Timely and relevant global health security news curated by GCHS
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Featured Headlines
- CDC says measles cases are most likely underreported as outbreak swells in TexasNBC News The leader of the CDC’s measles team said the agency was “scraping” to find resources to address an outbreak in the Southwest. Measles cases are most likely being underreported in the United States as public health officials scramble to find resources to address a ballooning outbreak in the Southwest, according to a senior… Read more: CDC says measles cases are most likely underreported as outbreak swells in Texas
- Texas says measles cases rise further, CDC sends more helpReuters The Texas health department reported 561 cases of measles in the state on Tuesday, an increase of 20 from April 11, as the U.S. government said it was sending seven people to the state to help battle the outbreak of the childhood disease. Cases in Gaines County, the center of the outbreak, rose to… Read more: Texas says measles cases rise further, CDC sends more help
- Measles is spreading. Here’s how to stay safe.Washington Post As measles spreads in the United States, we unpack how to stay safe – and why public health experts are so concerned by the confusing, contradictory federal response. The United States is experiencing a rise in measles, the most contagious virus in the world. Many of us have questions: Is my child protected?… Read more: Measles is spreading. Here’s how to stay safe.
- US measles cases are undercounted, experts say, but real numbers are proving hard to pin downCNN During a Cabinet meeting last week, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplayed what is now the second-worst measles outbreak in the US since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Kennedy has claimed repeatedly that measles cases have “plateaued,” despite contradictory data from his own agencies. On Tuesday, the… Read more: US measles cases are undercounted, experts say, but real numbers are proving hard to pin down
Updates on ongoing disease outbreaks
- How bird flu differs from seasonal flu − an infectious disease researcher explainsThe Conversation The flu sickens millions of people in the U.S. every year, and the past year has been particularly tough. Although infections are trending downward, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called the winter of 2024-2025 a “high severity” season with the highest hospitalization rate in 15 years. Since early 2024, a different kind of… Read more: How bird flu differs from seasonal flu − an infectious disease researcher explains
- Why cats are so vulnerable to H5N1 bird fluSTAT In 2024, as zoos were hit hard by H5N1 bird flu, big cats were particularly affected: tigers, lions, a cheetah, and a panther all died after being infected with the same virus that has caused egg prices to skyrocket. House cats are vulnerable to H5N1, too, as Meghan F. Davis, a veterinarian and epidemiologist with… Read more: Why cats are so vulnerable to H5N1 bird flu
- H5N1: 70 Human Cases in the US as of April 2025Contagion Live As of April 2025, the CDC has reported 70 confirmed and probable human cases of H5N1 avian influenza since the outbreak began in 2024 in the United States. The majority of these cases have been linked to exposure through commercial agricultural settings, with 41 individuals exposed through infected dairy herds and 24 associated with poultry… Read more: H5N1: 70 Human Cases in the US as of April 2025
- A new COVID variant is on the rise. Here’s what to know about LP.8.1The Conversation More than five years since COVID was declared a pandemic, we’re still facing the regular emergence of new variants of the virus, SARS-CoV-2. The latest variant on the rise is LP.8.1. It’s increasing in Australia, making up close to one in five COVID cases in New South Wales.… Read more: A new COVID variant is on the rise. Here’s what to know about LP.8.1
- Is Covid Rewriting the Rules of Aging? Brain Decline Alarms DoctorsWSJ Millions of long-Covid patients continue to struggle with cognitive difficulties. Five years after the pandemic’s start, millions of Americans are still struggling with long-lasting symptoms of Covid-19. Cognitive difficulties are among the most troubling and common symptoms in people both old and young. These ailments can be… Read more: Is Covid Rewriting the Rules of Aging? Brain Decline Alarms Doctors
- CDC says measles cases are most likely underreported as outbreak swells in TexasNBC News The leader of the CDC’s measles team said the agency was “scraping” to find resources to address an outbreak in the Southwest. Measles cases are most likely being underreported in the United States as public health officials scramble to find resources to address a ballooning outbreak in the Southwest, according to a senior… Read more: CDC says measles cases are most likely underreported as outbreak swells in Texas
- Texas says measles cases rise further, CDC sends more helpReuters The Texas health department reported 561 cases of measles in the state on Tuesday, an increase of 20 from April 11, as the U.S. government said it was sending seven people to the state to help battle the outbreak of the childhood disease. Cases in Gaines County, the center of the outbreak, rose to… Read more: Texas says measles cases rise further, CDC sends more help
- Measles is spreading. Here’s how to stay safe.Washington Post As measles spreads in the United States, we unpack how to stay safe – and why public health experts are so concerned by the confusing, contradictory federal response. The United States is experiencing a rise in measles, the most contagious virus in the world. Many of us have questions: Is my child protected?… Read more: Measles is spreading. Here’s how to stay safe.
- US measles cases are undercounted, experts say, but real numbers are proving hard to pin downCNN During a Cabinet meeting last week, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplayed what is now the second-worst measles outbreak in the US since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Kennedy has claimed repeatedly that measles cases have “plateaued,” despite contradictory data from his own agencies. On Tuesday, the… Read more: US measles cases are undercounted, experts say, but real numbers are proving hard to pin down
- Mpox testing gaps raise risk of cross-border spreadThe Independent Foreign aid cuts could result in a major outbreak of mpox across the African continent and beyond, with virus control measures already disrupted, public health experts warn. Mpox testing and monitoring efforts… Read more: Mpox testing gaps raise risk of cross-border spread
- New ‘surprising’ case of mpox variant clade lb detected in EnglandRetuers Britain’s health security agency said on Monday another case of the mpox variant clade lb had been detected in England in a person who had no reported travel history or link with previously… Read more: New ‘surprising’ case of mpox variant clade lb detected in England
Emerging Infectious Disease Headlines
- Oregon health officials investigate rare brain disease blamed for two deathsLos Angeles Times Health officials in Hood River County, Ore., are investigating three cases of a rare and fatal brain disease known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Two people have died and… Read more: Oregon health officials investigate rare brain disease blamed for two deaths
- Ex-Foreign Minister Publishes Liberia’s First Insider Ebola AccountMSN In a powerful moment of national remembrance and literary pride, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf joined government officials, survivors, and dignitaries at the National Museum to launch “Stepping Up… Read more: Ex-Foreign Minister Publishes Liberia’s First Insider Ebola Account
- Could polio be poised for a comeback?NPR The world is so close to wiping out polio. But in 2025, there are signs that the virus is not quite ready to go the way of smallpox —… Read more: Could polio be poised for a comeback?
- WHO member states agree to landmark accord on future pandemic responsesFrance 24 Countries united under the World Health Organization on Wednesday agreed to a milestone accord on how to respond to future pandemics and avoid repeating the mistakes made during… Read more: WHO member states agree to landmark accord on future pandemic responses
- A mysterious pathogen: Oropouche virus more common in Latin America than previously thought
Charite Like the dengue and Zika viruses, Oropouche virus causes a febrile illness. There are recent indications that infections during pregnancy can cause damage to unborn babies. Researchers at Charité… Read more: A mysterious pathogen: Oropouche virus more common in Latin America than previously thought - Lassa fever outbreak worsens, death toll rises to 127Daily Post The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a continued rise in Lassa fever cases, with 15 new confirmed infections and five additional deaths recorded… Read more: Lassa fever outbreak worsens, death toll rises to 127
Read more Emerging Infectious Diseases
- A New UV Light May Help Stop Future PandemicsInfectious Disease Advisor Five years after COVID-19 first hit the United States, scientists are already brainstorming how to stop the next big virus. One possible solution? A special kind of ultraviolet light called far-UVC, CBS News reported.… Read more: A New UV Light May Help Stop Future Pandemics
- Scientists hope far-UVC light could help stop the next airborne pandemic before it startsCBS News Five years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic first swept across the U.S., infecting millions and claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. Scientists are already concerned about the next airborne threat, but in the future, a powerful new… Read more: Scientists hope far-UVC light could help stop the next airborne pandemic before it starts
- Fast Detection of Airborne Bird Flu with New BiosensorAg Connection Washington University researchers have introduced a groundbreaking biosensor that detects airborne H5N1 bird flu in under five minutes. Developed in the Chakrabarty lab, this device marks a significant advancement in monitoring pathogens that… Read more: Fast Detection of Airborne Bird Flu with New Biosensor
- Antiviral drug ensitrelvir shows promise in preventing household COVID spreadCIDRAP People who started taking the antiviral drug ensitrelvir within 72 hours after a household member tested positive for COVID-19 were significantly less likely to be infected, according to results from an international phase 3… Read more: Antiviral drug ensitrelvir shows promise in preventing household COVID spread
- What We Know About Covid’s Impact on Your BrainBloomberg Scientists worry that persistent cognitive issues caused by Covid signal that a surge in dementia cases and other mental conditions is on the horizon. Five years after the pandemic began, researchers are increasingly recognizing the… Read more: What We Know About Covid’s Impact on Your Brain
- Women have a higher risk for long covid. Estrogen may play a role.Washington Post A new study shows non-menopausal women between the ages of 40 and 54 had a significantly higher risk of developing long covid than men. Women have a higher risk of developing long covid… Read more: Women have a higher risk for long covid. Estrogen may play a role.
- RFK Jr. plans changes to vaccine injury reporting systemSTAT Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Tuesday that he plans to roll out changes to the vaccine injury monitoring system that would automate and increase data collection as well as look for… Read more: RFK Jr. plans changes to vaccine injury reporting system
- The Many Ways Kennedy Is Already Undermining VaccinesNew York Times The health secretary has chipped away at the idea that immunizing children against measles and other diseases is a public health good. During his Senate confirmation hearings to be health secretary,… Read more: The Many Ways Kennedy Is Already Undermining Vaccines
- Key vaccine committee meets for the first time under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.AP A key vaccine advisory committee met for the first time under new U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading voice in the U.S. anti-vaccine movement. Tuesday’s meeting was, to some extent, business… Read more: Key vaccine committee meets for the first time under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Anti-vaccine advocates battle over narrative in West Texas, downplaying role of measles in deathsTexas Tribune After Daisy Hildebrand died of measles, her death was made public first by Dr. Robert Malone, a vaccine skeptic who blamed the hospital for fumbling her care. Daisy’s father told The Texas Tribune he never to spoke to… Read more: Anti-vaccine advocates battle over narrative in West Texas, downplaying role of measles in deaths
- Measles cases linked to Texas outbreak reach 561, with 20 new infections confirmedUSA Today Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the measles vaccine is “leaky” because its effectiveness wanes over time, something medical experts dispute. Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic who now oversees the nation’s federal health agencies, said the Centers for Disease Control… Read more: Measles cases linked to Texas outbreak reach 561, with 20 new infections confirmed
- Do You Have Your Cootie Shot?The Atlantic The classic kids’ game teaches a lesson about public health that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has failed to learn. A sudden and mysterious outbreak of communicable disease began recently in my apartment building in Manhattan. Three 7-year-olds, a… Read more: Do You Have Your Cootie Shot?
- New Yorkers reflect on COVID-19 impact: reporting anger, isolation, and unexpected growth6 News Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest poll by the Siena College Research Institute reveals that 67% of New Yorkers report either they or a family member contracted the virus, with 37% experiencing it… Read more: New Yorkers reflect on COVID-19 impact: reporting anger, isolation, and unexpected growth
Interesting and Sometimes Funny
- One Simple Hack to Ruin Your Easter
The Atlantic The price of eggs has some online creators suggesting that potatoes are a suitable alternative. Like countless others who have left their hometown to live a sinful, secular life in a fantastic American city, I no longer actively practice Christianity. But a few times a year, my upbringing whispers to me across space… Read more: One Simple Hack to Ruin Your Easter