Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and
pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
(Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and
upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves
roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which
are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy
3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of
grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from
throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the
intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of
severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes,
typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual
places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records
everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This
list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and
massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this
Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are
familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like
a woman having labor pains, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.
New strain of bacteria responsible for scarlet fever reaching record high. 50 years of increasing pestilence. What do we know about the number Five (5)? Rise by 50 per cent, compared with the previous 5 years.
Telegraph.co.uk Laura Donnelly, health editor 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 • 11:30PM
Scientists have discovered a new strain of bacteria fuelling an unprecedented rise in cases of scarlet fever, which can also cause sepsis.
The childhood disease, which used to kill thousands in Victorian times, has increased in recent years, reaching a 50-year high in 2016.
New research by Imperial College London has found that a new strain of streptococcus (Strep A) is behind the trends, and is also linked to the deadly condition sepsis.
The research found the strain, called M1 UK which has emerged in England and Wales since 2010, has now become the dominant cause of Strep A infections.
The study found it produces a particular toxin which may be more likely to cause common throat infections and scarlet fever, which may explain the rise in invasive infections.
And it suggests the strain is specific to the UK, with only rare cases so fare found elsewhere.
The research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, analysed strains up to 2016.
Senior author Professor Shiranee Sriskandan, of the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, said: “We have seen an unprecedented rise in the number of cases of scarlet fever since 2014.
“But it was only in 2016 there was a rise in the number of serious, invasive cases due to Strep A – which are thankfully very rare – coinciding with the seasonal rise in scarlet fever.
“Our research, done in collaboration with Public Health England, aimed to determine if there was a link between the increase in scarlet fever and the increase in invasive infections.
“In undertaking this research, we identified the new strain, linked to increases in both.”
Invasive disease is when the bacterium enters the bloodstream or tissue and can trigger sepsis and toxic shock.
Prof Sriskandan said: “Scarlet fever is a very visible signal of how much Strep A is circulating in the wider community, and causing sore throats.
“Strains of Strep A that cause these commoner throat infections and scarlet fever are the same strains that cause rarer invasive diseases – and therefore a rise in these commoner throat infections including scarlet fever could lead to increases in all forms of Strep A infection.”
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness that mostly affects children under ten. But it is highly contagious.
It triggers a high temperature, sore throat and a pink-red rash.
The disease peaks around spring time from March to May. There were more than 19,000 cases in 2016 – the most since 1967.
When the bacteria infect the body they release toxins called streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins which cause inflammation and are responsible for the symptoms.
The researchers noticed in the spring of 2016 the number of laboratory-confirmed invasive group A streptococcus infections rose by 50 per cent, compared with the previous 5 years. It coincided with scarlet fever cases peaking.
Using samples from the Imperial College Infection Biobank, they discovered between the spring 2014 and 2016, a strain known as emm1 had mutated into another they dubbed M1UK.
Further investigations showed 77 per cent of cases of invasive disease caused by emm1 Strep A in England and Wales in spring 2016 were actually down to M1UK.
When the analysis expanded to include all 1,240 strains of emm1 that had been sequenced over a 10 year period from across the UK, mainly from invasive cases of the disease, this reached 84 per cent by 2016.
Analysis in other countries found a single case of M1UK in Denmark and one in the US.
Prof Sriskandan said: “The distinct bacterial clone we have discovered appears so far to be largely limited to the UK.
“But the fact that we have identified two examples of it elsewhere suggests it has the potential to spread internationally and may already be present in other countries.
“However, it’s also possible that the lineage will not last. In the past, some lineages have appeared and then disappeared quickly. Only further research on recent strains will provide more insights.”
Dr Theresa Lamagni, of Public Health England, said: “Public Health England will continue to work with partners to investigate the resurgence of scarlet fever and better understand the spread of this infection in different settings and patient groups.
“Through monitoring changes we can assess the impact on any new strains on patients and ensure rapid response to emerging threats.”