International Briefs

PRAYAGRAJ, India — Millions of Hindu devotees, mystics and holy men and women from all across India flocked to the northern city of Prayagraj on Monday to kickstart the Maha Kumbh festival, which is being touted as the world’s largest religious gathering. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Over about the next six weeks, Hindu pilgrims will gather at the confluence of three sacred rivers—the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati—where they will take part in elaborate rituals, hoping to begin a journey to achieve Hindu philosophy’s ultimate goal: the release from the cycle of rebirth. Here’s what to know about the festival: A religious gathering at the confluence of three sacred rivers Hindus venerate rivers, and none more so than the Ganges and the Yamuna.

On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation to avoid a revolt from his Liberal lawmakers amid over a year of disastrous polling. Parliament is now suspended until March and Trudeau will stay on until the Liberals pick a new leader. But while the country is entering a brief period of limbo, one thing is all but certain.

D. C. area on alert after bird flu detected in poultry in Maryland, Delaware The Washington PostPreliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Caroline County maryland.govState agriculture officials confirm bird flu case in Maryland WBAL RadioBird flu detected at Maryland poultry farm, Maryland officials say CBS News

Alcohol increases your cancer risk. Here’s what to know MLive.comThe Surgeon General’s Warnings About Alcohol Hit Restaurants at a Tricky Time The New York TimesWhy the U. S. Surgeon General Is Pushing for Cancer Warning Labels on Alcohol Verywell HealthMost Americans think moderate drinking is fine The EconomistHow drinking alcohol can affect your health The Associated Press

Health authorities allay hMPV concerns Bangkok PostWhat We Know About HMPV, the Common Virus Spreading in China The New York TimesHuman metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection World Health OrganizationHMPV: What to know about China's human metapneumovirus cases BBC.comChina in contact with WHO on respiratory diseases, foreign ministry says Reuters.com

What is the Norovirus? How many outbreaks are in NJ? NBC PhiladelphiaNorovirus can defeat most household cleaners. Here's what actually works CNNNorovirus cases are on the rise. Here's what you need to know about this nasty bug CBC.caWhy everyone has a gnarly stomach bug right now, explained in one chart Vox.comHow to clean before, during and after norovirus The Washington Post