telling me that in the uk we do flamenco - important. you are telling me that in the uk we do flamenco run, - important. you are telling me that i in the uk we do flamenco run, don't we? it is all about the small venues. ~ . ,

we? it is all about the small venues. . ., , ., venues. we are quite... trying to help people _ venues. we are quite... trying to help people to — venues. we are quite... trying to help people to understand - venues. we are quite... trying to i help people to understand flamenco has to— help people to understand flamenco has to be _ help people to understand flamenco has to be seen in a small place. because — has to be seen in a small place. because you feel flamenco. the job of the _ because you feel flamenco. the job of the dancers to make you understand the feeling of life, whether— understand the feeling of life, whether it is a good moment or a bad moment _ whether it is a good moment or a bad moment you — whether it is a good moment or a bad moment. you can always feel it in a small— moment. you can always feel it in a small place — moment. you can always feel it in a small place. in a big stage, it is completely different. i'm not saying it is wrong. — completely different. i'm not saying it is wrong, but it is different. that— it is wrong, but it is different. that is— it is wrong, but it is different. that is what we are promoting. small businesses _ that is what we are promoting. small businesses. fire that is what we are promoting. small businesses. �* , . businesses. are very intimate venue. what is so lovely _ businesses. are very intimate venue. what is so lovely about _ businesses. are very intimate venue. what is so lovely about the _ businesses. are very intimate venue. what is so lovely about the space - what is so lovely about the space you have is how it is so multicultural. you have performers from all around the world, and it shows the fringe is very international. ~ , , . international. absolutely. we get our students _ international. absolutely. we get our students who _ international. absolutely. we get our students who work _ international. absolutely. we get our students who work and - international. absolutely. we get our students who work and study| international. absolutely. we get - our students who work and study and put them _ our students who work and study and put them on — our students who work and study and put them on the stage, mix them with professionals from spain. we do a fusion _ professionals from spain. we do a fusion of— professionals from spain. we do a fusion of different people. whereas it so nice _ fusion of different people. whereas it so nice to have new blood to come and give _ it so nice to have new blood to come and give us — it so nice to have new blood to come and give us new stuff to learn and to share — and give us new stuff to learn and to share. do and give us new stuff to learn and to share. ,, ., and give us new stuff to learn and to share. i. ., i. to share. do you find that you get visitors from _ to share. do you find that you get visitors from all _ to share. do you find that you get visitors from all around _ to share. do you find that you get visitors from all around the - to share. do you find that you get visitors from all around the world | visitors from all around the world at this time of year?—

visitors from all around the world at this time of year? absolutely. we were lacking — at this time of year? absolutely. we were lacking americans _ at this time of year? absolutely. we were lacking americans of— at this time of year? absolutely. we were lacking americans of this - at this time of year? absolutely. we were lacking americans of this year, but we _ were lacking americans of this year, but we always have people from all over the _ but we always have people from all over the world, and we love it. and in terms of — over the world, and we love it. and in terms of what _ over the world, and we love it. and in terms of what is _ over the world, and we love it. situc in terms of what is so special about the fringe, how many performances do you do a day? what is your schedule like? ., , ., , , like? performers are very fit, they do every day _ like? performers are very fit, they do every day plus _ like? performers are very fit, they do every day plus another- do every day plus another performance, a matinee, on friday, saturday. _ performance, a matinee, on friday, saturday, sunday. we also have to beautiful _ saturday, sunday. we also have to beautiful shows which are amazing with a _ beautiful shows which are amazing with a double bass, one is only flamenco _ with a double bass, one is only flamenco. those people are really coming _ flamenco. those people are really coming here to make most of the fringe _ coming here to make most of the frinae. ., , ., , coming here to make most of the frinae. ., ,., , ., fringe. you brought this space to edinburgh- _ fringe. you brought this space to edinburgh. how— fringe. you brought this space to edinburgh. how long _ fringe. you brought this space to edinburgh. how long have - fringe. you brought this space to edinburgh. how long have you i fringe. you brought this space to i edinburgh. how long have you been here? l edinburgh. how long have you been here? . . edinburgh. how long have you been here? ., , ., g: ii here? i have been here that 30 ears. i here? i have been here that 30 years- i come _ here? i have been here that 30 years. i come from _ here? i have been here that 30 years. i come from france. - here? i have been here that 30 years. i come from france. i. here? i have been here that 30 i years. i come from france. iwent here? i have been here that 30 - years. i come from france. i went to my first — years. i come from france. i went to my first class _ years. i come from france. i went to my first class here my flatmate. i fell in _ my first class here my flatmate. i fell in love — my first class here my flatmate. i fell in love. and here i was, trying to get— fell in love. and here i was, trying to get flamenco in this place, because — to get flamenco in this place, because i_ to get flamenco in this place, because i love scotland, but i also love flamenco. and to bear the darkness — love flamenco. and to bear the darkness and the rainy days of

scotland. _ darkness and the rainy days of scotland, you need some dancing and you need _ scotland, you need some dancing and you need flamenco. | scotland, you need some dancing and you need flamenco.— you need flamenco. i know, and it is particularly — you need flamenco. i know, and it is particularly rainy _ you need flamenco. i know, and it is particularly rainy at _ you need flamenco. i know, and it is particularly rainy at the _ you need flamenco. i know, and it is particularly rainy at the moment. i particularly rainy at the moment. not particularly nice weather outside. it is still getting busy. i think... what you think brings people to the fringe at this time of year? what you think is so special for people who visit scotland who will have stumbled across the performance? for will have stumbled across the performance?— will have stumbled across the performance? will have stumbled across the erformance? ., , ., performance? for me, people are wantin: performance? for me, people are wanting to — performance? for me, people are wanting to have _ performance? for me, people are wanting to have some _ performance? for me, people are i wanting to have some entertainment and food _ wanting to have some entertainment and food. food is very important. we are the _ and food. food is very important. we are the best — and food. food is very important. we are the best place. if you have nice tapas. _ are the best place. if you have nice tapas, home—made tapas and some dancing _ tapas, home—made tapas and some dancing. peoplejust tapas, home—made tapas and some dancing. people just want to be entertained. they are visiting the city. entertained. they are visiting the city the — entertained. they are visiting the city. the city is beautiful. a lot of them — city. the city is beautiful. a lot of them running from the heat in the south _ of them running from the heat in the south of— of them running from the heat in the south of europe. it is really hot there — south of europe. it is really hot there so. _ south of europe. it is really hot there. so, they arejust south of europe. it is really hot there. so, they are just loving it. million — there. so, they are just loving it. million. well, ithink there. so, they are just loving it. million. well, i think we will let the performers concluded the programme. here is the flamenco. music plays

she sings in spanish music plays

is going to feel like autumn has arrived this week. plus three towards irish sea coast. 11i—15 man wind at a time through the week. more heavy rain to come in the forecast, especially the north and west. some are not completely lost. some sunny spells. for much of us temperatures dipping through the week. low pressure dominating. out towards the north and west, it is descending. the weather front will be spinning away over the next couple of days. this afternoon was my heavy rain mostly across northern ireland and through western scotland, some heavy thundery showers as well approaching western wales and the far south—west of england. a lot of cloud ahead of this rain. still some sunshine hanging on to east anglia and south—east england. some of the silent and hazy at times, a curious colour to the sky with the wildfire

smoke are still in the atmosphere. temperatures in the mid 205 where we see the best of the sunshine. tonight, the wind will ease a little. close pals developing across central areas. watch out for the super mean. it will be visible. a mild start to the day tomorrow. a woman act than last night. to the east, quite muggy. we have the legacy of cloud and outbreaks of rain into tomorrow morning. that is all clearing away eastwards. very much sunshine and showers. most of the showers towards the north and west, the winds will be picking up yet again, particularly across western scotland. some of the showers could have a rumble or two of thunder. try out further south and east, a fresh appeal to things across the board. 20 2—23 c. rain across the board. 20 2—23 c. rain across northern ireland and areas of scotland. gusty wind and high spring

tides. they could cause some problems. in the south, a much drier day. high pressure here. temperatures again in the late 205 towards the south. probably the mid—teens per northern ireland and western scotland. for the rest of the week, more rain in the forecast today, thursday and the north of the west, the rain a little further south on friday. goodbye canal. goodbye canal.

today at 1:00pm, emergency measures are brought in to stop prison overcrowding, as more people plead guilty to violent disorder during the recent riots. defendants won't be taken from police cells to court until there's a prison place ready for them as jails struggle to find enough space. also on the programme... seven people are missing, including four british tourists, after a yacht sinks off the coast of sicily. a four—week amnesty on machetes and zombie knives is announced in england and wales, before they're permanently banned next month. and analysts say household energy bills are expected to rise again in october by 9% to an average of £1,700 a year. and coming up on bbc news, what now for raheem sterling, who's asked for clarity on his role at chelsea after being left out of the squad that lost to manchester city.