Latest reporting from the Health desk, in reverse chronological order.
Bottled water is often chosen as a ‘safer’ option, but experts warn it can add significant microplastic exposure compared with tap water. The best choice may depend on local contamination risks—and on whether people can realistically maintain effective filtration.
The World Health Organization said Ethiopia has declared its first Marburg virus disease outbreak over after 42 consecutive days without new confirmed cases, following response efforts spanning surveillance, labs, case management and community engagement.
The American Academy of Pediatrics published its 2026 childhood vaccine schedule after the CDC issued a revised schedule that reduces some universal recommendations. Pediatric leaders say families should follow AAP guidance and discuss concerns with clinicians as influenza remains severe.
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Health officials in Tennessee are investigating an outbreak of histoplasmosis, a fungal respiratory illness often linked to disturbed soil contaminated by bird or bat droppings, after one death and dozens of illnesses were reported across multiple counties.
U.S. regulators are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to a greens supplement powder sold online, with dozens of reported illnesses and a voluntary recall in progress.
The American Academy of Pediatrics published its 2026 immunization schedule, maintaining broad routine vaccine recommendations even as the CDC’s updated schedule reduced some universal recommendations, renewing debate over guidance and public confidence.
Ethiopia has declared the end of its first Marburg virus outbreak after completing the WHO-recommended 42-day period without new confirmed cases, closing an outbreak that began in November 2025 and involved confirmed infections and deaths in the country’s south.
The American Academy of Pediatrics released its 2026 childhood and adolescent vaccine schedule, continuing to recommend immunization against 18 diseases even as the CDC’s updated schedule recommends fewer universally for children. Pediatric leaders say the AAP guidance is based on longstanding evidence and aims to prevent the return of dangerous, vaccine-preventable infections.
Federal officials paused more than 100 CDC-backed public health infrastructure grants worth over $5 billion while reviewing whether spending aligns with administration priorities, according to notices shared by grantees. The episode raised alarms among state health agencies that rely on the multi-year program for workforce and modernization efforts.
The American Academy of Pediatrics released vaccine guidance that diverges from the CDC’s revised schedule, recommending immunizations against more diseases. Separately, doctors warned that more parents are refusing newborn vitamin K shots, a decision linked to higher bleeding risks in early life.
Ethiopia declared the end of its first Marburg virus outbreak after completing the required 42-day period with no new confirmed cases. The outbreak began in November 2025 and caused multiple deaths, including among health workers.
International health authorities are preparing to assess whether uninterrupted measles transmission in the U.S. meets criteria that would end the country’s elimination designation, as outbreaks persist and vaccination gaps widen.