📰 CDC issues China travel warning over chikungunya virus outbreak
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel warning for Americans going to China due to the spread of the chikungunya virus in Guangdong province, particularly in Foshan. Over 7,000 cases have been confirmed in the region since June 2025, with symptoms typically appearing 3-7 days after a mosquito bite. Most infected individuals experience fever and joint pain, with some facing severe joint pain for months to years. People at higher risk for severe illness include newborns, older adults, and those with certain medical conditions. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, and prevention methods like using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing are recommended.
Efforts to combat the virus in Foshan involve various strategies like using drones to find mosquito breeding sites, spraying residents with repellent, and releasing mosquito-eating fish into ponds. The chikungunya virus has caused around 240,000 cases globally across 16 countries, with 90 associated deaths. Apart from China, outbreaks have been reported in countries such as Bolivia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka, as well as in Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand. The CDC advises travelers to get vaccinated if visiting areas with chikungunya outbreaks and seek medical care if experiencing symptoms like fever, joint pain, or rash during or after travel.
📰 Woman beats deadly brain cancer with experimental stem cell therapy: ‘Truly amazing’
A New Jersey woman named Pamela Goldberger, 65, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, in 2023. Despite the grim prognosis, she was offered a chance to participate in a clinical trial for an individualized stem cell therapy at Cooper University Hospital. After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and cell therapy, Goldberger’s health gradually improved, and she is now alive, healthy, and active. The new treatment involves creating a vaccine from the patient’s tumor to prime the immune system to attack the cancer cells. The phase 1 clinical trial of the treatment, called DOC1021, showed positive results with improved survival rates and minimal side effects. Goldberger encourages other glioblastoma patients to consider clinical trial opportunities and prioritize their healing journey.
📰 Deadly bacterial outbreak infects dozens in city neighborhood as officials sound alarm
An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City has infected 58 people, resulting in two deaths. The cases are concentrated in Central Harlem and nearby areas. Legionella bacteria, which causes the disease, can spread indoors through water systems. Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by breathing in or swallowing water droplets containing Legionella. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial, especially for high-risk individuals like older adults and smokers. Antibiotics such as Levofloxacin and Azithromycin are used to treat the infection. Preventive measures include managing water systems to reduce Legionella growth.
📰 Cancer deaths hit ‘alarming’ surge due to common health condition, experts say
Obesity-related cancer deaths in the U.S. have dramatically increased from 3.73 million to 13.52 million over the past two decades, as revealed by a study presented at ENDO 2025. The study analyzed over 33,000 deaths from obesity-associated cancers between 1999 and 2020, highlighting disparities in risk burden among older adults, females, and racial minorities. The Midwest had the highest rate of obesity-related cancer deaths, while the Northeast had the lowest. Obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing 13 types of cancer, accounting for 40% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the U.S. The surge in obesity-related cancer mortality, especially in high-risk rural and underserved areas, underscores the urgent need for targeted public health strategies like early screening and improved access to care.
Dr. Robert Den emphasized the critical connection between obesity and cancer, noting a concerning rise in aggressive cancers like colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic, and postmenopausal breast cancer. He stressed the importance of promoting healthy body weight through lifestyle changes, cancer screenings, and early intervention to reduce cancer risk. Dr. Sue Decotiis highlighted the impact of obesity and diabetes drugs in reducing cancer risk, emphasizing the significance of weight loss in decreasing inflammation and preventing cancers. She recommended proactive measures to address obesity and insulin resistance, clean up the food supply, and seek help from certified weight-loss physicians for effective weight management.
📰 Deadly drug stronger than fentanyl spreads rapidly across the Americas, experts warn
A little-known opioid called nitazenes, deadlier than fentanyl, has caused a rise in overdose deaths recently. Originally developed in the 1950s as pain relievers, nitazenes were never approved due to high overdose risks. Nitazenes, particularly isotonitazene (ISO), have entered the illicit drug market in Europe and are spreading across the Americas. The U.S. DEA classifies ISO and seven other nitazenes as Schedule 1 drugs. Nitazenes are synthetic, cheap to make, and are often mixed into other drugs, making them highly dangerous and unpredictable. Testing for nitazenes is limited, and specialized tools are needed to identify them in street drugs to prevent fatal overdoses. Naloxone can reverse nitazene overdoses, but multiple doses may be necessary due to their potency. Public awareness, widespread naloxone distribution, and rapid drug-checking are crucial in preventing deaths from nitazene use.
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