A cruise ship that sailed from Cape Verde to Spain’s Canary Islands was hit by a hantavirus outbreak, leaving 17 Americans still aboard. The vessel, carrying around 150 people, saw two confirmed cases and five suspected ones among its passengers and crew. Three of those infected died, and one remain
Starting next month, Holyoke will stop using poison to control rats on city property. The City Council voted unanimously to ban a group of strong rodenticides called second-generation anticoagulants. The move follows concerns about how these chemicals affect more than just rats—they can harm pets, b
Recent heat waves and prolonged dry spells have pushed more mosquitoes into the state, raising worries about diseases like West Nile. When rains are scarce, storm drains and underground pipes hold leftover water that becomes perfect spots for mosquito babies to grow. Scientists point out that
The U. S. spends over $740 billion yearly dealing with alcohol and drug problems. Yet, in early 2025, two major federal programs got hit hard. One lost most of its staff while the other had hundreds of millions in research grants canceled. These programs used to track addiction trends and fund studi
Violence between people doesn’t just leave bruises—it often leads to early deaths. In Brazil, many families facing this risk get support from a program called Bolsa Família. The big question is: can this cash help actually save lives when someone is hurt by violence? A study looked at whether famil
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
Mexico’s public health system tried something new with the Lose Weight, Gain Life program. It wasn’t just about handing out diet tips. The real goal was to teach people how to build habits that stick—like cooking quick meals or choosing water over soda. Before rolling it out everywhere, officials wa
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has finally cleared fruit‑tasting e‑cigarettes for sale, a first in the country. The decision clears pods from Glas Inc. , a Los Angeles company that employs age‑verification tech to keep young people out. The flavors include mango, blueberry and two menthol op
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
Maine’s bees buzz not only for honey but also for the health of our land. They act like tiny detectives, gathering pollen and nectar that reveal hidden chemicals in soil, water, and air. Because of this role, a beekeeper from Portland who measures dangerous PFAS levels in his own hives sees the urge
