In response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization, Illinois has joined the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network (GOARN). Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized the federal action for undermining science and weakening the nation’s preparedness for global health threats. By joining GOARN, Illinois aims to ensure its public health leaders and the public have access to vital information, expertise, and partnerships necessary to protect the state during future public health crises. This move follows California’s similar decision to join the network, highlighting a growing divergence between state and federal approaches to international health cooperation.
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In 2025, there were only 10 reported cases of Guinea worm infections across three countries, marking a historic low according to The Carter Center. This represents a 33% decrease from the previous year, with Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan reporting the cases. The Carter Center, instrumental in the eradication program launched in the mid-1980s, continues its efforts by collaborating with health ministries and other organizations, and is developing diagnostic tests for animals to further advance the eradication. Guinea worm, which has no treatment, is contracted by consuming water containing larvae and would be the second disease eradicated after smallpox.
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It Wasn’t Working: Canada Province Ends Drug Decriminalization
British Columbia’s recent decision to end its drug decriminalization policy has sparked a lot of discussion, and it’s easy to see why. The experiment, while well-intentioned, apparently didn’t yield the results many had hoped for. The core of the problem, according to a consensus of commentary, seems to be a lack of comprehensive support systems to go along with the change in the law.
The problem, as articulated here, is that decriminalization wasn’t paired with sufficient investment in the things that could have made it successful. Think prevention programs, drug education, accessible treatment options, and even appropriate law enforcement to maintain public order.… Continue reading
South Carolina is currently battling a measles outbreak that has affected at least 789 individuals, surpassing a previous outbreak in West Texas. The majority of cases are concentrated in Spartanburg County, primarily among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, with 89 new cases confirmed since Friday. The outbreak has led to the quarantine of 557 people and has spread to neighboring states, including North Carolina, where 14 cases have been reported. This situation is particularly concerning due to low vaccination rates in certain communities and schools, increasing the risk of further spread and potentially jeopardizing the U.S.’s measles elimination status.
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The UK has lost its measles elimination status, as confirmed by the World Health Organisation, due to a resurgence of the disease. In 2024, England saw 2,911 confirmed cases, with 957 reported so far in 2025, primarily affecting unvaccinated children. This rise in cases follows a decline in routine childhood vaccination rates, with uptake below the required 95% threshold. Health officials emphasize the need for increased vaccination, including a new 18-month appointment for the second MMRV dose, to regain elimination status.
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A Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, has prompted swift action from authorities after five cases were confirmed, including medical professionals, leading to the quarantine of nearly 100 people. The World Health Organization considers Nipah a priority pathogen due to its high fatality rate and lack of approved vaccines or treatments. Symptoms range from fever and muscle pain to severe encephalitis and respiratory failure. Authorities are focusing on surveillance, contact tracing, and isolation to curb further transmission within the region.
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California joins the UN health network, and that’s a big move. Honestly, it feels like a really smart play considering the current global landscape. The US, as we know, decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), which left a bit of a void. This action by California, however, is a direct response, signaling a commitment to global health collaboration even in the face of national shifts. It’s a statement about where the state stands on public health and its willingness to remain a player in international efforts.
It’s particularly interesting that California is doing this as the only state participating in the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network.… Continue reading
The Upstate South Carolina measles outbreak reached 700 confirmed cases by Friday, with 54 new cases reported between January 20th and January 23rd, 2026. Health officials reported nearly 500 individuals in quarantine or isolation. New public exposures were identified at several schools and community locations between specific dates and times. Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can lead to serious complications, but the MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing the disease.
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Rejecting Decades of Science, Vaccine Panel Chair Says Polio and Other Shots Should Be Optional. This whole situation is just mind-boggling, isn’t it? My folks, they were around when the polio vaccine first came out. They remember the fear, the worry, and the relief when that shot became available. They witnessed firsthand how devastating polio was, and the joy when it was finally beaten back. It’s almost impossible to fathom that we’re even having this conversation now.
The GOP’s full-on assault on science and medicine feels like something out of a bad dystopian novel. We’re talking about going back to a time when pools were shut down during outbreaks.… Continue reading
US officially leaves World Health Organization, and it’s hard not to feel a sense of bewilderment about the whole thing, isn’t it? It feels like we’re witnessing a complete dismantling of decades of diplomatic progress, all in the name of…well, it’s hard to say what the actual name of it is. The fact that the US is stepping away from an organization dedicated to global health, especially in the midst of a global health crisis or even the anticipation of a future one, is genuinely concerning. It’s like turning your back on the fire alarm when the building’s already starting to smoke.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood