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San Diego County Reports Fourth Human West Nile Virus Case, Urges Precaution

San Diego County Reports Fourth Human West Nile Virus Case, Urges Precaution

San Diego County health officials have reported a fourth case of human West Nile virus since June, prompting a call for increased precautions against mosquito bites. The cases, detected between June 5 and July 14, include one requiring hospitalization and two identified through blood donation screenings. West Nile virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds. The county has seen an increase in infected mosquitoes and birds, which often precedes more human cases. Health officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water and use mosquito repellents to reduce the risk of infection.

Virginia Health Departments Investigate First Locally Acquired Dengue Case

Virginia Health Departments Investigate First Locally Acquired Dengue Case

The Virginia Department of Health, along with Fairfax and Loudoun County health departments, is investigating the state's first locally acquired dengue virus infection. The case involves two individuals, one of whom likely contracted the virus through a mosquito bite after being in close proximity to an international traveler who had recently been diagnosed with dengue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data indicates that Virginia had only four dengue cases in 2026, out of 1,443 nationwide. The risk of contracting dengue in Virginia remains low, as most cases occur in tropical or subtropical climates. Dengue is transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes and can range from asymptomatic to severe disease.

Salmonella Outbreak Prompts Recall of 1.5 Million Egg Cartons

Salmonella Outbreak Prompts Recall of 1.5 Million Egg Cartons

A salmonella outbreak linked to eggs has led to the recall of 1.5 million cartons distributed across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. The affected eggs, sold under various brand names, have 'best by' dates between July 20 and August 17, 2026. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations across 17 states. Consumers are advised to discard or return the eggs and sanitize any surfaces they may have contacted.

CDC Reports Over 10,000 Cyclosporiasis Cases Across 47 States Amid Rising Outbreak

CDC Reports Over 10,000 Cyclosporiasis Cases Across 47 States Amid Rising Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed nearly 10,500 cases of cyclosporiasis across 47 states, marking a significant increase in the outbreak. The CDC is also investigating an additional 12,255 unconfirmed cases. The outbreak has been linked to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, sourced from central Mexico. The outbreak has resulted in 517 hospitalizations, with the first known deaths reported in Michigan. The CDC is working closely with state health departments to update case numbers as more cases are confirmed. The outbreak has affected multiple states, with Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina recently added to the list of affected areas.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo Supports Rhode Island Arts Funding to Boost Cultural and Economic Vitality

U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo Supports Rhode Island Arts Funding to Boost Cultural and Economic Vitality

U.S. Representative Gabe Amo has expressed his support for the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts' (RISCA) recent allocation of nearly $630,000 in grants to 138 arts and culture entities across the state. These grants are aimed at supporting local artists, students, and communities, emphasizing the arts' role in cultural, educational, and economic vitality. The funding is part of a broader initiative to enhance the state's creative sector, which contributes significantly to Rhode Island's GDP and employment. The grants cover various programs, including general operating support for organizations and artists, artist open studio tours, and a new Arts and Health Incubator Grant. This new program, supported by Governor McKee and the General Assembly, aims to use the arts to address health goals outlined in the RI 2030 Plan.

Confirmed Cyclosporiasis Cases in New Hampshire Surge Amid Lettuce Recall

Confirmed Cyclosporiasis Cases in New Hampshire Surge Amid Lettuce Recall

The number of confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in New Hampshire has more than doubled, rising from 33 to 69. Health officials report that 32 cases are linked to recalled lettuce, while the source of another 32 cases remains unknown. Three cases required hospitalization, and five are associated with international travel. The outbreak highlights concerns about food safety and the challenges in tracing the source of infections.

Michigan Reports Over 11,500 Cyclosporiasis Cases Amid Ongoing Outbreak

Michigan Reports Over 11,500 Cyclosporiasis Cases Amid Ongoing Outbreak

Michigan health officials have reported 11,508 cases of cyclosporiasis, marking an increase of over 200 cases from the previous day. The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants, sourced from Taylor Farms in central Mexico. The state has also reported the first two deaths associated with the outbreak, both involving individuals with significant underlying health conditions. The outbreak has resulted in 193 hospitalizations in Michigan. Cyclosporiasis is contracted by consuming contaminated food or water and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea.

Rhode Island Officials Raise West Nile Virus Risk to High Following Mosquito Detections

Rhode Island Officials Raise West Nile Virus Risk to High Following Mosquito Detections

Rhode Island has elevated the risk level for West Nile virus to high after detecting the virus in mosquito samples collected in East Providence, North Providence, and Providence. The samples, tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories, did not show signs of other viruses such as Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) or Jamestown Canyon virus. Despite the high risk level, there is no indication of a widespread outbreak. Health officials are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, as West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms can range from mild, such as fever and headache, to severe, affecting the central nervous system.

Brown University's president, who clashed with Trump over funding, steps down

Brown University's president, who clashed with Trump over funding, steps down

By Julia Harte Aug 3 - Brown University President Christina Paxson said on Monday that she would leave her post at the end of the academic year, following a difficult period in which she clashed with President Donald Trump's administration over its threats to slash the Ivy League school's federal

Massachusetts Health Officials Warn of Spread of Venomous Asian Needle Ants

Massachusetts Health Officials Warn of Spread of Venomous Asian Needle Ants

Health officials and entomologists in Massachusetts are raising concerns about the spread of Asian needle ants, an invasive species known for its painful sting. According to USA Today, a colony of these ants has been identified in Waltham, Massachusetts, adding the state to the list of New England locations affected by this species. Other colonies have been reported in Providence, Rhode Island, and heavily invaded forests in Georgia. The ants are small, about 0.2 inches long, and can be difficult to identify due to their resemblance to other species. They are glossy and dark brown to black, with orange-brown antennae and back legs. The sting of the Asian needle ant can cause a throbbing, stinging sensation lasting over 30 minutes, with potential for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Their venom may carry a higher risk of allergic reaction than a honey bee sting.

Maryland Health Department Confirms First West Nile Virus Case of 2026, Details Withheld

Maryland Health Department Confirms First West Nile Virus Case of 2026, Details Withheld

Maryland has reported its first human case of West Nile virus for 2026, with the patient located in the Capital Region. The Maryland Department of Health has not disclosed the specific county, citing privacy concerns. This leaves residents in Prince George's, Montgomery, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties uncertain about the exact location of the case. The state emphasizes that the presence of a single case indicates ongoing transmission, not the extent of it. The Maryland Department of Agriculture provides mosquito surveillance data through public notices for unscheduled mosquito spraying, which are based on positive surveillance findings. These notices offer more precise information than county-level case reports, as they indicate areas where mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus.

Kansas Health Officials Warn of High West Nile Virus Risk Statewide

Kansas Health Officials Warn of High West Nile Virus Risk Statewide

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a warning about the high risk of West Nile virus across the state. The department's data indicates that the entire state is at risk, with mosquitoes carrying the virus posing a threat to residents. While many infected individuals may not show symptoms, the virus can cause severe illness, including neurological infections and, in some cases, death. Health officials are urging residents to take precautions, such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.