The Latest Breaking News from Public Health

China confirms nomination of senior health official for WHO chief's post amid COVID scrutiny

China has put forward the nomination of Dr. Song Li for Director-General of the World Health Organization. Her background includes significant experience in public health, especially during health emergencies. This nomination could attract renewed scrutiny on China's COVID-19 pandemic response and the origins of the virus. If elected, she would…

The Economic Times · Oct 8

Russia's public health watchdog denies a second infection in suspected pneumonic plague case

Russia’s public health watchdog has denied that a lab worker who died in Siberia had spread infection to another person as global concerns swirled about suspected pneumonic plague

The Independent UK · Oct 8

Britons kept in dark about scale of climate crisis, say viewers of ‘first-of-its-kind’ emergency briefing

Nine out of 10 people felt motivated to act after watching film outlining threats to food security, economy and public health

The Guardian - UK · Oct 8

Drug overdose 'crisis' as deaths double road fatalities

Advocates are warning of a "preventable" public health crisis as lives lost to drug overdoses more than double road fatalities in one state.

AAP · Oct 7

WHO Chief says Russia reports no plague cases in Irkutsk after lab worker's death

Russian health officials confirmed no cases of plague in Irkutsk after a laboratory worker died from severe pneumonia. WHO has been closely following the incident that led to extensive investigations and medical observations. The laboratory assistant's death raised concerns about a possible pneumonic plague infection. Authorities reported no high-threat pathogens…

The Economic Times · Oct 7

Russian lab worker's death sparks plague fears as unverified claims spread online

The death of a 28-year-old Russian lab worker at Siberia's Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute has sparked online panic about a "plague, despite the WHO assessing the public health risk in Russia as low. Unverified claims about how the worker became ill, including a laboratory accident involving a test tube, are…

France 24 · Oct 6

Trump says US will help Russia after plague lab worker dies in Siberia

President Donald Trump expressed concern over a recent incident in Siberia where a laboratory worker died. Russian authorities confirmed the situation was under control, although many public health fears arose. Trump mentioned that the US is willing to help Russia with the outbreak. He emphasized cooperation with Russian President Vladimir…

The Economic Times · Oct 6

A Russian Scientist Reportedly Died After Being Exposed To Plague. Hundreds Are Under Observation.

Russia's public health watchdog said on Sunday that the employee died after being diagnosed with "pneumonia of unknown etiology."

International Business Times · Oct 5

King County Flu ER Visits Jumped to 233 in One September Week, Up From 31 a Year Earlier

King County logged 233 flu-related ER visits in the week ending Sept. 19, up from 31 a year earlier, as Washington's flu season starts early.

Medical Daily · Oct 5

Heat Advisory Extended Through Wednesday for Inland San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties with Highs Near 103

A heat advisory for inland SLO and Santa Barbara counties now runs through Wednesday, with highs near 103. Learn heat illness warning signs and how to stay safe.

Medical Daily · Oct 4