Latest Epidemics News

UN confirms sexual spread of mpox in Congo for the 1st time as country sees a record outbreak

Nov. 24, 2023 07:32 AM EST

LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization said it has confirmed sexual transmission of mpox in Congo for the first time as the country experiences its biggest-ever outbreak, a worrying development that African scientists warn could make it more difficult to stop the disease. In a...

Puerto Rico declares flu epidemic as cases spike. 42 dead and more than 900 hospitalized since July

Nov. 09, 2023 12:57 PM EST

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico health officials on Thursday declared an influenza epidemic in the U.S. territory. At least 25,900 cases have been reported since July, with 42 deaths and more than 900 hospitalizations on the island of 3.2 million people, Health Secretary...

As billions roll in to fight the US opioid epidemic, one county shows how recovery can work

Nov. 03, 2023 08:57 AM EDT

FINDLAY, Ohio (AP) — Communities ravaged by America’s opioid epidemic are starting to get their share of a $50 billion pie from legal settlements. Most of that money comes with a requirement that it be used to address the overdose crisis and prevent more deaths. ...

New Mexico governor defends approach to attempted gun restrictions, emergency order on gun violence

Oct. 10, 2023 22:13 PM EDT

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday defended her decision to treat gun violence as a public health epidemic, citing statistics on recent firearms seizures, reduced reports of gunfire in the Albuquerque metro area and an uptick in jail bookings, while awaiting a...