A photograph captured by Doctors Without Borders shows men outside an Ebola treatment center. This center was established in the remote Bulape Health Zone of the Kasaï province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The facility was set up in response to an outbreak of the Zaire strain of the Ebola virus. The photo was taken on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
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In 2024, the U.S. death rate returned to pre-pandemic levels, with nearly 3.1 million deaths reported by the CDC. Heart disease and cancer continued to be leading causes of death, accounting for over 40% of the fatalities. Drug overdoses and unintentional injuries were the third leading cause of death. While COVID-19 contributed to tens of thousands of deaths, it fell out of the top 10 leading causes for the first time since the pandemic began.
During his Senate Finance Committee testimony last Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made numerous misleading and false statements. He reiterated discredited claims about vaccine dangers and denied previous statements linking school shootings to antidepressants while simultaneously announcing a departmental investigation into the association. Kennedy also claimed that anyone could still receive COVID-19 shots, contradicting reports of restricted access. Finally, he stated that he fired the former head of the CDC due to the former head admitting she was untrustworthy, which resulted in laughter and bewilderment from the committee.
During a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. placed blame for America’s high COVID-19 death rate on the CDC, omitting the fact that the pandemic occurred during the Trump administration. Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, criticized the agency’s leadership and policies, despite widespread criticism of his own changes to vaccine recommendations and personnel. He faced sharp questioning from both Republican and Democratic senators, who challenged his knowledge of COVID-19 data and his actions regarding vaccine access and authorization. The hearing highlighted controversies surrounding Kennedy’s leadership and his controversial views on vaccine safety.
During a Senate hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated his agreement that mRNA vaccines, such as those for COVID-19, cause serious harm, including death. Kennedy, a known anti-vaxxer, responded to questions about a new member of the CDC vaccine advisory committee who made a similar claim. He then sparred with several senators over the number of COVID-19 deaths in America and the effectiveness of the vaccines, demonstrating a lack of knowledge and acceptance of established data. This led to strong criticism from the senators present at the hearing.
According to a departing CDC leader, the agency is damaged beyond repair due to political interference, particularly from President Trump and Secretary Kennedy. Senior staff spreading misinformation now hold oversight, with programs for HIV, overdose, and smoking cessation vanishing, and the dismantling of vaccine policy. The situation is exemplified by the erosion of trust in guidance and the appointment of unqualified individuals to key advisory roles. The cumulative harm manifests as a surge in COVID cases amid a breakdown in public health infrastructure and a loss of trust in vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been thrown into turmoil following the firing of its director, Susan Monarez, and the resignations of four top officials. This upheaval is the result of the new administration’s actions, including restricting access to COVID-19 vaccines and appointing vaccine-skeptic replacements. Several officials cited the administration’s policies, especially concerning the adult and children’s immunization schedule, as the reason for their departures. Concerns have been raised about the direction of the agency, with some insiders claiming that protections for the American public are being rolled back.
The recent measles outbreak in Texas, which began in late January and infected 762 people, has officially ended, according to state health officials. The outbreak met the criteria for closure, with no new cases confirmed in over 42 days. The outbreak, linked to cases in Canada and Mexico, led to two deaths and 100 hospitalizations in Texas, and primarily impacted under-vaccinated communities in West Texas. State health officials attributed the outbreak’s containment to robust testing, vaccination efforts, and public education.
An attorney representing an infected detainee reports a widespread respiratory illness outbreak, potentially COVID-19, at the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration jail in Florida. Detainees are reportedly experiencing severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, while access to masks and proper hygiene is limited. The attorney’s client, who was initially removed for medical care, was then secretly transferred to a Texas facility and has since had his personal belongings confiscated, and he has lost contact with his attorney. The incident has raised concerns about unsanitary conditions within the camp.
John Q. Hosedrinker