Fueled by outbreaks in multiple states, including a large one centered in west Texas, the nation's measles total reached 607 cases today, with 124 new cases reported over the past week, according to an update today from the CDC. The nation is battling its worst spike in cases since 2019, fueled by outbreaks in communities where vaccine uptake is lower and by increased global spread of the virus. The CDC said 2 more jurisdictions reported cases this week, raising the total to 22—21 states and New York City. One more outbreak was reported, making six so far, and 93% of cases confirmed so far are part of outbreaks.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the epicenter of Texas' still-growing measles outbreak on Sunday, the same day a funeral was held for a second young child who was not vaccinated and died from a measles-related illness. Kennedy said in a social media post that he was working to "control the outbreak" and went to Gaines County to comfort the families who have buried two young children. He was seen late Sunday afternoon outside of a Mennonite church where the funeral services were held, but he did not attend a nearby news conference held by the CDC about the outbreak.
In a new study led by Stanford Medicine, researchers analyzing the health records of Welsh older adults discovered that those who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years than those who did not receive the vaccine.
Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico reported new measles cases this week, with the outbreak expanding for the first time into central Texas. Already, the U.S. has more measles cases this year than in all of 2024, the CDC says. The multi-state outbreak confirms health experts' fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread could stretch on for a year. The WHO said last week that cases in Mexico are linked to the Texas outbreak.
A healthcare executive has sued John Oliver for defamation following a Last Week Tonight episode on Medicaid, in which the comedian quoted the doctor as saying it was okay for a patient with bowel issues to be "a little dirty for a couple of days". Brian Morley, MD, the ex-medical director of AmeriHealth Caritas, argues that Oliver took the quote out of context in an April 2024 episode on Medicaid.
After successful psychedelic therapy sessions, patients report long-lasting benefits. These range from an increased sense of empathy and connection, to an enhanced appreciation of nature and interconnectedness. Some report a stronger commitment to altruistic behaviours (such as donating or volunteering). Meaningful lifestyle changes are common too, from healthier diets, improved mindfulness, to quitting smoking and drinking.