DISEASE

May 08 2026HEALTH

Tracking a Silent Threat After a Cruise Ship Outbreak

Health teams across multiple countries are racing to find passengers who left a cruise ship before anyone realized it carried a deadly hantavirus. The first death linked to the virus happened in early May, but officials now suspect the infection may have started much earlier. One key clue points to

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May 07 2026HEALTH

Measles cases rise in Pennsylvania as health experts push for vaccination

Health teams in Pennsylvania are tracking a measles outbreak that started in Lebanon County, where 11 people have tested positive so far. Most of those infected hadn’t received their shots. Three people ended up in the hospital, though all have recovered now and no one is currently spreading the vir

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May 06 2026HEALTH

Rising Outbreaks, Rising Risks: How COVID‑19 Heightened Violence Against Women and Girls

Recent global health crises, driven by climate change, rapid city growth, and shifting landscapes, have forced governments to take emergency actions that can unintentionally raise the danger of violence toward women and girls. A comprehensive review examined how any outbreak, especially COVID‑19, ha

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May 06 2026HEALTH

Heart Health Lessons from a Beloved TV Actor

Nicholas Brendon, known for his role on the popular series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died at 54. An Indiana coroner released a report that explains what happened. The cause was natural, linked to heart disease. The investigation showed Brendon had severe blockage in his right coronary artery—about

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May 06 2026HEALTH

Early signs of West Nile in Bay Area birds

Two dead crows in Northern California have raised alarms about West Nile virus returning for the season. Found in Newark and San Jose, these birds were part of routine tracking efforts that often spot the virus before it affects people. The disease isn’t new to California—it’s been circulating for

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May 06 2026HEALTH

Health risks you should know before booking a cruise

Cruise ships pack thousands of people into tight spaces for days or weeks. That setup makes it easy for germs to travel from person to person. Buffets, shared surfaces, and recycled air all help viruses and bacteria spread faster than they would on land. When a ship stops in tropical ports, passenge

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May 06 2026HEALTH

Can a DNA shot keep Chagas away?

Scientists keep asking if a DNA vaccine could stop Chagas disease, a sneaky illness spread by tiny bugs called kissing bugs. The disease drags on for years, quietly damaging hearts and other organs. Right now, the only medicines available don’t always work and can have tough side effects. Researche

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May 05 2026HEALTH

Early Tests Cut Costs and Save Lives

A Boston meeting brought together doctors, scientists, and business leaders to talk about new ways to spot illnesses early. The group highlighted technologies that can find cancer, Alzheimer’s and other diseases before symptoms appear. One of the main ideas is that early detection can lower lo

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May 04 2026HEALTH

A Cruise Ship Outbreak: What We Know About Hantavirus

The cruise ship that once promised adventure now faces a frightening health crisis. A virus called hantavirus is believed to be the culprit behind three deaths and several illnesses on board. Hantaviruses have a long history, with records of outbreaks in Asia and Europe that caused severe fever a

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May 04 2026SCIENCE

Inclusive Data for Rare Diseases: Why It Matters

Rare diseases touch only a few people, often in far‑off places. Researchers gather data from many sites to study these conditions, but the way they collect personal details can leave out key groups. The study looked at how often researchers ask about factors like where people live, their race or c

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