Health Headlines
RFK Jr. tells vaccine-skeptic group Children’s Health Defense they have a ‘friend’ in the White House
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives the keynote address at a Children's Health Defense event in Washington, Sept. 17, 2026. (ABC News)(NEW YORK) -- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told the vaccine-skeptic group Children's Health Defense on Thursday they have "a friend in the White House" in President Donald Trump.Kennedy delivered the keynote address in Washington, D.C., at a conference hosted by the group, noting that Trump has given directives to strengthen research, transparency and parental choice around childhood vaccines."Let me be clear. You have a strong and steadfast friend at the White House," Kennedy said.Kennedy also said he wanted to make more sweeping changes on "day one" but couldn't do so ... Read More
Teen who died from brain-eating amoeba likely infected from community center water feature: Officials
3D illustration of Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba, suspended in a microscopic environment. (Getty Images stock photo/Gilnature)(NEW YORK) -- The North Carolina teenager who died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri was likely infected from a water feature at a community center, according to state and local officials.Naegleria fowleri, also known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis or PAM, has been found in warm freshwater, including ponds, lakes and rivers, and it grows best in hotter water, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services."The amoeba does not cause illness if swallowed but can be fatal if water with the amoeba in it is forced up the nose into the brain," NCDHHS said.The North Carolina teenager was admitted to the ... Read More
How hospitals, clinics in Pennsylvania are responding to the measles outbreak
A medical assistant holds a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the pediatric office of Dr. Gary M. Kramer on Aug. 13, 2026, in Coral Gables, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- Prior to this year, Dr. John Goldman said he'd only seen two cases of measles throughout his career: one in the late 1980s and one in the early 1990s.Now, Goldman said measles patients are being admitted to the hospital on a regular basis."We've had patients that have shown up in our outpatient offices. We've had patients show up in the hospital. We've had patients that have come in for other problems and then develop measles while they're in the hospital," Goldman, an infectious disease specialist for the University ... Read More
Walking briskly may lower risk of death in some adults: Study
(Getty Images stock photo)(NEW YORK) -- Walking faster for 30 minutes per day can lower the risk of death in some adults, a new study suggests.Researchers from Australia and Spain looked at 1approximately 70, 000 adults between ages 40 and 69.Participants were broken into four categories: under 5,000 steps a day, between 5,000 and 7,000 steps a day, between 7,500 and 10,000 steps a day and above 10,000 steps a day.The researchers also timed each participant's peak 30-minute cadence, or the average steps per minute during the most active 30 minutes of the day.Results showed that the group with under 5,000 steps a day, a level considered as a sedentary lifestyle -- but with a peak 30-minute cadence of between 60 to 90 steps ... Read More
New drug shows promise in reducing COPD symptoms in smokers, clinical trials show
A healthcare professional examines a chest X-ray displayed on a tablet. (Getty Images/Tom Werner)(NEW YORK) -- A new drug appeared to show promise in reducing rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms in former and current smokers, according to results from late-stage clinical trials.The medication, called tozorakimab and developed by AstraZeneca, is the first biologic drug to show efficacy in treating COPD symptoms, according to Dr. Frank Sciurba, professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, in an AstraZeneca press release.The results were presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress conference on Tuesday and set to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Patients taking inhaler regimens for COPD management, which is the current standard of care, were randomized ... Read More
Radish sprout mix added to ongoing recall of sprouts linked to salmonella, E. coli outbreak
On Aug. 28, 2026, Everything Sprouts, LLC expanded its recall to include certain lots of Robust Radish Sprout Mix because it has the potential for cross-contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) or Salmonella from the recalled alfalfa sprouts. (FDA)(NEW YORK) -- Everything Sprouts, the company linked to a salmonella and E. coli outbreak from alfalfa sprouts, has voluntarily expanded its recall to include radish sprout mix due to contamination concerns.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared in an update on Monday that the radish sprout mix had the potential for "cross-contamination" with bacteria from the alfalfa sprouts.No illnesses have been traced back to the radish mix, and no new illnesses have been reported in the outbreak overall. The recalled Robust Radish Sprout ... Read More
North Carolina teen dies after contracting rare brain-eating amoeba found in freshwater: Officials
Microscopic 3D render of Naegleria fowleri flagellate stage with twin flagella swimming in aquatic environment. (Stock photo koto_feja/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- A North Carolina teenager has died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri that's found in warm freshwater, state health officials said.The teenager, whose identity was not released, died on Monday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said on Tuesday.“We extend our condolences to the family, friends and community impacted by this loss,” the department said in a statement.NCDHHS said last Thursday that the teenager was critically ill and that "once symptoms start, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within about five days."Naegleria fowleri can be found in warm freshwater including ponds, lakes and rivers, and it ... Read More
2 people die from measles in Pennsylvania, marking state’s first deaths in 35 years
Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine (Getty stock photo/Kittisak Kaewchalun)(NEW YORK) — Two people have died in Pennsylvania from measles, the state health department said Tuesday. Both were unvaccinated.These the first deaths related to measles within the state in 35 years, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the first deaths reported this year in the U.S."My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss," Dr. Debra Bogen, the state's secretary of health, said in a statement. "Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don't fully understand the potential severity of the illness."In late July, the number of confirmed measles cases in ... Read More
At least 55 sickened in salmonella, E. coli outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts
A sign for the Food And Drug Administration is seen outside of the headquarters on July 20, 2020 in White Oak, Maryland. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- At least 55 people have been sickened in a salmonella and E. coli outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts in 15 states, health officials said Friday.At least 4 people have been hospitalized.The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have posted an official outbreak notice on their websites.Forty-six people were infected with E. coli, seven people were infected with salmonella and two individuals were infected with both salmonella and E. coli, officials said.Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 31 to Aug. 8, officials said. The true number ... Read More
Personalized mRNA cancer vaccine shows promise in extending lifespan in melanoma trial
Stock photo of a doctor examining a patient's skin. (Lordhenrivoton/STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- Merck and Moderna announced Wednesday that a personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine succeeded in a large, late-stage trial among high-risk patients with melanoma.The individualized vaccine, when paired with the existing immunotherapy, Keytruda, is the first and only combination regimen that demonstrated success in potentially extending melanoma patients' lifespans.In Phase 3 trials, the regimen significantly reduced the risk of cancer returning or spreading. The trial was conducted among patients whose high-risk melanoma had been surgically removed.The combination treatment regimen pairs the personalized vaccine with Merck's Keytruda, which had previously been used to treat the cancer alone.The treatment showed a 49% reduction of melanoma return after patients underwent surgery ... Read More
More than 24,000 cyclosporiasis infections reported as new cases appear to slow: CDC
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)(NEW YORK) -- Cases of cyclosporiasis have topped 24,000, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are at least 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, including 740 hospitalizations, the data shows.The agency is also aware of at least 10,455 additional cases that have not yet been laboratory confirmed.The rate of increase appears to have slowed, with only about 2,000 more cases recorded over the last week. The previous week saw more than 22,000 cases recorded, a jump of over 10,000 from the week prior.The CDC data, which was released on Tuesday, shows the ages of those who ... Read More
Taylor Farms pulls jalapeno products sold at grocery stores
(Catherine McQueen/Getty Images stock photo)(NEW YORK) -- Taylor Farms is now pulling more than a dozen products with jalapenos from grocery stores across the United States.It’s the latest recall as part of the salmonella outbreak that has made 345 people sick in 27 states. Restaurant chains Chipotle and QDOBA pulled jalapenos last week. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said this weekend grocery stores are also removing meat products that include jalapenos.The list of 20 recalled foods includes dips, salsas and guacamole sold at grocery stores including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Kroger.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a list of recalled products Sunday, which includes diced jalapenos and rice and bean burritos from Hannaford, as well as spicy pimento cheese ... Read More
Louisiana reporting at least 5 deaths from flesh-eating bacteria in seawater
Vibrio vulnificus bacterium. (Quantico69/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- Louisiana health officials on Thursday urged residents to take precautions following an uptick in severe cases of a type of dangerous flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.So far this year, the state has reported nine cases, five of them fatal. During the same period in previous years, Louisiana averaged seven cases and one death.The Louisiana Department of Health said all nine cases reported this year were linked to wounds exposed to seawater and that all of the patients had underlying health conditions.“Vibrio bacteria occur naturally in warm coastal waters and are found in higher numbers from May to October, when water temperatures are warmer. Infection can occur when an open wound is exposed to brackish ... Read More
Michigan health officials say people can resume regular lettuce-eating habits as new cases of cyclosporiasis slow
Fresh greens at the market. (Maria Korneeva/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- Michigan health officials said on Thursday that people can resume regular lettuce- and salad greens-eating habits as new cases of cyclosporiasis slow.It's one of nine states in a multi-state outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants.The iceberg lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico. Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The state has seen more than 12,400 cases since June, including 279 hospitalizations and two deaths, health department data shows.Taco Bell also said it is no longer using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico at any of its restaurants. The update from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) ... Read More
Measles exposure reported at Universal Studios Hollywood
Stock photo of a person with the measles. (Mumemories/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- Los Angeles County health officials said a person infected with measles visited Universal Studios Hollywood last month and potentially exposed others to the virus.The county's Department of Public Health said Wednesday that it is investigating the case involving the visitor who was at the theme park on July 26. Other possible locations within the county are being probed, according to the health department.Anyone who was in the park that day between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. is asked to confirm their protection against the virus and is warned that they may be at risk of developing measles from seven to 21 days after being exposed, according to the ... Read More
Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapenos served at Chipotle expands to Qdoba: FDA
Jalapeño peppers on display at a local street market in San Antonio, Texas. (Getty Images/Gabriel Perez)(NEW YORK) -- Health officials are expanding an investigation into jalapenos served at Chipotle restaurants to include Qdoba restaurants. The Food and Drug Administration said the jalapenos may be a possible source of a growing salmonella outbreak that has infected 345 people across 27 states.Both restaurants have removed the jalapenos from their stores, the FDA said.Qdoba said in a statement to ABC News that it is "cooperating with public health authorities" in the investigation and have pulled jalapenos from their restaurants."Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed jalapenos from all our restaurants at this time," the restaurant chain said. "We take any report involving ... Read More
Trump administration to end Medicare Part D subsidy program in 2027
Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks at the Wisconsin Air National Guard facility at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on July 8, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mark Schiefelbein-Pool/Getty Images)(WASHINGTON) -- The Trump administration is ending a key health insurance subsidy program that aimed to keep premiums for seniors' prescription drug plans in check, claiming that it benefits corporate insurance companies, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz.Medicare Part D -- the government health insurance program's prescription drug benefit -- is used by tens of millions of older or disabled beneficiaries.The program's subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, the administration announced Tuesday.That move will likely result in higher prescription costs and increase premiums for about ... Read More
More than 18,000 cyclosporiasis cases reported across 45 states: CDC
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)(WASHINGTON) -- Cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have topped 18,000 in 45 states, according to updated data Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Since May 1, at least 6,707 cases have been laboratory-confirmed, including 423 hospitalizations, the CDC noted.Additionally, the agency said it is "aware" of more than 11,500 additional cases that are not laboratory confirmed or require further investigation and analysis. Many of these additional cases have been reported by Michigan and Ohio, which have linked the bulk of their cases to now recalled iceberg lettuce.The CDC notes that this parasite typically spikes in the summer months, so other states could be ... Read More
Federal health officials have investigated 5 different clusters of cyclosporiasis cases, FDA says
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. (CDC)(WASHINGTON) -- Federal health officials have been investigating five different clusters of cyclosporiasis cases since the start of parasite season in May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said during a press conference on Monday.Three of those clusters are considered over, acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said. Meanwhile, the largest cluster, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states, has seen cases as recently as last week.The majority of cases have been reported in Michigan, where there are now 6,148 cases, according to an update Monday morning from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). This is an increase of more than 1,000 cases ... Read More
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