Public Health
Population-level health policy, surveillance, and health agencies.
Ebola outbreak in DRC, Uganda 'will get worse before it gets better': WHO chief
WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and Uganda is still worsening, with Uganda confirming two new cases and the total suspected toll rising sharply.
Risk of Ebola spread is high locally but low globally, WHO says
WHO says the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is high-risk locally and regionally but still low-risk globally, even as the response intensifies.
Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Long Island and New York City Metro Regions
New York state issued an ozone air quality health advisory for Long Island and the New York City metro region through Tuesday, May 19, covering Nassau, Suffolk, New York City, Rockland and Westchester counties.
CDC issues Ebola outbreak update for DRC and Uganda
CDC updated its Ebola response on May 18, saying it is expanding screening, traveler monitoring and entry restrictions for arrivals tied to the DRC and Uganda outbreak. WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and Reuters reported one American tested positive after exposure in the DRC.
India issues heatwave public health advisory for summer season
India’s health authorities issued a summer heatwave advisory on May 18, 2026, urging people to hydrate, avoid peak sun, and protect vulnerable groups as heatwave conditions persist in parts of the country.
U.S. health department withdraws vaccine advisory panel charter
HHS withdrew an April renewal of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel charter, saying it was issued in error and did not meet revised federal public-notice timing requirements. The move returns ACIP to its prior framework while the agency revises the notice.
WHO introduces PREVENT technical package on lead poisoning
WHO has introduced PREVENT, a draft technical package on lead poisoning prevention that outlines six actions for governments and is tied to a broader rollout planned for 2027.
Pennsylvania DEP declares Code Orange air quality alert for ozone
Pennsylvania DEP issued a Code Orange ozone alert for eastern and southcentral Pennsylvania on Monday, warning children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions to limit heavy outdoor activity as heat and sunshine drove up ozone risk.
Ministry of Ayush issues public health advisory on heatwave and extreme heat conditions
India’s Ministry of Ayush, through the DGHS Ayush vertical, has issued a public health advisory on extreme heat and heatwave conditions, warning that heatstroke is a medical emergency and urging hydration, shade, light clothing and careful monitoring of official alerts.
HHS withdraws ACIP charter renewal after administrative error, Reuters reports
HHS withdrew an April renewal of the CDC’s ACIP charter after saying it made an administrative error and missed a federal timing requirement, Reuters reported. The move concerns the governance of the federal vaccine advisory panel.
HHS rescinds vaccine panel charter after administrative error
HHS has withdrawn an April 6 renewal of the CDC’s ACIP charter, saying the notice was issued with an administrative error and did not meet federal timing requirements.
CDC implements Ebola-related travel restrictions into the United States
The CDC said on May 18, 2026 that it implemented enhanced Ebola-related travel screening, entry restrictions for certain recent travelers from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, and other measures to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the U.S.
Doctor emphasizes one key factor when it comes to hantavirus
A hantavirus outbreak tied to the MV Hondius cruise ship has grown to eight cases and three deaths, according to WHO, while AP reports evacuated passengers are being monitored in multiple countries. The public-health message from a Chicago physician and CDC guidance is that early evaluation after suspected rodent exposure matters because the illness can worsen quickly and there is no specific cure.
Two Britons evacuated from hantavirus-hit ship 'improving' in hospital
Two British evacuees from the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak are improving in hospital, according to reporting cited in the research. WHO says the cluster has reached eight reported cases and three deaths, and fresh reporting says a third Briton on Tristan da Cunha has a suspected infection.
CDC coordinates with WHO amid hantavirus cruise-ship outbreak
The CDC is working with WHO and other authorities as the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak reaches eight reported cases and three deaths, with U.S. travelers and states under monitoring.
WHO’s response to hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship
WHO says eight hantavirus cases have now been reported on the MV Hondius, including three deaths, and that it is coordinating an international response as tracing and testing continue.
Suspected hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship in Atlantic Ocean kills 3
Three people have died and three others are ill after a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship off Cape Verde. WHO says one case has been confirmed, the wider public risk is low, and testing and evacuation work are continuing.
This simple blood test might detect depression before symptoms appear
NYU researchers reported that a blood-based epigenetic marker was associated with depressive symptoms that are harder to detect clinically, especially non-somatic symptoms.
Efforts to eliminate hepatitis deliver gains, but more action needed to meet 2030 targets
WHO’s 2026 hepatitis report shows progress in prevention and treatment, but says global efforts are still too slow to meet 2030 elimination targets.
Communicable disease threats report, 18-24 April 2026, Week 17
ECDC has published its Week 17 communicable disease threats report for 18-24 April 2026, covering avian influenza, Salmonella Bovismorbificans and respiratory viruses.
WHO says 2025 results show measurable health gains as it transitions to a new strategy
WHO's 2025 Results Report says hundreds of millions more people benefited from health coverage and emergency protection, with the agency now moving to a new strategy.
Algeria eliminates trachoma as a public health problem
WHO has validated Algeria as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the 29th country globally and the 10th in Africa to do so.
Commonwealth Utilities Corporation warns of power and water outage timing updates
CUC says power and water are not scheduled to be shut off as Typhoon Sinlaku nears the Northern Mariana Islands, pushing back on outage rumors.
Harris County MUD 412 orders boil-water notice after pressure loss
Harris County MUD 412 issued a boil-water notice after a loss of pressure in its water system, telling customers to boil water before use.