Ashish Jha Says COVID Lab Leak More Likely Former White House adviser Ashish Jha says a COVID lab leak now appears more likely to him than natural spillover. However, he stressed that the origin remains unproven, the virus was not deliberately released and missing information from China prevents a conclusive finding. Ashish Jha Revises His Assessment Former White Ho

Karnataka has an estimated 2.60 lakh people living with HIV, while around 2.05 lakh are receiving antiretroviral therapy. The figures highlight the need for wider testing, early diagnosis, reduced stigma and faster access to free treatment. Karnataka HIV Report Shows Treatment Coverage Gap Karnataka is estimated to have around 2.60 lakh people living with HIV, while approximately 2.05 lakh are receiving antiretroviral therapy, accord

The Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce now spans nine states, with 1,947 illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations. Federal officials are urging consumers to discard recalled products sold through restaurants, food-service channels and select Walmart stores. Cyclospora outbreak reaches nine states Federal health officials said Friday, July 24, 2026, that a Cyclospora ou

Why Covid-19 keeps returning in small waves across India can be explained by the behaviour of an endemic Covid virus. Omicron subvariants, waning immunity and changing regional conditions are causing local Covid outbreaks rather than one nationwide wave. India is again seeing small increases in Covid-19 infections in places such as Andhra Pradesh, Kolkata and a few other regions. Although these reports may revive fears of another major wave, hea

India approves QDENGA for dengue prevention in people aged 4–60, making it the country’s first authorised dengue vaccine. The two-dose shot targets all four serotypes and is given three months apart, while rollout, pricing and access details are still awaited. QDENGA Approval Marks a First for India India’s drug regulator has approved Takeda’s QDENGA for preventing dengue in people aged four to 60 years, making it the first dengue

The Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak response includes temporarily removing limited ingredients at select restaurants. CDC, FDA and state officials are investigating rising cyclosporiasis cases, but no restaurant, supplier or specific food has been confirmed as the source. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed limited ingredients from select U.S. restaurants as health authorities investigate a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis,

West Nile virus in San Marcos has been confirmed in two mosquito traps collected from separate locations in ZIP code 78666 on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. They are Hays County’s first positive traps of the season, although no human infections have been reported locally.

Tick-bite emergency room visits are rising as Illinois tick season reaches one of its busiest periods. Federal health data shows weekly tick-bite ER visit rates in every U.S. region except the South Central states are at their highest level for this point in the year since 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Illinois tick season brings several species into focus The Illinois Department of Public Health says

The Fort Worth Northside boil water notice remains in effect while city officials await bacteriological test results following repairs to a broken 24-inch water main. The precaution also covers a separate area near Lake Worth. The main failure caused water pressure to fall below Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards. Officials said low pressure can allow bacteria to enter a water system, but no contamination

Kerala health authorities have increased surveillance in Kozhikode after a 43-year-old man tested positive for Nipah virus. Officials have traced contacts, placed high-risk people under quarantine and strengthened public health monitoring in the district. Kozhikode Nipah Alert: Kerala Steps Up Surveillance After New Case Kerala has stepped up health surveillance in Kozhikode after a fresh Nipah virus case was reported in the district. The patient, a 43-year

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is becoming harder to manage as false rumours spread through communities and social media. Health teams are already dealing with a deadly virus, but misinformation is now creating another serious challenge. Many families are delaying hospital visits because they fear that medical centres are unsafe or that treatment itself may cause infection. Several misleading claims have circulated

Kerala health authorities have increased precautionary measures in Kozhikode after a 43-year-old man was admitted to hospital with symptoms suspected to be linked to Nipah virus infection. Officials said the case is being treated as a suspected Nipah case until final confirmation comes from the National Institute of Virology in Pune. Health officials are closely monitoring the patient’s contacts and have advised the public to remain alert, follow hygiene precautions and seek medic

Kerala Steps Up Shigella Watch Kerala has tightened health surveillance after a four-year-old girl from Kozhikode died following a Shigella infection, while fresh cases among children in Wayanad triggered wider monitoring across the state. Health officials are now focusing on school-level monitoring, safe drinking water checks and food hygiene inspections to prevent further spread among children.

Lee County in Florida has introduced a cutting-edge approach to mosquito control using drones. The technology allows for the release of sterile male mosquitoes in areas that are challenging to reach by road, such as dense vegetation, coastal zones, and remote properties. This innovative solution enhances mosquito management efforts while maintaining public safety. How the System Works ?

Vijayawada, May 24, 2026: Andhra Pradesh has stepped up Ebola screening at Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Vijayawada airports as a precautionary public health measure. Travellers from high-risk countries are being monitored, and anyone showing suspected symptoms will be shifted to quarantine and given medical support. AP Steps Up Ebola Screening At Airports The Andhra Prad

The DRC Ebola outbreak has drawn international concern after an American doctor working with patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for the rare Bundibugyo strain. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the American tested positive on Sunday, May 17, 2026, after being exposed while caring for patients in the DRC. The CDC said the patient is being moved to Germany for treatment, along with high-risk contacts link

An Illinois potential hantavirus case in Winnebago County is renewing attention on a rare but serious U.S. infection risk linked to unsafe rodent cleanup. The Illinois Department of Public Health said on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, that it was investigating a potential case in a Winnebago County resident who had not traveled internationally and was not connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak. The person is believed to have been exposed while cleaning a home where rodent dropping

Hantavirus is a deadly virus carried primarily by rodents like mice and rats. Humans usually get infected by breathing air contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. This virus can cause two serious diseases: HFRS (Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome), which affects kidneys and may lead to internal bleeding, and HPS (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome), which affects lungs and can become life-threatening. Understanding hantavirus, its symptoms, and prevention is essential for public safe

A venomous ant species, the Asian needle ant, originally hailing from China, is causing concern across 20 states in the United States due to its rapid spread and painful sting. Health experts are urging the public to be cautious after the insect, which is black to dark brown and smaller than most common ants, was detected in several states, including Florida, Georgia, Texas, New York, and Massachusetts. Although the species was first identified in the U.S. over 90 years ago, it has only recen

Cruise ship illness risk is low—but hantavirus symptoms can turn serious fast if ignored. Knowing the early warning signs could save your life at sea. What Are Early Hantavirus Symptoms? Hantavirus symptoms often start like the flu—fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Health experts warn these early signs can appear within 1–2 weeks after exposure and are easily mistaken for common viral infections. When Does It Become Dangerous? Within days, symptoms may escalate to severe respiratory illness, including coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Officials say falling oxygen levels and labored breathing are critical red flags requiring urgent care. Is Hantavirus a Real Risk on Cruise Ships? The risk of hantavirus on cruise ships remains extremely low, thanks to strict hygiene, sanitation, and pest control systems. However, rare exposure can occur through contaminated food storage or contact with rodent droppings at certain ports. What Should You Do If You Feel Sick Onboard? If you notice flu-like symptoms on a cruise: Report immediately to onboard medical staff Isolate to prevent confusion with contagious illnesses Get oxygen levels and vital signs checked early Doctors emphasize there is no specific antiviral cure, so early supportive care—oxygen therapy and monitoring—is critical. Why Awareness Matters for Travelers While hantavirus is rare, delayed recognition can lead to life-threatening complications. Cruise operators maintain strict safety protocols, but passenger awareness remains the first line of defense. Staying informed ensures that even in the safest environments, you can respond quickly—and travel with confidence.