Health

Latest Health News

đź“…December 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Rising US outbreaks of measles, flu, and meningitis amid vaccine debates; breakthroughs in aging detection, cancer therapies, cervical cancer prevention, and new devices/drugs dominate global health news.
1

Connecticut Reports First Measles Case in Years

Connecticut health officials reported the state’s first measles case since 2021 in an unvaccinated child under 10 in Fairfield County after international travel.Source 1 Measles outbreaks are spreading across the US, with South Carolina quarantining 254 people after over two dozen cases, marking the worst year recently linked to HHS leadership changes.Source 1 The nation risks losing measles elimination status.Source 1

2

US Flu Season Heats Up Driven by New K Variant

Latest US data shows early and intense flu season fueled by a new subclade K variant already busy in Asia, Australia, and Europe.Source 1 Respiratory illnesses are spreading rapidly among holiday shoppers and gatherings.Source 1 This variant is contributing to heightened flu activity nationwide.Source 1

3

Florida Doctors Warn of Deadly Meningitis Amid Vaccine Mandate Pushback

Florida's surgeon general seeks to end school mandates for four vaccines, including one against dangerous meningitis that's rising and killing children.Source 1 Doctors raised alarms during a state workshop about increasing cases.Source 1 Making the vaccine optional could exacerbate the threat.Source 1

4

FDA Panel Questions Antidepressants in Pregnancy but Doctors Defend as Lifeline

KFF Health News reports FDA panelists scrutinized antidepressants during pregnancy, but physicians describe them as essential for maternal mental health.Source 1 Debate highlights risks versus benefits in treatment.Source 1 Original reporting underscores ongoing tensions in obstetric care.Source 1

5

Maryland Researchers Develop System to Eliminate Cervical Cancer Worldwide

University of Maryland researchers tested a program analyzing national HPV vaccination strategies to recommend improvements that could eradicate cervical cancer globally.Source 1 The approach targets the virus causing the disease.Source 1 Findings suggest scalable vaccination enhancements.Source 1

6

Mayo Clinic Breakthrough in Detecting Senescent 'Zombie' Cells for Aging

Researchers used aptamers—shape-shifting DNA—to label and detect senescent cells linked to aging and diseases in living mouse tissue.Source 2Source 8 Selected from trillions of sequences, aptamers target surface proteins like fibronectin variants.Source 8 This could enable targeted therapies and applies to human cells potentially.Source 8

7

Sanofi Tolebrutinib Review for MS Extended by FDA

Sanofi announced the US FDA review of tolebrutinib for non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis will extend past December 28, 2025, with guidance expected by Q1 2026.Source 5 The drug targets this MS form.Source 5 Delay impacts patient access timelines.Source 5

8

Bioretec's RemeOs DrillPin Gets FDA Breakthrough Designation

FDA granted Breakthrough Device status to Bioretec's magnesium-based biodegradable RemeOs DrillPin for orthopedics, the third for their portfolio.Source 6 It eliminates removal surgery by absorbing into bone.Source 6 Prioritized FDA interaction aids faster approval.Source 6

9

WHO Launches Call for High-Level Science Council Experts

WHO seeks 15-20 multidisciplinary experts for its Science Council to advise on global health strategies.Source 9 Focus on strategic leadership across fields.Source 9 Aims to bolster evidence-based policymaking.Source 9

10

Combination Pills Simplify High Blood Pressure Treatment

American Heart Association reports single pills combining two or more blood pressure meds improve adherence and long-term health outcomes.Source 13 Simplifies regimen for hypertension patients.Source 13 Evidence supports broader use.Source 13

11

Global Call to Strengthen Neurological Care

Lancet report urges urgent action to prioritize neurological care, expand access, enhance prevention, and promote brain health worldwide.Source 7 Calls for coordinated international efforts.Source 7 Addresses growing neurological burdens.Source 7

12

Quantum Sensing Breakthrough to Spy on Cancer-Immune Interactions

UK researchers awarded ÂŁ2M to develop quantum sensors tracking immune cell metabolism in tumors via free radicals, potentially revolutionizing personalized cancer therapies.Source 4 Enables real-time detection at single-electron scale.Source 4 Aligns with NHS quantum tech goals.Source 4