STI rates hit record highs across Europe
#STI #PublicHealthGonorrhea and syphilis cases hit record highs in Europe, with a 303% rise in gonorrhea since 2015. Changing sexual habits and testing gaps drive the surge. Congenital syphilis nearly doubled in 2023-2024, prompting urgent calls for accessible testing and treatment. read more
COVID Legacy Sparks Fear Over New Outbreaks
#COVID19 #PublicHealthCOVID-19 shapes American reactions to Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks, evoking pandemic PTSD and fear. Experts say these diseases spread differently, pose low risk to the U.S., and urge focus on science and official information. read more
US doctor with Ebola barely able to walk evacuated
#Ebola #PublicHealthA US doctor with Ebola could barely walk when evacuated to Germany. He likely contracted it while operating on a patient who died. His family is monitored, as the Bundibugyo outbreak, a public health emergency, has 600 suspected cases. read more
WHO declares Ebola emergency as rare strain spreads
#EbolaOutbreak #PublicHealthA West Africa Ebola outbreak, first detected May 5 in DRC, has infected 336 and killed 88. The rare Bundibugyo strain has no vaccine, prompting a WHO public health emergency. Spread is via bodily fluids. read more
Australian Man Convicted for Spreading Genital Herpes
#STI #PublicHealthIn an Australian first, a man was convicted for recklessly transmitting genital herpes. Experts warn criminalizing STIs may backfire, discouraging testing and treatment while failing to improve public health safety. read more
FDA Commissioner Makary to resign after 13 months
#FDAResignation #PublicHealthFDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary is expected to resign after a tumultuous 13-month tenure, pressured over flavored e-cigarette approvals. He faced criticism from both the MAHA movement and traditional regulators, ending his controversial leadership. read more
Cruise hantavirus patients sent to Nebraska for quarantine
#Hantavirus #PublicHealthSixteen cruise passengers arrived at Nebraska's National Quarantine Unit after hantavirus exposure. One tested positive and is in the biocontainment unit. Nebraska was chosen for its federally funded, world-class quarantine facilities, previously used for Ebola and COVID-19. Monitoring continues. read more
Hantavirus cruise ship passenger tests positive in Nebraska
#HantavirusOutbreak #PublicHealthAn American passenger from a hantavirus-hit cruise ship tested positive and arrived in Nebraska. Two traveled in biocontainment units. One had mild symptoms; another tested weakly positive for the Andes hantavirus variant. They will quarantine at a Nebraska Medical Center facility. read more
Cruise passengers arrive in Nebraska for hantavirus monitoring
#Hantavirus #PublicHealthSeventeen U.S. cruise passengers from a hantavirus outbreak ship will arrive in Nebraska for monitoring. They’ll be evaluated at a quarantine unit but not officially quarantined, as officials say the Andes virus is unlikely to cause a pandemic. read more
CDC says hantavirus outbreak risk remains low
#Hantavirus #PublicHealthThe CDC says hantavirus outbreak risk remains low, despite fears from a cruise ship outbreak. Transmission is rare, typically from rodents. Three deaths occurred, but American passengers show no symptoms. Monitoring continues for 17 remaining aboard. read more
New Jersey reports hantavirus exposure after air travel
#Hantavirus #PublicHealthTwo New Jersey residents may have been exposed to hantavirus during air travel, not from a cruise ship outbreak. At least three deaths and eight cases are linked to the ship. Six states monitor passengers, but public risk remains very low. read more
Hantavirus outbreak not the next COVID, officials say
#Hantavirus #PublicHealthWHO emphasizes hantavirus is not the next COVID, as it spreads differently and is well-studied. Eight cases, three deaths linked to a cruise ship outbreak. No vaccine exists, but risk to the general public remains very low. read more
Raw Milk Push Grows Despite New E. Coli Outbreak
#RawMilk #PublicHealthRaw milk proponents push for wider U.S. availability despite E. coli outbreaks and expert warnings. Over 40 state bills expand access, while health officials cite 840 times more illness than pasteurized milk. Federal regulation is debated. read more
South Carolina ends largest measles outbreak since 1991
#MeaslesOutbreak #PublicHealthSouth Carolina ended its largest measles outbreak since 1991, with 997 cases mostly in unvaccinated children. However, over 20 new outbreaks are brewing nationwide amid falling vaccination rates, threatening the U.S. elimination status. read more
US gambling addiction crisis demands public health response
#GamblingAddiction #PublicHealthUS gambling addiction is "out of control," demanding a public health response. Experts cite rapid online expansion, with 48% of men aged 18-49 holding sports betting accounts. The unregulated product, not people, is the crisis requiring regulation like alcohol or drugs. read more
62 million Americans face cancer-linked nitrate in tap water
#WaterSafety #PublicHealthOne in five Americans may face tap water with tasteless nitrates linked to cancers, thyroid disease, and birth defects. Levels often exceed safe limits, with pollution from fertilizers and runoff. Policy reform and farming changes could help address this widespread issue. read more
Utah Measles Outbreak Surges, Fueled by Low Vaccination
#MeaslesOutbreak #PublicHealthUtah is America's new measles epicenter, with over 600 cases. Most patients were unvaccinated, highlighting the severity of the illness and the impact of vaccine misinformation. The outbreak underscores the critical need for high vaccination rates. read more
Kennedy Grilled Over Vaccine Policies, Conduct
#PublicHealth #VaccinePolicyRFK Jr. faced congressional grilling over dismantling public health policy and vaccine misinformation. Democrats criticized his anti-vax messaging and controversial statements, while one Republican with an autistic son expressed concern over his autism claims. read more
Tick Bite ER Visits Hit Decade High
#TickSafety #PublicHealthER visits for tick bites in the U.S. have reached a nearly decade-high, with 71 per 100,000 visits. Experts advise saving the tick for identification, as climate change expands their range and season. read more
Drug-Resistant Shigella Shifts Threat to US Adults
#PublicHealth #DrugResistanceDrug-resistant Shigella infections are rising in the U.S., causing severe diarrhea and other symptoms. A new report highlights a shift in risk groups to include white men. Prevention focuses on hygiene and avoiding contaminated sources. read more
US Fitness Gains Ground, But Goals Remain Distant
#FitnessTrends #PublicHealthLess than half of U.S. adults meet federal aerobic activity targets, a CDC report shows. However, rates have improved since 2020. Men, younger adults, and those in western states are more likely to meet the guidelines for heart health. read more
Cicada COVID Variant Challenges Vaccine Efficacy
#COVID19 #PublicHealthA new COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, is spreading across the U.S. Descended from Omicron, it carries many spike protein changes. Current vaccines may be less effective, but it doesn't appear to cause more severe illness. read more
Europes First Human H9N2 Bird Flu Case
#BirdFlu #PublicHealthEurope's first human H9N2 bird flu case was found in Italy. The patient, a boy with health issues, contracted it in Africa and has mild symptoms. Experts say the risk is currently low as the virus isn't well-adapted to humans. read more
Cicada COVID Variant Challenges Vaccine Defenses
#COVID19Variant #PublicHealthA new COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, is spreading across the US. Descended from Omicron, it may evade current vaccines but is not more severe. Doctors advise continued precautions like handwashing and staying home when sick. read more
Cicada COVID Variant Spreads, Vaccine Efficacy in Doubt
#COVID19 #PublicHealthThe BA.3.2 "Cicada" COVID-19 variant is spreading quickly in the US. Descended from Omicron, it differs significantly from current strains, potentially reducing vaccine effectiveness. However, it shows no signs of causing more severe disease than recent variants. read more
Judge Halts Kennedys Vaccine Policy Overhaul
#VaccinePolicy #PublicHealthA federal judge blocked HHS Secretary RFK Jr.'s proposed changes to the childhood vaccine schedule and his restructuring of a key advisory panel. The judge ruled the moves were arbitrary and likely violated federal law. read more
Fermented Fish Paralyzes Phoenix Cancer Survivor
#FoodborneIllness #PublicHealthA 24-year-old Phoenix woman was left partially paralyzed after contracting botulism from eating a friend's home-cooked fermented swordfish. A rare, life-threatening disease, botulism required a special antitoxin. She is now on a long road to recovery. read more
Dementia Now Australias Top Killer, Sparks Prevention Push
#Dementia #PublicHealthDementia is now Australia's leading cause of death, accounting for one in ten. Experts urge a national prevention focus, noting many cases are avoidable by addressing modifiable risk factors like inactivity and high blood pressure. read more
NIH Staff Fear Neglect as Director Takes on CDC Role
#PublicHealth #LeadershipConcernsNIH staff worry Director Jay Bhattacharya, now also interim CDC head, is too absent. They cite unresolved issues like rising health costs for early scientists and many unfilled leadership roles, fearing both agencies will suffer from divided attention. read more
#PublicHealth #FoodSafety
RFK Jr, as Health Secretary, challenges Dunkin' and Starbucks to prove their sugary iced coffees are safe for teenagers. He is leading a broader campaign against ultra-processed foods and seeking tighter federal food safety regulations. read more
Young Adult Rectal Cancer Cases Spike Alarmingly
#ColorectalCancer #PublicHealthA new study finds rectal cancer cases are rising rapidly among U.S. adults under 65, now making up a third of colorectal diagnoses. The cause remains largely unknown, prompting calls for increased research and earlier screening. read more
RFK Jr. Pivots on Vaccines Amid GOP Midterm Fears
#USPolitics #PublicHealthRFK Jr. is downplaying controversial vaccine policy shifts ahead of midterms, focusing instead on popular health initiatives like nutrition. Polls show most aware Americans believe the vaccine changes will harm children's health, a concern echoed by some GOP allies. read more
Wellness Influencer Faces Senate for Top Doctor Role
#TrumpAdministration #PublicHealthCasey Means, Trump's nominee for surgeon general, faces a Senate hearing. Critics highlight her lack of an active medical license and her alignment with RFK Jr.'s vaccine skepticism, raising concerns about her qualifications for the nation's top health role. read more
Fired CDC Staff Form Shadow Public Health Watchdog
#PublicHealth #CDCFired CDC workers formed the National Public Health Coalition to advocate for evidence-based health policies after mass layoffs. They now run data and advocacy projects, aiming to rebuild public trust and counter misinformation, acting as a "shadow CDC." read more
Vaccine Panel Delayed Amid Legal, Policy Upheaval
#VaccinePolicy #PublicHealthA CDC vaccine advisory panel meeting is postponed amid legal challenges to its legitimacy. The delay follows RFK Jr.'s efforts to reshape federal vaccine policy, including altering childhood immunization schedules and appointing new committee members. read more
Nantucket Wastewater Shows Cocaine Surge
#PublicHealth #DrugCrisisWastewater tests in Nantucket, Massachusetts, show cocaine levels up to three times the national average. Officials link the spike to both human use and disposal of the drug, prompting public health concerns and planned interventions. read more
NIH Chief to Lead CDC Amid Turmoil
#CDCLeadership #PublicHealthNIH Director Jay Bhattacharya will also serve as acting CDC director, an official confirmed. This marks the third CDC leader under Trump's second term, following recent leadership changes and disputes over vaccine policy. read more
Rare STI Fungal Outbreak Hits Minnesota
#PublicHealth #STIA sexually transmitted ringworm outbreak is spreading in Minnesota, with over 30 cases reported since July. The fungal infection causes itchy rashes and requires months of treatment. It disproportionately affects men who have sex with men. read more
Trump Scraps Key Climate Health Finding Amid Scientific Consensus
#ClimateChange #PublicHealthThe Trump administration revoked the 2009 EPA finding that climate change endangers public health, dismissing it as a scam. Thousands of peer-reviewed studies, however, document quantifiable harms, including increased heat-related deaths and illnesses. read more
Trump Moves to Scrub Climate Health Threat Finding
#ClimateHealth #PublicHealthThe Trump administration moved to rescind the 2009 climate endangerment finding, ignoring extensive evidence linking climate change to severe health risks like extreme heat, air pollution, and infectious diseases. Experts warn this action dangerously disregards public safety. read more