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

Ebola has tortured us: Fear as DR Congo outbreak spreads

An Ebola outbreak in DR Congo's Ituri province has killed at least 131 people with over 513 suspected cases, while WHO warns the virus may be spreading faster than initially detected across the region.

May 19, 20266 min
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Ebola outbreak may be spreading faster than first thought, WHO doctor warns

A World Health Organization representative warns that an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo's Ituri province, which has killed 131 people, may be spreading faster than originally thought, with cases potentially exceeding 1,000.

May 19, 20265 min
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Ebola may be spreading faster than first thought, WHO doctor warns

A WHO representative warns that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo may be spreading faster than originally thought, with modelling suggesting there could already be more than 1,000 cases compared to the official 513 suspected cases.

May 19, 20264 min
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At least six Americans exposed to Ebola in DR Congo, US media report

At least six Americans have been exposed to the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with one believed to be experiencing symptoms. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international emergency with 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths reported.

May 18, 20265 min
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How worrying is the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo?

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, caused by the rare Bundibugyo species, has spread undetected for weeks with nearly 250 suspected cases and 80 deaths. The WHO declared it a global health emergency, raising concerns about a potentially much larger outbreak given the lack of approved vaccines or treatments for this specific virus strain.

May 17, 20266 min
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WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a global health emergency

The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province a public health emergency of international concern, with around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported. The current strain, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has no approved drugs or vaccines and has already spread to neighboring Uganda.

May 17, 20264 min
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I tried the UK's 'saltiest' sandwich - here's what I learned

A BBC correspondent tests Gail's smoked chicken caesar club sandwich, which contains 6.88g of salt—exceeding daily recommended limits—and explores the health impacts of excess salt consumption.

May 16, 20266 min
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Charity calls for more meningitis vaccines after teenager's death

A charity has called for a wider rollout of meningitis vaccines after a teenage boy in Oxfordshire died from the disease, with two other young people also being treated for meningitis in the area.

May 16, 20264 min
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Lewis Waters: Family 'heartbroken' over teen's meningitis death

A sixth-form student at The Henley College in Oxfordshire has died from meningitis, with his family describing him as "funny and kind hearted." Two other young people are being treated for meningitis following the identified social network connection.

May 15, 20264 min
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Teenager's family 'heartbroken' by meningitis death

A teenage boy who died after contracting meningitis has been described as "a funny, kind hearted soul" by his family. Lewis Waters, a sixth-form pupil at The Henley College in Oxfordshire, died earlier this week, with two other pupils also being treated for meningitis in the area.

May 15, 20262 min
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One dead and two ill after meningitis cases in Reading

A college student has died and two people are being treated after cases of meningitis in Reading, Berkshire, with close contacts being offered antibiotics as a precaution. The UKHSA confirmed one case as Meningitis B and said the risk to the wider public is low.

May 15, 20264 min
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Streeting hails NHS progress as key hospital waiting time milestone met

The UK government has hit an interim target with 65.3% of patients treated within 18 weeks by March 2026, marking progress toward Labour's manifesto pledge to reach 92% by 2029. The overall waiting list also fell to 7.1 million, the lowest in three and a half years.

May 14, 20263 min
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Brits on virus-hit cruise ship to isolate at hospital

British passengers and staff aboard a cruise ship at the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak will be brought to a UK hospital to isolate at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral after the MV Hondius docks in the Canary Islands this weekend.

May 9, 20262 min
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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