Timely and relevant global health security news curated by GCHS
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Featured Headlines on Hanta Virus
- A dangerous experiment is playing out on a cruise ship with hantavirusScientific American The tragic and fatal outbreak of hantavirus onboard a luxury cruise ship highlights the gaps in research and treatments for the rare and mysterious… Read more: A dangerous experiment is playing out on a cruise ship with hantavirus
- Hantavirus, COVID, norovirus, legionnaires’: why are cruise ships so prone to disease outbreaks?The Conversation Cruises are sold as floating holidays, but they are also useful for understanding public health. Cruise ships are carefully designed places where many people… Read more: Hantavirus, COVID, norovirus, legionnaires’: why are cruise ships so prone to disease outbreaks?
- Spanish passenger on the ‘Hondius’: ‘There are 23 people who got off on Saint Helena and have been wandering around’El Pais Health authorities only began contacting the passengers who left the ship on Tuesday. Twenty‑three passengers from the MV Hondius have been on land for more than two… Read more: Spanish passenger on the ‘Hondius’: ‘There are 23 people who got off on Saint Helena and have been wandering around’
- What is hantavirus? Here’s everything you need to know about how it spreadsNational Geographic Experts explain why the outbreak aboard a Dutch cruise ship is so rare—and how much of a risk it poses. It’s not extraordinary for… Read more: What is hantavirus? Here’s everything you need to know about how it spreads
- Cruise Ship’s Hantavirus Outbreak Could Have Started On Bird-Watching TripForbes Key Background The MV Hondius left Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1 for the Canary Islands off the coast of northwestern Africa, visiting some of the world’s most… Read more: Cruise Ship’s Hantavirus Outbreak Could Have Started On Bird-Watching Trip
- Hantavirus is on the rise in Argentina, where a stricken cruise ship began its journeyLA Times A deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship departing Argentina highlights a broader crisis: The country is experiencing a surge of the rare rodent-borne… Read more: Hantavirus is on the rise in Argentina, where a stricken cruise ship began its journey
- Hantavirus-hit cruise ship to head to Canary Islands as Swiss confirm new caseWashington Post More than 140 people remain on the Hondius, which will take about three days to reach the Spanish archipelago for screening. A local official… Read more: Hantavirus-hit cruise ship to head to Canary Islands as Swiss confirm new case
- A Brutal First for the Cruise IndustryThe Atlantic A hantavirus outbreak is serious and unnerving. Norovirus loves a cruise ship. So did the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. The crowded rooms, stuffy air,… Read more: A Brutal First for the Cruise Industry
- Hantavirus Cruise Ship Remains at Sea as Leaders Clash Over Its DockingNYT Three people with possible symptoms of the disease were evacuated on Wednesday morning from the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius. The passengers of the MV Hondius, in… Read more: Hantavirus Cruise Ship Remains at Sea as Leaders Clash Over Its Docking
- Hantavirus Case in Switzerland Spurs Race to Trace ContactsWSJ Patient fell ill with strain capable of human-to-human transmission after returning from cruise ship. Swiss officials are rushing to trace the contacts of a man… Read more: Hantavirus Case in Switzerland Spurs Race to Trace Contacts
Updates on ongoing disease outbreaks
- UK Leads Global Bird Flu Vaccine TrialMedScape The UK is recruiting 3000 of the 4000 volunteers needed for a major international trial of an mRNA vaccine against bird flu, as experts warn that H5N1 remains a credible pandemic threat. H5 influenza, or avian/bird flu, remains a pandemic threat, experts said. The virus has been circulating in wild birds — and domestic poultry —… Read more: UK Leads Global Bird Flu Vaccine Trial
- How an H5N1 Outbreak in Elephant Seals Can Inform Pandemic ReadinessThe Scientist Regular surveillance and rapid sequencing in coastal wildlife help researchers identify viral mutations and assess their pandemic potential. The first sign that something was wrong came during a survey walk in Año Nuevo State Park, a stretch of beach along the central coast of California. In January 2026, researchers at the University of… Read more: How an H5N1 Outbreak in Elephant Seals Can Inform Pandemic Readiness
- Surge in HPAI infections attributed to wild-bird spilloverAVMA Poultry losses alone surpass 200 million since outbreak started in 2022. The U.S. outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, more specifically avian influenza type A H5N1), is experiencing a resurgence among commercial poultry operations, driven largely by spillover from migrating wild birds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The threat of infection… Read more: Surge in HPAI infections attributed to wild-bird spillover
- Dairy Farms May Transmit H5N1 Virus Through Multiple SourcesMorning Ag Study suggests transmission is not limited to direct contact with contaminated milk. The H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in over 700 herds of dairy cows in California, the largest dairy-producing state in the U.S. A study published May 5th in the open-access journal PLOS Biology led by Seema S. Lakdawala… Read more: Dairy Farms May Transmit H5N1 Virus Through Multiple Sources
- Bats might be the next bird flu wild cardTapInto Vampire bats in Peru show signs of past H5N1 infection. Bats have become the latest mammals susceptible to H5N1, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus responsible for bird flu. In Peru, over a dozen vampire bats have been found carrying H5N1 antibodies, indicating exposure to the virus, researchers report November 11 at bioRxiv.org. The finding… Read more: Bats might be the next bird flu wild card
- AI classifier flags bird flu genomes more likely to spread in mammalsPhys.org A research team from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has developed a machine-learning classifier capable of analyzing the genomes of influenza A viruses (IAVs) to accurately predict their potential risk of transmission among mammals. The team has successfully identified the key clues that may explain cross-species transmission… Read more: AI classifier flags bird flu genomes more likely to spread in mammals
- New research chips away at COVID-19 blood clot mysterCIDRAP Doctors and scientists are still working to understand why COVID-19 can cause fatal damage to so many different organs. A potentially major piece of that puzzle was revealed today in research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitalized patients who weren’t… Read more: New research chips away at COVID-19 blood clot myster
- What happened to Covid?STAT The threat of the virus has clearly subsided, but opinions vary on why and how much of a risk remains. In April 2020, people around the globe were struggling to come to grips with the strictures of unprecedented societal shutdowns aimed at slowing the spread… Read more: What happened to Covid?
INFLUENZA
- Influenza at the human-animal interface summary and assessment, 31 March 2026WHO From 23 January to 31 March 2026, based on reporting date, detections of influenza A(H5N1) in four humans, influenza A(H9N2) in five humans, influenza A(H10N3) in one human, an influenza A(H1N1) variant ((H1N1)v) virus in one human, an influenza A(H1N2)v virus in one human, and influenza A(H3N2)v virus in one human were reported officially.… Read more: Influenza at the human-animal interface summary and assessment, 31 March 2026
- Cancer drug protein target may also help fight influenzaMedical Express A protein already targeted by FDA-approved cancer drugs may also help the body fight influenza, according to new research from The Jackson Laboratory (JAX). Published in Cell Reports, the study found that Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1), a protein best known for helping tumors evade immune attack, instead helped immunocompromised mice clear flu-infected lung cells… Read more: Cancer drug protein target may also help fight influenza
- 8 children have now died from flu in Mass. this seasonBoston.com The child died between the week of Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, the state’s Department of Public Health reported. An eighth Massachusetts child has died from the flu this flu season, state data shows. As of Feb. 28, eight Massachusetts children have died from the influenza, as well as 298 adults, the state’s influenza data… Read more: 8 children have now died from flu in Mass. this season
- DOH detected Mpox in Oahu wastewater sampleHawaii News Now State health officials say mpox has been detected in a wastewater sample on Oahu for the first time. The Hawaii Department of Health said the sample, collected April 13 at a… Read more: DOH detected Mpox in Oahu wastewater sample
- Pasadena urges mpox precautions as cases rise for the viral diseasePasadena Star News The Pasadena Public Health Department on Wednesday, April 29, urged residents to take precautions against mpox and consider vaccination as cases increase in California. Health officials said vaccination remains the best… Read more: Pasadena urges mpox precautions as cases rise for the viral disease
- Will the USA lose its measles elimination status?The Lancet The USA currently faces its largest measles outbreak in decades, with 2280 confirmed cases in 2025 and 910 additional cases reported in just the first 6 weeks of 2026.1 This re-emergence threatens one of the country’s major public health achievements: the elimination of measles in 2000, a feat reached after several years of extensive… Read more: Will the USA lose its measles elimination status?
- CDC warns additional measles cases in US are expected amid upcoming travel seasonABC News With a busy travel season approaching, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that additional measles cases in the U.S. can be expected over the next few months. The agency sent the alert to state and local health departments, reminding them to report measles cases to the CDC within 24 hours and to… Read more: CDC warns additional measles cases in US are expected amid upcoming travel season
- Measles deaths are coming. Doctors are fighting an uphill battle.Washington Post OPINION This November, the Pan American Health Organization will review whether the United States has lost its measles elimination status — a designation held since 2000. As of April 23, 1,792 confirmed cases have been reported across the U.S. Utah is the latest epicenter: nearly 600 cases since last summer. At one to three deaths per… Read more: Measles deaths are coming. Doctors are fighting an uphill battle.
- Utah: Several preschools exposed to measles, cases reach 600News4 Utah New measles exposure locations have been released, including several preschools and elementary schools. Utah has now hit 602 confirmed measles cases during the current outbreak. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Utah now has 602 confirmed measles cases during the current outbreak, which started in June 2025. Southern… Read more: Utah: Several preschools exposed to measles, cases reach 600
Emerging Infectious Disease Headlines
- Rabid beaver attacks 8-year-old boy, other park guests at New Jersey lakeNBC News 4 A beaver that attacked multiple people, including at least one child, at a lake in New Jersey has tested positive for rabies, according to town officials. Police… Read more: Rabid beaver attacks 8-year-old boy, other park guests at New Jersey lake
- A dangerous experiment is playing out on a cruise ship with hantavirusScientific American The tragic and fatal outbreak of hantavirus onboard a luxury cruise ship highlights the gaps in research and treatments for the rare and mysterious infection—including how the virus… Read more: A dangerous experiment is playing out on a cruise ship with hantavirus
- Hantavirus, COVID, norovirus, legionnaires’: why are cruise ships so prone to disease outbreaks?The Conversation Cruises are sold as floating holidays, but they are also useful for understanding public health. Cruise ships are carefully designed places where many people live, eat, relax and… Read more: Hantavirus, COVID, norovirus, legionnaires’: why are cruise ships so prone to disease outbreaks?
- Spanish passenger on the ‘Hondius’: ‘There are 23 people who got off on Saint Helena and have been wandering around’El Pais Health authorities only began contacting the passengers who left the ship on Tuesday. Twenty‑three passengers from the MV Hondius have been on land for more than two weeks. They disembarked on… Read more: Spanish passenger on the ‘Hondius’: ‘There are 23 people who got off on Saint Helena and have been wandering around’
- As RFK Jr. Downplays Rabies, CDC Staff Tells Docs It’s a Daily ThreatMedPage Today Accurate risk assessment can spare patients from costly preventive care. Just a week after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplayed rabies during a Senate hearing based on… Read more: As RFK Jr. Downplays Rabies, CDC Staff Tells Docs It’s a Daily Threat
- Cruise Ship’s Hantavirus Outbreak Could Have Started On Bird-Watching TripForbes Key Background The MV Hondius left Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1 for the Canary Islands off the coast of northwestern Africa, visiting some of the world’s most remote islands along the… Read more: Cruise Ship’s Hantavirus Outbreak Could Have Started On Bird-Watching Trip
Read more Emerging Infectious Diseases
- What you eat for lunch could influence your immune system just hours laterScientific American Our food choices could play an important, short-term role in how our bodies respond to infections, new research suggests. “Starve a cold, feed a fever” is a myth—but according to new research, the timing… Read more: What you eat for lunch could influence your immune system just hours later
- ‘Truly transformative’ new diagnostic tools can help end tuberculosisUN TB is caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs. Every day, over 3,300 people die from the disease, with Southeast Asia accounting for nearly 40 per cent of deaths. Yet it is both preventable and treatable, including by using the antibiotic rifampicin. WHO has issued new guidelines on testing,… Read more: ‘Truly transformative’ new diagnostic tools can help end tuberculosis
- Long-term brain effects of COVID-19 vs. flu: Study reveals key differencesMedical Express Even a mild case of COVID-19 or the flu can impact the body long after the fever and cough fade, according to new Tulane University research that may help explain why some people… Read more: Long-term brain effects of COVID-19 vs. flu: Study reveals key differences
- CDC delay of infant hepatitis B shot likely to raise infections, studies showWashington Post Federal vaccine advisers to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voted in December to recommend delaying the first shot until at least two months of age for infants born to mothers who… Read more: CDC delay of infant hepatitis B shot likely to raise infections, studies show
- US Faces $7.8 Billion Measles Risk as Vaccination Rates Decline, Study FindsBloomberg A sustained drop in childhood vaccinations could cost the US about $7.8 billion in measles outbreaks over five years, a new study found. The warning comes as vaccine policy and public confidence face fresh pressure… Read more: US Faces $7.8 Billion Measles Risk as Vaccination Rates Decline, Study Finds
- Large language models and misinformationThe Lancet The barrage of misinformation in the field of health care is persistent and growing. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) in health care has expedited the increase in misinformation, and LLMs are susceptible to false… Read more: Large language models and misinformation
- Where people get their news influences their beliefs about vaccinesJohns Hopkins University New survey finds significant link between ‘new right’ outlets and vaccine hesitancy. People who follow “new right” media outlets are more than twice as likely to be vaccine-hesitant compared to those who never engage with those outlets,… Read more: Where people get their news influences their beliefs about vaccines
- New Zealand Covid response among world’s best but ‘scars’ remain, inquiry findsThe Guardian Royal commission says response led by Jacinda Ardern was broadly ‘appropriate’, in a wide-ranging report featuring recommendations for future pandemics. A royal commission into New Zealand’s Covid response has found it was one of the best in the… Read more: New Zealand Covid response among world’s best but ‘scars’ remain, inquiry finds
- The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its ReturnThink Global Health A former special advisor to the WHO director general outlines arenas that could strengthen global health regardless of a U.S. withdrawal. On Thursday, the required one-year notice period will pass since the United States declared its intention to leave the World… Read more: The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return
Interesting and Sometimes Funny
- Are military dolphins working in the Strait of Hormuz? Probably not, but they have been part of the US Navy for decades
CNN With concerns about Iran laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was asked Tuesday whether Iran might turn to dolphins to help confront the US Navy. He said that he could “confirm” that Iran didn’t have dolphins to deploy as part of operations but said he would neither “confirm or… Read more: Are military dolphins working in the Strait of Hormuz? Probably not, but they have been part of the US Navy for decades