Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

11-Year-Old Dies From H5N1 Bird Flu In Cambodia, Country Records 100% Fatality Rate In All Human Bird Flu Cases

A 11-year-old boy from Kampong Speu province in Cambodia has died of H5N1 <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/avian-influenza">avian influenza</a></span>, the country’s Health Ministry confirmed. This marks the fourth confirmed human case of bird flu in Cambodia in 2025 and all four have been fatal.

Laboratory analysis performed at the Pasteur Institute of Cambodia confirmed the virus presence in the child, who had a sudden onset of serious respiratory manifestations such as high fever, continuous cough, breathlessness, and acute respiratory distress. He was taken to a hospital but died on May 2, 2025.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/rfk-jr-announces-cdc-no-longer-recommends-covid-vaccine-for-kids-and-pregnant-women-what-do-experts-think-article-151745014" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">CDC No Longer Recommends COVID Vaccine For Kids And Pregnant Women - What Do Experts Think?</a>

The ministry's probe found that chickens and ducks in and around the child's house had been falling ill and dying in the days prior to the child's symptoms appearing, suggesting zoonotic transmission, a distressing reminder of the thin lines between human and animal well-being.

Although human illnesses of H5N1 are uncommon and not a food safety threat, this year has also witnessed an alarming increase in cases in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 10 human bird flu cases across the world in 2025 before this death in Cambodia. Five of them led to fatality. Four of those deaths have now been reported from Cambodia and all of them have been linked with direct contact with infected or dead birds.

This trend is mirroring an increasingly global reality: the rate of H5N1 spillover into humans, while remaining low, is rising. The more often it occurs, the greater the possibility of the virus evolving to be able to live in human hosts.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/female-cancer-crisis-on-an-increase-climate-change-could-be-responsible-article-151744230" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Female Cancer Crisis On An Increase, Climate Change Could Be Responsible</a>

<h2>Why the H5N1 Threat Can't Be Ignored?</h2>

Avian flu A(H5N1) is a contagious disease that primarily infects birds but has been found to be capable of crossing species. This cross-species capability keeps scientists and health authorities on their toes. The Global Virus Network just reported more than 70 cases of human infections in the U.S. alone since the wider outbreak started, with one confirmed death.

Although human-to-human transmission has not yet taken place, specialists warn that mutations, particularly in mammals, may bring us to the verge of a tipping point. Should H5N1 develop the potential for effective human transmission, the result might equal the magnitude of past pandemics.

After the child's death, Cambodia's Ministry of Health sent a team of emergency response workers to the village affected to track down the source of the infection and stop further transmission. Steps include contact tracing, health screening, dispensing of the antiviral drug Tamiflu to potentially exposed people, and public education campaigns alerting about contact with infected poultry.

In a public health alert, the ministry called on citizens who had flu-like symptoms—particularly those with recent contact with birds—to get immediate medical attention. "To delay treatment increases you to a high risk of eventual death," the warning added. 

H5N1 is not contagious among humans, and that is why every confirmed case attracts immediate global attention. The majority of infections in humans are due to direct contact with sick birds or contaminated habitats, especially via saliva, nasal discharges, feces, or blood.

Even other creatures—like milk cows—can carry the virus in milk and respiratory secretions. When those things come in contact with humans, the virus enters through inhalation of contaminated dust or droplets, eyes, nose, or mouth.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/can-drinking-alcohol-increase-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer-who-study-reveals-alarming-link-article-151743396" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Can Drinking Alcohol Increase Your Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer? WHO Study Reveals Alarming Link</a>

This cross-host transmission highlights the importance of adopting a One Health policy, which acknowledges the interrelatedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

<h2>Symptoms of Bird Flu In Humans To Watch For</h2>

Incubation for H5N1 in humans usually lasts for 2 to 5 days, although it may be as long as 17 days. Symptoms tend to worsen like normal flu but may quickly become severe respiratory illness. Typical symptoms are:

<ul><li>High fever</li><li>Fatigue and muscle pains</li><li>Ongoing cough</li><li>Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Conjunctivitis (pink eye)</li><li>Shortness of breath</li></ul>

While some of the U.S. cases have had less severe symptoms, around the world the virus has carried a high mortality rate, so early diagnosis and intervention are paramount.

The WHO has been warning of the pandemic threat posed by avian influenza for years. In the United States alone, over 168 million birds have been killed since 2022 to contain outbreaks of avian flu—testifying to the virus's economic and agricultural impact. But the more general concern is how close we may be to a mutation that makes possible efficient transmission from person to person.

The recent Cambodian fatality, though isolated, is just a piece in a larger mosaic. With H5N1 now emerging in an expanding array of animal hosts, including mammals such as mink, cats, and even sea mammals, the path to human adaptation may be shortening.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the general public remains at low risk, but the agency recommends heightened vigilance among farmers, poultry workers, veterinarians, and dairy handlers. Preventive steps include:

<ul><li>Avoiding contact with sick or dead animals</li><li>Using protective gear (gloves, masks, eye protection)</li><li>Practicing good hygiene—especially handwashing</li><li>Cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly (to 165°F/74°C)</li><li>Choosing pasteurized dairy products</li></ul>

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A 11-year-old boy from Kampong Speu province in Cambodia has died of H5N1 avian influenza, the country’s Health Ministry confirmed. This marks the fourth confirmed human case of bird flu in Cambodia in 2025 and all four have been fatal.Laboratory analysis performed at the Pasteur Institute of Cambodia confirmed the virus presence in the child, who had a sudden onset of serious respiratory manifestations such as high fever, continuous cough, breathlessness, and acute respiratory distress. He was taken to a hospital but died on May 2, 2025.Also Read: CDC No Longer Recommends COVID Vaccine For Kids And Pregnant Women - What Do Experts Think?The ministry's probe found that chickens and ducks in and around the child's house had been falling ill and dying in the days prior to the child's symptoms appearing, suggesting zoonotic transmission, a distressing reminder of the thin lines between human and animal well-being.Although human illnesses of H5N1 are uncommon and not a food safety threat, this year has also witnessed an alarming increase in cases in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 10 human bird flu cases across the world in 2025 before this death in Cambodia. Five of them led to fatality. Four of those deaths have now been reported from Cambodia and all of them have been linked with direct contact with infected or dead birds.This trend is mirroring an increasingly global reality: the rate of H5N1 spillover into humans, while remaining low, is rising. The more often it occurs, the greater the possibility of the virus evolving to be able to live in human hosts.Also Read: Female Cancer Crisis On An Increase, Climate Change Could Be ResponsibleWhy the H5N1 Threat Can't Be Ignored?Avian flu A(H5N1) is a contagious disease that primarily infects birds but has been found to be capable of crossing species. This cross-species capability keeps scientists and health authorities on their toes. The Global Virus Network just reported more than 70 cases of human infections in the U.S. alone since the wider outbreak started, with one confirmed death.Although human-to-human transmission has not yet taken place, specialists warn that mutations, particularly in mammals, may bring us to the verge of a tipping point. Should H5N1 develop the potential for effective human transmission, the result might equal the magnitude of past pandemics.After the child's death, Cambodia's Ministry of Health sent a team of emergency response workers to the village affected to track down the source of the infection and stop further transmission. Steps include contact tracing, health screening, dispensing of the antiviral drug Tamiflu to potentially exposed people, and public education campaigns alerting about contact with infected poultry.In a public health alert, the ministry called on citizens who had flu-like symptoms—particularly those with recent contact with birds—to get immediate medical attention. "To delay treatment increases you to a high risk of eventual death," the warning added. How Does H5N1 Infect Humans?H5N1 is not contagious among humans, and that is why every confirmed case attracts immediate global attention. The majority of infections in humans are due to direct contact with sick birds or contaminated habitats, especially via saliva, nasal discharges, feces, or blood.Even other creatures—like milk cows—can carry the virus in milk and respiratory secretions. When those things come in contact with humans, the virus enters through inhalation of contaminated dust or droplets, eyes, nose, or mouth.Also Read: Can Drinking Alcohol Increase Your Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer? WHO Study Reveals Alarming LinkThis cross-host transmission highlights the importance of adopting a One Health policy, which acknowledges the interrelatedness of human, animal, and environmental health.Symptoms of Bird Flu In Humans To Watch ForIncubation for H5N1 in humans usually lasts for 2 to 5 days, although it may be as long as 17 days. Symptoms tend to worsen like normal flu but may quickly become severe respiratory illness. Typical symptoms are:High feverFatigue and muscle painsOngoing coughNausea, vomiting, and diarrheaSore throatConjunctivitis (pink eye)Shortness of breathWhile some of the U.S. cases have had less severe symptoms, around the world the virus has carried a high mortality rate, so early diagnosis and intervention are paramount.The WHO has been warning of the pandemic threat posed by avian influenza for years. In the United States alone, over 168 million birds have been killed since 2022 to contain outbreaks of avian flu—testifying to the virus's economic and agricultural impact. But the more general concern is how close we may be to a mutation that makes possible efficient transmission from person to person.The recent Cambodian fatality, though isolated, is just a piece in a larger mosaic. With H5N1 now emerging in an expanding array of animal hosts, including mammals such as mink, cats, and even sea mammals, the path to human adaptation may be shortening.Who's Most at Risk Right Now?According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the general public remains at low risk, but the agency recommends heightened vigilance among farmers, poultry workers, veterinarians, and dairy handlers. Preventive steps include:Avoiding contact with sick or dead animalsUsing protective gear (gloves, masks, eye protection)Practicing good hygiene—especially handwashingCooking poultry and eggs thoroughly (to 165°F/74°C)Choosing pasteurized dairy products

11-year-old dies from h5n1 bird flu in cambodia, country records 100% fatality rate in all human bird flu cases

Covid Cases Surge Again In India—But This Time It’s Your Stomach And Throat That Suffer First; New Symptoms To Note

India Records 1,010 Active Covid Cases, New Variants LF.7 & NB.1.8.1 Raise Concerns

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CDC No Longer Recommends COVID Vaccine For Kids And Pregnant Women - What Do Experts Think?

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When the World Health Organization (WHO) officially pronounced <span>COVID-19</span> a pandemic on March 11, 2020, it signaled the start of an unprecedented public health crisis that would redefine societies globally. Since SARS-CoV-2 first appeared years ago, developments with vaccines, treatments and public knowledge generated optimism that the virus would fade into endemicity. 

By the early part of 2025, India's daily cases and hospitalizations had fallen to negligible numbers, and societies were able to creep back to near-normal ways of life. But as India heads into the summer of 2025, a sharp rise in cases in several states—from Kerala to Delhi, Karnataka to Chandigarh—came as a rude reminder that the pandemic was far from over.

In urban and semi-urban hubs, outpatient departments (OPDs) are seeing patient volumes three to four times greater than two weeks ago. In large hospitals in Bengaluru, Belagavi, and elsewhere, doctors say lines spill into waiting rooms as people with mild to moderate illness line up for tests and consultation. Intensive-care units are still relatively unaffected, but increasing OPD traffic indicates a key public-health issue: controlling diffuse, low-severity illness without swamping primary health-care facilities

In contrast to earlier waves, where loss of taste and smell were the hallmark clinical presentation, current infections present mainly in the upper respiratory and GI tracts. Clinicians observe that patients typically present with:

Hoarseness and Throat Pain: A sore, strained voice often preceding or following sore throat.

Low-grade Persistent Fever: Temperature ranging around 100–101°F for two to three days.

Gastrointestinal Distress: Painless, watery diarrhoea of 24–48 hours duration, often followed by profound lethargy that can last weeks after infection.

Mild Stomach Cramps and Fatigue: Intermittent abdominal aching accompanied by extreme tiredness.

Even if these symptoms themselves are usually mild, their unusual combination can result in misdiagnosis or delayed testing—especially in areas where influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) are still endemic

<h2>Decoding the Variants Behind the Surge</h2>

Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) genomic surveillance identifies the rise as due to a number of Omicron sublineages—mainly JN.1, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. These have been listed by WHO as "Variants Under Monitoring" and have mutations that increase transmissibility while retaining largely mild clinical profiles.

Early evidence implies that NB.1.8.1's spike-protein mutations might bestow enhanced immune evasion and cell-binding competence, although no unequivocal connection to increased severity has been found. As the push for sequencing grows stronger, public-health officials hope to track the geographic distribution of each subvariant to inform focused interventions.

Healthy adults recover within days, but some remain susceptible:

Older Adults (65+ years): Immune senescence can delay viral clearance and complicate comorbidities.

Individuals with Chronic Illnesses: Diabetes, hypertension and chronic respiratory illnesses raise the risk for complications.

Immunocompromised Persons: From transplant recipients to those taking long-term corticosteroids, suppression of the immune system can impede both vaccine efficacy and natural healing.

Young Children: Though uncommon, some instances in infants and toddlers occasionally need hospital observation for hydration issues.

In Chandigarh, a 40-year-old man with no history of health problems died of acute cardiorespiratory arrest almost immediately after returning a positive result—highlighting the virus's erratic course in vulnerable hosts

Both national and state authorities have ramped up testing, contact tracing and isolation measures. In Karnataka, Karnataka Health Department made mask wearing compulsory again in health-care institutions and redirected isolation beds in district hospitals. West Bengal's latest advisory makes it mandatory for private hospitals and labs to report positive cases of the day in a standardized format and store samples for sequencing, a sign of sharpened alertness after an extended period of complacency

Parallelly, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is assessing vaccine inventories and examining precautionary booster campaigns for high-risk groups. Top pulmonologists and infectious-disease specialists advise against across-the-board booster drives, referring to prevailing evidence that existing vaccine regimens still provide strong protection against severe disease—despite surfacing subvariants.

<h2>What Kind of Prevention Can Be Done At A Personal Level?</h2>

Since COVID-19 and other ILIs blur together so indistinctly, experts recommend that the public embrace commonsense practices:

Test Early: Get RT-PCR or rapid-antigen testing when symptoms first appear, such as hoarseness or diarrhoea.

Isolate Early: Stay home for at least five days after symptom onset or after becoming negative through testing.

Practice Mask Discipline: Wear good-fitting masks—especially in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas.

Prioritise Hygiene: Proper hand hygiene and surface disinfection cut down on SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens' transmission equally.

Stay Hydrated and Rested: Proper fluid intake and rest promote immune strength and counter fatigue.

While the clinical impact of the latest wave seems contained, its spread so quickly reflects the ongoing threat of viral evolution. With the world and regional health systems preparing for a possible surge in influenza and other respiratory viruses later in the year, an interlinked surveillance strategy—capitalizing on genomic information, syndromic reporting and vaccination data—will be essential.

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When the World Health Organization (WHO) officially pronounced COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, it signaled the start of an unprecedented public health crisis that would redefine societies globally. Since SARS-CoV-2 first appeared years ago, developments with vaccines, treatments and public knowledge generated optimism that the virus would fade into endemicity. By the early part of 2025, India's daily cases and hospitalizations had fallen to negligible numbers, and societies were able to creep back to near-normal ways of life. But as India heads into the summer of 2025, a sharp rise in cases in several states—from Kerala to Delhi, Karnataka to Chandigarh—came as a rude reminder that the pandemic was far from over.In urban and semi-urban hubs, outpatient departments (OPDs) are seeing patient volumes three to four times greater than two weeks ago. In large hospitals in Bengaluru, Belagavi, and elsewhere, doctors say lines spill into waiting rooms as people with mild to moderate illness line up for tests and consultation. Intensive-care units are still relatively unaffected, but increasing OPD traffic indicates a key public-health issue: controlling diffuse, low-severity illness without swamping primary health-care facilitiesNew Covid SymptomsIn contrast to earlier waves, where loss of taste and smell were the hallmark clinical presentation, current infections present mainly in the upper respiratory and GI tracts. Clinicians observe that patients typically present with:Hoarseness and Throat Pain: A sore, strained voice often preceding or following sore throat.Low-grade Persistent Fever: Temperature ranging around 100–101°F for two to three days.Gastrointestinal Distress: Painless, watery diarrhoea of 24–48 hours duration, often followed by profound lethargy that can last weeks after infection.Mild Stomach Cramps and Fatigue: Intermittent abdominal aching accompanied by extreme tiredness.Even if these symptoms themselves are usually mild, their unusual combination can result in misdiagnosis or delayed testing—especially in areas where influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) are still endemicDecoding the Variants Behind the SurgeIndian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) genomic surveillance identifies the rise as due to a number of Omicron sublineages—mainly JN.1, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. These have been listed by WHO as "Variants Under Monitoring" and have mutations that increase transmissibility while retaining largely mild clinical profiles.Early evidence implies that NB.1.8.1's spike-protein mutations might bestow enhanced immune evasion and cell-binding competence, although no unequivocal connection to increased severity has been found. As the push for sequencing grows stronger, public-health officials hope to track the geographic distribution of each subvariant to inform focused interventions.Who's at Maximum Risk?Healthy adults recover within days, but some remain susceptible:Older Adults (65+ years): Immune senescence can delay viral clearance and complicate comorbidities.Individuals with Chronic Illnesses: Diabetes, hypertension and chronic respiratory illnesses raise the risk for complications.Immunocompromised Persons: From transplant recipients to those taking long-term corticosteroids, suppression of the immune system can impede both vaccine efficacy and natural healing.Young Children: Though uncommon, some instances in infants and toddlers occasionally need hospital observation for hydration issues.In Chandigarh, a 40-year-old man with no history of health problems died of acute cardiorespiratory arrest almost immediately after returning a positive result—highlighting the virus's erratic course in vulnerable hostsBoth national and state authorities have ramped up testing, contact tracing and isolation measures. In Karnataka, Karnataka Health Department made mask wearing compulsory again in health-care institutions and redirected isolation beds in district hospitals. West Bengal's latest advisory makes it mandatory for private hospitals and labs to report positive cases of the day in a standardized format and store samples for sequencing, a sign of sharpened alertness after an extended period of complacencyParallelly, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is assessing vaccine inventories and examining precautionary booster campaigns for high-risk groups. Top pulmonologists and infectious-disease specialists advise against across-the-board booster drives, referring to prevailing evidence that existing vaccine regimens still provide strong protection against severe disease—despite surfacing subvariants.What Kind of Prevention Can Be Done At A Personal Level?Since COVID-19 and other ILIs blur together so indistinctly, experts recommend that the public embrace commonsense practices:Test Early: Get RT-PCR or rapid-antigen testing when symptoms first appear, such as hoarseness or diarrhoea.Isolate Early: Stay home for at least five days after symptom onset or after becoming negative through testing.Practice Mask Discipline: Wear good-fitting masks—especially in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas.Prioritise Hygiene: Proper hand hygiene and surface disinfection cut down on SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens' transmission equally.Stay Hydrated and Rested: Proper fluid intake and rest promote immune strength and counter fatigue.While the clinical impact of the latest wave seems contained, its spread so quickly reflects the ongoing threat of viral evolution. With the world and regional health systems preparing for a possible surge in influenza and other respiratory viruses later in the year, an interlinked surveillance strategy—capitalizing on genomic information, syndromic reporting and vaccination data—will be essential.

covid cases surge again in india, but this time it’s your stomach and throat that suffer first; new symptoms to note

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Last week, the US Health and Human Services Department's Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr released a 69-page long 'Make American Healthy Again' (MAHA) report revealing the health priorities of the state. The report was said to guide health policies during the remining of President Trump's term. 

While the report has noted some essential points like chemical safety in food, results of physical inactivity and over medication, the report has also been criticised for its anti-vaccination stance. The report called for a heightened scrutiny of childhood vaccine schedule. In fact, recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/rfk-jr-announces-cdc-no-longer-recommends-covid-vaccine-for-kids-and-pregnant-women-what-do-experts-think-article-151745014" data-type="tilCustomLink">removed COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for kids and pregnant women</a>. 

Amid this, the <span>White House</span> has acknowledged the report, however, it has also acknowledged the errors the report has and has said to fix them. 

While RFK says his <span>MAHA Report</span> harnesses 'gold standard' science and it has cited more than 500 studies. The NOTUS has found that some of the cited sources do not exist at all. 

The White House press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed that the report will be updated. “I understand there was some formatting issues with the MAHA report that are being addressed and the report will be updated.” Leavitt told reporters during her briefing. “But it does not negate the substance of the report, which, as you know, is one of the most transformative health reports that has ever been released by the federal government. This is also reported on NOTUS website and as reported by US News. 

The NOTUS, on Thursday reported that seven of the more than 500 studies cited in the report did not appear to have been published. 

In fact, author of one study confirmed that while she did conduct research on topic of anxiety in children, she never authored the report which had been listed in the MAHA report. Other discrepancies include studies being misinterpreted, or problems with citations, especially on the topics around children's screen time, medication use, and anxiety. 

RFK, while claimed to bring "radical transparency" and "gold standard" science to public health agencies, he has refused to release details on studies which calls for an increased scrutiny of the childhood vaccine schedule and describes the children to be overmedicated and undernourished.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/rfks-maha-report-raises-concerns-on-american-healthcare-article-151700452" data-type="tilCustomLink">RFK's MAHA Report Raises Concerns On American Healthcare</a></strong>

However, Leavitt said that the White House has "complete confidence" in Kennedy. 

“Minor citation and formatting errors have been corrected,” HHS Spokesman Andrew Nixon said in an emailed statement. He described the report as a “historic and transformative assessment by the federal government to understand the chronic disease epidemic afflicting our nation's children.”

This is not it, but his report is already stirring concerns not just among the Democrats, but also among Trump loyalists, including farmers, who criticized this report for characterizing the chemicals sprayed on the US crops. 

As of now, the report is supposed to be used to develop policy recommendations that will be released later this year. 

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Last week, the US Health and Human Services Department's Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr released a 69-page long 'Make American Healthy Again' (MAHA) report revealing the health priorities of the state. The report was said to guide health policies during the remining of President Trump's term. While the report has noted some essential points like chemical safety in food, results of physical inactivity and over medication, the report has also been criticised for its anti-vaccination stance. The report called for a heightened scrutiny of childhood vaccine schedule. In fact, recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for kids and pregnant women. Amid this, the White House has acknowledged the report, however, it has also acknowledged the errors the report has and has said to fix them. While RFK says his MAHA Report harnesses 'gold standard' science and it has cited more than 500 studies. The NOTUS has found that some of the cited sources do not exist at all. The White House press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed that the report will be updated. “I understand there was some formatting issues with the MAHA report that are being addressed and the report will be updated.” Leavitt told reporters during her briefing. “But it does not negate the substance of the report, which, as you know, is one of the most transformative health reports that has ever been released by the federal government. This is also reported on NOTUS website and as reported by US News. What Are The Discrepancies?The NOTUS, on Thursday reported that seven of the more than 500 studies cited in the report did not appear to have been published. In fact, author of one study confirmed that while she did conduct research on topic of anxiety in children, she never authored the report which had been listed in the MAHA report. Other discrepancies include studies being misinterpreted, or problems with citations, especially on the topics around children's screen time, medication use, and anxiety. RFK, while claimed to bring "radical transparency" and "gold standard" science to public health agencies, he has refused to release details on studies which calls for an increased scrutiny of the childhood vaccine schedule and describes the children to be overmedicated and undernourished.ALSO READ: RFK's MAHA Report Raises Concerns On American HealthcareHowever, Leavitt said that the White House has "complete confidence" in Kennedy.  “Minor citation and formatting errors have been corrected,” HHS Spokesman Andrew Nixon said in an emailed statement. He described the report as a “historic and transformative assessment by the federal government to understand the chronic disease epidemic afflicting our nation's children.”This is not it, but his report is already stirring concerns not just among the Democrats, but also among Trump loyalists, including farmers, who criticized this report for characterizing the chemicals sprayed on the US crops. As of now, the report is supposed to be used to develop policy recommendations that will be released later this year. 

errors in maha report acknowledged by the white house, what happens next?

Not Just COVID, 1.5 Million More Lives Were Lost After The Pandemic Than Expected

Amid Measles Outbreak, Texas Makes Vaccine Exemption Easier For Kids

amid measles outbreak, texas makes vaccine exemption easier for kids

As the world collectively exhaled a sigh of relief in 2022, thinking the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic had come and gone, a covert crisis stealthily took hundreds of thousands more lives in America. Rather than rebounding toward pre-pandemic levels, U.S. death rates have remained obstinately elevated, accounting for over 1.5 million "missing Americans" during 2022 and 2023—fatalities that could potentially have been avoided if our country had been comparable to other affluent nations on health outcomes. This quiet excess wave of mortality reveals deeply ingrained national shortcomings well beyond the range of any given infectious illness.

Scientists from Boston University and the University of Minnesota analyzed U.S. official death records and those from 21 other high-income countries—Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and others—over 43 years from 1980 to 2023. During that period, the U.S. incurred almost 15 million excess deaths against peer nations, which means Americans died at rates much higher than what would be predicted if we followed their lower death trends.

In 1980, the U.S. actually performed better than its contemporaries, saving approximately 42,000 lives. By 1990, it had chalked up about 89,000 excess deaths. The count rose to 355,000 in 2000 and 409,000 in 2010. At the peak of the pandemic, excess deaths ballooned to 1 million in 2020 and 1.1 million in 2021. Even as COVID-19 declined, the U.S. lost 820,000 excess lives in 2022 and 705,000 in 2023.

This long-term trend indicates not a fleeting anomaly but a prolonged public health crisis. "Imagine the lives saved, the grief and trauma prevented, if the U.S. simply performed at the average of our peers," says lead author Jacob Bor, associate professor of Boston University's School of Public Health. "One in every two U.S. deaths before age 65 is probably preventable. Our failure to do something about it is a national scandal.

<h2>Are People Under-65 at Higher Risk?</h2>

Perhaps the most alarming finding is that in 2023, nearly 46% of deaths among Americans under 65 could have been prevented were our mortality rates on par with other high-income nations. In a country that prides itself on medical innovation and economic prowess, young and middle-aged adults are dying from conditions that, elsewhere, are managed far more effectively.

An important proportion of these deaths are motivated by deep-seated noncommunicable and social-environmental causes: drug overdoses, firearms violence, motor vehicle crashes, and avoidable cardiometabolic disease. "These trends preceded the pandemic and went unstopped thereafter," says University of Minnesota's Elizabeth Wrigley-Field. "The 700,000 surplus American deaths in 2023 are precisely what you'd expect from previously increasing trends, even if there'd never been a pandemic."

<h2>What Is Reason Behind This Excess Mortality?</h2>

The American overdose epidemic, driven by opioids, methamphetamine, and increasingly by powerful synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, continues to be a major cause of premature mortality. Whereas peer countries have introduced harm-reduction policies—expanded naloxone distribution, supervised injection sites—the United States has grappled with adopting these data-driven policies at scale.

Homicide and gun-related fatalities have exploded in recent decades. Other rich nations, however, have witnessed declines in violent crime and road traffic deaths due to draconian gun-control policies, safer car regulations, and vigorous road-safety campaigns.

Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are responsible for a significant proportion of preventable deaths. Compounding factors—disproportionate access to medical care, food deserts, and socioeconomic inequalities—exacerbate these conditions among vulnerable groups.

Senior researcher Andrew Stokes refers to the stark policy distinctions: "Other nations demonstrate that investing in universal health care, robust safety nets, and evidence-based public health policies results in longer, healthier lives." The U.S., however, has:

Fragmented Healthcare: Close to 30 million Americans lack insurance, and millions more underinsured, with obstacles to preventive health care and management of chronic diseases.

Weak Social Safety Nets: Family pay leave, unemployment benefits, and poverty assistance in the United States are far behind those in Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Political Polarization: Government distrust and partisan gridlock have interfered with coordinated actions to deal with health crises, ranging from overdose response to pandemic readiness.

Even worse, the planned federal reductions to Medicare, Medicaid, and public health funding could further expand the gap. The recently House-approved legislation, as part of a possible second Trump administration agenda, would contract health programs at the very time that strong support is needed more than ever. "Severe reductions to public health, safety net programs, and federal health data could result in a further expansion of health disparities—and increasing numbers of excess—and entirely preventable—deaths," warns Bor.

<h2>Reversing America's Excess Death Crisis</h2>

In spite of the grim fact of excess mortality in America, solutions are not new nor out of reach. Other nations, such as Canada, the U.K., and France, have shown that universal healthcare, be it through single-payer or hybrid models, can provide near-universal coverage for primary and preventive care. This kind of complete coverage greatly reduces deaths from treatable causes, which serves as a reminder of the value in a system emphasizing early intervention over crisis management.

Equally, harm reduction strategies have been strikingly effective in nations like Australia and a number of European countries. In these nations, there has been increased access to addiction treatment, overdose reversal medicines with lifesaving properties, and safe-use centers, which have worked together to decrease overdose death in a noticeable manner. These initiatives are a realistic and humane response to drug use, centering on reducing harm and supporting recovery over punitive policies.

Prevention of injury and violence deaths is yet another critical element. Seat-belt laws, graduated licensing of teenage drivers, and strict gun control have been shown to prevent car accident fatalities and violence caused by guns. These evidence-based and public safety policies provide a clear plan to mitigate avoidable deaths in the United States.

But applying these solutions at home will take political will, institutional capacity, and societal consensus. The cost of not acting has already been staggering more than 1.5 million excess deaths in the last two years alone. If the U.S. keeps on its present course, the numbers could go even higher.

To turn around this trend, America needs to spend significantly on public health infrastructure. Disease surveillance should be made stronger, data need to be made more transparent, and community health centers should be extended to cover more areas in order to build a more resilient healthcare system. These initiatives not only will ready the country for crises ahead but also improve daily health outcomes.

Increasing access to care is also paramount. Progress toward universal coverage—or at least the removal of financial obstacles that keep individuals from accessing timely preventive and primary care—could have an enormous impact on decreasing early death. Healthcare access should be a right tied neither to employment nor income but to basic human needs.

In addition, adopting evidence-based policies must become the standard rather than the exception. Harm reduction, injury prevention, and targeted interventions for chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes must be prioritized. These are not radical ideas; they are proven strategies with measurable success rates in comparable countries.

As Bor insists, “We have the tools and the knowledge. What we lack is the collective resolve to act.”

The 1.5 million lives lost in 2022 and 2023 are not mere statistics—they are mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends whose deaths were avoidable. While the pandemic was a tragic catalyst, the underlying causes of excess mortality run much deeper than any single virus. Confronting this crisis requires acknowledging that America’s health system and social policies have long failed to protect large swaths of its population.

Ultimately, catching up to, or exceeding, the health achievements of our peer nations is not only a matter of national pride or global reputation. It is a moral obligation, requiring us to deploy science, policy, and empathy to ensure that the next generation of Americans lives longer, healthier lives.

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As the world collectively exhaled a sigh of relief in 2022, thinking the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic had come and gone, a covert crisis stealthily took hundreds of thousands more lives in America. Rather than rebounding toward pre-pandemic levels, U.S. death rates have remained obstinately elevated, accounting for over 1.5 million "missing Americans" during 2022 and 2023—fatalities that could potentially have been avoided if our country had been comparable to other affluent nations on health outcomes. This quiet excess wave of mortality reveals deeply ingrained national shortcomings well beyond the range of any given infectious illness.Scientists from Boston University and the University of Minnesota analyzed U.S. official death records and those from 21 other high-income countries—Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and others—over 43 years from 1980 to 2023. During that period, the U.S. incurred almost 15 million excess deaths against peer nations, which means Americans died at rates much higher than what would be predicted if we followed their lower death trends.In 1980, the U.S. actually performed better than its contemporaries, saving approximately 42,000 lives. By 1990, it had chalked up about 89,000 excess deaths. The count rose to 355,000 in 2000 and 409,000 in 2010. At the peak of the pandemic, excess deaths ballooned to 1 million in 2020 and 1.1 million in 2021. Even as COVID-19 declined, the U.S. lost 820,000 excess lives in 2022 and 705,000 in 2023.This long-term trend indicates not a fleeting anomaly but a prolonged public health crisis. "Imagine the lives saved, the grief and trauma prevented, if the U.S. simply performed at the average of our peers," says lead author Jacob Bor, associate professor of Boston University's School of Public Health. "One in every two U.S. deaths before age 65 is probably preventable. Our failure to do something about it is a national scandal.Are People Under-65 at Higher Risk?Perhaps the most alarming finding is that in 2023, nearly 46% of deaths among Americans under 65 could have been prevented were our mortality rates on par with other high-income nations. In a country that prides itself on medical innovation and economic prowess, young and middle-aged adults are dying from conditions that, elsewhere, are managed far more effectively.An important proportion of these deaths are motivated by deep-seated noncommunicable and social-environmental causes: drug overdoses, firearms violence, motor vehicle crashes, and avoidable cardiometabolic disease. "These trends preceded the pandemic and went unstopped thereafter," says University of Minnesota's Elizabeth Wrigley-Field. "The 700,000 surplus American deaths in 2023 are precisely what you'd expect from previously increasing trends, even if there'd never been a pandemic."What Is Reason Behind This Excess Mortality?1. Substance Use and OverdoseThe American overdose epidemic, driven by opioids, methamphetamine, and increasingly by powerful synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, continues to be a major cause of premature mortality. Whereas peer countries have introduced harm-reduction policies—expanded naloxone distribution, supervised injection sites—the United States has grappled with adopting these data-driven policies at scale.2. Violence and InjuryHomicide and gun-related fatalities have exploded in recent decades. Other rich nations, however, have witnessed declines in violent crime and road traffic deaths due to draconian gun-control policies, safer car regulations, and vigorous road-safety campaigns.3. Cardiometabolic DiseaseHeart disease, diabetes, and obesity are responsible for a significant proportion of preventable deaths. Compounding factors—disproportionate access to medical care, food deserts, and socioeconomic inequalities—exacerbate these conditions among vulnerable groups.Why the U.S. Lags Behind?Senior researcher Andrew Stokes refers to the stark policy distinctions: "Other nations demonstrate that investing in universal health care, robust safety nets, and evidence-based public health policies results in longer, healthier lives." The U.S., however, has:Fragmented Healthcare: Close to 30 million Americans lack insurance, and millions more underinsured, with obstacles to preventive health care and management of chronic diseases.Weak Social Safety Nets: Family pay leave, unemployment benefits, and poverty assistance in the United States are far behind those in Europe, Canada, and Australia.Political Polarization: Government distrust and partisan gridlock have interfered with coordinated actions to deal with health crises, ranging from overdose response to pandemic readiness.Even worse, the planned federal reductions to Medicare, Medicaid, and public health funding could further expand the gap. The recently House-approved legislation, as part of a possible second Trump administration agenda, would contract health programs at the very time that strong support is needed more than ever. "Severe reductions to public health, safety net programs, and federal health data could result in a further expansion of health disparities—and increasing numbers of excess—and entirely preventable—deaths," warns Bor.Reversing America's Excess Death CrisisIn spite of the grim fact of excess mortality in America, solutions are not new nor out of reach. Other nations, such as Canada, the U.K., and France, have shown that universal healthcare, be it through single-payer or hybrid models, can provide near-universal coverage for primary and preventive care. This kind of complete coverage greatly reduces deaths from treatable causes, which serves as a reminder of the value in a system emphasizing early intervention over crisis management.Equally, harm reduction strategies have been strikingly effective in nations like Australia and a number of European countries. In these nations, there has been increased access to addiction treatment, overdose reversal medicines with lifesaving properties, and safe-use centers, which have worked together to decrease overdose death in a noticeable manner. These initiatives are a realistic and humane response to drug use, centering on reducing harm and supporting recovery over punitive policies.Prevention of injury and violence deaths is yet another critical element. Seat-belt laws, graduated licensing of teenage drivers, and strict gun control have been shown to prevent car accident fatalities and violence caused by guns. These evidence-based and public safety policies provide a clear plan to mitigate avoidable deaths in the United States.But applying these solutions at home will take political will, institutional capacity, and societal consensus. The cost of not acting has already been staggering more than 1.5 million excess deaths in the last two years alone. If the U.S. keeps on its present course, the numbers could go even higher.To turn around this trend, America needs to spend significantly on public health infrastructure. Disease surveillance should be made stronger, data need to be made more transparent, and community health centers should be extended to cover more areas in order to build a more resilient healthcare system. These initiatives not only will ready the country for crises ahead but also improve daily health outcomes.Increasing access to care is also paramount. Progress toward universal coverage—or at least the removal of financial obstacles that keep individuals from accessing timely preventive and primary care—could have an enormous impact on decreasing early death. Healthcare access should be a right tied neither to employment nor income but to basic human needs.In addition, adopting evidence-based policies must become the standard rather than the exception. Harm reduction, injury prevention, and targeted interventions for chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes must be prioritized. These are not radical ideas; they are proven strategies with measurable success rates in comparable countries.As Bor insists, “We have the tools and the knowledge. What we lack is the collective resolve to act.”The 1.5 million lives lost in 2022 and 2023 are not mere statistics—they are mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends whose deaths were avoidable. While the pandemic was a tragic catalyst, the underlying causes of excess mortality run much deeper than any single virus. Confronting this crisis requires acknowledging that America’s health system and social policies have long failed to protect large swaths of its population.Ultimately, catching up to, or exceeding, the health achievements of our peer nations is not only a matter of national pride or global reputation. It is a moral obligation, requiring us to deploy science, policy, and empathy to ensure that the next generation of Americans lives longer, healthier lives.

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