Category: Emerging Infectious Diseases
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
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
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
Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak Grows to 13 Confirmed Cases
The World Health Organization reports that the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has grown to 13 confirmed cases following identification of a new case in Spain among quarantined passengers. Three deaths have been associated with the outbreak, though no additional fatalities have been reported since early May. Health officials say the […]
May 27, 2026
Questions Raised Over U.S. Ebola Screening Procedures for Travelers From Uganda
A recent traveler returning to the United States from Uganda reported encountering no visible Ebola screening measures upon arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport despite newly announced restrictions and enhanced health screening protocols related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. The traveler had been staying in western Uganda, away from the outbreak’s epicenter […]
May 27, 2026
Evacuated U.S. Doctor Describes Fear and Frustration Amid Congo Ebola Outbreak
An American missionary physician evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo after possible Ebola exposure says he feels helpless watching colleagues remain on the front lines as the outbreak worsens. Patrick LaRochelle, now under observation in a specialized hospital unit in Prague, said the outbreak became clear only after reports of patients rapidly dying from […]
May 27, 2026
