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Public Health

US-Bound Plane Diverted Amid Ebola Outbreak In Central Africa: What To Know US-Bound Plane Diverted Amid Ebola Outbreak In Central Africa: What To Know
Us-bound Plane Diverted Amid Ebola Outbreak In Central Africa: What To Know A US-bound flight was diverted to Canada after a passenger from the Democratic Republic of the Congo boarded "in error" amid an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, officials said. Air France Flight 378 was redirected to Montreal at the request of US authorities after the plane was already in the air, according to the airline. The flight departed Paris and was headed to Detroit on Wednesday, May 20. A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection said the passenger shouldn't have been allowed on the plane because of new Ebola-related travel restrictions. The flight landed at Montreal Tr…
Possible HIV, Hepatitis Exposure At Pennsylvania Dental Clinic: Department Of Health Possible HIV, Hepatitis Exposure At Pennsylvania Dental Clinic: Department Of Health
Possible HIV, Hepatitis Exposure At Pennsylvania Dental Clinic: Department Of Health A dental clinic has been shut down after Pennsylvania investigators found unsafe sterilization practices that may have exposed patients to hepatitis and HIV, Philadelphia health officials announced on Wednesday, May 20. Patients treated at Smiles at Rittenhouse Square — also known as Smiles on the Square — between April 2025 and May 2026 are being urged to contact their healthcare providers for testing for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. The Pennsylvania Department of State temporarily suspended the dental license of Kirti Chopra…
State Department Alerts Travelers: Avoid Trips To These Countries State Department Alerts Travelers: Avoid Trips To These Countries
State Department Alerts Travelers: Avoid Trips To These Countries A fast-moving outbreak overseas is now changing what US travelers are being told before they book or board. Federal officials are now warning Americans against travel to multiple African nations. The US State Department issued updated Level 4 Do Not Travel advisories on Sunday, May 17, for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda amid an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Related report: US Physician Tests Positive For Ebola As Global Health Emergency Grows In Central Africa US officials are warning travelers as Ebola restrictions expand. Image generated wi…
Air Quality Alert Issued For Hudson Valley, NYC Region Amid High Ozone Levels Air Quality Alert Issued For Hudson Valley, NYC Region Amid High Ozone Levels
Air Quality Alert Issued For Hudson Valley, NYC Region Amid High Ozone Levels An air quality health advisory has been issued for parts of the Hudson Valley and New York City region due to elevated ozone levels on Monday, May 18. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health said the advisory will remain in effect until 11 p.m. on Monday. The Lower Hudson Valley advisory includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, and Sullivan counties. The New York City Metro region advisory includes New York City as well as Rockland and Westchester counties. Officials said the pollutant of concern is ozone, which can increase during hot weathe…
Hantavirus Cruise Ship Arrival Marks Turning Point In Deadly Outbreak: What To Know Now Hantavirus Cruise Ship Arrival Marks Turning Point In Deadly Outbreak: What To Know Now
Hantavirus Cruise Ship Arrival Marks Turning Point In Deadly Outbreak: What To Know Now A deadly crisis at sea has reached the moment where the next steps matter as much as the voyage itself. Oceanwide Expeditions said Sunday morning, May 10, that the MV Hondius arrived at the port of Granadilla, Tenerife, in the southern part of the Canary Islands, Spain, at 6:24 a.m. local time after a hantavirus outbreak tied to the ship killed three people and sickened others. The arrival is a turning point because passengers and some crew can now leave the ship through a controlled disembarkation process. It also starts the next phase of the public health response: screening, repatriation…
Unvaccinated Child Contracts Measles In Nassau County: Officials Unvaccinated Child Contracts Measles In Nassau County: Officials
Unvaccinated Child Contracts Measles In Nassau County: Officials An unvaccinated child has tested positive for measles in Nassau County, the county’s first confirmed case since 2024, officials said Monday, May 4. The child is under 5 years old, and the county health department is investigating possible transmission of the disease, authorities said. “We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves and their families by making sure they are up to date on important, lifesaving immunizations,” Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman said. Measles is highly contagious and can still be spread four days before or four days after the telltale rash appears, a…
US Military Drops Flu Shot Requirement For Troops, Hegseth Says US Military Drops Flu Shot Requirement For Troops, Hegseth Says
US Military Drops Flu Shot Requirement For Troops, Hegseth Says The Pentagon will no longer require service members to get the annual flu shot, the latest move by the Trump administration pushing back against vaccine science. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the change on Tuesday, April 21. He said the influenza vaccine is now voluntary for all active-duty troops, reservists, and civilian personnel. According to updated guidance from the Department of Defense, individual military branches can seek exceptions to keep the requirement in place. Officials have 15 days to submit those requests to the DoD. Hegseth downplayed the importance of fl…
Years Of Warning Ignored? Maryland AG Sues DC Water Over 240M Gallon Potomac Sewage Spill Years Of Warning Ignored? Maryland AG Sues DC Water Over 240M Gallon Potomac Sewage Spill
Years Of Warning Ignored? Maryland AG Sues DC Water Over 240M Gallon Potomac Sewage Spill Maryland is taking DC Water to court, alleging the utility ignored years of warning signs before a catastrophic sewage spill polluted the Potomac River. Attorney General Anthony Brown announced on Monday, April 20, that the state filed a lawsuit seeking damages, penalties, and a court order following the collapse of a major sewer line. The lawsuit centers on the Jan. 19 rupture of the Potomac Interceptor in Montgomery County, which released more than 240 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River and nearby waterways over multiple days. The sewage overflow at the&nbs…
Measles Case Confirmed In Maryland With Exposure Sites At BWI, Hospital, Urgent Care Measles Case Confirmed In Maryland With Exposure Sites At BWI, Hospital, Urgent Care
Measles Case Confirmed In Maryland With Exposure Sites At BWI, Hospital, Urgent Care A Maryland resident who recently traveled internationally has tested positive for measles, triggering a public health alert across the Baltimore area. One case was confirmed in the Baltimore metro area on Monday, April 20, the Maryland Department of Health announcede. Officials say the infected person moved through several public locations while contagious, raising the risk of exposure for others. Those locations include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport’s international arrivals and baggage claim on April 12 from 7:50 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Additional exposure may h…
Scheme Scheme
Scheme The CEO of a Montgomery County home care agency has been sentenced to prison for her role in a multi-million dollar Medicaid fraud scheme tied to ComfortZone Home Health Care, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Tuesday, March 10. Naya Campbell, 29, of Audubon, previously pleaded guilty to charges including corrupt organizations, theft by deception, and Medicaid fraud for submitting false reimbursement claims through ComfortZone Home Health Care, LLC, according to the attorney general’s office. Campbell served as CEO of the Medicaid provider, which was owned by her mother, Stephanie M…
Dead Geese Found In Woodstown Park Dead Geese Found In Woodstown Park
Dead Geese Found In Woodstown Park Dead geese have been spotted in Salem County as more than a thousand have been found dead throughout the Garden State. The dead geese are found at Woodstown Memorial Lake, Woodstown Borough police said. "As a precaution, residents are asked not to approach any geese in or around the area due to recent reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in South Jersey," police said. More than 1,100 geese in New Jersey have been found sick or dead, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Now, state officials are asking the public to report sightings of sick or d…
Travel Health Advisory Issued For 32 Nations: What To Know Travel Health Advisory Issued For 32 Nations: What To Know
Travel Health Advisory Issued For 32 Nations: What To Know Travelers heading overseas are being urged to take additional health precautions after federal officials issued a new advisory covering dozens of destinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week issued a Level 2 travel advisory for 32 countries where circulating poliovirus has been detected. The advisory urges travelers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against polio before visiting affected regions. The CDC’s Level 2 designation calls for travelers to “practice enhanced precautions.” Health officials say that includes confirming routine vaccinations are up to…
Two New Confirmed Measles Cases Hit Northern Virginia — Here Are The Potential Exposure Sites Two New Confirmed Measles Cases Hit Northern Virginia — Here Are The Potential Exposure Sites
Two New Confirmed Measles Cases Hit Northern Virginia — Here Are The Potential Exposure Sites If you were shopping, grabbing pizza, or in church in Northern Virginia last weekend, you may have been exposed to measles, health officials are cautioning. Two adults have tested positive for the virus after traveling together domestically, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Health officials are now warning residents about multiple exposure sites in Manassas, Gainesville, and Alexandria between Friday, Feb. 13, and Tuesday, Feb. 17. Here’s where exposures may have occurred: Harris Teeter, 10060 Market Circle, Manassas — between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. Walmart,…
Measles Case Confirmed In Northern Virginia: Possible Exposure Sites Listed Measles Case Confirmed In Northern Virginia: Possible Exposure Sites Listed
Measles Case Confirmed In Northern Virginia: Possible Exposure Sites Listed A confirmed case of measles in Northern Virginia has prompted health officials to warn residents who visited several busy locations last week to monitor for symptoms. The patient is an adult who recently traveled internationally, according to the Virginia Department of Health. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH said it will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are now working to identify people who might have been exposed. Exposure sites in Virginia include: Giant Food at 8941 Ox Road in Lorton between 3:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1…
Trump Blames Gov. Wes Moore For Record-Setting Potomac Sewage Spill, Directs FEMA To Step In Trump Blames Gov. Wes Moore For Record-Setting Potomac Sewage Spill, Directs FEMA To Step In
Trump Blames Gov. Wes Moore For Record-Setting Potomac Sewage Spill, Directs FEMA To Step In President Donald Trump publicly blamed Maryland Gov. Wes Moore for the wastewater spill into the Potomac River that may be the largest in US history. Trump took to Truth Social on Monday afternoon, directing federal authorities to take control of the response as dangerous levels of sewage continue flooding the river.  The president wrote that “There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland.” Trump said a sewer line breach in Maryland had caused “millio…
No Heat, Mold, Sewage Overflow: NY AG Takes Newburgh Apartment Owners To Court No Heat, Mold, Sewage Overflow: NY AG Takes Newburgh Apartment Owners To Court
No Heat, Mold, Sewage Overflow: NY AG Takes Newburgh Apartment Owners To Court New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the owners and managers of an Orange County apartment complex, alleging they forced residents to live for years without reliable heat, hot water, or safe living conditions — even during extreme winter cold.  The lawsuit, announced Monday, Feb. 2, targets the Kenney Apartments, an affordable housing complex on Walsh Road in the City of Newburgh that is home to more than 100 low-income families and seniors, according to the Attorney General’s Office. State officials say residents have endured persistent problems, includi…
New Measles Case Confirmed In Northern Virginia, Exposure Sites Identified By Health Department New Measles Case Confirmed In Northern Virginia, Exposure Sites Identified By Health Department
New Measles Case Confirmed In Northern Virginia, Exposure Sites Identified By Health Department Virginia health officials are investigating a confirmed case of measles in Northern Virginia and warning residents who may have crossed paths with the infected individual to monitor for symptoms and report potential exposure. The Virginia Department of Health confirmed an adult resident of Northern Virginia tested positive for measles, Richmond, Tuesday, Feb. 4.  To protect the patient’s privacy, no additional identifying details were released. Health officials are now working to identify people who may have been exposed during a series of visits to public locations in Fairfax County …
This Nutrient Can Help Protect You From Flu, Study Reveals This Nutrient Can Help Protect You From Flu, Study Reveals
This Nutrient Can Help Protect You From Flu, Study Reveals A growing body of research suggests that what’s missing from the body may matter just as much as what viruses are circulating during flu season. A large study found that people with low levels of a specific nutrient face a significantly higher risk of hospitalization for respiratory infections, including influenza. Researchers say the findings highlight a potential factor that could influence how severe an illness becomes once someone gets sick. The nutrient at the center of the research is vitamin D, which plays a role in immune system regulation.  According to the study, vitamin D s…
Measles Exposure Possible At Newark Airport During Holiday Travel, NJ Health Warns Measles Exposure Possible At Newark Airport During Holiday Travel, NJ Health Warns
Measles Exposure Possible At Newark Airport During Holiday Travel, NJ Health Warns New Jersey health officials are warning travelers of a possible measles exposure at Newark Liberty International Airport after a newly identified case involving a non-New Jersey resident, authorities said. The individual traveled in transit through Newark Liberty International Airport while infectious, prompting an alert issued Friday, Dec. 26, health officials said. NJDOH said anyone who was at Newark Liberty International Airport, specifically Terminals B and C, on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, between 7 a.m. in Terminal B and 7 p.m. in Terminal C, may have been exposed. Health officials said i…
Researchers Identify Sleep Trend That May Affect How Long People Live Researchers Identify Sleep Trend That May Affect How Long People Live
Researchers Identify Sleep Trend That May Affect How Long People Live Many Americans underestimate how much sleep influences long-term health, but new research suggests the consequences may be far more serious than previously understood.  A sweeping analysis of sleep habits and longevity across the country links insufficient rest to shorter life expectancy regardless of where someone lives, how much they earn, or what healthcare they can access. Researchers examined self-reported sleep data and life expectancy across more than 3,000 US counties between 2019 and 2025. Counties where more people slept fewer than seven hours a night consistently showed sho…
Nearly 7 Pounds Of Crystal Meth Bound For Europe Seized In Delco Facility: CBP Nearly 7 Pounds Of Crystal Meth Bound For Europe Seized In Delco Facility: CBP
Nearly 7 Pounds Of Crystal Meth Bound For Europe Seized In Delco Facility: CBP A massive haul of crystal meth hidden inside an overseas parcel was intercepted before it ever left Pennsylvania, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced on Thursday, Dec. 4. CBP officers discovered the drugs during an x-ray exam at an international shipping service facility in Delaware County on Tuesday, Dec. 2, according to the release. Inside the package — which was headed to an address in the Netherlands — officers found a cloudy crystal-like substance packed into several zip-lock bags. A handheld elemental isotope tool confirmed it was d-Methamphetamine hydrochloride, officials sa…
New H3N2 Flu Variant Spreads Rapidly, Raising Fears Of Severe Season New H3N2 Flu Variant Spreads Rapidly, Raising Fears Of Severe Season
New H3N2 Flu Variant Spreads Rapidly, Raising Fears Of Severe Season A fast-moving variant of the H3N2 influenza A virus is spreading worldwide, raising concerns among health experts that the United States could be in for a tougher flu season than usual.  Outbreaks in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan have been both early and aggressive, with cases and hospitalizations significantly higher than at this time last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Friday, Nov. 14, that while overall flu activity in the US remains low, it is increasing, especially among children.  The most frequently reported influenza virus this…
Rabid Fox Found In Alexandria’s Rosemont Neighborhood After Contact With Dog, Person Rabid Fox Found In Alexandria’s Rosemont Neighborhood After Contact With Dog, Person
Rabid Fox Found In Alexandria’s Rosemont Neighborhood After Contact With Dog, Person Alexandria health officials are urging residents to be on alert after a fox in the Rosemont neighborhood tested positive for rabies following contact with a dog and a person, authorities announced. The Alexandria Health Department said the fox came into contact with a dog and a person near a home in the Rosemont area on Sunday, Nov. 9.  The fox is dead, but testing confirmed it had rabies, officials said. Health officials said they are working with the exposed person and the owner of the exposed dog “on safe next steps,” but warned there is an increased risk of rabies exposures in the…
Measles Exposure Reported At Philadelphia International Airport: Health Department Measles Exposure Reported At Philadelphia International Airport: Health Department
Measles Exposure Reported At Philadelphia International Airport: Health Department Travelers who passed through Terminals A and B at the Philadelphia International Airport may have been exposed to measles, the city’s Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Officials said an infected individual was at the airport on Sunday, Nov. 9 between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Health Department urged anyone who was there during that time to review their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said there is no threat to the general public but advised those potentially exposed to “take action if they are not protected agai…
‘All Tricks, No Treats’: Obama Slams Trump While Stumping For Democrat Spanberger In Virginia ‘All Tricks, No Treats’: Obama Slams Trump While Stumping For Democrat Spanberger In Virginia
‘All Tricks, No Treats’: Obama Slams Trump While Stumping For Democrat Spanberger In Virginia Former President Barack Obama had some choice words for the current administration as he hit the campaign trail days before Election Day. Obama was in Virginia on Saturday at a rally to support Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Abigail Spanberger, who continues to lead Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in the polls, according to a newly released survey. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abigail Spanberger (@abigailspanberger) Obama threw his support fully behind Spanberger just days before Tuesday's big election. "Virginia – Abig…
Coke's New Cane-Sugar Version Rolls Out Amid Short Supply Coke's New Cane-Sugar Version Rolls Out Amid Short Supply
Coke's New Cane-Sugar Version Rolls Out Amid Short Supply Coca-Cola's new cane-sugar version of its signature soda is starting to roll out in the US, but the beverage is running into major production hurdles, according to reports. Chief financial officer John Murphy told Bloomberg News on Tuesday, Oct. 21, that Coca-Cola has started distributing Coke made with US cane sugar. The move was previously announced back in July. Murphy said limited domestic supply and bottling capacity are slowing expansion. "It's going to be a measured rollout," he told Bloomberg. "There is only a certain amount of cane sugar available in the United Stat…
Child’s Birthday Party Turns Tragic As Car Plows Into Crowd, Injuring 11 In Bladensburg: Police Child’s Birthday Party Turns Tragic As Car Plows Into Crowd, Injuring 11 In Bladensburg: Police
Child’s Birthday Party Turns Tragic As Car Plows Into Crowd, Injuring 11 In Bladensburg: Police A child’s birthday celebration turned into chaos when a vehicle slammed into a crowd outside a home in Prince George's County, leaving 11 people injured — including seven children, police said. The crash happened shortly after 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, in the 4100 block of 56th Avenue, according to the Bladensburg Police Department. Investigators said a vehicle traveling in the area of Annapolis Road struck several people gathered outside the residence before the driver fled on foot. In total, 11 victims were taken to area hospitals — three to Capital Regional Medical Center, one to…
Elizabeth Student Hit By Car Walking To School: Police Elizabeth Student Hit By Car Walking To School: Police
Elizabeth Student Hit By Car Walking To School: Police A 15-year-old student was hospitalized after he was hit by a car while walking to school in Elizabeth on Wednesday, Oct. 15, authorities said. The student was struck by a turning car traveling at low speed at Pearl and South streets while he was walking to Elizabeth High School, a spokesperson for the City of Elizabeth said. While the student wasn't injured, he reported feeling dizzy and was taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution, authorities said.
Health Officials Issue Warning After Flesh-Eating Bacteria Kills 5 Along Gulf Coast Health Officials Issue Warning After Flesh-Eating Bacteria Kills 5 Along Gulf Coast
Health Officials Issue Warning After Flesh-Eating Bacteria Kills 5 Along Gulf Coast A surge of flesh-eating infections is alarming Gulf Coast health officials, with Louisiana confirming five deaths and dozens of hospitalizations. In a Tuesday, Sept. 16 update, the Louisiana Department of Health said 26 state residents have been infected with Vibrio vulnificus in 2025.  All were hospitalized, and five died.  The department urged caution, noting cases are running well above the state’s typical levels for this point in the year. Nationally, doctors see 150 to 200 Vibrio vulnificus cases each year, and about one in five patients die. Warmer coastal waters are l…
Recall Targets Costco Tuna Product Linked To Supplier Issue Recall Targets Costco Tuna Product Linked To Supplier Issue
Recall Targets Costco Tuna Product Linked To Supplier Issue A popular raw tuna product sold at Costco stores has been pulled from shelves over concerns it may be contaminated with Listeria. On Saturday, Sept. 20, Western United Fish Company, doing business as Annasea Foods Group, announced a recall of 3,314.7 pounds of Kirkland Signature brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke.  The move came after the company’s green onion supplier reported a positive Listeria test in ingredients used for the product. The recalled tuna was sold in clear plastic clamshell containers labeled with Costco Item Number 17193, pack date of Sept. 18, and sell by date of Sept. 22.…
Body Lice Found At University Of Maryland: Students Warned To Stay Alert Body Lice Found At University Of Maryland: Students Warned To Stay Alert
Body Lice Found At University Of Maryland: Students Warned To Stay Alert University of Maryland officials confirmed cases of body lice on campus — prompting inspections, treatments, and warnings to students. The university’s Pest Control Management Units said they have “inspected and thoroughly treated the campus locations where body lice were reported.” “All known areas have been inspected and treated,” officials said in a notice. The university added that inspections are continuing to make sure no additional areas are affected.  Students with symptoms should contact the University Health Center. Body lice are tiny, visible insects that can live on peop…