A federal vaccine advisory panel, newly reconstituted by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has voted against thimerosal, a preservative long used in multi-dose flu vaccines, for use in all age groups. The recommendation, made by a unanimous vote, has caused shock waves in the medical and scientific communities, generating debate on vaccine safety, public confidence, and potential future availability of flu vaccines. The move revisits a debate many experts considered settled and could reshape how influenza vaccines are produced and distributed worldwide.

The newly restructured vaccine panel led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voted to advise against the use of thimerosal in flu shots given annually to millions of Americans. The move, taken by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), has raised alarm among scientists and public health professionals concerned the ruling could erode confidence in vaccinations and create disruptions in vaccine supplies, particularly during flu season.

In a 5-1 vote, with one abstention, ACIP members voted to limit thimerosal in all age groups for seasonal flu vaccines. The revamped panel, reorganized by Kennedy after she had all 17 of the agency's previous members dismissed over charges of conflict of interest, now includes appointees sympathetic to Kennedy's long-time vaccine skepticism.

"The threat from influenza is so much larger than the non-existent — to our knowledge, at least — threat from thimerosal," said Dr. Cody Meissner, professor of pediatrics at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and the lone dissenter. "I would be sorry if an individual did not get the influenza vaccine because the only product available contains thimerosal."

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine policy, is now in the middle of a storm. In June, Kennedy replaced all 17 of the former members, citing conflicts of interest, and appointed eight new members, many of whom are like-minded skeptics of vaccine safety. Five voted for, one voted against, and one abstained to limit thimerosal in flu vaccines.

What is Thimerosal?

Thimerosal is an ethylmercury-containing preservative that was first used in the 1930s to stop bacterial contamination of multi-dose vaccine vials. The compound in thimerosal, ethylmercury, is different from methylmercury—the form present in seafood—which is stored in the body and carries known health dangers. Ethylmercury, however, is metabolized and eliminated much faster.

The dose of ethylmercury from a standard dose of flu vaccine (25 micrograms) is about half that in a 3-ounce serving of canned tuna (40 micrograms) Thimerosal has been eliminated from almost all routine pediatric and most adult vaccines in the U.S. since the early 2000s as a precaution, even though there was no evidence to implicate it in harm. Now it still appears in only around 5% of multi-dose vials of flu vaccine.

Why Is Thimerosal Controversial?

Thimerosal became controversial in the late 1990s because it contains mercury and was theorized to cause autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite repeated, large-scale studies conducted in many countries, numerous studies have determined that there is no connection between thimerosal and neurological injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and many scientific organizations have all determined that thimerosal, when administered in vaccines, is safe.

The preservative has never been part of the MMR vaccine, as is often incorrectly stated. Now, nearly 96% of all flu shots in the United States are thimerosal-free, with only a few kept to serve multi-dose vials for cost-effectiveness and logistical purposes.

Despite this, thimerosal was a rallying cry for anti-vaccine activists, including Kennedy himself. Thimerosal-autism theories have been repeatedly discredited, and the preservative was voluntarily phased out from most childhood vaccines in the U.S. by 2001. Significantly, the rates of autism continued to increase even after the removal of thimerosal, further eroding the supposed connection.

Several large-scale international studies have identified no link between thimerosal and autism or other neurologic problems. A standard flu shot with thimerosal contains approximately 25 micrograms of ethylmercury — half as much mercury as in a 3-ounce tuna can. Ethylmercury is excreted from the body in approximately a week, with no potential for bioaccumulation.

In addition, studies indicate that autism rates have continued to climb even since thimerosal was phased out of children's vaccines in the early 2000s, further refuting the theory that it is responsible for developmental disorders.

Implications for Flu Season and Global Vaccine Supply

Whereas the panel again emphasized that all Americans above six months of age should be vaccinated against flu, the vote will potentially restrict access in some settings. Several clinics, particularly in low-income or rural areas, depend on multi-dose thimerosal-containing vials because they are less expensive and easy to store.

Experts are concerned that the suggestion might trigger unnecessary shortages or access blockages for underprivileged groups. It also has the potential to impact international vaccine policies, especially in low- and middle-income nations where thimerosal-containing vaccines are still important for logistical and economic reasons.

Today, 96% of flu vaccines given in the U.S. are thimerosal-free, with even greater percentages in federal programs such as Vaccines for Children. The majority of children already receive thimerosal-free single-dose vaccines. Nevertheless, the few remaining multi-dose vials are important to maintaining overall vaccine coverage, especially during peak demand or when supplies are low.

Although the U.S. has for the most part abandoned thimerosal, it is still used in most global health programs. The World Health Organization has consistently underscored that thimerosal is safe, especially considering its important role in vaccine integrity in poor-world settings.

Any change in U.S. policy would have a multiplier effect globally, possibly promoting hesitancy and making supply chains more complex.

ACIP's vote is not law, but it is a strong force behind CDC recommendations and insurance payments. It is not clear if the CDC will ultimately endorse the panel's new recommendation. An official announcement from the agency should come before the beginning of next season's flu season.

The resurgence of the thimerosal controversy is an outgrowth of deeper stresses in America's public health system. It is a fundamental conflict between scientific consensus and ideological disruption. As flu season approaches, experts caution against vigilance, not only against the virus, but against disinformation.

Just a day after "the nicest judge in the world", Judge Frank Caprio, 88, asked his followers from a hospital bed for their prayers, his relatives confirmed his death on Wednesday. His popular social media pages had already announced his death after a cancer diagnosis.

He earned his nickname "the nicest judge in the world" for his years on the Emmy-nominated show "Caught in Providence", and also for his social media presence. He had millions of followers. He crossed 3.3 million followers on Instagram and 1.6 million on TikTok.

The post that announced his death read: "He will be remembered not only as a respectable judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we strive to bring a little more compassion into the world - just as he did every day."

The Cancer Journey Of "The Nicest Judge In The World"

It was in 2023, that Caprio announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive types. He finished his radiation treatments in 2024 and published a new book. He soon returned to social media, and announced that his cancer has come back.

He said, "Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it's very obvious that you did, because I came through a very difficult period. Unfortunately I've had a setback and I'm back at the hospital." He also added: "I believe the almighty above is watching over us. So please remember me."

Read: TV’s ‘Nicest Judge’ Frank Caprio Shares Heartbreaking Cancer Update: ‘Keep Me In Your Prayers’

For almost 40 years, Caprio presided over hearing in Providence, Rhode Island. He was appointed in 1985 to the Providence Municipal Court and served as a chief judge until his retirement in January 2023. He had been hearing everyday from individuals who were saddled by parking tickets, small infractions and personal dilemmas. He had waived off fines for the low-income groups, is known for his sharp humor to calm the worried defendants. One of the things he would say was: justice can be more than just punishment, it can also be compassion. His motto was to find a human behind every case. This is what has earned him the nick of "the nicest judge in the world".

Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence

According to Florida's Moffitt Cancer Center pancreatic cancer recurrence can develop after a patient completes an initial course of treatment and experiences a period of time during which there is no evidence of cancer being present.

However, there is always a chance that some cancer cells will survive treatment. Over time, residual cells begin to grow and form recurrent cancer.

Where Can It Reappear?

The cancer can reappear locally within the pancreas, or regionally within nearby lymph nodes or distantly in other parts of the body. This is why it is important for a pancreatic cancer patient to have regular medical checkups to ensure that any health changes are identified, evaluated and treated.

As per a 2023 study published in the World Journal of Surgical Oncology, Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most common forms of pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers, with surgical resection offering the only potential chance of cure.

Yet, notes the study, recurrence remains a major concern, often occurring early and drastically reducing survival prospects.

The study analyzed 403 patients who underwent surgery for PDAC shed light on how and why recurrence happens. Over a median follow-up of about 26 months, nearly 70% of patients experienced recurrence, with timing proving to be a crucial factor. Roughly 15% saw the cancer return within the first six months, 23% between six and twelve months, while the rest either recurred later or did not experience recurrence at all.

What Are The Risk Factors For Early Recurrence

The study identified several clinical features strongly linked to early recurrence. Elevated levels of the tumor marker CA19-9 before surgery, a higher modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) reflecting systemic inflammation and poor nutritional status, and positive peritoneal cytology were all associated with recurrence within the first 6 months.

For recurrence within 12 months, positive peritoneal cytology remained an important risk factor. In addition, lymph node metastasis and the absence of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery were also significant contributors. Patients who received chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy before surgery showed the same pattern of risk, suggesting these factors are consistent across treatment strategies.

Health officials in California have confirmed that a South Lake Tahoe resident tested positive for the plague, the centuries-old disease that killed millions during the Black Death. The individual is believed to have contracted the infection after being bitten by an infected flea while camping near the Lake Tahoe Basin. According to El Dorado County Public Health, the patient is receiving care and recovering at home.

“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher-elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet, the county’s acting public health director. “It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”

Though most people associate the plague with medieval Europe, the bacterium that causes it—Yersinia pestis—still circulates in parts of the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates an average of seven human cases occur each year nationwide.

Most of these cases are sporadic, linked to fleas feeding on infected wild rodents such as ground squirrels and chipmunks. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado report the majority of cases. While the disease is now treatable with common antibiotics, untreated infections remain dangerous and potentially fatal.

In El Dorado County, plague activity is not unusual. State monitoring programs have detected Y. pestis exposure in at least 45 wild squirrels and chipmunks in the Lake Tahoe Basin since 2021. Most recent human case of plague in the region occurred in 2020 and was due to flea exposure.

How The Plague Spreads?

Most common way of transmission is by being bitten by an infected flea, but people can also get infected through handling infected animals or less commonly from pets like cats and dogs that are infested with fleas. There are three main forms of plague.

Bubonic plague – Most frequent, resulting from flea bites. The signs and symptoms are painful, swollen lymph nodes (buboes), fever, chills, headache, and weakness.

Septicemic plague – What happens when bacteria multiply in the blood, leading to bleeding beneath the skin, pain in the abdomen, and shock.

Pneumonic plague – Rarest but deadliest variety. It occurs when infection reaches the lungs and can be spread person to person through respiratory droplets.

More than 80% of U.S. cases are bubonic. If diagnosed early, antibiotics such as streptomycin, doxycycline, or ciprofloxacin can cure the disease. Without treatment, however, mortality remains high.

The term "plague" usually brings to mind the Black Death that caused an estimated 25 million deaths in Europe in the 14th century. That epidemic spread quickly from rat and flea populations in densely populated cities.

In the United States, the most recent rat-to-human plague outbreak took place in Los Angeles in 1924–1925. Since then, cases have been mostly confined to rural settings where people come in contact with wild rodents.

Only last month, an Arizona patient succumbed to pneumonic plague, highlighting that though unusual, the illness remains dangerous, especially when diagnosis is late.

How Did Lake Tahoe Become A Hotspot for Plague

Lake Tahoe’s mix of wilderness, high elevation, and rodent populations makes it one of California’s plague monitoring hubs. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) routinely tests rodent populations, especially ground squirrels and chipmunks, for signs of Y. pestis exposure.

Officials stress that the presence of plague in wildlife does not mean widespread human danger. Instead, it highlights the importance of preventive measures for campers, hikers, and residents. Recommended precautions include:

• Using insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors
• Wearing long pants tucked into boots to minimize flea exposure
• Avoiding contact with wild rodents, dead animals, or their burrows
• Never feeding squirrels or chipmunks
• Keeping pets leashed or at home, and treating them with flea prevention

The South Lake Tahoe patient’s infection is believed to stem from a flea bite during a recent camping trip. Local health officials are investigating the case and have issued public advisories to remind residents and visitors about safety practices.

While the patient’s identity has not been disclosed, officials confirmed that they are receiving proper medical care and are expected to recover. The case has sparked renewed efforts to remind the public that while plague is rare, awareness is essential.

Is Plague Still A Cause Of Concern?

Globally, plague continues to cause outbreaks, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. The World Health Organization reports several hundred cases per year, with Madagascar being one of the most affected countries.

In the United States, where public health infrastructure and antibiotics are readily available, cases are usually isolated and treatable. Still, experts say that ignoring plague entirely would be a mistake. Rodent populations are reservoirs for the bacterium, and climate change, increased outdoor recreation, and human encroachment into wildlife habitats may increase opportunities for transmission.

The South Lake Tahoe case is a reminder that ancient diseases are not fully relegated to history books. But unlike the Middle Ages, modern medicine provides effective tools to treat and contain outbreaks.

For residents and visitors, the takeaway is practical rather than alarmist: enjoy the outdoors but take precautions. For health authorities, it is a call to continue surveillance, public education, and rapid response when rare cases occur.

As Kyle Fliflet put it, “Plague is naturally present in many parts of California…It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors.”

While viral diseases increase worldwide, scientists are uncovering breakthroughs that could shift the tide. A rare genetic mutation recreated in labs shows potential to make humans nearly immune to viruses, offering hope amid growing global health challenges. This discovery marks a critical step in reimagining future antiviral defenses. What if immunity to nearly all viruses wasn’t science fiction but a possibility hiding inside the cells of a few rare people? That’s the exciting promise scientists are now exploring after recreating a genetic mutation that seems to grant natural resistance to viral infections. In recent experiments, researchers used mRNA technology to mimic this mutation in animals, creating short-term but powerful antiviral protection. The findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, could change the way we prepare for pandemics and treat viral outbreaks.

The story begins with a rare immune disorder called ISG15 deficiency, first identified about 15 years ago by Columbia University immunologist Dusan Bogunovic. At first, the mutation seemed like bad news—it increased vulnerability to certain bacterial infections. But as more patients were studied, something unusual came into focus: these individuals rarely got seriously sick from viral diseases.

Flu, measles, mumps, chickenpox—patients carried evidence in their blood of past viral encounters, yet none recalled being laid up in bed or experiencing the kind of severe illness that typically accompanies these infections.

The secret was a constant, low-level immune activation. Normally, the body’s antiviral proteins are switched on only during an infection. But in ISG15-deficient people, the “on switch” never flips off. Their immune systems exist in a perpetual state of mild inflammation—enough to keep viruses from ever gaining a foothold.

From Rare Condition to Universal Antiviral Blueprint

For years, Bogunovic wondered if this quirk could be harnessed for broader use. “In the back of my mind, I kept thinking that if we could produce this type of light immune activation in other people, we could protect them from just about any virus,” he explained.

That theory now has proof of concept. Using technology similar to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, Bogunovic’s team designed a therapy that temporarily reproduces the ISG15 effect in healthy animals. Instead of shutting down ISG15 completely—which produces dozens of proteins, not all beneficial—the researchers pinpointed 10 specific proteins responsible for antiviral resistance.

The therapy delivers mRNA instructions, wrapped in lipid nanoparticles, that prompt cells to make those proteins. The result: a body on viral high alert, but only for a few days.

Testing the Antiviral Shield in Animals

In experiments, mice and hamsters received the therapy via a nasal drip. When exposed to influenza and SARS-CoV-2, the animals’ bodies rapidly produced the antiviral proteins, which blocked the viruses at multiple stages of their life cycles.

The results were striking. Viral replication was restricted, disease severity dropped, and—crucially—the rest of the immune system functioned normally. Unlike people naturally born with ISG15 deficiency, the treated animals didn’t show harmful levels of inflammation.

Even more impressive: in lab cultures, no virus tested so far—including flu and coronaviruses—has managed to bypass the defense. “We have yet to find a virus that can break through the therapy’s defenses,” Bogunovic said.

Could This Work Like Powerful Protection For Viral Diseases?

The antiviral protection lasted three to four days—a short window, but potentially a lifesaving one in the right circumstances. Unlike vaccines, which take weeks to build immunity and must be tailored to specific pathogens, this therapy acts quickly and broadly.

That makes it especially promising for pandemic preparedness. Imagine health workers receiving a dose before entering a hospital during an outbreak, or family members protecting themselves while caring for a sick loved one. “We believe the technology will work even if we don’t know the identity of the virus,” Bogunovic said.

In effect, it could serve as a kind of biological personal protective equipment (PPE)—a temporary antiviral shield until traditional vaccines or treatments are developed.

For all its promise, the therapy faces steep challenges. Delivering mRNA precisely to where it’s needed in humans remains one of the toughest problems in biotechnology. In animals, the nasal route worked, but optimizing delivery for people is far from solved.

“Once the therapy reaches our cells, it works,” Bogunovic noted. “But the delivery of any nucleic acid, DNA or RNA, into the part of the body you want to protect is currently the biggest challenge in the field.”

There’s also the question of durability. Protection that lasts only a few days may limit practical use unless it can be safely repeated. Long-term effects on the immune system must also be carefully studied.

And then there’s public trust. The therapy relies on mRNA technology—the same platform behind COVID-19 vaccines—which has faced political and social backlash despite its scientific success. Convincing people to embrace another mRNA-based innovation could be difficult.

Despite these obstacles, the implications are profound. If scientists can refine and safely scale this approach, it could give humanity an entirely new tool against viral threats one not limited to known pathogens or dependent on predicting the next pandemic strain.

Bogunovic envisions a world where doctors could deploy the therapy in nursing homes during flu season, where first responders could be inoculated at the front lines of outbreaks, and where households could shield vulnerable family members when new viruses emerge.

“Our findings reinforce the power of research driven by curiosity without preconceived notions,” Bogunovic said. “We were not looking for an antiviral when we began studying our rare patients, but the studies have inspired the potential development of a universal antiviral for everyone.”

Only a few dozen people on Earth naturally carry the ISG15 mutation, but their biology may unlock a universal antiviral strategy for the rest of us. For now, the work is confined to labs and animal trials But the concept that a rare genetic glitch could be recreated to protect against virtually any virus is a remarkable reminder of how much nature still has to teach us.