International

Escorpion attacks multiply in São Paulo due to climate change

Brazil’s wealthiest and most populous state, São Paulo, faced an alarming record of 43,817 scorpion attacks last year, highlighting a growing problem that has found urban environments to be conducive to their reproduction.

According to biologists, this increase in attacks, which also extends to other venomous animals, is closely linked to climate change, which has altered weather patterns and the availability of food for these arachnids.

“It’s the ‘plague of the future,’” warns Gladyston Costa, a biologist from the Division of Zoonosis Surveillance, pointing to the rise in yellow scorpion attacks, the most common species in the region. The ability of these scorpions to reproduce without the need for mates makes them an escalating threat.

In response, the Municipal Health Department of São Paulo has intensified actions such as inspection and capture of these animals in high-risk areas, as well as promoting awareness campaigns among residents.

Teams of technicians equipped with special tools conduct thorough inspections in affected areas, such as sewers and local businesses, where scorpions have been detected on multiple occasions. The presence of these unwanted intruders poses a significant challenge to public health and community safety.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

Climate change has also contributed to the problem by increasing temperatures and, as a result, the availability of food for these animals. This complicates the management of this public health emergency even further.

Despite efforts to contain the situation, the lethality of scorpion attacks, especially in children under the age of ten, remains a concern. Therefore, the prompt administration of scorpion antivenom is crucial in such cases.

In order to facilitate access to the antidote, the São Paulo Health Department has implemented online tools to locate the nearest points where the serum is available, thus streamlining the treatment process in emergency situations.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.