A parasitic stomach illness that causes "explosive" watery diarrhea is spreading through dozens of U.S. states this summer — a year after the Trump administration quietly stripped away the federal surveillance system built to catch outbreaks like it before they grow. In July 2025, the administration scaled back FoodNet, the CDC's foodborne illness tracking program, to two mandatory pathogens — salmonella and E. coli — making surveillance of cyclospora and five other pathogens

For the first time in history, newborns and the smallest infants battling malaria have a treatment designed with them in mind. The World Health Organization announced on World Malaria Day, April 25, that it has granted prequalification to artemether-lumefantrine — sold under the name Coartem Baby — marking a historic milestone in the fight against one of the world's most deadly diseases. The newly approved treatment is the first antimalarial formulated specifically for newbor

Sixteen years after the Affordable Care Act expanded access to care, many Virginia families are now facing rising health costs and losing coverage — driven in large part by recent federal healthcare cuts. New data and reporting show that thousands of Virginians are dropping their ACA plans as costs climb, with advocates warning the situation is likely to worsen in the months ahead. Federal Cuts Drive Premium Increases One of the most immediate impacts has been the expiration

European drug regulators have delivered a significant boost to Moderna, issuing a positive recommendation for the company’s combination influenza and COVID-19 vaccine after a thorough scientific evaluation determined the shot to be safe and effective. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Friday endorsed the vaccine — branded mCombriax — for adults aged 50 and older. The shot now awaits formal authorization from the European Commission, a step that typically follows the agen

As the federal government faces mounting uncertainty over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, tens of thousands of military families could soon face severe food insecurity. Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island on Friday ordered the Trump administration to use $5.3 billion in emergency funds to partially cover benefits for November — only about half the $9 billion needed. The partial funding leaves millions of Americans, including service memb

USDA ends local school lunch programs, sparking fears over child hunger, strained school budgets, and lost support for community farmers.

New measles cases have been reported in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico this week, marking the first spread of the outbreak into central Texas. Health officials warn that the virus continues to gain ground, with multiple new counties recording their first cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has already surpassed the total number of measles cases recorded in 2024, signaling a troubling resurgence of the disease. The Role of Vaccin

Make the most of winter break with affordable family activities that spark joy, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories.