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Latest stories, analysis, and insights from the world of health.

Third British national has suspected hantavirus infection, government says

A third British national has suspected hantavirus infection linked to an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, with two others already confirmed as infected. The ship is expected to dock in the Canary Islands this weekend, where remaining British passengers will be flown home and asked to self-isolate.

May 8, 20264 min
hantavirusoutbreakcruise-ship

Two Britons self-isolating in UK after leaving hantavirus cruise ship early

Two British people are self-isolating at home after potential exposure to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has been struck by an outbreak that has killed three passengers. The pair left the vessel at St Helena in late April and flew back to the UK, with health officials tracing their contacts during travel.

May 7, 20264 min
hantaviruscruise-shipmv-hondius

What is the cruise ship hantavirus and how does it spread?

The Andes strain of hantavirus, confirmed in passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, can spread between humans through close contact and is normally transmitted from rodents through their urine and droppings, with a mortality rate of 20-40%.

May 7, 20266 min
hantavirusandes-viruscruise-ship

What is the cruise ship hantavirus and how does it spread?

A cruise ship outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus has confirmed cases and deaths, with the virus spreading through close contact between people on board. Hantavirus is normally transmitted from infected rodents to humans, but the Andes strain can spread between people in rare cases.

May 6, 20267 min
hantavirusandes-viruscruise-ship

From beds to LED masks, is the red light craze giving us more than just a warm glow?

Red light therapy has become a wellness industry trend claiming to improve skin, speed muscle recovery, and boost overall health. But what does the science actually say about LED masks, therapy beds, and infrared saunas?

May 3, 20268 min
red-light-therapyled-maskswellness

OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma set to dissolve after judge approves its criminal sentence

A federal judge delivered a criminal sentence to the company to resolve a DOJ probe, clearing the way for the settlement that will dissolve Purdue Pharma and replace it with a public good-focused company.

May 1, 20261 min
purdue-pharmaoxycontinopioid-crisis

The struggle to get hold of medication in England is set to get worse

People with epilepsy, heart conditions, and other serious illnesses are struggling to access essential medications as supply problems and a complex funding system create severe shortages across England's pharmacies.

May 1, 20266 min
NHSmedication shortagepharmacy closures

To catch colorectal cancer early, advocates push to make 'poop talk' OK

It's a very treatable form of cancer if caught early, yet younger adults rarely get screened. Patient advocates want more people to talk to their doctors about risk factors and number 2.

April 30, 20264 min
colorectal cancercancer screeningyoung adults

Women can wait years for an endometriosis diagnosis. New tech could change that

A new scan technique using specialized CT scans combined with a molecular tracer may help spot endometriosis earlier, potentially reducing the average nine-year wait for diagnosis that affects one in 10 women in the UK.

April 30, 20265 min
endometriosiswomen's healthmedical diagnosis

The Iraq vet redefining mindfulness, one bourbon at a time

Like many vets, it took Fred Minnick time to find the best way to cope with what he would learn was PTSD. For Minnick, sense and peace came with bourbon — and "taste mindfulness."

April 30, 20263 min
PTSDveteransIraq War

New obesity tool aims to predict risk of 18 serious complications

A new tool called OBSCORE promises to better define who's at risk for obesity complications, going beyond BMI to include family history, diet, and socioeconomic factors. The model aims to help identify who might benefit from GLP-1 drugs and other obesity treatments.

April 30, 20262 min
obesityBMIOBSCORE

The podcast telling the stories behind Ambien, Ozempic, EpiPens, and other game-changing drugs

'Drug Story' examines how blockbuster pharmaceuticals intersect with modern life, exploring the history and societal impact of over 3,000 drugs behind pharmacy counters.

April 25, 20262 min
podcastpharmaceuticalsdrug development

Fewer heat-related deaths in 2025 despite warmest summer

The UK recorded around 1,504 heat-associated deaths during summer 2025, roughly half the predicted 3,039, despite experiencing the warmest summer on record with four heatwaves and temperatures reaching nearly 36°C.

April 7, 20263 min
heatclimateUK weather

Disruption expected as six-day doctors' strike begins

Resident doctors in England begin their 15th strike in a long-running pay dispute, promising significant disruption to NHS services as they make up nearly half of the medical workforce.

April 7, 20264 min
doctorsNHSstrike

Study finds 70% of remediated Los Angeles yards still exceed lead limit

Even after one of the largest environmental remediation efforts in California history, dangerous levels of lead persist in residential neighborhoods surrounding a former battery smelter in Southeast Los Angeles, according to a new UC Irvine study.

April 7, 20264 min
lead contaminationenvironmental remediationpublic health

New plan aims to track microplastics in U.S. drinking water, EPA says

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to add microplastics and pharmaceutical residues to its list of priority pollutants, potentially leading to new research and regulations for drinking water safety.

April 6, 20262 min
microplasticsdrinking waterEPA

'Two weeks will make such a difference': UK first as NI brings in miscarriage leave

Northern Ireland becomes the first part of the UK where women and their partners are entitled to two weeks of paid leave following a miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy, providing validation and time to process the loss together.

April 6, 20265 min
miscarriagebereavement leaveNorthern Ireland

Fewer heat-related deaths in 2025 despite warmest summer

The number of heat-related deaths recorded during summer 2025 - the UK's warmest - was much lower than expected at 1,504 deaths, roughly half the 3,039 predicted despite four heatwaves and record temperatures.

April 4, 20263 min
heatwavesUK weatherclimate change

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy: Expert-Approved Advice

Red light therapy is gaining popularity as a wellness tool, using red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity and support skin healing, muscle recovery, and hair regrowth. Experts explain the science behind the treatment and its range of potential health benefits.

April 3, 20265 min
red light therapyphotobiomodulationskin health

Medicare Advantage plans win extra $18.6 billion as feds cut star ratings measures

Trump administration changes will lead to more bonuses for Medicare insurers as CMS eliminates 11 quality measures that health insurers were previously graded on.

April 3, 20261 min
medicare advantagetrump administrationhealth insurance
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