Jonathan Reed Health Editor

Naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) queens produce a chemical that prevents other females in their colony from reproducing. A study published today in Nature suggests that this compound maintains a strict social structure that is dominated by one queen, even when the animal is not present. The chemical’s odour alters the production of hormones in other … Read more

Michigan is currently at the center of a significant national surge in cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*. As of July 15, 2026, the state health department reported 3,762 cases of the infection, marking a 13.7% increase in a single day. While Michigan typically sees approximately 50 cases of cyclosporiasis annually, … Read more

Public health officials are investigating a rapidly expanding outbreak of cyclosporiasis across the United States, with reports of infections surfacing in 34 states. As of mid-July 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,645 domestically acquired cases since the start of the annual season on May 1. An additional 5,100 cases … Read more

Outbreak Spreads to 34 States, CDC Reports A cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to 34 states, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 1,645 confirmed cases as of Tuesday. However, the true number of infections is likely much higher, as the figure only includes cases reported directly to the CDC. Many individuals recover … Read more

UK Heatwave Returns: Health Alerts Issued as Temperatures Climb The UK Health Security Agency has issued a new yellow heat health alert for large portions of England, spanning from midday on Saturday, July 4, until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8. Officials warn that the expected weekend heatwave could cause disruptions to health and social … Read more

Category Details Outbreak Strain Bundibugyo Confirmed Cases 1,926–1,963 Confirmed Deaths 702–719 Funding Status ~40% of $115M appeal received Ituri Province Labor Unrest Hinders Ebola Containment The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is likely at least two to four times larger than official figures suggest, according to the World Health Organization … Read more

Loss of smell is a frequent early indicator of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, often appearing a decade before other symptoms. Olfactory Dysfunction as a Clinical Warning Sign The ability to detect odors is more than a sensory experience; it serves as a critical health indicator. Olfactory dysfunction is present in 90 percent … Read more

Connecticut Reports 35 Cyclosporiasis Cases, Nearly Double 2025 Figures The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Monday that the state has confirmed 35 cases of cyclosporiasis this year. This total represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, when only 19 cases were reported. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused … Read more

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), alongside public health officials in Multnomah and Clackamas counties, has identified three Providence medical facilities where members of the public may have been exposed to measles. Health officials are urging anyone who visited these locations during specific time windows to contact their health care provider immediately to assess their risk. … Read more

Martha Lillard, the last known person in the U.S. relying on an iron lung to survive polio, died on June 26 in Oklahoma at age 78. Lillard contracted the disease at age five, spending decades dependent on the metal cylinder for breathing after being told she would not live past 20. Lillard’s death marks the … Read more