The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is now the second-worst on record with over 1,500 deaths, spreading rapidly and hampered by insecurity. In contrast, Uganda successfully contained its 20 cases and two deaths, attributed to strong preparedness, quick action, and community cooperation.
Gia Lam, 32, died from sepsis in a Sydney hospital in 2019 after a urinary tract infection was repeatedly missed by healthcare professionals and interpreters were not provided. A coroner found her death preventable, leading to policy changes and an apology from the health district.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused major ultra-processed food (UPF) corporations of obstructing global efforts to combat obesity by suing governments over public health measures like warning labels and taxes, costing billions in legal and healthcare expenses.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, as the country's largest. With 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30, the outbreak is intensifying, hampered by insecurity and population displacement in areas like Ituri province.
An Australian woman named Lauren, who suffered from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, died in Malaysia in 2022 while undergoing unproven hyperthermia treatment for "chronic Lyme disease." Her cousin, Hannah McElhinney, highlights how Lauren was drawn into dangerous alternative therapies and believes the healthcare system failed to adequately support her.
The US faces a major measles resurgence with over 2,300 cases, driven by rising vaccine skepticism and misinformation, exacerbated by the White House's stance and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s views. This marks the worst outbreak since 1989, posing a complex public health challenge.
The U.S. is experiencing its largest-ever Cyclospora outbreak, with over 10,000 cases across 45 states, primarily linked to contaminated produce like lettuce, parsley, and cilantro. The parasite's complex lifecycle in the human gut makes infections hard to treat and trace.
The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 3,360 confirmed cases and 1,487 deaths across five eastern provinces, is the fastest-growing in the virus's history. Conflict and insecurity hinder response efforts, while clinical vaccine trials are underway.
Dermatologists in India report a rise in hair loss, often telogen effluvium, among GLP-1 weight-loss drug users, particularly those experiencing rapid weight reduction without medical supervision. Nutritional deficiencies and metabolic stress are cited as causes, with a Saudi Arabian study finding 70.4% of users reported shedding.
The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge, allowing King's College London's Pathways trial for puberty blockers in gender-questioning children to proceed. The study, commissioned after a review found weak evidence for the drugs, will recruit over 220 children aged 11-16 from August 1st to assess benefits and risks.
Citizen scientists in South Australia report increased distress over sick and dying birds, including a mass mortality event of 80 birds near Cape Jaffa, as H5 bird flu spreads among native species. Authorities are investigating, with results expected soon, and the federal government is in talks with the poultry industry.
Experts at the Aids 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro warn that US foreign aid cuts, particularly the dissolution of USAID, are hindering global access to new HIV prevention innovations like lenacapavir, jeopardizing efforts to reduce new infections, especially in vulnerable populations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has surpassed the 2018-2020 epidemic's case count, with 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths across five provinces. It is now the world's second-largest and fastest-spreading Ebola epidemic, complicated by ongoing conflict in the eastern regions.
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is intensifying health measures, including checkpoints and paramedic deployment, to combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak. These efforts aim to protect both local communities and the endangered mountain gorilla population, following the WHO's declaration of a Public Health Emergency.
A new AIHW study found almost one in three Australian women giving birth in 2022 had experienced at least one miscarriage, highlighting the prevalence of pregnancy loss. Experts warn data gaps mean the unique needs of young people, who often face dismissive attitudes, are not being addressed.
South Australian authorities are investigating a mass bird mortality event involving over 80 dead and sick greater crested terns off the south-east coast, with H5 bird flu testing underway. This follows 39 confirmed H5 cases in SA, including the first seagull detection in Australia, raising concerns about localized spread.
Washtenaw County, Michigan, is grappling with a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting over 900 people, following a recent measles outbreak. Public health nurse Linda Kim describes the challenges of contact tracing and investigations, exacerbated by federal funding cuts that have strained resources and staff morale at the health department.
The FDA is set to decide on Moderna's mRNA flu shot by Wednesday, a ruling with major implications for mRNA research. This follows the agency's initial rejection and subsequent agreement to review the application, causing concern among investors and researchers, especially after HHS cut mRNA vaccine funding.
Hong Kong retiree Philip Kong, 75, discovered he could reduce his prostate surgery bill by up to 90% by opting for treatment at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital rather than a Hong Kong facility, prompting him to reflect on local healthcare costs.
Recent European heatwaves show more women dying, but scientists argue social conditions, age demographics, and structural inequalities in heat exposure, rather than biological differences, are the primary drivers, highlighting a significant research gap.
A new federal report shows nearly two-thirds of US children aged 2-19, including half under 5, consume daily caffeine, averaging 19.4mg. Experts warn of health impacts like sleep disruption, anxiety, and heart issues, with hidden caffeine in foods like dark chocolate also contributing.
Six new suspected H5N1 bird flu cases in south-west Victoria contribute to 20 nationwide, bringing Australia's total to 53 confirmed or presumed detections. While a silver gull tested positive in SA, authorities maintain a low risk to agriculture and human health, urging public reporting of sick wildlife.
A UK High Court judge dismissed a legal challenge, allowing King's College London's 'Pathways' trial for puberty blockers on 11-16 year olds to proceed from August 1. Campaigners, including detransitioner Keira Bell, argued potential harm, but the court found no realistic chance of success, citing careful participant assessment and regulatory approval.
Victoria Stellas from Anglesey suffered memory loss and seizures after a tick bite on a Greek holiday in 2019 led to tick-borne encephalitis and a six-week coma. She now takes 18 tablets daily and advocates for TBE vaccination awareness, sharing her story with students.
82-year-old Bob Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson Tom Malcolm completed a 5,300km charity bike ride across Australia, from Broome to Bowral, raising over $65,000 for motor neurone disease research and awareness. The six-week journey honored MND advocates and was Montgomery's fifth such ride.
In 2012, snowmobilers in northern Sweden discovered Peter Skyllberg, 44, alive in his car, buried under a meter of snow for nearly two months. He survived extreme cold and starvation by melting snow and slowing his metabolism, astonishing doctors and highlighting human resilience.
Men in England and the US are increasingly choosing vasectomies for family planning, driven by personal experiences like birth trauma, postnatal depression, or a clear decision not to have children. The procedure is safe and effective, but men are advised to consider its permanence and potential side effects.
Social prescribing, a practice more common in the UK, connects individuals with non-medical, community-based activities like sea swimming and art to improve health. Amanda, from Devon, England, found significant relief from major depressive disorder through sea swimming, reducing her antidepressant dosage. Experts advise matching hobbies to symptoms, finding intrinsic motivation, and using mindfulness to identify beneficial activities.
Men like Alex West and Sam Knight are increasingly opting for vasectomies due to personal experiences such as birth trauma, postnatal depression, or a clear decision not to have children. The procedure is described as safe and effective, though medical professionals advise careful consideration and highlight the permanence and cost of reversals.
Rwanda's drone blood delivery system, crucial for medical emergencies, faces challenges due to poor infrastructure and US aid cuts, despite plans for expansion with new US support
A study by the University of Duisburg-Essen found that excessive online time is linked to higher stress, worse mood, and neglect of other activities among 900 German adults. Problematic internet usage, driven by temptation, was associated with negative outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
The FDA regulates sunscreen as an OTC drug, deeming only zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and bemotrizinol as "generally recognized as safe and effective" (Grase). Experts advise avoiding parabens and phthalates, but emphasize that not using sunscreen poses a greater health risk than using regulated chemical sunscreens.
Western Australia misses flu vaccination targets despite extended free program, with only 28% of the population vaccinated, short of the 40% goal.
A cannabis kiosk designed for seniors will be installed at Sun Lakes Country Club in Chandler, Arizona, on August 19. This initiative by Life Is Chill and LoveBud aims to provide residents and neighboring communities with easier access to marijuana products for home delivery.
Lynette McHendry, diagnosed with aggressive stage four breast cancer at 37, has survived against the odds, advocating for better treatment access in Northern Ireland, highlighting advancements in personalised cancer therapies.
A 45-year-old construction worker presented with extreme shoulder pain and swelling, revealing his entire shoulder joint was destroyed. Doctors diagnosed him with Milwaukee Shoulder Syndrome (MSS), a rare condition causing rapid joint disintegration, and referred him for surgery.
A 13-year-old Texas girl, Claire Macdonel, was bitten by a barracuda while on vacation in Turks and Caicos. She will undergo surgery to repair hand tendons but expects a full recovery, attributing the attack to her shiny jewelry and advising others to remove such items before swimming.
A study analyzing birth outcomes of physician and lawyer mothers in Texas found physicians, especially surgeons, had higher rates of low birth weight and pre-term deliveries, attributing differences to stressful work conditions, with improvements seen after a 2011 work-hour reform for residents.
Claire Macdonel, 13, from Sugar Land, Texas, recovers after a barracuda attack in Turks and Caicos. The incident, which occurred during an underwater handstand while wearing a shiny bracelet, required tendon repair surgery. Despite the trauma, Claire remains committed to her dream of becoming a marine biologist.
David Cifaldi, a 32-year-old nurse, hiked 10 miles down Montana's Granite Peak with a trekking pole impaled in his side after a fall, using his medical knowledge to assess and manage the injury until reaching help.
Sulemana Abdul Samed, Ghana's tallest man at 7ft 4in, dies at 33 in Tamale hospital due to infected leg sores, sparking widespread grief in northern Ghana where he was a local celebrity.
China's CDC reports Omicron NB.1.8.1 variant at moderate transmission level, with 16.3% positive rate for Covid-19 tests (up 4.3% from previous week) and advises vulnerable groups to take precautions.
Hong Kong sees advances in early Alzheimer's screening and drug therapies, offering hope to patients like 65-year-old Mary Chan, diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s, as the city faces rising demand for expanded support.
Syngenta will stop selling paraquat in Australia due to new regulations making it commercially unviable, despite the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) finding no increased Parkinson’s disease risk from approved uses. The decision follows June's restrictions to mitigate acute exposure and animal risks.
Two greater crested terns found dead on South Australian beaches (near Robe and Semaphore) have tested positive for the H5 bird flu strain, marking the first confirmed cases on a SA metropolitan beach. National tally now includes 7 in SA, 10 in WA, 2 in NSW, and 1 in QLD.
