The Latest Breaking News from Public Health

Ebola Kills One Person Every 30 Minutes as Congo Faces Fastest-Growing Outbreak in History

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing its deadliest Ebola outbreak, with over 2,325 deaths and nearly 5,000 infections, driven by the Bundibugyo strain, lacking approved vaccines or treatments.

International Business Times UK · Aug 17

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo now deadliest ever

The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo is now the deadliest in the country's history, according to the latest government data, with 2,235 reported killed from the virus. Confirmed cases have risen to 4,945, including 101 new cases detected in the last 24 hours, Congo's public health institute said.

France 24 · Aug 17

Obesity rises sharply as French Polynesia faces chronic health challenges

French Polynesia is facing growing public health pressures as rising rates of chronic disease combine with an ageing population and changing lifestyles. More than half of adult residents are now considered obese.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 16

Fiji’s HIV outbreak is a public health emergency. Pacific neighbours must step up

Delegates attending the Pacific HIV Symposium in Fiji next week will be confronting one of the region’s most urgent health challenges: the fastest growing HIV outbreak in the world.

The Conversation · Aug 14

592 California Workers Who Cut Quartz Countertops Developed an Incurable Lung Disease, and 65 Have Received Lung Transplants

California confirmed 592 silicosis cases among engineered stone countertop workers since 2019, including 65 lung transplants and 31 deaths.

Medical Daily · Aug 13

Trump’s vaccine overhaul could bring more shots, higher costs for US families

President Donald Trump's vaccine plan faces significant financial and logistical hurdles. Drugmakers must develop new manufacturing processes and conduct extensive clinical studies. Separating vaccines could lead to more appointments and increased costs for families. Public health experts question the scientific basis for the proposed changes. States retain authority to mandate…

The Economic Times · Aug 13

A Salmonella Outbreak in Peppers Is Now Pulling Chicken Wraps and Burritos from Shelves Through a Second Federal Agency

USDA issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products made with jalapeños that were recalled by a different federal agency.

Medical Daily · Aug 13

California bans paraquat, highly toxic herbicide outlawed in more than 70 countries

State is US’s largest user of pesticide that is virtually proven to cause Parkinson’s disease

The Guardian - US · Aug 13

Trump's vaccine plan would require millions of individual shots last used decades ago

The biggest obstacles to President Donald Trump’s order on vaccines may be the logistical challenges it poses for U.S. parents, health providers and drugmakers

The Independent UK · Aug 13

Marine heatwaves a growing threat to physical, mental health of humans: Researchers

Marine heatwaves are having a growing impact on human health in multiple ways. These extreme temperatures can exacerbate storms and raise concerns regarding the availability and safety of seafood. With declining fish populations, billions face threats to food security. Coastal communities grapple with emotional distress from the loss of marine…

The Economic Times · Aug 13