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Congressman Josh Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable on Rising Lyme Disease Threat in New Jersey

Congressman Josh Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable on Rising Lyme Disease Threat in New Jersey

U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer recently organized a roundtable in Haworth, New Jersey, to address the increasing threat of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in the state. The event brought together local officials, physicians, and advocates to discuss the rising number of cases, diagnostic challenges, and the need for enhanced federal support for research and public awareness. New Jersey is one of the states with the highest burden of Lyme disease, having reported over 4,000 tick-borne disease cases in 2026, including more than 3,500 Lyme cases. Participants highlighted issues such as limited public awareness, difficulties in obtaining accurate diagnoses, and gaps in physician education. Gottheimer emphasized the importance of passing the Kay Hagan Tick Act, which aims to establish a national strategy for Lyme disease, and securing federal funding for related programs.
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European Heatwaves Increase Risk of Infectious Diseases, Warns Health Agency

European Heatwaves Increase Risk of Infectious Diseases, Warns Health Agency

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning about the growing risk of infectious diseases due to prolonged heatwaves across Europe. The agency highlights that higher temperatures create ideal conditions for the spread of diseases such as foodborne illnesses, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and West Nile virus, and tick-borne diseases. The ECDC emphasizes the need for strategic collaboration across sectors to effectively predict, prevent, and respond to these health threats. The agency also provides guidelines for reducing risks, such as maintaining good hygiene and using insect repellents.
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Indiana Dunes National Park Warns of Elevated E. coli Levels at Five Beaches

Indiana Dunes National Park Warns of Elevated E. coli Levels at Five Beaches

Indiana Dunes National Park officials have issued a warning against swimming at five beaches due to elevated E. coli levels. The affected beaches include Mt. Baldy, Central, Dunbar, Portage Lakefront, and West Beach. Recent testing revealed E. coli levels exceeding water quality standards, prompting the advisory. While the beaches remain open, visitors are advised to avoid swimming and enjoy the areas from the shore. The National Park Service does not close beaches solely due to elevated bacteria levels, but further testing will be conducted to monitor the situation.
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Cholera Outbreak in Unity State Results in 45 Deaths and Over 6,800 Infections

Cholera Outbreak in Unity State Results in 45 Deaths and Over 6,800 Infections

A cholera outbreak in Unity State has resulted in 45 deaths and 6,844 infections, according to state health authorities. The outbreak, which began earlier this year, has affected all seven counties in the state, with Rubkona, Mayom, and Koch being the hardest hit. Rubkona County, the epicenter of the outbreak, has reported 4,790 cases. Health officials are conducting awareness campaigns to slow the spread of the disease, urging residents to maintain proper hygiene and use safe drinking water.
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Maine Considers Ending Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Amidst Criticism

Maine Considers Ending Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Amidst Criticism

The state of Maine is considering ending the quarantine aimed at controlling the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer, despite its continued presence and spread throughout the state. The quarantine, which began in 2019, restricts the movement of timber, including firewood, from quarantined areas to prevent the beetle's spread. Critics, including the Ash Protection Collaboration Across Waponahkik (APCAW), argue that lifting the quarantine is premature and could endanger the remaining ash trees. The quarantine currently protects about 78% of ash basal area in areas where the beetle has not been detected. The state plans to shift focus to education and tracking if the quarantine is lifted.
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Two Maine Hotels Recognized Among World's Best by Travel + Leisure

Two Maine Hotels Recognized Among World's Best by Travel + Leisure

Two Maine Hotels Recognized Among World's Best by Travel + Leisure
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Reward Offered for Information on Illegal Deer Shooting in Mercer, Maine

Reward Offered for Information on Illegal Deer Shooting in Mercer, Maine

The Maine Warden Service is investigating the illegal shooting of a deer in Mercer, Somerset County. A $2,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest or conviction of those responsible. The deer, a doe, was shot at night and left in an apple orchard on West Sandy River Road. The incident was reported by a concerned citizen, and the shooting is believed to have occurred between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on July 26. Maine Operation Game Thief is encouraging anyone with information to submit a confidential report.
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Comedian Pete Wolynec Discusses Career on 'Behind The Funny'

Comedian Pete Wolynec Discusses Career on 'Behind The Funny'

Comedian Pete Wolynec Discusses Career on 'Behind The Funny'
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Cholera's Global Impact: Rising Cases and Fatalities Highlight Ongoing Health Crisis

Cholera's Global Impact: Rising Cases and Fatalities Highlight Ongoing Health Crisis

Cholera continues to pose a significant global health threat, particularly in regions lacking clean water and basic healthcare. In 2025, the disease reached its deadliest point in over a decade, with nearly 7,600 deaths reported across 33 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the actual number of cases and deaths to be much higher, potentially ranging from 1.3 million to 4 million cases and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths annually. The disease has surged over the past five years, with reported cases increasing by approximately 175% from 2021 to 2025. Africa accounted for about 70% of reported cholera deaths in 2025. Despite being easily treatable with oral rehydration solutions, cholera remains difficult to control due to the lack of clean water in affected regions.
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Experts Warn of Rising Tick-Borne Diseases Amid Expanding Habitats

Experts Warn of Rising Tick-Borne Diseases Amid Expanding Habitats

Tick-borne diseases are on the rise in the U.S., with new pathogens spreading alongside ticks. Experts emphasize the importance of prevention due to increasing reports of tick-borne illnesses, partly attributed to regional climate changes and expanding tick habitats. Dr. Natasha Wyndham Hanners, an infectious disease specialist, highlights the growing concern as new tick-borne viruses, such as orthonairoviruses, evade the human immune system. In states with dense lone star tick populations, cases of Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-triggered red meat allergy, are increasing. Prevention strategies include performing tick checks after outdoor exposure, using repellents, and maintaining tick-free environments by managing yard vegetation.
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Maine Delegation Seeks DEA Clarification on EMS Drug Rule

Maine Delegation Seeks DEA Clarification on EMS Drug Rule

Maine's congressional delegation has requested clarification from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding a new registration category affecting EMS agencies. The rule, part of the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act, allows EMS agencies to administer controlled substances under their own registrations. However, confusion over the rule's implementation has led major health systems in Maine to end medication agreements with EMS agencies, causing operational and financial challenges.
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Heavy Storms Trigger Flood Risk Across New England

Heavy Storms Trigger Flood Risk Across New England

A multiday storm system is shifting into New England, bringing a heightened flash flood threat through Thursday. Heavy rain of 1–2 inches per hour could produce 3–5 inches of total rainfall across parts of Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, and Maine, while 30–40 mph wind gusts are expected on Wednesday. Flood warnings remain in effect, and hundreds of flights have already been canceled across major Northeast airports as the storms continue to disrupt travel.