Latest Health News
Measles Outbreaks Cost US $244 Million in 2025, Highest Cases Since 1992
The United States recorded 2,280 measles cases in 2025, the highest annual count since 1992, costing more than $244 million according to a new study. Declining childhood MMR vaccination coverage since 2019-20 has triggered the resurgence, with warnings that further vaccination declines could result in billions in additional losses over the next five years
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Huntington's Disease: Branaplam Trial Results Published Despite Safety Concerns
Results from the VIBRANT-HD trial testing the oral HTT-lowering drug branaplam were formally published in Nature Medicine, showing a 25% reduction in expanded huntingtin levels in spinal fluid compared to placebo. However, approximately three-quarters of participants developed nerve damage, leading to early trial termination, though the damage was largely reversible after stopping the drug
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WHO Updates Influenza Vaccine Composition for 2026-2027 Northern Hemisphere Season
The World Health Organization announced recommendations for influenza vaccine composition following a 4-day consultation of global surveillance data. The biannual update ensures vaccines are closely matched to expected circulating viruses, with experts also recommending development of a new candidate vaccine virus for A(H9N2) due to 25 reported human infections with zoonotic influenza since September 2025
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Denmark Becomes First EU Country to Eliminate Mother-to-Child HIV and Syphilis Transmission
The WHO certified Denmark for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis, becoming the first EU country to achieve this milestone. The achievement demonstrates that strong political commitment and investment in primary care and integrated maternal and child health services can protect every pregnant woman and newborn from these diseases
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ByHeart Infant Formula Botulism Outbreak Declared Over
The CDC announced that a rare infant botulism outbreak linked to recalled ByHeart formula is over, with no new cases reported since mid-December. In total, 48 babies were sickened since 2023, though three were later diagnosed with other illnesses unrelated to botulism, and no deaths have been reported
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Meningitis B Vaccine Shows No Protection Against Gonorrhea in Trial
According to a randomized trial reported by MedPage Today, the four-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (Bexsero) failed to reduce gonorrhea incidence in high-risk men who have sex with men. The finding suggests the vaccine's protective benefits do not extend to gonorrhea prevention in this population.
Cindy McCain Resigns as UN World Food Programme Chief Due to Health Issues
Cindy McCain announced her resignation as executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme, citing ongoing health concerns following a mild stroke in October. McCain stated her health has not recovered to a level allowing her to fully serve the demands of the position
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Major Breakthroughs Transform Diabetes Care with Artificial Pancreas and Stem Cell Innovation
Revolutionary advances in diabetes treatment include hybrid artificial pancreas systems with continuous glucose monitors communicating wirelessly to insulin pumps, plus stem-cell-derived beta cells and immune-protected islet cell implantations. Engineers and chemists are also reinventing insulin formulations, with some ultra-fast versions and others designed to respond dynamically to blood glucose levels
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Johnson & Johnson's Pasritamig Shows Promise in Advanced Prostate Cancer Combination Study
Early results from a Phase 1b study demonstrate that pasritamig, a first-in-class T-cell engager targeting the prostate-specific antigen KLK2, shows deep PSA responses when combined with docetaxel in advanced prostate cancer. The combination displayed a favorable safety profile, with plans to advance into Phase 3 trials, and pasritamig has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation in China and Fast Track designation from the FDA
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Stanford Medicine Advances Heart Disease, Stroke, and Vision Loss Treatments
Stanford researchers have developed multiple innovations including a pill based on a heart-protective mutation for ATTR-CM, a tiny spinning device to shrink blood clots in ischemic stroke treatment, and growth factor eye drops for glaucoma-related vision loss. Additional research focuses on new CAR-T cell therapies for ovarian cancer and an experimental drug protecting brain connections in Alzheimer's disease
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Sanofi and Regeneron's Dupixent Recommended for EU Approval in Pediatric Urticaria
Dupixent received a positive recommendation for EU approval to treat chronic spontaneous urticaria in young children who continue experiencing symptoms despite existing treatments. The approval would expand treatment options for pediatric patients with this chronic allergic skin condition.