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Latest Health Headlines

February 28

How contagious is measles?

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to humans, experts say.
February 28
How contagious is measles?
February 28

Texas measles outbreak grows to 146 cases

At least 79 cases are among those who have not been vaccinated.
February 28
A person walks past a sign at a health center where the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is administered in Lubbock, Texas, on Feb. 27, 2025.
February 28

Pakistan reports 2 new polio cases of the year despite anti-polio drives

Officials say Pakistan has reported two new cases of polio in its southern and eastern provinces, posing a setback to the country’s efforts to eradicate a disease that remains endemic only in Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan
February 28
February 27

By the Numbers: Flu vaccine effectiveness as measles outbreak continues

New CDC data shows this year’s flu vaccine has been as effective as in the past, but concerns remain as many communities have likely lost their herd immunity to measles.
February 27
By the Numbers: Flu vaccine effectiveness as measles outbreak continues
February 27

New Jersey, Kentucky report more measles cases amid spread in US

Some of the cases were linked to international travel, officials said.
February 27
The MMR vaccine for measles, mumps or rubella at Logan Square Health Center in Chicago in 2019.
February 27

5 key questions about measles answered amid outbreak

An unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas dead of measles on Wednesday.
February 27
A vial of a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) virus vaccine at Kaiser Permanente Redwood City, in Redwood City, Calif., April 12, 2019.
February 27

GOP is considering cuts to Medicaid funding. Here's who could be impacted

Republicans are considering slashing billions of dollars from Medicaid funding.
February 27
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services office, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, stands in Woodlawn, Md., Dec. 28, 2010.
February 27

Major medical groups push back against Trump admin's 'sex-based definitions'

Health and Human Services issued new guidance that recognizes only two sexes.
February 27
The sun flares next to the sign marking the headquarters building of the US Department of Health and Human Services on Feb. 9, 2024, in Washington, DC.
February 27

New report raises concerns about Black mothers and heart failure

Dr. Bayo-Curry Winchell explains the disparity between non-Hispanic Black and white women.
February 27
VIDEO: New report raises concerns about Black mothers and heart failure
February 27

Measles death in US ‘a preventable tragedy’: Doctor

ABC News contributor Dr. John Brownstein discusses the return of the viral infection that was eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.
February 27
VIDEO: Measles death in US ‘a preventable tragedy’: Doctor
February 27

The number of babies born in South Korea last year rebounded for the first time in nearly a decade

The number of babies born in South Korea has rebounded for the first time in nine years
February 27
A nurse takes care of a newborn baby in a neonatal room of a hospital in Incheon, South Korea, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Jeon Jin-hwan/Newsis via AP)
February 27

As measles cases mount in the US, what’s the situation worldwide?

The U.S. registered its first death from measles since 2015 this week, as a child who wasn’t vaccinated died in a measles outbreak in rural West Texas
February 27
FILE - This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 4, 2015 shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle, center. (Cynthia Goldsmith/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP)
February 27

Texas says this doctor illegally treated trans youth. He says he followed the law

Dr. Hector Granados treats children with diabetes at his El Paso clinics and makes hospital rounds under the shadow of accusations that have thrown his career into jeopardy: providing care to transgender youth
February 27
Emiliana Edwards, 18, former patient of pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Hector Granados speaks during an interview in El Paso, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
February 27

Iowa gives final approval to a bill removing gender identity protections despite massive protests

A bill that would strip gender identity protections from Iowa’s civil rights code has received final legislative approval and now goes to the governor
February 27
Protesters sit in the rotunda at the Iowa state Capitol to denounce a bill that would strip the state civil rights code of protections based on gender identity, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
February 26

Nurses' stories recount terror of armed man's attack at Pennsylvania hospital

The stories of two nurses who survived a gunman's attack on an intensive care unit in a York, Pennsylvania, hospital are being shared in Facebook posts that reveal new details
February 26
Law enforcement respond to the scene of a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP)
February 26

VA pauses billions in cuts lauded by Musk as lawmakers and veterans decry loss of critical care

The Department of Veterans Affairs has temporarily suspended billions of dollars in contract cuts after an uproar that critical veterans health services were harmed, lawmakers and veterans service organizations said Wednesday
February 26
FILE - The seal is seen at the Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington, June 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
February 26

Texas doctor says children hospitalized for measles, not quarantine

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed Wednesday that children were hospitalized in Texas for quarantine purposes. However, a Texas doctor said they were there for measles.
February 26
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed Wednesday that children were hospitalized in Texas for quarantine purposes. However, a Texas doctor said they were there for measles.
February 26

Unvaccinated child dies of measles amid outbreak

An unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas has died of measles, the first associated with an outbreak that has infected more than 100 people.
February 26
An unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas has died of measles, the first associated with an outbreak that has infected more than 100 people.
February 26

Movie Review: In 'My Dead Friend Zoe,' a dark comedy about PTSD

“My Dead Friend Zoe,” starring Natalie Morales and Sonequa Martin-Green, confronts a dark reality of post-combat struggle with as much humor and playfulness as it does trauma and sorrow
February 26
This image released by Briarcliff Entertainment shows Natalie Morales, right, and Sonequa Martin-Green in a scene from "My Dead Friend Zoe." (Mike Taing/Briarcliff Entertainment via AP)
February 26

Unvaccinated child dies of measles amid outbreak

The majority of cases have occurred among unvaccinated people.
February 26
The MMR vaccine for measles, mumps or rubella at Logan Square Health Center in Chicago in 2019.
February 26

How to protect yourself from measles

ABC News contributor Dr. Alok Patel shares advice on what to know about the easily preventable viral infection.
February 26
VIDEO: How to protect yourself from measles
February 25

Measles outbreak in West Texas continues to grow

A measles outbreak in Texas is continuing to grow, reaching 124 cases, new data released Tuesday shows.
February 25
Measles outbreak in West Texas continues to grow
February 25

Historic Strike Involving Thousands of Oregon Healthcare Workers Comes to an End

This is a MedPage Today story. A strike involving nearly 5,000 healthcare workers at Providence Health in Oregon, which began Jan. 10, has come to an end. Late Monday, eight RN bargaining units voted overwhelmingly to ratify their contracts and end the strike, which was believed to be the largest involving healthcare workers, and the first involving physicians, in the state's history, according to the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), which represented the workers. Among the key provisions in the contracts were that nurses will receive wage increases ranging from 20% to 42% over the life of the contract, with an immediate 16% to 22% raise upon ratification, and that patient acuity will be factored into staffing plans. "As RNs, we believe that these contracts will lead to greater recruitment and retention of frontline nurses as wages become more aligned with other health systems, and we have staffing language that will allow us to spend more time with the patients that need the most...
February 25
February 25

Texas measles outbreak grows to 124 cases, mostly among unvaccinated

Children and teenagers between ages 5 and 17 make up the majority of cases.
February 25
The MMR vaccine for measles, mumps or rubella at Logan Square Health Center in Chicago in 2019.
February 24

In Rome, talks to protect Earth's biodiversity resume with money topping the agenda

An annual United Nations conference on biodiversity that ran out of time last year will resume its work Tuesday in Rome with money at the top of the agenda
February 24
Climate demonstrators take part in a protest holding a sign that reads "tax fossils, protect biodiversity" as the COP16 biodiversity conference continues on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Rome. (Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse via AP)
February 24

Utah close to fully banning fluoride in water, stripping cities' ability to decide

Utah appears to be the first state ready to put a full ban on fluoride in public water systems under a bill that doesn’t allow cities or communities to decide whether to add the cavity-preventing mineral
February 24
FILE - A student drinks from a water fountain at an elementary school in California, Sept. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
February 24

New coronavirus found in bats is not currently 'concern to public health', CDC says

No infections have been detected in humans so far, the CDC said.
February 24
February 24

A mystery illness in Congo has killed more than 50 people hours after they felt sick

Health experts say an unknown illness first discovered in three children who ate a bat has rapidly killed more than 50 people in northwestern Congo over the past five weeks
February 24
February 24

FDA moves to rehire medical device staffers fired only days earlier

The Food and Drug Administration is reinstating some of the hundreds of staffers it fired last week
February 24
FILE - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration campus in Silver Spring, Md., is photographed on Oct. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
February 24

How to jump-start your heart health routine

Fitness instructor Liz Hillard discusses strength training, heart heath and why age is just a number.
February 24
VIDEO: How to jump-start your heart health routine
February 24

French surgeon on trial accused of raping, abusing 299 people

A former surgeon is set to stand trial in France for the alleged rape or sexual abuse of 299 victims
February 24
Lawyers arrive at the Vannes courthouse, western France, on the opening day of the trial of French surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec, accused of raping or abusing 299 people, mostly child patients, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
February 23

Cancer rates among Black people declining but higher than other groups, ACS study

Dr. Jessica Shepherd, chief medical officer of hers, joins ABC News Live to discuss cancer, IVF and sleep health.
February 23
VIDEO: Cancer rates among Black people declining but higher than other groups, ACS study
February 22

Officer killed after a gunman took hostages at a Pennsylvania hospital

Authorities say a gunman entered a Pennsylvania hospital’s intensive care unit and took staff members hostage before he was killed by police in a shootout that also left an officer dead
February 22
Leah Fauth gets emotional after leaving flowers in front of the West York Police Department after a police officer was killed responding to a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
February 22

Staying consistent with your fitness goals

Peloton instructor Rad Lopez joins ABC News live to share tips and tricks to help you stay consistent with your fitness goals.
February 22
VIDEO: Staying consistent with your fitness goals
February 22

Shakes sold to nursing homes recalled after listeria outbreak linked to 11 deaths

Cartons of frozen shakes sold to nursing homes and other institutions are being recalled after an outbreak of listeria linked to the products
February 22
Listeria bacteria is seen here in this undated stock illustration.
February 22

A French ex-surgeon is accused of raping or abusing 299 victims. Most were child patients

A former surgeon is going on trial in France for the rape and sexual abuse of 299 victims over a period spanning more than three decades
February 22
FILE -Activists hold posters during a women's rights demonstration, Dec. 14, 2024 in Avignon, southern France, where the trial of dozens of men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot while she was drugged and rendered unconscious by her husband is taking place. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard), File)
February 21

Measles outbreak worsens in West Texas, children are most infected

ABC News’ Mireya Villarreal reports on how the worst outbreak of measles to hit Texas in 30 years is growing, with many of the infected being children.
February 21
Measles outbreak worsens in West Texas, children are most infected
February 21

Texas measles outbreak grows

ABC News' Dr. Alok Patel discusses the growing measles outbreak in Texas, the risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and the Trump administration’s plans to look into medications for kids.
February 21
Texas measles outbreak grows
February 21

Flu activity 'elevated' in US but showing signs of abating, CDC data shows

Visits to doctors' offices for flu-like illness fell to 6.8% from 7.7%.
February 21
February 21

What to know about deep vein thrombosis

San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder.
February 21
VIDEO: What to know about deep vein thrombosis
February 21

Texas measles outbreak grows to 90 cases, largest in over 30 years

Most of the cases are in children between ages 5 and 17.
February 21
In an undated stock photo, a young girl is seen with measles on her neck and face.
February 21

Importance of the child vaccination schedule

Patel It Like It Is: ABC News' Dr. Alok Patel answers health questions about the vaccination schedule of children and the safety of vaccines.
February 21
VIDEO: Importance of the child vaccination schedule
February 21

US aid freeze puts HIV-positive orphans in Kenya at risk as medical supplies dwindle

A U.S. aid freeze is threatening the lives of HIV-positive orphans at Nyumbani Children’s Home in Nairobi
February 21
Children play at the Nyumbani Children's Home orphanage which is heavily reliant on foreign donations in Nairobi, Kenya Thursday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
February 20

By the Numbers: CDC predicts worst flu season in 15 years

A look at the numbers behind peak flu season during the month of February, as the CDC estimates there have been nearly 29 million cases in the U.S. since the fall.
February 20
By the Numbers: CDC predicts worst flu season in 15 years
February 20

Huge cuts in National Institutes of Health research funding go before a federal judge

A court battle is set to resume over the Trump administration’s drastic cuts in medical research funding
February 20
Medical researchers from universities and the National Institutes of Health rally near the Health and Human Services headquarters to protest federal budget cuts Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
February 20

Once off the table, bills to charge women who get abortions with murder get votes before failing

Abortion rights groups fear punishment for women who have abortions and governments tracking pregnancies
February 20
FILE - Dani Thayer, left, and Marina Lanae, right, both of Tulsa, Okla., hold pro-choice signs at the state Capitol, Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki File)
February 20

Drug overdose deaths fall in 2023 for 1st time since pandemic began, CDC report finds

The rate of overdose deaths fell 4% from 2022 to 2023.
February 20
February 20

Doctor Stabbed in Chest; 'Hypnotic' Doc Faces Second Hearing; Nurse Assaulted

This is a MedPage Today story. A patient at Provident Hospital in Chicago allegedly stabbed an emergency physician in the chest. (FOX 32) A physician in the U.K. is facing a second hearing over sexual misconduct allegations that he talked to female patients in a "hypnotic way." (BBC News) A Florida nurse may lose her eyesight after a patient allegedly attacked her and broke nearly every bone in her face. A 33-year-old man has been arrested in the attack. (WFLA, NBC Miami) Nebraska family physician Jacob Smith, MD, has been accused of distributing child pornography. (KOLN) Missouri physician Sonny Saggar, MD, was sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison for healthcare fraud, after billing federal payers for doctor visits that were actually performed by assistant physicians. (KSDK) Five-year-old Thomas Cooper's mother watched in horror as he burned to death in a hyperbaric chamber that went up in flames. The family plans to take legal action in the coming weeks. (Detroit Free...
February 20
February 20

New York sues vape distributors over Elf Bar and other fruit and candy e-cigarettes

New York is suing several large electronic cigarette distributors for allegedly selling vaping flavors that can appeal to children
February 20
FILE - Disposable flavored electronic cigarette devices are displayed for sale at a store in Pinecrest, Fla., Monday, June 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
February 20

Is spending all day on your feet at work an occupational hazard?

Spending all day standing can take a toll on a worker’s body
February 20
AP Illustration / Annie Ng