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Rabid raccoon confirmed in Churchville, Harford Co. Health Department says
The Harford County Health Department announced that a raccoon in Churchville tested positive for the rabies virus on Tuesday.Officials reported that the raccoon
Hospitals fighting this virus confront a challenge – few doctors have seen it
As the Carolinas near 1,000 cases, health care workers who’ve never seen this vaccine-preventable disease can get caught by surprise.
The war on science: resisting and rebuilding at a crucial juncture
Peter Staley’s talk at the opening session of the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2026) in Denver was a grim post-mortem of one of the most challenging years in recent HIV history – an ‘annus horribilis’ – a phrase Queen Elizabeth II used to describe 1992 and The Lancet applied to 2025.
PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaThe Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) is making significant progress in strengthening pandemic preparedness, with dedicated support from the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC).Aligned with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution High‑Level Implementation Plan III (2024–2030), the country is strengthening its capacity to prepare for and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats. In early 2025, a core team from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) participated in a two‑day virtual workshop, which included a mini‑simulation exercise. The workshop was organized by WHO SEARO in collaboration with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Secretariat at WHO headquarters and the WHO Country Office for the DPRK. Read more A REGIONAL CONSULTATION GUIDES WHO SEARO IN DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PREPPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR EMERGING THREATS (PRET) INITIATIVE BASED RESPIRATORY PATHOGEN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESSInfluenza and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential continue to pose major public health risks globally. To strengthen regional preparedness and response, Member States of the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR) convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to review and provide input on the draft Roadmap and Action Framework for Broad Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Planning (2026–2031). Supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) funds, the proposed roadmap aims to advance robust, integrated preparedness and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory threats across SEAR. This work is aligned with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative and the SEAR Strategic Roadmap on Health Security and Health System Resilience for Emergencies Read moreSRI LANKA’S USE OF ANTIVIRALS TO REDUCE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA BURDEN Sri Lanka is strengthening its influenza response by placing greater emphasis on rapid testing, timely treatment, and integration with maternal health services. With support from WHO, the country is building a stronger evidence base on the burden of influenza and the value of vaccination, advancing a holistic approach to protect vulnerable populations and enhance pandemic preparedness. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths from seasonal influenza, Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to expand access to rapid diagnostic testing and ensure prompt initiation of treatment. National clinical guidelines recommend the use of oseltamivir for individuals at high risk of complications, helping prevent severe illness and shorten the duration of infection. This strategy not only saves lives but also supports local pharmaceutical production, contributing to a reliable supply of antivirals for both seasonal outbreaks and future pandemics.Read moreBHUTAN BOOSTS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA READINESS WITH PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTED TRAINING AND SIMULATIONSOriginally developed in 2012, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) has long served as Bhutan’s central framework for managing influenza threats. In 2024, the plan underwent a comprehensive update to reflect evolving global and regional guidance, lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and new capacities developed under the PIP Framework. The revised NIPPRP is now more clearly aligned with Bhutan’s broader emergency and disaster risk management structures, ensuring a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to pandemic response. As part of efforts to strengthen national pandemic preparedness, Bhutan conducted three national‑level training sessions followed by simulation exercises on influenza pandemic preparedness and response at five sentinel hospitals between April and May 2025, with support from the PIP Partnership Contribution (PC). These activities brought together more than 140 health professionals and key partners from across the country, with a focus on operationalizing the updated NIPPRP and enhancing readiness at key frontline facilities. Read moreSTRENGTHENING INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE: WHO BRINGS TOGETHER INFLUENZA EXPERTS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONSThe World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 18th Bi‑regional Meeting of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Influenza Surveillance for the WHO South‑East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9–11 September 2025. Hosted by the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, Territories, and Areas across both regions, alongside experts from the WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia and Japan, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals in the United States, quadripartite partners (WOAH and FAO), and other technical counterparts. The consultation provided a platform to review progress, share experiences, and outline priorities for strengthening influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance across the two WHO regions.Read moreNETWORKS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPSSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC READINES: SOUTH-EAST ASIA ADVANCES UNITY STUDIES UNDER THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVEThe WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies initiative, also known as Unity Studies, provides a standardized, globally coordinated framework to support these efforts. Originally developed for influenza and adapted during COVID-19, Unity Studies enable countries to conduct rapid, nationally led investigations and studies to assess transmissibility, severity, susceptibility, and intervention effectiveness. To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has recently launched a network of sites which will be ready to conduct these investigations and studies rapidly in the event of a pandemic, or epidemic of an emerging or re-emerging respiratory pathogen. The WHO South-East Asia Region now hosts six sites of WHO GISRS Unity Studies across the five countries including Sri Lanka, strengthening regional capacity for early pandemic investigations. From 13–16 July 2025 in Colombo, the Global Public Health Summit offered an opportunity to advance this agenda. Read moreSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH UNITY STUDIES: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS FROM INDIA IN WHO’S SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION As countries continue to strengthen their pandemic preparedness through investments in resilient health systems during the interpandemic period, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies Global Initiative, Global Initiative, commonly known as Unity Studies, remains a vital framework for respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. These standardized epidemiological protocols enable countries to rapidly generate high‑quality data on transmissibility, infection severity, population immunity, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. To highlight how Unity Studies protocols are being adapted and applied in national settings, WHO Headquarters, together with WHO Regional Offices, including the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), hosted a global webinar. The session showcased case studies from India and the United Kingdom (UK), demonstrating innovative approaches to respiratory virus surveillance and pandemic readiness. Read moreSTRENGTHENING REGIONAL INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE AND PREPAREDNESS: WHO SEARO HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL WEBINAR AMID RISING H5 THREATS In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and within the WHO South‑East Asia Region, the WHO Regional Office for South‑East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar on 25 July 2025 to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events. The virtual session brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs), National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices across the Region, and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza. The webinar provided an opportunity to share situational updates, discuss surveillance gaps, and reinforce coordination mechanisms critical for early detection and rapid response to avian influenza threats. Read moreOther Key PIP Updates (July-December 2025)MEMBER STATES:Bangladesh drafted and conducted a series of Core Group Meetings in 2025 to review and update the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan for Respiratory Pathogens. In addition, the country carried out Rapid Response Team (RRT) trainings on seasonal and avian influenza and other re‑emerging infectious diseases. Bangladesh also updated its epidemiological data‑training programme for physicians at sentinel surveillance sites, using a revised epidemiological data‑collection tool.Bhutan revised and updated its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) in 2025 and developed a national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for influenza outbreak management. DPR Korea conducted a nationwide simulation exercise in July 2025 to support the update of its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (2019). This followed a PRET‑based virtual orientation and mini‑simulation exercise held in May 2025 by SEARO and the WHO PRET Secretariat. The comprehensive exercise, conducted across central and provincial levels, assessed strengths and gaps in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The feedback gathered has been incorporated into the revised draft plan to address identified weaknesses and strengthen overall readiness.India conducted a targeted nationwide online re‑orientation training on review and updates to the influenza portal for all State Surveillance Officers (SSOs) and relevant officials using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The training emphasized correct marking and reporting of influenza samples as “unsubtypable” or “not subtyped” where applicable, to ensure accurate national surveillance.Maldives conducted simulation exercises in three atolls based on its existing National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP). The country plans to conduct similar exercises in three additional atolls after updating the NPPRP in 2026. In addition, Maldives conducted training on FluID and FluMart as part of a broader data‑management training package for Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency officials, aimed at improving routine reporting to WHO platforms and the DHIS2 system.In Myanmar, technical support was provided to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) through dedicated human‑resource support (January–December 2025) to sustain data management and laboratory detection capacity for influenza and other emerging and re‑emerging respiratory viruses. This support also included strengthening genomic sequencing capacity.Nepal conducted a consultative workshop on the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP) in July 2025. The workshop engaged key stakeholders from multiple sectors to review lessons from past pandemic responses, assess current mechanisms, and gather critical inputs for strengthening national preparedness. Key recommendations included revising the 2019 NPPRP and developing an updated Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan aligned with emerging risks, national priorities, and relevant international frameworks. Nepal also held a two day workshop dedicated to advancing the National Action Plan for Genomic Surveillance, aimed at reinforcing the country’s capacities for early detection and monitoring of emerging respiratory pathogens.Sri Lanka received the final report from WHO on the feasibility assessment for conducting an Influenza Burden of Disease (BoD) study in the country. The assessment, conducted from 28 April to 9 May 2025, included a desk review of existing data sources, document review, visits to sentinel surveillance sites, and key informant interviews. The study identified critical data sources required for a future BoD assessment, as well as their availability and quality. Officials from the Epidemiology Unit, the National Influenza Centre (NIC), and SARI/ILI sentinel hospitals across the country participated in the assessment.Timor Leste conducted on‑the‑job training and monitoring activities at two sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity for the detection of SARI, ILI, ARI, and other respiratory infections. REGIONAL OFFICE:SEARO conducted a Member States Consultation on the first draft of the Regional Roadmap and Strategic Action Framework for implementing WHO’s PRET‑based broad respiratory pathogen pandemic planning for 2026–2031. The consultation took place on 29–30 October 2025 during the final two days of the Regional PIP PC Annual Review and PRET Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants included representatives from Member States, WHO Country Offices, WHO SEARO, WHO Headquarters, partner agencies, and invited multidisciplinary technical experts. They reviewed the draft and provided detailed feedback, which has since been incorporated into a revised version. The consultation helped shape a shared regional vision for robust, PRET‑aligned pandemic preparedness, building on country‑level progress, addressing existing gaps and challenges, and aligning with global and regional health security frameworks. The publication is planned for release during the SEAR regional committee in 2026.SEARO documented the evolution of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning process in the Region, tracing its development from its origins as a planning tool for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in 2006, through the experiences of the 2009 and 2019 pandemics, to the current status. The document outlines the way forward for respiratory pathogen pandemic planning across all 10 SEAR countries, aligning future national plans with WHO’s PRET Framework for broad respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit has drafted the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Guidance on Influenza Prevention and Control, aligned with the Global Influenza Strategy and other regional initiatives. The draft is currently under review. Although this technical product was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (MoPH‑DPRK), SEARO is finalizing it for use not only in DPRK but also across all Member States in the Region.The Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit, in collaboration with WHE/SEARO, completed a regional landscape analysis on key barriers, challenges, and opportunities for the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO South‑East Asia Regional (SEAR) countries.Additionally, the Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit has completed a regional landscape analysis of influenza vaccine procurement systems across the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR).KEY MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONSMEETINGS:Six-month progress review of the implementation of the PIP-PC workplans in SEAR, focusing on Outputs 1 and 2 for the period January to June 2025, and held virtually across three sessions on 4, 8, and 10 July 2025. Read moreAnnual Regional Meeting (Hybrid) on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) and WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Implementation in SEAR in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 to 30 October 2025. Read more18th Bi-regional Meeting (Virtual) of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and influenza surveillance in WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9 to 11 September 2025. Read morePUBLICATIONSImplications of influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces. Read moreAnnual South-East Asia regional meeting on operational planning for implementation of global influenza strategy and preparedness for respiratory viruses in 2025 Report on annual review meeting of implementation of pandemic influenza preparedness (PIP) partnership Contribution (PC) Fund in South-East Asia Region and the simulation exercise on PRET Status of influenza in who south-East Asia Region
Oyster recall expanded by months, more Health Headlines
A nationwide recall of oysters over potential norovirus contamination was recently expanded, according to Mesa County Public Health.
U.S. closes in on 1,000 measles cases in first two months of 2026
The nation is struggling to control the spread of the wildly contagious virus as vaccination rates continue to fall.
Herd health key to staying in business
A hog farmer from western Missouri says herd health now determines whether producers stay in business. “If our hogs get a Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus or Porcine epidemic diarrhea, it costs us so many millions of dollars.” Scott Phillips tells Brownfield prevention is a priority for his two sow farms in Cass County, […]
White House taps Jay Bhattacharya, CDC critic, to lead agency for now
The co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which rebuked CDC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, will oversee the nation’s leading public health agency.
Rabid skunk found in Arvada; health officials urge caution during warm winter
In warmer weather, both wild and domestic animals spend more time outdoors, as do people. When contacts between animals increase, the odds that the virus could spread to people rise, she said.
Proposals for exploring viruses and skin as the next experimental quantum frontiers share US$30,000 science award
Viruses exist at the boundary between living and non-living matter, while skin is a living interface between physics and biology, making them perfect—but until now overlooked—arenas for testing the interplay between quantum physics, biology and life. That’s according to arguments made by Connor Thompson, a PhD student in microbiology and immunology at the University of British Columbia, in Canada, and Samuel Morriss, a medical doctor based in Melbourne, Australia, whose two essays share the US$30,000 first prize in FQxI’s latest essay competition, presented in partnership with the Paradox Science Institute. The eight winners of the $53,000 competition—which asked “How Quantum is Life?”—were announced on 14th February, 2026.
Health commissioner provides details on Vermont’s first 2026 measles case
Health officials say the patient contracted the virus during international travel, and there is no current public risk.
Bay Area veterinarians report spike in deadly, contagious disease affecting dogs
Veterinarians advise that vaccinations and early treatment for leptospirosis are crucial for survival.
CDC issues health alert after virus outbreak hits popular honeymoon destination
The group of islands are famous for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and granite rock formations.
Measles Cases Spread on Campuses
As the virus surges nationwide, experts say campuses are especially susceptible to outbreaks. Some institutions are already handling infections among their students.
Scientists Close In on Breakthrough Vaccine for a Global Health Threat
A new vaccine approach could offer protection against chikungunya by safely mimicking the virus and activating the immune system.
Scientists finally solve a 100-year-old mystery in the air we breathe
Scientists at the University of Warwick have cracked a long-standing problem in air pollution science: how to predict the movement of irregularly shaped nanoparticles as they drift through the air we breathe. These tiny particles — from soot and microplastics to viruses — are linked to serious health risks, yet most models still treat them as perfect spheres for simplicity. By reworking a century-old formula, researchers have created the first simple, accurate way to predict how particles of almost any shape behave.
WHO says fatal case of Nipah virus confirmed in Bangladesh
Authorities say that steps are being taken to contain the virus and that a risk of global spread remains low.
From The Sports Desk: On the eve of the opening ceremony
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio watched the U.S. women's hockey team, and Team Finland had a norovirus outbreak.
Is flu coming back to New England? South Shore Health doctor weighs in
Flu cases are rising again nationally. Dr. Todd Ellerin discusses timing for New England, differences between Flu A and B, and a Wayland assisted-living norovirus outbreak.
Atrium Health reports influx of virus patients, urges vaccines and handwashing
Atrium Health warns people of spreading viruses in Georgia. Atrium Health has recently seen an influx of patients with several different viruses.
State Health Secretary: Measles outbreak serves as reminder about how contagious virus is
Washington state is seeing its first measles outbreak in years.And state health leaders say it's an important reminder about just how contagious the virus can
Hartford beats COVID business interruption claim over virus exclusion dispute
What happened when a policyholder demanded 22 different legal analyses for one policy dispute
Las Vegas health center extends hours amid flu and respiratory virus surge
The Spring Valley ArchWell Health location in Las Vegas is extending its operating hours to include Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of March.Th
Giant Virus Discovered in Japanese Pond May Hint at Multicellular Life's Origins
Did viruses create us?
It’s not too late to vaccinate, Grand Forks Public Health officials say
Vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory illness can prevent disease, reduce symptoms and reduce risk of virus transmission, says GFPH's Ashley Krone.
This Week in Science: Meat-Eater Longevity, Space Viruses, And More!
Our weekly science news roundup.
Why is India’s Nipah virus outbreak spooking the world?
The virus spreads from animals to humans, via person-to-person contact or through consuming contaminated food.
Pakistan becomes latest Asian country to introduce checks for deadly Nipah virus
Authorities in Pakistan have ordered enhanced screening of people entering the country for signs of infections of the deadly Nipah virus after India confirmed two cases, adding to the number of Asian countries stepping up controls.
U.S. health officials monitor deadly virus
Authorities in India have confirmed two cases of nipah virus, often carried by fruit bats. The CDC says it is monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist as needed. NBC News’ Raf Sanchez has more.
Case of measles confirmed in Arizona ICE facility
The US Department of Homeland Security says a person in detention at an Arizona Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has measles, a highly contagious virus that can cause high fevers and a distinctive rash.
These two viruses may become the next public health threats, scientists say
Two emerging pathogens with animal origins—influenza D virus and canine coronavirus—have so far been quietly flying under the radar, but researchers warn conditions are ripe for the viruses to spread ...
Scientists say these two viruses may become the next public health threats
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two emerging pathogens with animal origins — influenza D virus and canine coronavirus — have so far been quietly flying under the radar,…
Region on watch as India declares Nipah virus outbreak contained
Several Asian countries have introduced screening measures for arrivals from India, as New Delhi seeks to dampen alarm.
India reports two Nipah virus infections as Thai, Malaysia step up screening
India is monitoring Nipah virus infections, with two reported from its eastern state of West Bengal since December, the health ministry said, as some Southeast Asia nations step up scrutiny of air travellers.
India says it has contained Nipah virus outbreak as some Asian countries ramp up health screenings
NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian authorities said they had contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, as several Asian countries tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India.
India says it has contained Nipah virus outbreak as some Asian countries ramp up health screenings
Indian authorities have contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in eastern West Bengal state
India Says It Has Contained Nipah Virus Outbreak as Some Asian Countries Ramp up Health Screenings
NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian authorities said they had contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, as several Asian countries tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India. India’s Health Ministry said Tuesday ...
Deadly incurable disease reported by health officials: What to know
The deadly virus can cause a range of illnesses including inflammation of the brain.
What's the Nipah visrus? Why health officials are tracking disease
While only two people reportedly contracted the virus, health officials are concerned because of the high mortality rate if it spreads.
Deadly Nipah virus cases reported by health officials
Two cases of the deadly Nipah virus, which has no cure, have been reported in India.
Airports launch COVID-style health checks after outbreak of deadly virus
Asian countries have implemented health alerts after Nipah virus cases were reported in India. Travel screening and prevention measures have been activated across the region.
Their healthy teens died of the flu. They have a warning for other parents.
If you think only the elderly die from flu, think again. These families share stories of losing their 16-year-old loved ones to the virus.
Scientists call for urgent action as dangerous amoebas spread globally
Scientists are warning that a little-known group of microbes called free-living amoebae may pose a growing global health threat. Found in soil and water, some species can survive extreme heat, chlorine, and even modern water systems—conditions that kill most germs. One infamous example, the “brain-eating amoeba,” can cause deadly infections after contaminated water enters the nose. Even more concerning, these amoebae can act as hiding places for dangerous bacteria and viruses, helping them evade disinfection and spread.
Welcome to post-Darwinism: AI fires silver bullet for creating new life
In a breakthrough experiment, molecular biologists and tech entrepreneurs have teamed up to write the genetic code of a virus that destroys killer bacteria
Downtown Albany businesses see fresh momentum for 2026
Despite a decrease in foot traffic since the coronavirus pandemic, downtown Albany business owners remain hopeful.
Measles now spreading within the community, Maricopa County health officials say
Health officials in Maricopa County said on Jan. 23 that the discovery of two new measles cases confirms that the illness is now spreading within the community.
Exhaled breath may carry clues to gut microbiome health
The human gut is home to trillions of beneficial microbes that play a crucial role in health. Disruptions in this delicate community of bacteria and viruses—called the gut microbiome—have been linked ...
US Set to Quit World Health Organization
By Jennifer Rigby and Emma Farge LONDON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - The U.S. is due to officially exit the World Health Organization on Thursday, in the face of warnings it will hit both U.S. health and global health and also in violation of a U.S. law that requires Washington to pay the UN health ...
Scientists are building viruses from scratch to fight superbugs
Researchers from New England Biolabs (NEB®) and Yale University describe the first fully synthetic bacteriophage engineering system for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an antibiotic-resistant bacterium of global concern, in a new PNAS study. The system is enabled by NEB’s High-Complexity Golden Gate Assembly (HC-GGA) platform. In this method, researchers engineer bacteriophages synthetically using sequence data rather than bacteriophage isolates.
Take Action Against Cervical Cancer - Richmond City Health Department
In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take action against cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human papilloma virus (HPV) causes more than nine […]
Viruses that evolved on the space station and were sent back to Earth were more effective at killing bacteria
Near-weightless conditions can mutate genes and alter the physical structures of bacteria and phages, disrupting their normal interactions in ways that could help us treat drug-resistant infections.
Scientists sent viruses to space and they evolved in surprising ways
When scientists sent bacteria-infecting viruses to the International Space Station, the microbes did not behave the same way they do on Earth. In microgravity, infections still occurred, but both viruses and bacteria evolved differently over time. Genetic changes emerged that altered how viruses attach to bacteria and how bacteria defend themselves. The findings could help improve phage therapies against drug-resistant infections.
Fifth child in Mass. dies of flu; officials urge caution
107 adults have also died from flu-related issues.
The near death -- and last-minute reprieve -- of a trial for an HIV vaccine
A trial was about to launch for a vaccine that would ward off the HIV virus. It would be an incredible breakthrough. Then it looked as if it would be over before it started.
COVID infected mental health. Have we recovered yet?
The coronavirus dealt a blow to mental health. Have we recovered yet?
The diseases RFK Jr. says children don’t need to be routinely vaccinated for
American kids are no longer routinely being recommended shots against hepatitis A, meningitis, rotavirus and the flu.
A room full of flu patients and no one got sick
In a striking real-world experiment, flu patients spent days indoors with healthy volunteers, but the virus never spread. Researchers found that limited coughing and well-mixed indoor air kept virus levels low, even with close contact. Age may have helped too, since middle-aged adults are less likely to catch the flu than younger people. The results highlight ventilation, air movement, and masks as key defenses against infection.
Health officials warn of measles cases linked to Linn County
Health officials are investigating two confirmed cases of measles, and are warning the public of potential exposure to the virus.
This Flu Season Is Rough—And All Too Normal
The virus is storming the country, a reminder of how terrible its toll can be.
The CDC just sidelined these childhood vaccines. Here's what they prevent
The childhood vaccines that the CDC is dropping from the recommended scheduled have successfully beat back illness and death in children from rotavirus, hepatitis and other pathogens.
Flu virus circulating at alarming rates, New York health officials say
Wisconsin health officials oppose CDC overhaul of child vaccine schedule
CDC has removed flu, COVID-19, meningococcal disease, RSV, hepatitis A and B, and rotavirus from the list of shots the agency recommends for all children.
What viruses an infectious-disease doctor is watching for in 2026
I research virus outbreaks around the world. Here’s what I’ll be keeping an eye on in 2026 that could cause infections in unexpected places or cases.
Flu cases are surging and rates will likely get worse, new CDC data shows
Flu season is off to a rough start this year, according to new CDC data. The virus is spreading faster than in previous years and the surge is likely to get worse. Here's what you need to know.
The year measles came back
Doctors reflect on how the virus’s resurgence has affected their patients and themselves in 2025: “It’s been insane.”
Year in review: The standout health stories of 2025, from measles outbreaks to AI-made viruses
Catch up on the latest trends in health news in this roundup of long-reads compiled by Live Science's health channel editor.
Health alert: Influenza activity trending up across Kansas, U.S.
Kansas is reflecting national trends of respiratory virus cases on the rise.
How a Spanish virus brought Google to Málaga
Spanish entrepreneur Bernardo Quintero, whose company is at the root of Google's Málaga cybersecurity hub, identified the author of the computer virus that influenced his career.
Mass. health officials warn of possible measles exposure in multiple locations
Health officials are issuing a warning about possible measles exposure in multiple locations in Massachusetts. The state Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that an out-of-state visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and visited multiple locations which could have resulted in other people being exposed to the virus. Health officials said…
MIT scientists strip cancer of its sugar shield
Scientists at MIT and Stanford have unveiled a promising new way to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Their strategy targets a hidden “off switch” that tumors use to stay invisible to immune defenses—special sugar molecules on the cancer cell surface that suppress immune activity. Early tests show it can supercharge immune responses and outperform current antibody therapies.
What explains the perpetual need for political enemies?
Politics today is driven by grievances that can never be assuaged. For democracy’s survival, we must grapple with this dynamic
“Tis the season” of viruses: health officials urge caution before holiday gatherings
Winter viruses have become a seasonal greeting that both health care professionals and schools have come to dread.
As flu season hits, new ‘K’ variant has health experts concerned and urging vaccinations
A new strain of influenza has become the most prevalent form of the virus this year.
Norovirus cases rising across LA County, health department says
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said cases of the highly contagious norovirus are on the rise.
‘We are dying’: Cuba sinks into a health crisis amid medicine shortages and misdiagnosis
Hospitals are overwhelmed and fatalities are soaring. The island is suffering from combined viruses that include dengue, chikungunya, Oropouche and other respiratory diseases
Polk County Health Department shares tips for avoiding norovirus
A new report shows that Iowa has "medium" levels of infection.
Austin Public Health warns of uptick in foodborne illness reports
Austin Public Health has seen an increase in cases of salmonella and norovirus across central Texas, and the CDC recommends following a four-step process to ensure food safety: clean, separate, coo…
The Truth About Airplane and Hospital Air, According to Science
There’s a certain logic in thinking that the air in a hospital or airplane is filthy, teeming with viruses, bacteria, and whatnot...
County Health Officials Warn About Potential Measles Exposures At Supermarket
Around 90 percent of unvaccinated people who are exposed to the virus become infected, according to the Rockland County Health Department.
CDC advisers vote to overturn decades-long policy on hepatitis B vaccine for infants
In a controversial move, the vaccine advisory group reversed a recommendations for universal immunizing of newborns intended to protect them from a virus that attacks the liver.
Scientists capture flu viruses surfing into human cells in real time
Scientists have captured a never-before-seen, high-resolution look at influenza’s stealthy invasion of human cells, revealing that the cells aren’t just helpless victims. Using a groundbreaking imaging technique, researchers discovered that our cells actually reach out and “grab” the virus as it searches for the perfect entry point, surfing along the membrane.
Flu shot protects against new variant, Michigan health officials warn
Michigan's chief medical executive says the vaccine 'reduces severe complications' of the flu, including hospitalization.
Are university policies holding science back? Study shows how patenting boosts pure research
When UC Berkeley biochemist Jennifer Doudna first began studying how bacteria fight virus infections, she had no idea it would result in one of the most important scientific breakthroughs of the century. ...