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Public Health

COVID-19: China Lab Leak Cited As Pandemic's 'True Origin' By Trump Administration COVID-19: China Lab Leak Cited As Pandemic's 'True Origin' By Trump Administration
Covid-19: China Lab Leak Cited As Pandemic's 'True Origin' By Trump Administration A lab-related incident involving gain-of-function research in China is the "true origin" of COVID-19, according to comprehensive new statement issued by the Trump Administration on Friday, April 18. The statement, which accuses public health officials and intelligence agencies of suppressing this narrative for political motives, now appears on both the covid.gov and whitehouse.gov websites. The newly launched webpage by the White House claims that public health officials have misled the American public through inconsistent messaging, impulsive reactions, and a lack of transparenc…
Potentially Deadly Strep Infections Climbing Fast Across US Potentially Deadly Strep Infections Climbing Fast Across US
Potentially Deadly Strep Infections Climbing Fast Across US An aggressive and potentially deadly form of strep infections is quietly spreading — and it’s striking hardest among the most vulnerable Americans. Invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections have more than doubled in the past decade across parts of the US, according to a new federal study. The report — published Monday, April 7 in JAMA and led by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — analyzed more than 21,000 cases of invasive GAS across 10 states from 2013 to 2022. The incidence rate rose from 3.6 to 8.2 cases per 100,000 persons, signaling a significan…
Butter Beware: Cabot Creamery Recalls Popular Product In New York Over Fecal Bacteria Butter Beware: Cabot Creamery Recalls Popular Product In New York Over Fecal Bacteria
Butter Beware: Cabot Creamery Recalls Popular Product In New York Over Fecal Bacteria Butter lovers, beware. Cabot Creamery’s premium butter is being recalled after testing revealed elevated levels of coliform bacteria, a possible indicator of fecal contamination, officials said. Agri-Mark Inc., the Vermont-based maker of Cabot products, issued a voluntary recall for its 8oz Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted after finished product testing detected high levels of bacteria, according to a federal release issued Wednesday, April 9. Cabot butter packaging. Cabot Creamery The impacted butter is packaged as two 4-ounce sticks in a cardboard shell and can be identifie…
Deaths Linked To Poppy Seeds, FDA Under Fire Over Hidden Danger In Your Pantry Deaths Linked To Poppy Seeds, FDA Under Fire Over Hidden Danger In Your Pantry
Deaths Linked To Poppy Seeds, FDA Under Fire Over Hidden Danger In Your Pantry Poppy seeds — a staple on bagels and in pastries — are at the center of a stunning public health scare that has already cost lives, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed on Tuesday, April 8. The FDA has extended the public comment period for its Request for Information about poppy seed contamination after reports of adverse events, including respiratory arrest and death, were linked to the presence of opiate alkaloids — toxic substances naturally found in the poppy plant but not supposed to contaminate seeds FDA RFI Extension. The danger is not theoretical: at least 19 death…
American YouTuber Jailed After Trying To Gift Diet Coke To World's 'Most Isolated' Tribe American YouTuber Jailed After Trying To Gift Diet Coke To World's 'Most Isolated' Tribe
American YouTuber Jailed After Trying To Gift Diet Coke To World's 'Most Isolated' Tribe An American YouTuber is in an Indian jail after authorities said he allegedly tried to reach a forbidden island inhabited by an isolated and violent tribe of people to give them a Diet Coke, according to an ABC News report. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, a 24-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona, was arrested on Monday, March 31, and charged with attempting to access North Sentinel Island, the report said. The Sentinelese people are considered the "most isolated Indigenous people on Earth," according to Survival International. They speak an unknown language and have been known to be hostile to…
'Tragic, Alarming': 3 Dead From Rare Hantavirus That Killed Actor Gene Hackman's Wife 'Tragic, Alarming': 3 Dead From Rare Hantavirus That Killed Actor Gene Hackman's Wife
'Tragic, Alarming': 3 Dead From Rare Hantavirus That Killed Actor Gene Hackman's Wife Health officials in California have confirmed three deaths from the same rare rodent-borne virus that killed actor Gene Hackman’s wife earlier this year. The fatalities, all in the town of Mammoth Lakes, were caused by hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), Mono County Public Health said in a release on Thursday, April 3.  Hantavirus is a serious and often deadly disease transmitted through contact with infected deer mouse droppings, urine, or saliva — often by breathing in contaminated dust. “This third fatal case is tragic and alarming,” said Mono County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom …
Nearly 500K Pounds Of Sausage, Bacon Breakfast Sandwich Products Recalled Nearly 500K Pounds Of Sausage, Bacon Breakfast Sandwich Products Recalled
Nearly 500K Pounds Of Sausage, Bacon Breakfast Sandwich Products Recalled A massive food recall is underway after a popular line of frozen breakfast sandwiches was found to contain an undeclared allergen, federal officials announced. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said nearly 490,000 pounds of sausage and bacon ready-to-eat breakfast sandwiches made by Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC have been recalled due to misbranding and the presence of sesame, which was not listed on product labels.  Sesame is a known allergen and can cause serious reactions in sensitive individuals. The recall, announced Wednesday, April 2,…
'He Died Trying To Save His Son:' Coroner IDs Family Dead In Pennsylvania Train Tracks Tragedy 'He Died Trying To Save His Son:' Coroner IDs Family Dead In Pennsylvania Train Tracks Tragedy
'He Died Trying To Save His Son:' Coroner IDs Family Dead In Pennsylvania Train Tracks Tragedy A Bucks County dad is being remembered as a hero after and two of his sons were killed by an Amtrak train, officials confirmed. GoFundMe photo Christopher Cramp died trying to save his son on Thursday, April 3, according to Nick Emeigh, director of NAMI Bucks County. “If there’s anyone who would give his own life trying to save someone else, it would be Chris. He was a hero.” Bucks County Coroner Patricia Campi identified the trio as 56-year-old Cramp, 31-year-old David Cramp, and 24-year-old Thomas Cramp. Both David and Thomas Cramp also had children, those who knew the family…
Drug Test Elon? NJ Rep. Proposes Law Aimed Squarely At Musk's Role In Trump Admin Drug Test Elon? NJ Rep. Proposes Law Aimed Squarely At Musk's Role In Trump Admin
Drug Test Elon? NJ Rep. Proposes Law Aimed Squarely At Musk's Role In Trump Admin The world’s richest man may soon have to pee in a cup to keep his government job. Legislation proposed by Democratic New Jersey Congresswoman Mikie Sherill would require billionaire Elon Musk and other special government employees (SGE) granted access to sensitive federal data to pass a drug test and submit to random testing to keep their roles in the Trump administration. Citing concerns over national security and accountability, Sherrill announced the bill Tuesday, April 1, aiming it squarely at Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team — the Trump-created initiative ta…
FDA Vaccine Chief Resigns, Slams 'Misinformation And Lies' In Exit Letter FDA Vaccine Chief Resigns, Slams 'Misinformation And Lies' In Exit Letter
FDA Vaccine Chief Resigns, Slams 'Misinformation And Lies' In Exit Letter The nation's top vaccine regulator is stepping down — and he's not going quietly. Dr. Peter Marks, Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), announced his resignation in a letter dated Friday, March 28, saying he will retire from federal service on April 5 after more than a decade at the agency. Marks — one of the key officials behind Operation Warp Speed — did not hold back in his two-page farewell, slamming what he called “an unprecedented assault on scientific truth” and accusing the Health and Human Services Secretary of seeking “subservient confirmation…
Hochul Blasts Trump Admin's 'Cruel' Funding Cuts To Health, Addiction Services Across NY Hochul Blasts Trump Admin's 'Cruel' Funding Cuts To Health, Addiction Services Across NY
Hochul Blasts Trump Admin's 'Cruel' Funding Cuts To Health, Addiction Services Across NY More than $360 million in federal funding is being stripped from New York’s public health, mental health, and addiction programs. The cuts, attributed to changes under the Trump administration, could leave critical services in jeopardy for millions of residents, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office warned Friday, March 28. Among the services expected to be impacted are COVID surveillance, addiction recovery, and health crisis support. Hochul’s office shared the following breakdown of the sweeping federal cuts: $300+ million lost from the Department of Health, impacting virus tracking, outbreak res…
Measles Case Confirmed In Person Who Rode Amtrak Train From New York Measles Case Confirmed In Person Who Rode Amtrak Train From New York
Measles Case Confirmed In Person Who Rode Amtrak Train From New York A person with a confirmed measles case may have exposed Amtrak passengers on a recent train trip. An infected passenger with a rare breakthrough infection may have exposed others during the trip last week between New York City and Washington, DC, health officials say. The vaccinated person from Minnesota became infected while traveling abroad after returning to the US, boarded the train from NYC before becoming sick several days after arriving in DC. DC Health said the person visited multiple locations in DC while contagious.  Amtrak is contacting passengers who may have been exposed…
COVID-19: Free Tests No Longer Available From Government, Here's What To Know COVID-19: Free Tests No Longer Available From Government, Here's What To Know
Covid-19: Free Tests No Longer Available From Government, Here's What To Know The federal government program providing free at-home COVID-19 tests has announced that it is currently “not accepting orders,” according to information on the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response website.  The status of this program remains uncertain, as the US Department of Health and Human Services has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the suspension of orders. Orders placed before 8 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, March 9, will still be shipped, but the ordering function on Covidtests.gov has experienced intermittent suspensions since the initiative launched in w…
Egg Smuggling Soars As US Prices Spike, Fentanyl Seizures Drop: CBP Egg Smuggling Soars As US Prices Spike, Fentanyl Seizures Drop: CBP
Egg Smuggling Soars As US Prices Spike, Fentanyl Seizures Drop: CBP U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is cracking down on a surprising contraband at the border—eggs. Egg-related seizures have surged 116% in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with officials reporting 3,254 interceptions, according to CBP data. The spike comes as U.S. egg prices continue to soar, driven by a historic avian flu outbreak decimating poultry farms nationwide. Meanwhile, fentanyl seizures have fallen 32% year-over-year. While President Donald Trump has vowed to curb fentanyl trafficking, the more immediate smuggling crisis appears to be brea…
Recall Issued For Popular Mac & Cheese Product Recall Issued For Popular Mac & Cheese Product
Recall Issued For Popular Mac & Cheese Product A popular frozen mac and cheese product is being recalled due to undeclared egg and meat ingredients, posing a potential health risk for those with egg allergies. C.H. Guenther & Son LLC, based in San Antonio, Texas, announced the recall of its 365 Whole Foods Market Small Bites Macaroni & Cheese after a consumer complaint revealed the product contained meat and was not a macaroni and cheese bite as labeled. The recalled product was sold in 8.5-ounce cartons in the frozen food section at Whole Foods locations nationwide. Affected items have the following identifying details: UPC Co…
Recall Issued For 75,000 Bottles Of Popular Creamer Due To Health Hazards Recall Issued For 75,000 Bottles Of Popular Creamer Due To Health Hazards
Recall Issued For 75,000 Bottles Of Popular Creamer Due To Health Hazards A popular coffee creamer has been recalled due to potential health risks, affecting thousands of bottles distributed across 31 states. International Delight has voluntarily recalled over 75,000 bottles of its coffee creamer after reports of spoilage and illness from consumers, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall, initiated on Friday, Feb. 21, was classified as Class II by the FDA on Wednesday, March 12 — indicating that while health risks are not life-threatening, they could cause temporary or medically reversible issues. The recall affects two flavors of Int…
Sharp Rise In Fentanyl Poisoning Among US Children Revealed In New Study Sharp Rise In Fentanyl Poisoning Among US Children Revealed In New Study
Sharp Rise In Fentanyl Poisoning Among US Children Revealed In New Study A new study has revealed a staggering surge in fentanyl poisonings among children and teens across the US, with cases skyrocketing by more than 1,100 percent between 2015 and 2023. The findings, published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, highlight the growing threat posed by the deadly synthetic opioid, particularly as counterfeit pills flood the illicit market. The study examined nonfatal fentanyl exposures reported to US poison centers from 2015 to 2023, analyzing cases involving children and adolescents aged 0–19.  Researchers found a dramatic increase in poisonin…
First Measles Case Confirmed Outside Of NYC In 2025, Health Officials Urge Vaccination First Measles Case Confirmed Outside Of NYC In 2025, Health Officials Urge Vaccination
First Measles Case Confirmed Outside Of NYC In 2025, Health Officials Urge Vaccination A child under 5 years old on Long Island has been diagnosed with measles, marking the first case outside of New York City in 2025, health officials announced Tuesday, March 11. The case in Suffolk County, confirmed at the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Laboratory, comes as measles cases rise globally and across the United States, including in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The New York State Department of Health, Suffolk County health officials, and Northwell Health are investigating the case and tracking potential exposures. The child is currently being treated at…
Park To Reopen After Bird Flu Scare In Westchester: Was Disinfected, Officials Say (UPDATE) Park To Reopen After Bird Flu Scare In Westchester: Was Disinfected, Officials Say (UPDATE)
Park To Reopen After Bird Flu Scare In Westchester: Was Disinfected, Officials Say (Update) A park in Westchester will reopen on Wednesday, March 12, after undergoing extensive cleaning and decontamination following a bird flu outbreak, town officials announced. Carroll Park in Thornwood was originally closed on Sunday, February 2 after a dozen Canada geese were found dead, later confirmed to have tested positive for two strains of avian flu by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as Daily Voice previously reported.  To eliminate any potential contamination, municipal workers decontaminated all frequently touched surfaces in the park using a hypoc…
What Is Hantavirus? Gene Hackman's Wife Died From Rodent-Transmitted Disease, Officials Say What Is Hantavirus? Gene Hackman's Wife Died From Rodent-Transmitted Disease, Officials Say
What Is Hantavirus? Gene Hackman's Wife Died From Rodent-Transmitted Disease, Officials Say A rare but serious virus linked to rodents claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, health officials said. Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on Tuesday, Feb. 11, a full week before the 95-year-old Hackman died from cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimer’s, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner revealed at a press conference Friday, March 7. The couple of more than 35 years–along with one of their three dogs–was found dead inside their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, as Daily Voice reported. Hantavirus is …
Steak Your Claim: Texas Wants To Rebrand New York Strip, NY Isn't Biting Steak Your Claim: Texas Wants To Rebrand New York Strip, NY Isn't Biting
Steak Your Claim: Texas Wants To Rebrand New York Strip, NY Isn't Biting A beef between Texas and New York is sizzling. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing to rename the New York strip steak as the "Texas strip" steak. The Republican said the Texas senate will file a resolution to make the name change official for restaurants and supermarkets in the Lone Star State. Lt. Gov. Patrick argues that the large cattle industry in Texas deserves the credit. "Just because a New York restaurant named Texas beef a New York Strip in the 19th century doesn't mean we need to keep doing that," he said in a social media post on Friday, Feb. 28. New York City resta…
Nearly 200 Toxic Chemicals Found In Drinking Water Across NY, New Study Says Nearly 200 Toxic Chemicals Found In Drinking Water Across NY, New Study Says
Nearly 200 Toxic Chemicals Found In Drinking Water Across NY, New Study Says Drinking water in some Northeast states contains some of the highest levels of contaminants in the country, according to new data. The latest update to the Environmental Working Group's tap water database analyzed nearly 50,000 water systems nationwide between 2021 and 2023. The nonprofit identified 324 contaminants in drinking water, many at levels exceeding health-based guidelines. New York had the highest number in the region with 197 contaminants detected since 2013. New Jersey followed with 131, Pennsylvania with 123, and Connecticut with 120. Massachusetts recorde…
Dozens Of Birds Die After Bird Flu Detected At South Salem Animal Sanctuary Dozens Of Birds Die After Bird Flu Detected At South Salem Animal Sanctuary
Dozens Of Birds Die After Bird Flu Detected At South Salem Animal Sanctuary A bird flu outbreak at a farm animal rescue facility in Westchester has resulted in the deaths of around 60 birds, health officials said. The Westchester County Department of Health announced on Friday, Feb. 28, that multiple birds at Animal Nation, a Farm Animal Rescue & Sanctuary in South Salem, tested positive for the virus, prompting health officials to monitor potential human exposure.  The facility has been closed to the public since the fall, and health officials say there is no risk of exposure to the general public. However, staff and volunteers who worked at the faci…
NY Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccine Amid Increased Cases In US, Canada NY Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccine Amid Increased Cases In US, Canada
NY Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccine Amid Increased Cases In US, Canada Health officials in New York are urging people to get vaccinated against measles amid a rise in cases across the United States and Canada. The current statewide Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination rate for two-year-olds remains below the 95 percent threshold needed to prevent outbreaks through herd immunity, the New York State Department of Health warned in an advisory issued Thursday, Feb. 27. The state’s latest campaign includes a public service announcement urging parents to vaccinate their children with the MMR vaccine, which is 97 percent effective at preventing measles after…
Mysterious Illness Claims 53 Lives In Africa With Many Dying Hours After Onset Of Symptoms Mysterious Illness Claims 53 Lives In Africa With Many Dying Hours After Onset Of Symptoms
Mysterious Illness Claims 53 Lives In Africa With Many Dying Hours After Onset Of Symptoms A mysterious illness has led to 53 fatalities, with many dying within hours of developing symptoms.  The outbreak in Central Africa has emerged in a northwestern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify the situation as "a significant public health threat." Frontline medics from the WHO have reported hundreds of cases, revealing a chillingly brief timeline from symptom onset to death.  Since the outbreak began on Tuesday, Jan. 21, there have been 419 reported cases and 53 deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of 12.49 p…
New Coronavirus Resembling COVID-19 Discovered In Bats In China New Coronavirus Resembling COVID-19 Discovered In Bats In China
New Coronavirus Resembling Covid-19 Discovered In Bats In China A coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been discovered in bats in China. Lab studies at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China show it may have the potential to infect humans. The HKU5-CoV-2 virus resembles COVID because it targets the same human receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), according to research published in the scientific journal Cell. The virus doesn't enter human cells as easily as COVID, the researchers said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday, Feb. 24 that there is no reason to believe…
These States Seeing Highest Rates As Flu Hospitalizations Spike Amid Worst Season In Years These States Seeing Highest Rates As Flu Hospitalizations Spike Amid Worst Season In Years
These States Seeing Highest Rates As Flu Hospitalizations Spike Amid Worst Season In Years The flu is surging across the United States, reaching its highest severity in 15 years. Overcrowded hospitals, long ER wait times, and visitor restrictions have made this one of the worst flu seasons in recent history. In early February, flu-related doctor visits and hospitalizations hit their highest levels since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to the CDC. The agency reports that at least 33 million Americans have already been sickened during the 2024–2025 flu season. Key Figures  (as of Feb. Friday, 21, per CDC estimates): 33 million illnesses 430,000 hospitalizations 19,00…
11 Dead In Listeria Outbreak Linked To Frozen Shakes In 21 States, Including NY 11 Dead In Listeria Outbreak Linked To Frozen Shakes In 21 States, Including NY
11 Dead In Listeria Outbreak Linked To Frozen Shakes In 21 States, Including NY Frozen shakes are being recalled due to a Listeria outbreak that has caused 11 deaths and sickened dozens more, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. The products under the brand names Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial were sold to institutional settings such as long-term care facilities and hospitals and distributed throughout the nation in 4-ounce cartons. For a rundown of recalled products, item numbers and best-by dates, check this link from the FDA. Click here to view product labels. States reporting cases connected to this outbreak include: Alabama California Color…
'Predatory' Vape Makers Fueled Teen Nicotine Addiction Crisis, NY AG's Lawsuit Says 'Predatory' Vape Makers Fueled Teen Nicotine Addiction Crisis, NY AG's Lawsuit Says
'Predatory' Vape Makers Fueled Teen Nicotine Addiction Crisis, NY AG's Lawsuit Says New York is suing more than a dozen leading vape manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, accusing them of fueling vaping among children. Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against 13 companies including brands such as Puff Bar, Elf Bar, Geek Bar, and Breeze, her office said in a news release on Thursday, Feb. 20. The lawsuit claims the companies marketed highly addictive, flavored disposable e-cigarettes to kids, misled consumers about product safety, and violated federal and state regulations. According to the Office of the Attorney General, the vape make…
New Surge In Flu Cases Reported Nationwide; These States Are Seeing Biggest Spikes New Surge In Flu Cases Reported Nationwide; These States Are Seeing Biggest Spikes
New Surge In Flu Cases Reported Nationwide; These States Are Seeing Biggest Spikes Flu cases are surging across the nation, closing nearly a dozen schools and swamping hospitals in some states. At least 24 million cases, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths —including 57 children —have been reported for this flu season, which began in October, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, Feb. 7. The two strains of flu circulating this season are H1N1 and H3N2. Both are covered in this year's flu vaccine, but only about 40 percent of Americans have taken the vaccine each of the last two years, compared to 50 percent t…
Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know
Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know With data showing a significant rise in flu cases nationwide, medical experts are describing it as the worst flu season since before the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been over 24 million flu cases nationwide this season, a 10 percent increase over last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Overall flu-related hospital visits are up 25 percent. During this season, there have been 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including at least 55 children. Hospitalizations due to flu also rose, with 8,905 new admissions reported for the week ending S…