Author: Claudinne Miller
Octopuses Are Punching Lazy Fish During Team Hunts
New research from the Red Sea reveals that octopuses may have a surprisingly sophisticated social side — including the tendency to punch fish that aren’t pulling their weight during cooperative hunts. Scientists observed octopuses teaming up with multiple fish species to locate hidden prey, with helpful fish scouting crevices and signaling where food was hiding. […]
May 27, 2026
Dengue Cases in the U.S. Reach Record High as Transmission Risk Grows
New CDC data show a sharp rise in dengue cases across the United States, with nearly 4,000 reported infections in 2024—a 359% increase and the highest number ever recorded. Most cases were linked to international travel, but health officials warn that the risk of local mosquito-borne transmission is increasing. Dengue, sometimes called “breakbone fever” because […]
May 27, 2026
Lilly Expands Infectious Disease Research Through Three Vaccine-Focused Acquisitions
Eli Lilly announced plans to acquire three biotechnology companies—Curevo, LimmaTech Biologics, and Vaccine Company—to strengthen its infectious disease and vaccine development portfolio. The acquisitions focus on preventing viral and bacterial infections linked to long-term health complications such as neurological disease, cancer, infertility, and antimicrobial resistance. Key programs include an improved shingles vaccine with fewer side […]
May 27, 2026
Wisconsin Health Officials Urge Mpox Precautions Following New Cases
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is encouraging residents to take preventive measures against mpox after new cases were confirmed in southeastern and northern parts of the state. Mpox is a viral illness spread through close personal contact, including prolonged face-to-face interaction, skin-to-skin contact, and exposure to contaminated materials. Symptoms commonly include a rash with […]
May 27, 2026
Japan Reports Rising Measles Cases as Imported Infections Increase
Japan has reported nearly 500 measles cases so far this year, approaching levels last seen during the country’s largest outbreak in the past decade in 2019. Health officials say most infections are linked to viruses brought into the country by international travelers, despite Japan having previously achieved measles elimination status in 2015. Measles, a highly […]
May 27, 2026
Utah Measles Outbreak Threatens Infants and Other Vulnerable Groups
A growing measles outbreak in Utah has infected more than 670 people, including infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals who are either too young or medically unable to receive vaccination. Health officials report that at least 23 babies under age one and 12 pregnant women have been infected, with one case involving transmission from mother […]
May 27, 2026
Massive Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh Kills Hundreds of Children
A severe measles outbreak in Bangladesh has caused more than 60,000 suspected cases and over 500 suspected deaths since mid-March, primarily affecting children under age five. Health officials and aid organizations warn that the crisis is overwhelming hospitals and receiving far less international attention than other recent outbreaks. Many children are developing severe complications, including […]
May 27, 2026
Vietnam Destroys Thousands of Poultry Following H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreaks
Authorities in Dien Bien province, Vietnam, have culled approximately 5,000 poultry after two outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 were confirmed in Thanh Yen Commune during May. The first outbreak affected a flock of 1,500 ducks, while a second outbreak involved 3,500 chickens and ducks at a nearby household. In response, local officials suspended […]
May 27, 2026
Experts Answer Key Questions About the Growing Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa
A Texas State University microbiology and virology specialist outlined key concerns surrounding the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, which involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Unlike more common Ebola strains, Bundibugyo currently has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment, complicating containment efforts as cases and deaths continue […]
May 27, 2026
Cruise Ship Undergoes Additional Cleaning Following Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak
The MV Hondius cruise ship, linked to a hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in 12 confirmed cases and three deaths, is undergoing additional cleaning and disinfection measures in Rotterdam before it can return to service. Dutch health authorities requested the extra sanitation work following inspections of the vessel, though officials have not specified the reason […]
May 27, 2026
