South Carolina health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak in the Upstate region, with eight cases reported as of Wednesday, five of which are part of a newly identified outbreak. The outbreak is defined as three or more linked cases, and the individuals involved are unvaccinated. Health officials are concerned about the rapid spread of the highly contagious disease in communities with low immunization rates, as the source of some cases is unknown, indicating unrecognized community spread. To prevent further spread, officials urge those feeling ill to stay home, notify healthcare providers, and cooperate with investigations, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
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A recent measles outbreak in Alberta has tragically resulted in the death of an infant. The baby, who was too young to be vaccinated, contracted the highly contagious virus. Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to protect against the spread of measles and prevent future fatalities. Contact tracing and public health measures are currently underway to contain the outbreak.
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Mississippi has reported its first whooping cough death in 13 years, an infant less than two months old who was ineligible for the pertussis vaccine. The state has seen a significant rise in cases this year, with 115 reported between January and late September, compared to 49 in the previous year, raising concerns about declining vaccination rates, especially among adults. Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, can be particularly dangerous for infants. Health officials recommend vaccination, booster shots every ten years for those aged seven and older, and the Tdap vaccine during the 27th to 36th week of pregnancy.
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New COVID-19 variants, XFG (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), are currently the dominant strains in the UK, potentially causing a “razor blade” sore throat along with typical COVID-19 symptoms. While these variants do not appear to be more dangerous, recent genetic changes may increase the likelihood of infection. COVID-19 rates are rising, particularly among the young and elderly, leading to an increase in hospital admissions. Public health advice remains consistent: avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, stay home when symptomatic, and practice good hygiene.
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Orange County officials have announced a toddler has contracted measles, though spread is not anticipated due to the family’s isolation. This news comes amid a national rise in measles cases, with 1,514 cases reported. Measles is a highly contagious virus, especially dangerous to young children, and the best protection is vaccination, though vaccine hesitancy is contributing to recent outbreaks. Experts note that this is a sign of the times.
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Between 2019 and 2023, infection rates from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” increased by nearly 70% across 29 states, a new CDC report reveals. The rise was primarily driven by bacteria containing the NDM gene, with cases jumping more than fivefold in recent years, posing a grave danger. These infections, once linked to overseas medical care, now threaten to spread within communities, potentially transforming routine infections into chronic problems. The increase is likely related to the surge in antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current data likely underestimates the true scope of the issue due to incomplete testing and reporting in many states.
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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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The Associated Press, established in 1846, functions as an independent, global news organization committed to unbiased and factual reporting. AP is a widely trusted source, delivering news in various formats, and providing essential technology and services for the news industry. With its broad reach, AP journalism is viewed by over half the world’s population daily.
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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.
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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.
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John Q. Hosedrinker