Timely and relevant global health security news curated by GCHS
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Featured Headlines
- How two top FDA officials are quietly upending vaccine regulationsSTAT As Tracy Beth Høeg and Vinay Prasad seek to restore public trust, some fear they will undermine public health instead. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he does not want to take vaccines away from Americans. But at a closed-door meeting of Food and Drug Administration vaccine scientists in September, a top… Read more: How two top FDA officials are quietly upending vaccine regulations
- RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Group to Revisit Childhood Shots, Hepatitis BBloomberg The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s key vaccine panel will reconvene in December to again weigh changes to the long-standing childhood immunization schedule. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, will meet on Dec. 4 and 5, according to a Federal Register notice posted on Wednesday. The panel will discuss vaccine safety, the childhood… Read more: RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Group to Revisit Childhood Shots, Hepatitis B
- US vaccine panel may vote on hepatitis B shots in DecemberRetuers The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet on December 4 and 5, and could vote on policy concerning shots for hepatitis B, a Federal Register notice from the agency showed on Wednesday. The members of the panel, selected by health secretary and vaccine skeptic Robert F.… Read more: US vaccine panel may vote on hepatitis B shots in December
- CDC’s Vaccine Panel May Change Recommendations on Hep B Shot Next MonthMedPageToday Other agenda items for December meeting include the childhood immunization schedule. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet Dec. 4 and 5, according to a Federal Register notice that indicates that recommendation votes may be scheduled for hepatitis B vaccines. Other items on the agenda include the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule and… Read more: CDC’s Vaccine Panel May Change Recommendations on Hep B Shot Next Month
- With an absent CDC and mismatched ‘subclade K’ flu strain, experts face upcoming season with uncertaintyCIDRAP Earlier this month, a group of Canadian researchers published early influenza data for the 2025-26 season, issuing a warning: There has been an observed mismatch with the seasonal influenza vaccine strain and what is emerging as the dominant flu strain this season, H3N2 subclade K. Based on early reports from Japan and the United… Read more: With an absent CDC and mismatched ‘subclade K’ flu strain, experts face upcoming season with uncertainty
Updates on ongoing disease outbreaks
- Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsGermany’s bird flu cases at three-year high with ‘no relief in sight’ Reuters Germany has already recorded in 2025 its highest number of bird flu outbreaks in three years and there is no relief in sight, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute for Animal Diseases said, as Europe witnessed a sharp resurgence of the deadly disease. The spread of… Read more: Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals
- ‘Bird flu means rare breeds will disappear’BBC A farmer has said she no longer breeds rare chicks due to more frequent outbreaks of bird flu. North Yorkshire has seen four confirmed cases of avian influenza in recent weeks, with a mandatory housing order now in place across England. Angela Serino, who runs Beetle Bank Farm on the outskirts of York, has… Read more: ‘Bird flu means rare breeds will disappear’
- Symptom-free H5N1 infection in humans: Evidence remains scarceMedical Express Researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified a few instances of asymptomatic human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. Widespread in wild birds worldwide, H5N1 has been causing outbreaks in poultry for several years. Recent “egg-flation” price increases for eggs in the US were largely due to a… Read more: Symptom-free H5N1 infection in humans: Evidence remains scarce
- Bird flu detected in West Michigan poultry flockMLive Bird flu has been detected in a flock of Allegan County poultry. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) detected the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus during an investigation, per a state press release. The exact location of the flock was not disclosed. This is the second case in poultry found in… Read more: Bird flu detected in West Michigan poultry flock
- All the Ostriches Must DieThe Atlantic How the plight of a few hundred birds in Canada became an all-out fight for freedom. he police came at dawn. Karen Espersen watched them drive into the valley: more than 40 cruisers in a line. They were on a mission from the government. All of her ostriches must die. Karen and her business… Read more: All the Ostriches Must Die
- Bird flu outbreak confirmed near Northern Ireland borderBBC A new outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland, close to the border with Northern Ireland. The Republic’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, says the further outbreak of avian influenza has been found in a commercial turkey flock near Clontibret, County Monaghan. Clontibret is… Read more: Bird flu outbreak confirmed near Northern Ireland border
- COVID-19 Vaccination Reduces Risk for Multiple Infections in Children With Atopic DermatitisInfectious Disease Advisor For children with atopic dermatitis (AD), COVID-19 mRNA vaccination is associated with a reduced incidence of multiple infections and allergic complications, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, held from Nov. 6… Read more: COVID-19 Vaccination Reduces Risk for Multiple Infections in Children With Atopic Dermatitis
- Scientists reveal another piece in the long COVID puzzleMedical Express In patients with long COVID, a new study has revealed a structural association between circulating microclots and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This finding suggests the existence of underlying physiological interactions between microclots and NETS that, when dysregulated, may become pathogenic. The work is published in the Journal… Read more: Scientists reveal another piece in the long COVID puzzle
- How long does covid booster protection last? A new study offers answers.Washington Post After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shifted its coronavirus vaccine guidance from a near-universal recommendation to a more limited approach, many readers asked what has changed in the science to warrant the change. Some wondered how effective boosters really are and whether they should… Read more: How long does covid booster protection last? A new study offers answers.
- Is Covid During Pregnancy Linked to Autism? What a New Study Shows, and What It Doesn’tKFF A large study from Massachusetts has found that babies whose mothers had covid-19 while pregnant were slightly more likely to have a range of neurodevelopmental diagnoses by age 3. Most of these children had speech or motor delays, and the link was strongest in boys and when… Read more: Is Covid During Pregnancy Linked to Autism? What a New Study Shows, and What It Doesn’t
- COVID Is Beginning to Surge Globally. Here’s What We KnowScientific American SARS-CoV-2 infections have been rising in the past month — global cases increased by more than 19,000 last month compared with the previous month, according to data posted on the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 dashboard. But the real number of infections is much higher… Read more: COVID Is Beginning to Surge Globally. Here’s What We Know
- COVID-19 is spreading again — how serious is it and what are the symptoms?Nature Limited COVID-19 surveillance data are hampering vaccination and health strategies, researchers say.SARS-CoV-2 infections have been rising in the past month — global cases increased by more than 19,000 last month compared with the previous month, according to data posted on the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19… Read more: COVID-19 is spreading again — how serious is it and what are the symptoms?
- Portugal registers 29 mpox cases since AugustAA.com Portuguese health authorities warn of ‘possible intensification of transmission’ Portuguese health authorities on Tuesday said that there have been 29 confirmed mpox cases in the past three months, with 10 reported in August,… Read more: Portugal registers 29 mpox cases since August
- Mpox in Children: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment & Immunization Tips
- South Carolina: DPH Confirms 8 new Measles Cases in Upstate Outbreak, Bringing Outbreak Total to 43SC DPH The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting eight new cases of measles in the state since Friday. The total number of cases in South Carolina now related to the Upstate outbreak is 43, and the total number reported to DPH this year is 46. Six of the eight cases are household members… Read more: South Carolina: DPH Confirms 8 new Measles Cases in Upstate Outbreak, Bringing Outbreak Total to 43
- The Americas have lost their measles elimination statusCBC We’re wrapping up our live updates for the moment on Canada’s loss of its measles elimination status. The announcement didn’t come as a surprise to many, but health officials and experts say it is a setback in terms of Canada’s reputation and standing for public health globally. It also shows how there are gaps… Read more: The Americas have lost their measles elimination status
- Nevada: 20 new measles cases reported since Oct. 30th8 News Now Measles cases continue to climb in the area around Colorado City, Arizona, now at a total of 158. The region on the Arizona-Utah border is just 160 miles east of Las Vegas. Cases have increased steadily in the border towns of Hildale in Kane County, Utah, and Colorado City, which is in… Read more: Nevada: 20 new measles cases reported since Oct. 30th
- Central Asia is a hot spot for measles – WHO dataeurasia.net Vaccine hesitancy produces a predictable rise in infection rates. Central Asian states have some of the highest rates in the world for the preventable disease of measles, according to fresh data published by the World Health Organization. Over the past 12 months, Kyrgyzstan has sported the world’s highest rate of measles cases with 1,392 per 1 million… Read more: Central Asia is a hot spot for measles – WHO data
Emerging Infectious Disease Headlines
- Whooping cough cases skyrocket in Texas, quadrupling last year’s numbersABC News Texas is currently seeing four times the number of whooping cough cases compared to the same time last year, the state’s health department said in a health alert. The… Read more: Whooping cough cases skyrocket in Texas, quadrupling last year’s numbers
- Hand, foot and mouth disease on rise in certain areas: Doctor explains symptoms, treatmentABC News Health officials in the mid-Atlantic region have recently reported a rise in hand, foot and mouth disease, or HFMD. There were 197 emergency department visits related to the… Read more: Hand, foot and mouth disease on rise in certain areas: Doctor explains symptoms, treatment
- 2 cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported at Cincinnati hospitalFox News Local and state health departments are testing the water at The Christ Hospital’s main campus after two people were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. The Christ Hospital Health Network… Read more: 2 cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported at Cincinnati hospital
- Covid and Flu Can Triple Your Risk of Heart AttackNYT A new analysis adds to the research about the link between viral infections and heart disease. A number of viral infections, including flu, Covid-19 and shingles, are linked to… Read more: Covid and Flu Can Triple Your Risk of Heart Attack
- Diphtheria, a Once Vanquished Killer of Children, Is ResurgentNYT A Somali hospital ward packed with gasping children shows how war, climate and mistrust of vaccines is fueling the disease’s return. Qurraisha Mukhtar’s two youngest children fell sick in… Read more: Diphtheria, a Once Vanquished Killer of Children, Is Resurgent
- Germany: Pet Rat Breeding Facility Linked to Rare Viral OutbreakWild Science A 44-year-old woman in central Germany nearly died from a virus most people have never heard of, transmitted by creatures increasingly found in living rooms across the country:… Read more: Germany: Pet Rat Breeding Facility Linked to Rare Viral Outbreak
Read more Emerging Infectious Diseases
- First scientific evidence of Black Death in Edinburgh found on skeletonBBC The first scientific evidence of the Black Death in Edinburgh has been discovered on the remains of a teenage boy who died in the 14th Century. Plaque on the child’s teeth has been found… Read more: First scientific evidence of Black Death in Edinburgh found on skeleton
- The Editor Got a Letter From ‘Dr. B.S.’ So Did a Lot of Other Editors.NYT The rise of artificial intelligence has produced serial writers to science and medical journals, most likely using chatbots to boost the number of citations they’ve published. Letters to the editor from writers using chatbots… Read more: The Editor Got a Letter From ‘Dr. B.S.’ So Did a Lot of Other Editors.
- Long COVID Linked to Development of Cardiovascular DiseaseInfectious Disease Advisor The presence of long COVID symptoms after infection with SARS-CoV-2 is strongly associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in United States adults, according to study results presented at IDWeek 2025, held from… Read more: Long COVID Linked to Development of Cardiovascular Disease
- I’m a physician who went to the anti-vaccine movement’s biggest gathering. More of my colleagues should tooSTAT As I stepped into line to pick up my badge for the Children’s Health Defense (CHD) conference last weekend in Austin, Texas, a gregarious man approached holding two tall plastic tubes he said… Read more: I’m a physician who went to the anti-vaccine movement’s biggest gathering. More of my colleagues should too
- Common-Cold Coronavirus Could be the Key to a Better COVID-19 VaccineCornell Medicine Prior exposure to coronaviruses that cause ordinary colds can boost the immune system’s ability to attack a vulnerable site on the COVID-19-causing coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, according to a study led by investigators at… Read more: Common-Cold Coronavirus Could be the Key to a Better COVID-19 Vaccine
- How conspiracy theories infiltrated the doctor’s officeWired Every day, physicians and therapists work to keep their patients safe. Medical rumors, misinformation, and an online web of disreputable sources aren’t making their jobs any easier. As anyone who has googled their symptoms and convinced themselves that they’ve… Read more: How conspiracy theories infiltrated the doctor’s office
- How to Spot Medical Misinformation on Social Media and Determine What’s TrustworthyHealthline Always fact-check health claims and trends on social media with what trustworthy sources are saying on the topic. Medical misinformation can have dangerous effects for you and others. Because health content on social media is typically delivered in a… Read more: How to Spot Medical Misinformation on Social Media and Determine What’s Trustworthy
- When Covid-19 took hold, cruise ship operators struggled to stay afloat. One option was to scrap older vessels – giving one photographer a unique perspective.BBC As Covid-19 spread at the start of 2020, the modern, globalized economy began to shudder to a halt. Shops shut their doors. Factory production lines grew silent. The world’s vast armada of airliners stayed stationary in quiet airports – at least… Read more: When Covid-19 took hold, cruise ship operators struggled to stay afloat. One option was to scrap older vessels – giving one photographer a unique perspective.
- Covid 2020: Where cruise ships went to dieBBC When Covid-19 took hold, cruise ship operators struggled to stay afloat. One option was to scrap older vessels – giving one photographer a unique perspective. As Covid-19 spread at the start of 2020, the modern, globalised economy began to… Read more: Covid 2020: Where cruise ships went to die
Interesting and Sometimes Funny
- Northern Lights Illuminate Skies Above North America
NYT The northern lights could be seen in skies as far south as Texas late Tuesday and early Wednesday after the sun emitted masses of charged particles that disrupted the Earth’s magnetic field — and created a dazzling display.