Public Health

The new “Cicada” variant identified in more than half of U.S. states may be more likely to infect children than adults, CNN reported April 2. The variant, BA.3.2, earned its nickname because it has largely remained undetected or “underground” —…

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health unveiled a $144 million initiative April 2 to study and address the effects of microplastics on human health. The Systematic Targeting Of MicroPlastics, or STOMP, program will involve two phases. In phase 1,…

As vaccination rates dwindle, public health experts say rare infectious diseases could resurge — which might be happening with a rare, fatal bacterial disease known as Hib, NBC News reported April 2.  Haemophilus influenzae type B, commonly shortened to Hib,…

The CDC has published its first full measles virus genomes tied to the ongoing U.S. outbreak — a delayed move that may mark the end of the country’s measles elimination status, according to an April 2 KFF Health News report.…

The CDC has paused testing for rabies and pox viruses, according to a March 30 update on its website; the agency did not cite a specific reason. The move comes as national lab capacity faces mounting strain from prolonged workforce…

The CDC is tracking a new SARS-CoV-2 variant — BA.3.2 — that has been identified in 23 countries, including the U.S. BA.3.2 has been nicknamed the “cicada” variant as it has largely remained undetected or “underground” — like its insect…

Respiratory syncytial virus season in the U.S. usually begins in October and fades by late March, but RSV activity seems to be holding strong in 2026.  CDC data on respiratory virus activity shows that influenza and COVID-19 are dropping off…

Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, met with CDC staff March 25 to address mounting concerns over agency instability and staffing, KFF Health News reported. The staff meeting came the same day the White House delayed its nomination of a permanent agency…

Women and early-career researchers faced a disproportionate share of National Institutes of Health grant terminations in 2025, a pattern that could pose long-term consequences for the biomedical workforce, according to a March 23 study published in Proceedings of the National…

The U.S. remained outside the top 20 happiest countries globally in 2026, ranking No. 23 — up one spot from 2025, according to the “World Happiness Report 2026.” The annual report, now in its 14th edition, is produced in partnership…