Latest Health News
WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a global health emergency
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. Reports cited by broadcasters say at least 80 people have died and roughly 250 to 300 suspected cases have been identified, prompting border screenings and emergency protocols .
New Ebola outbreak raises fear of regional spread
Health officials say the outbreak is being closely monitored because of the risk of local and cross-border transmission. Ebola can be highly lethal, and authorities are urging neighboring countries to prepare screening and containment measures as case counts continue to evolve .
CDC tracks U.S.-linked exposure concerns from the Ebola response
ABC News reported that a small number of Americans have been directly affected, though officials say monitoring is ongoing and the situation is still developing . Public-health agencies are emphasizing surveillance, contact tracing, and rapid isolation to limit any chance of wider spread
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Measles outbreak in the U.S. nears 1,900 cases
CDC data summarized by CIDRAP show the nationwide measles outbreak has reached 1,893 cases, with 51 new cases reported in the latest update. The outbreak now includes 27 clusters, and officials warn the country could exceed last year’s total if transmission continues .
Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry continue to surge
Three multistate salmonella outbreaks tied to backyard poultry have grown to 184 illnesses, including 54 hospitalizations and one death in Washington state. Public-health investigators say the true number of cases is likely higher, and many patients are children under 5 .
Largest U.S. mushroom poisoning outbreak in history worsens in California
NBC News reports that California’s ongoing mushroom poisoning crisis has become the largest known outbreak of its kind in U.S. history. Four people have died and 43 have been hospitalized, while scientists are still trying to determine why cases have been so widespread .
Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship shrinks slightly after case review
WHO reduced the reported hantavirus count from the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius to 10 after one previously suspected U.S. passenger tested negative. Officials say eight cases are confirmed and two are probable, while travelers remain under observation and some countries have reported additional positives .
Passengers and authorities continue monitoring cruise-linked hantavirus cases
Health officials are still watching exposed passengers as they return to their home countries, with some cases confirmed outside the ship’s original jurisdiction. The episode underscores how quickly infectious-disease investigations can expand across borders in a travel-linked event .
WHO honors global health leaders amid rising disease threats
At the Global Health Leaders Awards, WHO highlighted long-term contributions to disease elimination, equitable care, and public-health leadership. The ceremony comes as the organization faces multiple simultaneous outbreaks, including Ebola and other infectious-disease threats .
Ebola response revives lessons from the West Africa epidemic
Coverage of the current outbreak has repeatedly referenced the 2014-2016 West Africa crisis, which killed more than 11,000 people. That history is driving aggressive containment measures now, as health officials attempt to prevent the new outbreak from escalating .