A highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease (measles virus)
A 40-year-old Jefferson County resident has died of complications described as measles-related, the county coroner has announced, bringing Pennsylvania state officials' total to three deaths linked to this year's outbreak. The CDC's public tracker currently shows no measles deaths and federal officials are reviewing whether the Pennsylvania fatalities meet their criteria.
Utah faces a widening measles outbreak affecting 22 of 29 counties, with infection clusters in undervaccinated communities. Officials warn that school start and cooler weather could trigger a renewed surge. ProPublica links endemism questions to national measles status.
Kennedy has led a push to pull government flu-vaccine advertising amid a broader shift at HHS, with emails showing internal debate and political direction shaping public-health messaging during a severe flu season. The disclosures show tension between Kennedy’s policy moves and CDC leadership as a new administration implements its agenda.
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have spread across multiple US states, with New York, Illinois and Texas reporting higher case counts. The CDC is investigating clusters tied to fresh produce, and health officials urge thorough washing of fruits and vegetables to reduce risk.
The UK is expanding its measles catch-up drive after two child fatalities and a year with rising cases. NHS and UKHSA are contacting families to boost MMR vaccination, focusing on children aged two to 11, with continued emphasis on five-year-olds completing two doses.
Multiple sources report a rebound in measles cases across the U.S., with 2,260 confirmed cases now documented in 44 states and D.C. Public health officials say vaccination coverage below 95% threatens herd immunity and risks losing measles elimination status. A review in November will decide on that status.
The CDC reports 2,318 measles cases in 2026, making it the worst year in decades. Outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona have prompted renewed concern over vaccination coverage as officials weigh loss of measles-free status.
Measles cases in the U.S. have surged to 2,371 this year, the highest in years, prompting renewed calls for vaccination amid political and public health pressures. Outbreaks are intensifying in several states as officials warn that vaccination alone may not curb spread. Health Secretary Kennedy faces scrutiny over his vaccine stance while states push to bolster immunization programs.
A wave of government-backed cooking shows and dietary guidance has proponents arguing nutritious, affordable meals can beat fast food. Kennedy-led initiatives are highlighting home cooking as a public-health strategy amid rising costs and chronic disease concerns.
Moderna has won FDA approval for its mRNA flu vaccine mFlusiva for adults 50–64 and accelerated approval for those 65 and older. The decision follows a contentious review earlier this year, a unanimous advisory panel recommendation in June and political disputes inside US health agencies over mRNA vaccines. Retail availability is expected in coming weeks.
President Trump has signed an executive order directing federal health officials to cut the federal recommended childhood vaccine list, to split the combined MMR vaccine into separate measles, mumps and rubella doses once single‑disease products are available, and to space routine immunisations across separate medical visits. Public health groups and drugmakers have said the changes lack scientific support and will increase missed vaccinations during a major U.S. measles outbreak.
South Carolina has held a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and has produced a runoff. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced; Rep. Russell Fry finished a close third. The Aug. 25 runoff will almost certainly decide the GOP nominee who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
The White House has issued an executive order reducing federal vaccine recommendations to 11 core shots and urging the separation of the MMR vaccine into three injections. Physicians warn the move risks confusion and slower protection, while public health groups stress that CDC guidance remains unchanged and vaccines should proceed as recommended.
Two unvaccinated residents in Pennsylvania have died from measles, triggering a public health debate. Governor Shapiro says vaccinations could have averted the deaths, while RFK Jr. questions the figures, fueling a political row that experts warn could hinder responses to the outbreak.
Somalia faces a deepening hunger emergency as drought, conflict and displacement collide with severe funding cuts. The World Food Programme and UNICEF warn millions of people, including nearly 1.9 million children at risk of malnutrition, will feel the impact unless funding improves. Health facilities are closing, and aid delivery is increasingly constrained as prices rise and households reduce meals.
The Trump administration has urged states to separate the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine into individual shots. Several officials caution that doing so could fuel vaccine hesitancy and leave immunity gaps while some leaders push for more personal choice in immunization policies. New reporting shows the policy debate is unfolding amid mixed messages from health agencies and political leaders.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to change the U.S. federal name for Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and has said the change is effective immediately. The move comes as Washington and Ottawa have imposed 50% tariffs on billions of dollars of each other's goods and Canadian leaders have rejected the renaming.
New documents obtained by AP and The Guardian show RFK Jr. wrote to Samoa’s prime minister proposing investigations into MMR vaccines, contradicting his prior testimony that his Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. The revelations have triggered calls for investigations and potential political consequences as lawmakers debate next steps.
New documents obtained by AP and The Guardian contradict Kennedy's congressional testimony about his 2019 Samoa visit, showing he asked to study MMR vaccines and used
Major U.S. medical societies have published coordinated guidance for flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations after the FDA approved updated COVID and flu shots. The American Medical Association and partner groups have compiled evidence and tailored recommendations for age and risk groups while the CDC advisory process remains delayed by political and legal disputes. Enhanced and mRNA flu options are available for older adults.
New data from Truveta shows vitamin K refusals at birth have surged in 2026, driven by political messaging around vaccines. The rate of non-administration increased sharply in the first half of the year, with 81-fold higher risk of life-threatening bleeding without the shot for infants in their first six months. Health officials warn the trend risks newborn lives as US debates policy changes echoed by Kennedy and Trump.
Sen. John Fetterman has appeared by video at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas to endorse Republican Sen. Dave McCormick as a friend and ally and to say he will "work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life." The move has intensified Democratic concerns about Fettermans party loyalty, revived speculation he could switch parties and widened his distance from many Democrats in Pennsylvania.
Bangladesh is facing its deadliest measles outbreak in years, with over 1,000 suspected deaths and more than 166,000 suspected cases since March. Health officials cite gaps in vaccination campaigns, pandemic disruptions, and political upheaval as drivers. An emergency drive has vaccinated nearly 18–20 million children, but millions remain unvaccinated, threatening herd immunity.