The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is now preparing a large-scale research initiative which will look at understanding the causes of autism. This announcement came from Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr. on Thursday after a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump.

What Will This New Research Do?

According to Kennedy, the HHS project will be a “massive testing and research effort” involving hundreds of scientists, with the goal of completing the work by September. The effort, however, has sparked immediate concern among scientists, autism advocacy groups, and public health experts, particularly because of Kennedy’s long-standing belief in a debunked theory linking vaccines to autism.

“There’s got to be something artificial out there that’s doing this,” President Trump told Kennedy during the meeting. “If you can come up with that answer, where you stop taking something, eating something, or maybe it’s a shot. But something’s causing it.”

RFK Controversy On Autism And Vaccine

Kennedy's earlier remarks and Trump's comments have already been taken with a pinch of salt, especially when they tried to revive the widely discredited claim that childhood vaccines could in fact cause autism. This theory originated in a 1998 study published in The Lancet, which falsely linked the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine to autism. The study was later retracted due to unethical practices and flawed data. Its lead author lost his medical license.

Despite overwhelming evidence disproving the vaccine-autism link, Kennedy has continued to promote it. During the Cabinet meeting, he restated his position:

“I saw my children get sick after getting vaccinated, and I’ve heard thousands of parents say the same. It’s time we take a serious look. This study is going to find out if something we’re doing—maybe the vaccines—is behind the autism epidemic.”

His statement was met with mixed reactions, especially from medical experts and autism advocates.

What Does Science Really Say?

Decades of research have failed to show any credible link between vaccines and autism. Major public health institutions—including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and advocacy groups like Autism Speaks—have all concluded that vaccines do not cause autism.

Autism, a developmental condition affecting communication, behavior, and learning, has more scientifically established risk factors. These include:

• Genetic influences, which are the most significant contributors
• Environmental exposures such as air pollution and pesticides
• Low birth weight or premature birth
• Parental age, with older parents being more likely to have children with autism

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) already invests over $300 million annually in autism research, focusing on early detection, interventions, and understanding underlying causes. It remains unclear how Kennedy’s study will differ or whether it will duplicate ongoing efforts.

What Do The Experts Say?

The Autism Society of America and other groups have raised concerns over the new initiative. “There is a deep concern that we are going backward and evaluating debunked theories,” said Kristyn Roth, a spokesperson for the Autism Society. She also noted that their organization had not been consulted in any part of the study’s planning.

Another source of controversy is Kennedy’s choice to appoint Dr. David Geier, an orthopedic surgeon who has long claimed a link between vaccines and autism, to lead the study. In 2011, Maryland authorities found Geier was practicing medicine without a license.

As much of the world moves into a new phase of pandemic-era life, COVID-19 itself continues to change, surprise, and endure. Over the past few weeks, Hong Kong and Singapore—two of Asia's most populous and globally connected cities—have seen a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases. The increase marks not only a local outbreak but a regional wave sweeping across Asia, reminding health authorities and global onlookers that the virus is an active and volatile force.

Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection has reported a significant increase in virus activity. Albert Au, director of the city's Communicable Disease Branch, said that the rate of respiratory samples that test positive for COVID-19 has reached a one-year high. Public health statistics indicated that severe cases, including deaths, have increased to 31 in the week through May 3—also a near-a-year high. Additionally, a troubling increase in COVID-related medical consultations, hospitalizations, and wastewater viral loads suggest widespread community transmission in the city of 7.4 million individuals.

On the other side of the South China Sea, Singapore is also confronted with the same situation. In its initial report of infection rates in almost a year, the health ministry of city-state reported a 28% rise in weekly cases to 14,200 for the week ending May 3. Hospitalization increased by about 30%, and that was the reason why the government issued an unusual public update, something it only usually does during serious outbreaks. In spite of the surge, Singapore's health officials insist there is no indication that the prevailing variants are more contagious or virulent than previous strains. Nevertheless, waning immunity and greater public mobility could be some of the factors.

What's The New COVID-19 Variant Spreading in 2025?

On a global level, the SARS-CoV-2 virus keeps mutating, and although the initial Omicron strain has vanished, its sublineages have taken over. Within the U.S., for example, LP.8.1 is the variant that today represents 70% of cases, followed by XFC (9%) and XEC (6%). Other Omicron descendant strains such as MC.1.10.1, LB.1.3.1, and LF.7 are also present.

It's worth noting that standard COVID-19 tests will not detect variants. Genomic sequencing alone can identify what particular strain caused a case of infection. These points of data are invaluable for surveillance by public health but are generally not shared at the individual level.

What makes this recent wave so significant is its timing. Historically, respiratory viruses have seasonality—spiking during colder seasons. But COVID-19 just won't follow that trend. The latest increase occurs as the Northern Hemisphere heads into summer, further solidifying COVID-19's transformation into an endemic virus with unpredictable seasonality. Health professionals warn that we can still expect waves of illness regardless of weather conditions.

Hong Kong and Singapore are not the only cities experiencing such a rebound. In mainland China, statistics from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the nation is well on its way to achieving COVID levels comparable to last summer's peak. The hospital patient positivity rate more than doubled over a five-week period through May 4, a measure of widespread transmission.

Thailand, another tourist and cultural destination, has witnessed increases as well. Two cluster outbreaks have been identified in 2025, with a significant surge after the traditional Songkran festival in April, which attracts record crowds and travel.

Guidelines for Global Travel and Public Health

Although the current wave is less lethal than previous stages of the pandemic, it is a stark reminder that COVID-19 is far from being finished. Global air travel hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore are gateways to the region and the world. An increase in cases there might presage more spread in other nations, especially once travel picks up again for summer vacations.

Concert cancellations—such as those of Hong Kong pop star Eason Chan in Taiwan—indicate the virus's disruptive power still exists. While hospitalizations have yet to achieve crisis levels, the strain on health systems and the economy is genuine and escalating.

How to Stay Protected And Vigilant?

As infections increase in various regions of Asia, public health officials are cautioning against complacency. Populations are strongly encouraged to stay vigilant. Booster shots are particularly recommended for high-risk individuals. Fundamental protective practices do not change: have good hand hygiene, host events outdoors, wear masks where public places are crowded, and stay home when you are unwell.

In the U.S., emergency room visits due to COVID decreased 19.5% during the latest reporting week, test positivity remained at 2.9%—below the 5% benchmark for uncontrolled community spread. Yet because most use at-home tests or don't test at all, official tallies probably underestimate actual prevalence.

The current COVID-19 wave sweeping across Hong Kong, Singapore, and the rest of Asia reminds us of a grim reality: the virus remains with us, even though our lives have mostly moved on. Although vaccines, better treatments, and public health interventions continue to offer robust protection, the virus's ability to surprise is still there. The world must keep evolving and responding to new waves, variants, and challenges in an ever-changing pandemic environment.

As the world begins to reopen and the danger recedes from view, it's obvious that COVID-19 has not left the stage—it's just changed costume.

The Multnomah County Health Department (MCHD) on Thursday confirmed one case of tuberculosis at Portland's Lane Middle School. As per the Oregon Health Authority data, in 2024, 87 cases of tuberculosis were reported in Oregon, which meant it was spreading at the rate of 2.1 cases for ever 100,000 Oregon residents.

“Tuberculosis is a bacteria that spreads through close face-to-face contact with an infectious individual. It is curable with medication. Because the infection progresses slowly, it’s important to be treated to prevent serious illness,” the health department said in a statement.

The person who is reported to have tuberculosis may have been contagious between September 3, 2024 to May 1, 2025. The person may also have exposed others to TB, said the MCHD.

“This particular individual had symptoms that were kind of mild for a while and got worse. It was eventually diagnosed like a week ago, said Dr. Richard Bruno, Health Officer with the Multnomah County Health Department.

What Is Happening Now?

The Health Department's Communicable Disease Team is now looking to start for a contact investigation that will help them identify individuals who may have come to contact with the person infected. The exposed individuals have also been contacted by the Health Department via an email letter.

For now, the Health Department has also recommended Lane Middle School parents to be lookout for TB symptoms and report if any. The symptoms include:

• Persistent cough lasting 3+ weeks
• Chest pain
• Blood
• Phlegm
• Unexplained weight loss

The Health Department has also said that it will provide free blood tests to the school community in the coming weeks. Their efforts have made them optimistic that this will prevent a community spread.

What Is Tuberculosis?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze or spit.

As per the 2017 study, titled The History of Tuberculosis: from the first historical records to the isolation of Koch's bacillus published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, TB happens due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT), which lasts throughout the life course and determines the formation of tubercles in different parts of the body. MT has ancient origins and have survived over 70,000 years. This also infects 2 billion people worldwide, with 10.4 million new cases each year. It is also responsible for 1.4 million deaths.

Common Symptoms Include:

• A cough that lasts more than three weeks
• Coughing up blood or phlegm
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness or fatigue
• Feeling generally unwell

Severe Symptoms may also include:

• Swollen glands
• Body aches and pains
• Swollen joints or ankles
• Tummy or pelvic pain
• Constipation
• Dark or cloudy urine
• Headache
• Being sick
• Feeling confused
• A stiff neck

Every year on May 16, India observes National Dengue Day. This day raises awareness about the growing threat of dengue fever, especially during the monsoon season. Usually, it is during the monsoon that due to stagnant water, mosquito breeding increases. The government also aims to highlight the importance of prevention, public participation for awareness, as well as timely medical care to control the spread of the disease.

National Dengue Day 2025 Theme:

Each year, a unique theme is observed in order to raise awareness. This year, the main theme is people-led prevention. The theme is : Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living.

Origin of National Dengue Day

The Ministry of Health designated May 16 as National Dengue Day in 2010. This was done to intervene when dengue cases increased throughout the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), "Dengue epidemics tend to have seasonal patterns, with transmission often peaking during and after rainy seasons. There are several factors contributing to this increase, and they include high mosquito population levels, susceptibility to circulating serotypes, favourable air temperatures, precipitation and humidity, all of which affect the reproduction and feeding patterns of mosquito populations, as well as the dengue virus incubation period. Lack of proactive control interventions and staff are some of the other challenges."

Dengue And India: Significance

Due to climate change, monsoon has arrived early, thus the Union Health Ministry has directed all air, sea, and land ports across the country to step up surveillance for vector-borne diseases. Authorities have been asked to strengthen preventive and control measures to curb the spread of infections such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

The advisory comes amid concerns over rising cases during the rainy season, a period that typically sees a surge in mosquito breeding and transmission. India continues to report a significant number of cases and deaths linked to vector-borne illnesses each year, making early intervention and preparedness critical.

Dengue and India: History

As per a 2012 study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the official journal of the Indian Council of Medical Research, titled Dengue in India, notes that it was in 1780 when the first epidemic of clinical dengue-like illness was recorded in Madras (now Chennai). The first virologically proved epidemic of dengue fever occurred in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and the Eastern Coast of India in 1963-64.

However, during the last 50 years, notes the study, a large number of physicians have treated and described dengue diseases in India, but the scientific studies which address problems with regard to the disease may have been limited.

What is Dengue?

The study notes that Dengue is an acute viral infection with potential fatal complications. It was first referred to as "water poison" associated with flying insects in a Chinese medical encyclopedia in 992 from the Jin Dynasty.

The word "dengue" is derived from the Swahili phrase Ka-dinga pepo, which means "cramp-like seizure". The first clinically recognized dengue epidemics occurred simultaneously in Asia, Africa, and North America in the 1780s.

As per Global Medicine, the first clinical case report dates from 1789 of 1780 epidemic in Philadelphia is by Benjamin Rush, who coined the term “break bone fever” because of the symptoms of myalgia and arthralgia.

How Does Dengue Happen?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dengue viruses usually spread to people through the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes. This mosquito bites a person infected with the dengue virus and then becomes infected. The infected mosquito then bites people and infects them with the dengue virus.