An intestinal illness, cyclosporiasis, has been detected in 31 US states, with 843 reported cases as of Thursday. The true number is likely higher, with Michigan alone reporting 1,562 cases. While typical for spring/summer, states report a larger jump this year. The source remains under investigation, with past outbreaks linked to fresh produce.
African health authorities declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo the "fastest growing" ever, with the WHO reporting 600 deaths among 1,759 confirmed cases. The virus is spreading faster than response efforts, with cases estimated to double every 28 days, requiring $1.4 billion for containment.
The UK is experiencing its third heatwave of 2026, with temperatures forecast to reach 36C. Health authorities have issued Amber Heat-Health Alerts for much of England, warning of increased strain on hospitals and vulnerable communities due to prolonged extreme heat.
Heal Fertility, a Hong Kong clinic linked to Antony Leung Kam-chung, is under investigation by health authorities and police due to a rare mix-up involving embryo biopsy specimens. The incident occurred during pre-implantation genetic testing for two couples.
Hong Kong lawmakers are urging the government to mandate a 24-hour reporting period for serious incidents at fertility clinics, following an undisclosed embryo mix-up at HEAL Fertility. The Council on Human Reproductive Technology has ordered the clinic to suspend services.
Hong Kong's fertility regulator has ordered HEAL Fertility to partially halt operations after it mishandled embryo biopsy specimens from two patients, sending the wrong samples for genetic testing. The clinic failed to report the incident, leading to a police report and an internal review.
Hong Kong's Council on Human Reproductive Technology has ordered HEAL Fertility in Central to partially halt operations after the clinic mishandled embryo biopsy samples from two patients. The samples sent for genetic testing were found to belong to the wrong parents, prompting a police report and an investigation.
A city is experiencing an active flu season dominated by the H3 subtype of influenza A, similar to the previous year. The season is defying typical patterns, having extended from the previous year, and is expected to remain active through August and September, with vaccines noted as effective.
A foodborne illness caused by the cyclospora cayetanensis parasite has affected at least 145 people across 17 US states, with New York being a major hotspot. Twenty individuals have been hospitalized, and health authorities suspect domestically distributed produce as the source.
The latest Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases and 254 deaths since May 15. The rare Bundibugyo strain lacks approved treatments, and contact-tracing coverage is only 55%, hindering containment efforts.
Public health experts are closely monitoring infectious disease threats for the 2026 World Cup, which spans Canada, Mexico, and the US. Measles, dengue, hepatitis A, and mpox are key concerns, with wastewater monitoring being a crucial surveillance tool. The risk of Ebola, despite an ongoing outbreak in DRC and Uganda, is considered low for the tournament.
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection anticipates an earlier summer flu season, with a potential peak in late June or July. This is due to increased influenza activity since May and the absence of a typical winter flu season, which may lead to lower public immunity and higher transmission rates.
A one-year-old boy is in critical condition in a Hong Kong hospital after contracting COVID-19, presenting with severe croup symptoms. This is the second infant confirmed severely infected with the virus in a week, prompting health authorities to urge unvaccinated high-risk groups to get vaccinated.
US public health authorities at state and local levels have been weakened following backlash against COVID-19 restrictions, leaving them less equipped to handle future disease outbreaks. Laws in several states have limited emergency declarations, quarantine powers, and mandates, while funding and staffing cuts further hamper response capabilities.
India's health ministry issued a precautionary advisory for travelers from Ebola-affected countries, urging those with symptoms like fever or bleeding to isolate and contact authorities. No Ebola cases have been reported in India.
Hong Kong health authorities have introduced an AI chatbot developed by a local university to assist smokers in quitting, alongside free nicotine patches and traditional Chinese medicine “ear seeds”. The initiative comes after the city missed its smoking reduction target despite having one of the lowest smoking rates among developed economies at 8.5 percent.
Hong Kong issued a red travel alert for the Democratic Republic of Congo due to escalating Ebola outbreaks in Central Africa, reporting at least 139 suspected deaths and 600 suspected cases in DR Congo and Uganda. Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel.
Asian countries including Hong Kong, South Korea, China, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal are enhancing border screening and quarantine measures in response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. While no cases are confirmed in Asia, authorities are preparing for potential arrivals.
Hong Kong health authorities are enhancing public awareness and airport screening for Ebola, citing the outbreak in DRC and Uganda. They emphasize the low immediate health impact locally, despite Hong Kong's status as an international city.
Hong Kong residents at Laguna Verde estate are enhancing pest prevention after the city's first human rat hepatitis E case was recorded in a 42-year-old man. Health authorities are investigating potential transmission routes.
Hong Kong health authorities are investigating the first human case of rat hepatitis E this year. The patient, who lives in Hung Hom, denies direct contact with rats or seeing rodents at home or work.
UK health authorities are investigating a meningitis outbreak in Berkshire and Oxfordshire linked to schools and colleges, following one student's death and two hospitalizations. Cases appear connected through social groups, with one confirmed as MenB. Public risk is considered low, but anxiety is high due to a recent deadly outbreak in Kent.
Hong Kong health authorities investigate a suspected medical error involving an improperly sealed catheter in a heart operation that led to the death of a 75-year-old man at Tuen Mun Hospital.
Passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, affected by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, are being repatriated and quarantined globally. A French woman and an American have tested positive, with the French passenger's health worsening. Health authorities are managing the situation, emphasizing low public risk and early treatment benefits.
