Health crises: Ebola, hantavirus, screwworm, measles, tick surge, flu vaccine developments
Key Questions
What is the status of the Ebola outbreak in Congo?
Ebola cases in Congo have risen to 896 with 204 deaths, an almost 40% weekly increase. The U.S. CDC has activated $107 million in emergency funding.
What alerts exist for screwworm and hantavirus?
California is on alert for New World screwworm with a dozen animal infections reported. A hantavirus case occurred aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.
How extensive is the current measles outbreak?
U.S. measles cases total 2,030 with Virginia's outbreak growing to 98 cases. The World Cup has raised risks for unvaccinated individuals.
What progress has been made on flu and fentanyl vaccines?
An FDA panel backed Moderna's mRNA flu shot for older adults. An experimental fentanyl vaccine has entered a new development phase.
What tick-borne issues are reported in the Northeast?
A surge in ticks has been noted across the Northeast. A rare tick-borne virus left a New Hampshire man critically ill and nonverbal.
Why did scores fall ill at an Air Force Base?
Dozens at Lackland Air Force Base fell ill weeks after the flu vaccine mandate was dropped by Defense Secretary Hegseth. The change made the vaccine optional.
What water quality issues affect North Texas?
Residents report dirty water, foul odors, and chemical burns from a troubled North Texas water system. This has sparked significant local outrage.
How is the U.S. responding to global health threats?
The U.S. has committed additional funding for Ebola while scaling back some CDC work abroad. New plans shift control of global health initiatives to the State Department.
Ebola outbreak in Congo: 896 cases, 204 deaths; U.S. commits $107M more. Hantavirus on MV Hondius. Screwworm in Texas, California on alert. Measles cases at 2,030; Virginia outbreak grows to 98 cases. Tick surge in Northeast. FDA panel backs Moderna's mRNA flu shot for older adults. Experimental fentanyl vaccine enters new phase. Scores ill at Air Force Base after Hegseth makes flu vaccine optional. Dirty water, foul odor in North Texas water system.