Health Headlines
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
Cases of cyclosporiasis in Michigan surpass 5,000, health officials say
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. (CDC)(NEW YORK) -- Hospitalizations in Michigan linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have surpassed 100, health officials said Friday.So far, 102 people have been hospitalized, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). There are more than 5,000 cases in the state, an increase of nearly 700 since Thursday, officials said.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are warning consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce sold at select Taco Bells in five states -- Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia -- after the ingredient was linked to the outbreak. The CDC ... Read More
Here’s where cyclosporiasis is spreading as cases are confirmed in 32 states
Cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. in 2026 as of July 10, 2026 (CDC, state health departments)(NEW YORK) -- Cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite, are currently being reported in nearly three dozen states, according to an ABC News tally.As of Friday, at least 2,844 cases have been reported in 32 states, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments show.The CDC said the true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher than the reported figure because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for the parasite.Most cases are currently being reported in Michigan with 1,562 as of Friday, according to the Michigan Department of Health ... Read More
What you need to know about cyclosporiasis: How it spreads, how it’s treated
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. (CDC)(NEW YORK) -- Multiple states are reporting an increase in cyclosporiasis cases, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite.Health officials in Michigan have reported more than 1,200 cases and, in neighboring Ohio, cases have topped 170.Here's what you need to know about the infection, including how it spreads, how it's diagnosed and how to treat it.What is Cyclosporiasis?Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The infection affects the small intestine and can cause watery diarrhea with sometimes "explosive" bowel movements, according to the federal health agency.Other symptoms can include ... Read More
Legionnaires’ disease cluster in New York City grows to 36 cases
Illustration of Legionella pneumophila bacteria, the cause of Legionnaires' disease. ( ROGER HARRIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- A Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City is growing, with 36 cases now confirmed, according to health officials.As of Wednesday, there have been at least 22 hospitalizations and no deaths, according to the New York City Department of Health (NYC Health).The cluster has affected the Upper East Side neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, the department said.In an earlier notice to the two neighborhoods, NYC Health said it believes the likely source of the bacteria is a cooling tower in the area, which sprays a mist that contains the bacteria. All area cooling towers were being tested for the bacteria, NYC Health said then.There is ... Read More
Cyclosporiasis cases top 1,200 in Michigan, health officials say
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. (CDC)(LANSING, Mich.) -- Reported cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have topped 1,200 in Michigan, local health officials said Thursday.Since June 22, at least 1,251 cases have been confirmed, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) . At least 36 people have been hospitalized.Typically, the state sees about 50 cases per year.Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, an infectious disease physician, epidemiologist and the chief medical executive for the state of Michigan, told ABC News earlier this week that the department's working hypothesis is the outbreak is linked to contaminated produce.The parasite usually spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, according to the Centers for ... Read More
Cases of parasitic infection growing in 2 states: Health officials
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. (CDC)(DETROIT) -- Cases of a parasitic infection are continuing to rise in at least two states, local health officials said.As of July 6, nearly 700 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection, were confirmed, an official from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) told ABC News on Monday. This is an increase from the roughly 300 cases reported on Thursday.The 678 cases have predominantly been confirmed the southeast region of Michigan including Wayne County, where Detroit is located.Typically, the state has 50 cases per year, meaning cases are currently about 13.5 times higher than on average.Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, an infectious disease physician, epidemiologist and the ... Read More
‘Large and growing’ parasitic infection outbreak spreading in Michigan, health officials say
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. (CDC)(MICHIGAN) -- A "large and growing" outbreak of a parasitic infection is spreading in Michigan, health officials warned this week.As of Thursday, more than 300 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection, have been confirmed, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) told ABC News. Typically, the state only sees about 50 cases per year, according to MDHHS.The parasite usually spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."We are working closely with our state and local partners to identify the source of this outbreak that is making so many people ill as quickly as possible," Lynn Sutfin, public information officer ... Read More
Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship over after last contact completes quarantine: WHO
The cruise ship MV Hondius docks in the Port of Rotterdam to be disinfected following the recent hantavirus outbreak, on May 18, 2026 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Omar Havana/Getty Images)(GENEVA) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that the hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship is over.It came after the final contact of a person exposed to the virus on the cruise ship completed their quarantine period, according to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The recommended quarantine and monitoring period for hantavirus exposure is 42 days.The individual tested negative and returned home. No further cases have been reported since May 25, Tedros said during a media briefing.As of Thursday, there have been a total of 13 cases of hantavirus ... Read More
Record number of West Nile virus cases since 2004, CDC warns ahead of holiday weekend
A Culex mosquito, primary vectors for several viral and parasitic diseases inside a house in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, March 3, 2026. (Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- A record number of West Nile virus cases have been recorded for this time of year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend.At least 48 cases of West Nile have been reported so far this year compared to an average of 10 typically by the end of June. This is the highest number of infections reported at this point in year since 2004, according to the federal health agency.Additionally, at least 23 states are reporting West Nile activity, which is the ... Read More
Eligible seniors can get GLP-1s for $50 a month for weight loss alone
Close-up of a woman holding several GLP-1 injection pens used for weight loss and diabetes treatment. Modern injectable medication concept for obesity management, healthcare and pharmaceutical therapy. (Kateryna Borodina/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- For the first time, Medicare will cover GLP-1s for obesity-related weight loss, without any other medical conditions.Starting Wednesday, eligible Medicare beneficiaries can receive GLP-1s for obesity for $50 per month by prescription. Medicare is the primary federal health insurance program in the U.S. for individuals 65 and older.Federal rules ban Medicare Part D -- which helps cover prescription drug costs -- from covering drugs solely to treat obesity, but a new federal pilot bridge program approved by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be ... Read More
About 3 million fewer people are enrolled under ACA compared to last year: Report
The healthcare.gov website on a laptop arranged in Norfolk, Virginia, Nov. 1, 2025. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)(WASHINGTON) -- Millions of Americans have dropped health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to new data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).The report, which was published on Friday, showed that about 19.2 million people were enrolled under the ACA in the first two months of 2026, down by about 3 million people compared to the same time last year.HHS attributed the lower number of enrollees to its efforts to crack down on fraud.The report claimed the administration stopped "1.5 million enrollees from receiving subsidies they did not qualify for and ended or blocked another 1.4 million through February ... Read More
Cervical cancer deaths 49% higher for women living in poverty: Report
Female doctor talking with young woman in exam room (MoMo Productions/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- Cervical cancer deaths are 49% higher for women living in poverty, a major report released on Thursday finds.Women living in poverty were also 23% more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to those living in higher-income areas, according to the report from the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR)."The disparities in this situation arise from an access to care issue," Dr. Paul DiSilvestro, division director of gynecologic oncology at Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, who was not involved in the report, told ABC News."I think we often don't understand the pressure on women as it relates to screening. Sometimes you have to make ... Read More
Kenya minister stops construction of US-backed Ebola quarantine facility
Ebola virus test, conceptual image. (DIGICOMPHOTO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has halted construction of the U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base after being found in contempt of court for allowing work to continue despite a court order.Duale appeared before the High Court in Nairobi on Tuesday and said he directed "the immediate and complete cessation of any intended construction, site preparations or related activities" concerning the facility."It was never the intention of the ministry or myself as the Cabinet Secretary to disregard, undermine, or act in defiance of the orders," he said.Duale also told the court he would be "the last person to disregard a court order" and "the last person ... Read More
Ebola cases in DRC surpass 1,000 as UNICEF warns millions of children at risk
Ebola survivors leave the ALIMA Ebola Treatment Center at Rwampara General Hospital following their recovery from the disease, as a health worker sits beside a disinfectant sprayer and disinfects their shoes during discharge procedures on June 16, 2026 in Rwampara near Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo. (Michel Lunanga/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has surpassed 1,000 Ebola cases as the country's deadly outbreak continues.The DRC Ministry of Health reported 1,003 confirmed cases and 254 confirmed deaths as of Sunday evening. There are 365 patients either hospitalized or in isolation, according to the ministry.Contact tracing remains a concern, officials said. The Ministry of Health said only 58% of identified contacts have been followed up with, far below ... Read More
Flu outbreak among Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio after Hegseth ends mandatory flu vaccine
An Influenza Vaccine is prepared for a patient, Sept. 12, 2025, in Coral Gables, Fla. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)(SAN ANTONIO) -- The basic training facility for the Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, is experiencing a flu outbreak following the end of mandatory vaccination for all service members.As of Wednesday, there are at least 159 known cases among recruits and two hospitalizations at Joint Base San Antonio, two sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. One source told ABC News the number of cases and hospitalizations may be higher.The outbreak comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in April that the annual flu vaccine would be optional for all U.S. military personnel, both active and reserve. Previously, the flu vaccine was mandatory, ... Read More
Fewer than half of Americans say they can afford healthcare: Gallup
Close-up of examination table in doctor's office (Grace Cary/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- Fewer than 49% of Americans can afford healthcare, the lowest rate since tracking began in 2021, according to Gallup data released Thursday.In a single year, roughly 2.8 million people no longer identified as being “Cost Secure” meaning they could no longer afford access to quality care or pay for visits and prescriptions, according to the data. Worry about future healthcare costs, including visits and prescriptions, amongst Americans is also at an all-time high of over 40%, according to Gallup.Gallup developed what it calls the "Healthcare Affordability Index," which is sponsored by West Health, in 2021 drawing on self?reported experiences from nationally representative surveys. The latest data comes from ... Read More
American doctor previously infected with Ebola in DRC returns to US
Serge, an international Christian missions organization, has confirmed that American medical missionary Dr. Peter Stafford, his wife, Dr. Rebekah Stafford, and their four children have arrived safely in the United States. (Courtesy of Serge)(NEW YORK) -- The American doctor who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has returned to the United States.Dr. Peter Stafford; his wife, Dr. Rebekah Stafford; and their four children arrived safely on Monday, according to Serge, the international Christian missionary group that employs the couple."I am filled with gratitude to God for preserving my life, to all those who prayed on my behalf, and to the many medical providers who cared for me. I am feeling well and thankful to be reunited with Rebekah ... Read More
DRC reports record number of Ebola cases in a single day as outbreak hits 1-month mark
Viviane Nzale, a health worker responsible for triage, stands at a screening post at the entrance of Mongbwalu General Hospital while monitoring patients and visitors entering the facility as they respond to the continuing Ebola outbreak here on June 12, 2026 in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of Congo. (Michel Lunanga/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reported a record one-day increase in Ebola cases since the current outbreak was first detected one month ago.The DRC Ministry of Health reported 72 new confirmed Ebola cases on June 13, bringing the total number of cases to 782. Additionally, 29 deaths were recorded, bringing to 181 the number of fatalities that have occurred in the last month.The ... Read More
WHO says risk of Ebola in World Cup host countries is low
Workers wearing protective visit a patient in an isolation unit an Ebola treatment center on June 2, 2026 in Monigi, Democratic Republic of Congo. (Daniel Buuma/Getty Images)(GENEVA) -- The World Health Organization said on Thursday that the risk of Ebola transmission in Europe and World Cup host countries is low as the tournament gets ready to kick off across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO's regional director for Europe, said in a statement that there are currently no Ebola cases in North America or Europe amid an outbreak spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The DRC has recorded 676 confirmed cases as of Thursday morning, according to DRC's minister of health. In Uganda, there are 19 confirmed cases -- many ... Read More
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