Public Health
Population-level health policy, surveillance, and health agencies.
Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City's Upper East Side grows to at least 28 cases
New York City health officials say the Upper East Side Legionnaires' outbreak has grown to at least 28 cases, with contaminated cooling towers the likely source. Inspectors are testing and disinfecting buildings while urging residents with flu-like symptoms to seek medical care.
ECDC Vibrio viewer highlights elevated summer risk at parts of UK and European coasts
The ECDC’s Vibrio Viewer is flagging elevated summer suitability for Vibrio growth across parts of Europe’s coastal waters, including areas near the UK, France and the Netherlands. Officials say the map is an environmental model, not a disease-risk forecast, but it highlights where warm, brackish seas and low salinity can raise concern for wound infections and contaminated shellfish.
Connecticut beaches stay closed after heavy rain pushed bacteria above safe levels
Several Connecticut beaches remained closed Thursday after heavy rain pushed bacteria levels above safe limits. State and local officials were retesting water at state parks and town beaches, with results expected later Thursday or Friday.
UK heat-health alerts widened as temperatures head toward 36C
Amber heat-health alerts have been widened across parts of England as the UK heads toward a forecast 36C peak on Friday, with warnings over health risks and wildfire danger.
Several Connecticut beaches close for swimming after heavy rain lifts bacteria levels
Heavy rain in Connecticut prompted swimming closures at several state park and municipal beaches after testing found elevated bacteria levels. Officials said runoff can carry pollutants into the water and that retesting is underway.
NYC cyclosporiasis cases rise to 273, with city and federal agencies still searching for the source
New York City has confirmed 273 cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, according to reporting published July 8, as city, state, CDC and FDA investigators continue searching for the source.
US FDA rejects petition to set PFAS limits in food
The FDA rejected a petition from the Tucson Environmental Justice Task Force seeking enforceable PFAS limits in food, saying the evidence does not justify mandatory thresholds. The group says it plans to sue as the agency turns to non-binding action levels instead.
Laguna Beach coastline closed after sewage spill
Orange County health officials closed a quarter-mile stretch of Laguna Beach near Thalia Beach after about 2,000 gallons of sewage spilled into coastal waters. Swimming, surfing and diving are barred until water-quality tests clear the area, with officials saying it should be avoided for at least three days.
Belgium’s More Than 1,200 Heatwave Deaths Spark Political Backlash
Belgium recorded 1,222 provisional excess deaths during the late-June heatwave, according to health officials cited on July 3. The figures have triggered political criticism over the federal response and renewed demands for stronger protections for older people and other vulnerable groups.
Deaths surged 29% in France during week of record heat, health agency says
France’s public health agency said 2,025 additional deaths were recorded in the week of June 22-28 during a record heatwave, a 29.1% rise from the previous week. The early tally is incomplete but points to the Paris region, older adults and deaths at home as the hardest-hit categories.
France’s public health agency reports 2,025 excess deaths during June heatwave
France’s public health agency said its first national mortality bulletin on the June heatwave counted 2,025 excess deaths in the week of June 22-28, a 29.1% increase from the previous week. Officials warned the tally is partial and likely to rise as more death certificates are added.
France records 2,025 excess deaths from heatwave, but data remains incomplete
France’s public health agency said it recorded 2,025 excess deaths during the hottest week of the late-June heatwave, but stressed the tally is still incomplete and likely to increase.
Deaths in France surged 30% during hottest week of record June heatwave
France recorded 2,025 additional deaths during the week of June 22-28 as a record June heatwave strained hospitals, care homes and private households, according to Public Health France.
Cuisinart grill brush recall expands after bristle ingestion reports
Cuisinart and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are recalling about 1.72 million grill brushes after officials said loose metal bristles can detach, get into food and cause serious internal injuries. The recall covers several brush models and some grill tool sets sold from 2009 through March 2026, with consumers told to stop using the products immediately and seek refunds or credits.
Oribe recalls specific shampoo lots over bacterial contamination
Kao USA is voluntarily recalling select lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in the U.S. and Canada after detecting Pluralibacter gergoviae. The recall is limited to specific bottle sizes and lot codes manufactured in late February 2026, and consumers are being told to stop using affected products and seek replacements.
FDA elevates Utz potato chip recall to Class I over salmonella risk
The FDA has classified an earlier Utz recall of select Zapp's and Dirty potato chips as Class I, its most serious recall level, over a potential salmonella risk tied to a seasoning ingredient. The original voluntary recall was issued in May, and no illnesses have been reported.
Laredo restores water service after major transmission line break
Laredo said it repaired a 36-inch transmission line break that disrupted water service in parts of the city, though residents in west, central and southeast neighborhoods still reported low pressure and temporary discoloration as tanks refilled.
Conair recalls 1.7 million Cuisinart grill brushes over bristle hazard
Conair is recalling about 1.7 million Cuisinart metal-wire grill brushes after reports that detached bristles can end up in food and be swallowed, creating a risk of serious internal injury.
These Texas beaches show high fecal bacteria levels before Fourth of July
Texas Beach Watch readings released ahead of the July 4 weekend show elevated enterococcus at several Texas Gulf Coast beaches, including sites near Freeport, the Bolivar Peninsula and Bob Hall Pier. Most other major beaches remain low or mixed, and officials advise checking the live map before swimming.
Girl, 7, suffers burns after squishy toy bursts in her hands
A seven-year-old girl from Telford suffered blistering burns after a NeeDoh squishy toy burst in her hands, with the UK distributor investigating whether the item may have been counterfeit.
Met Office says 31C heat will return to UK as UKHSA issues new alert
A new hot spell is forecast to push temperatures back into the low 30s early next week, with UKHSA already running a yellow heat health alert for parts of England.
‘Stop use immediately’ - Irish parents warned of recall for baby and children's toys over health fears
Ireland’s CCPC is warning parents to stop using several baby and children’s toys after safety notices flagged choking hazards, battery access risks and possible asbestos in sand-based products.
UK probe launched after listeria found in chicken supplied to NHS hospitals
UK health authorities are investigating after eight frozen chicken products supplied to some NHS hospital settings tested positive for listeria. Officials say no linked illness has been confirmed and the products were withdrawn as a precaution.
France releases first estimate of heatwave mortality, as at-home deaths rise
France’s public health agency has issued its first provisional estimate of heatwave mortality, saying the June 24-27 heatwave was linked to about 1,000 excess deaths. Reports say deaths at home rose sharply, especially in Île-de-France, and people 65 and older accounted for about 85% of the toll.