The World Health Organization (WHO) has reclassified Hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans, placing it in the same league as Hepatitis B and C—both already known for causing liver cancer. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), individuals living with both Hepatitis B and D face a 2–6 times higher risk of developing liver cancer than those infected with Hepatitis B alone.

This reclassification isn’t just a semantic shift. It’s a wake-up call. One that pushes governments, healthcare systems, and international partners to urgently act on viral hepatitis—a public health crisis hiding in plain sight.

Every 30 seconds, someone dies from liver cancer or severe liver disease caused by hepatitis. Hepatitis—especially the B, C, and D types—can silently wreak havoc on the liver, often going undiagnosed for years until irreversible damage sets in. Over 300 million people globally are currently living with chronic hepatitis infections, but the vast majority don’t even know they’re infected.

In 2022 alone, 1.3 million deaths were linked to complications from hepatitis-related liver cirrhosis and cancer. And yet, test and treatment coverage remains worryingly low.

What Makes Hepatitis D Especially Dangerous?

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is unique in that it cannot survive without Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It’s a co-infection that worsens outcomes dramatically. When someone already infected with HBV contracts HDV, the risk of liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and cancer accelerates significantly.

The IARC's move to declare HDV carcinogenic marks a pivotal moment. It helps shape global policy, medical research priorities, and public health campaigns focused on better diagnostics and innovative treatment.

WHO’s New Guidelines and Renewed Goals

In response to this new classification, WHO released comprehensive diagnostic guidelines for Hepatitis B and D in 2024. The agency is also closely monitoring emerging treatments for hepatitis D, which currently remain limited.

Hepatitis C remains the easiest to cure—with an average treatment time of 2 to 3 months. Hepatitis B, however, requires lifelong oral medications and ongoing monitoring. Hepatitis D treatments are still evolving, but effective disease control hinges on early testing, accurate diagnosis, and access to care. While there’s momentum, the reality remains mixed.

The number of countries with national hepatitis action plans rose sharply from 59 in 2020 to 123 in 2025—a good sign. Similarly, hepatitis B birth-dose immunization coverage increased to 147 countries in 2022, up from 138 but these gains are offset by glaring gaps:

Only 13% of those with Hepatitis B and 36% with Hepatitis C had been diagnosed by 2022

Treatment coverage was just 3% for Hepatitis B and 20% for Hepatitis C—well below WHO’s 2025 goals of 60% diagnosed and 50% treated

Just 27 countries have integrated Hepatitis C services into harm reduction centers, despite the known link with injectable drug use

Clearly, awareness and infrastructure haven’t kept up with the scale of the problem.

If current WHO targets are met by 2030, the world could prevent 9.8 million new infections and save 2.8 million lives but we’re not there yet. To close the gap, countries must:

• Expand hepatitis services into primary care systems
• Integrate testing and treatment with HIV and harm reduction programs
• Boost domestic investment in hepatitis programs as global donor support wanes
• Ensure access to affordable medicines and diagnostics, especially in low- and middle-income countries

And just as critically—reduce the stigma surrounding hepatitis testing and treatment

As WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus put it, “Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related severe liver disease or liver cancer. Yet we have the tools to stop hepatitis.”

WHO isn’t working alone. The organization has joined forces with Rotary International and the World Hepatitis Alliance to boost local and global awareness campaigns. This multi-stakeholder approach underlines the need for government support, civil society involvement, and community leadership in the fight to eliminate hepatitis.

Efforts are underway to scale hepatitis services within existing healthcare platforms. Currently, 80 nations have integrated hepatitis into primary healthcare; 128 have folded hepatitis into HIV programs. These integrations make the most sense both financially and logistically, especially in countries grappling with strained health resources.

Understanding the Hepatitis Alphabet

Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food or water; usually resolves without lasting damage

Hepatitis B: The world’s most common liver infection; can become chronic and life-threatening

Hepatitis C: Spread through blood contact (e.g., shared needles); highly treatable but often undiagnosed

Hepatitis D: Only affects those with hepatitis B; now classified as carcinogenic with much higher cancer risk

Hepatitis E: Often resolves on its own, but can be dangerous in pregnancy

Among these, B, C, and D pose the highest risk of chronic infection, cirrhosis, and cancer.

The WHO’s reclassification of Hepatitis D as carcinogenic isn’t just a scientific update—it’s a call to arms. One that highlights the need to shift from reactive care to preventive action.

The tools exist, the data is clear. What’s missing is the political will, public awareness, and resource allocation to turn this silent killer into a preventable, treatable condition—no matter where someone lives.

If countries act now—boldly and collaboratively—millions of lives can be saved. And that’s a global health win the world can’t afford to miss.

As the new school year approached, families expected familiar guidance on vaccines. What they got instead was upheaval: Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—the body whose recommendations form the basis for state immunization mandates.

This fall, as families gear up to meet school immunization requirements, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. quietly launched a dramatic reshaping of U.S. vaccine guidance. Despite assuring senators he’d maintain the independence of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) during his confirmation, Kennedy dismissed all 17 expert members of the CDC’s ACIP in June 2025—a move widely criticized as political and destabilizing. He presented it, however, as necessary to “restore public trust” and rid the committee of pharmaceutical influence.

Just days later, eight new members were named—though one withdrew amid ethics concerns. Unlike their predecessors, this panel includes only one epidemiologist and one infectious disease specialist, with no virologists or immunologists. Many appointees lack peer-reviewed vaccine research altogether, and those who do have published, on average, 78% fewer vaccine-related papers than former members.

Within hours of the overhaul, leaders from nearly 100 medical groups—including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics—warned that the dismissals could sow confusion among doctors and patients, ultimately increasing preventable illnesses.

Several states—including Colorado, New York, and Massachusetts—are now advancing legislation to ensure vaccine insurance coverage regardless of shifts in ACIP recommendations. At the same time, independent groups like the Vaccine Integrity Project and organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are stepping in with their own evidence-based guidelines.

List of RFK Jr.'s New Vaccine Advisory Panel Members

Here’s a closer look at the individuals now shaping the future of U.S. immunization guidance:

Robert W. Malone, MD – Physician and Biochemist

Dr. Robert Malone is widely recognized as a polarizing figure in the vaccine debate. A physician and biochemist, Malone has publicly claimed to have contributed to the foundational research that led to mRNA vaccine technology, though many scientists dispute the extent of his role. In recent years, he emerged as a prominent skeptic of COVID-19 vaccine safety and a central voice in misinformation campaigns during the pandemic.

His statements have repeatedly landed him in hot water with the medical community. Notably, he was criticized for publicly denying that Daisy Hildebrand, an 8-year-old girl, died of measles—despite confirmation from her family and medical professionals. Critics argue that his inclusion on the new panel undermines credibility, particularly given his history of promoting unverified claims through high-traffic media appearances and social media platforms.

Joseph R. Hibbeln, MD – Psychiatrist and Neuroscientist

Dr. Hibbeln, a psychiatrist and nutritional neuroscientist, spent nearly three decades at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he led research on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in mental health. Though respected for his work in nutritional psychiatry, Hibbeln has no formal background in virology, immunology, or vaccine development.

His appointment raised eyebrows further after Reuters reported his involvement as an expert witness in a lawsuit against Merck over its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine—litigation that also has ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s broader vaccine-critical advocacy efforts. While his clinical credentials are solid, his experience with vaccine policy is limited.

Martin Kulldorff, PhD – Biostatistician and Epidemiologist

Among the more experienced appointees, Dr. Martin Kulldorff is a biostatistician known for his role in developing vaccine safety surveillance tools at the CDC. He has previously served on the FDA’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee and was part of the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Technical Work Group.

However, Kulldorff gained national attention—and sharp criticism—for co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration, an open letter that argued against pandemic lockdowns and supported herd immunity through natural infection. His outspoken opposition to school closures and COVID-19 mandates eventually led to his dismissal from Harvard’s faculty. Though undeniably experienced in data analysis and public health, his stance during the pandemic has made him a polarizing figure in vaccine discourse.

Retsef Levi, PhD – Operations Management Professor

Dr. Retsef Levi, a professor at MIT Sloan School of Management, holds a doctorate in operations research and has worked extensively in systems optimization and supply chain logistics. However, he is not a medical doctor and lacks formal training in immunology or infectious disease.

Levi has been an outspoken critic of mRNA vaccines, publicly claiming in early 2023 that the technology posed "indisputable" risks—including death, especially in younger populations. He called for their immediate suspension, drawing widespread criticism from scientific institutions. His appointment to the committee suggests a shift toward elevating voices that challenge the scientific consensus, raising concerns about evidence-based decision-making.

Cody Meissner, MD – Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist

Among the few on the panel with direct vaccine expertise, Dr. Cody Meissner is a well-respected pediatric infectious disease expert and professor at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine. He has served as chief of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Division at Tufts Medical Center and held a seat on the prior ACIP panel, giving him insider knowledge of how immunization policies are formed.

Despite his qualifications, Meissner has also drawn criticism for his opposition to masking mandates and COVID-19 vaccine requirements for children during the pandemic. Still, he stands out as the panel’s most credentialed expert. Notably, he was the only member of the newly reformed committee to vote against rescinding recommendations for flu vaccines that contain thimerosal—a preservative that some skeptics claim is linked to autism, a theory repeatedly debunked by decades of research.

Vicky Pebsworth, RN, PhD – Registered Nurse and Vaccine Safety Advocate

Dr. Vicky Pebsworth brings over 45 years of nursing experience and has previously served on the FDA’s Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. She currently sits on the board of the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), a controversial group known for promoting vaccine injury awareness and advocating for personal belief exemptions.

Pebsworth’s views are informed in part by personal experience: her son reportedly suffered serious long-term health issues following vaccination. Her role with the NVIC and emphasis on vaccine injury prevention raise questions about bias, though Kennedy has pointed to such perspectives as “essential for reestablishing balance” in vaccine discussions.

James Pagano, MD – Emergency Physician

Dr. James Pagano is an emergency room physician who has served on various hospital committees related to critical care and medical utilization. Unlike others on the panel, Pagano does not have a background in epidemiology, virology, or public health, nor does he appear to have any published research on vaccines.

His role on the advisory panel seems to reflect Kennedy’s broader strategy of diversifying input beyond traditional academic or government sources, though critics argue this risks sidelining science in favor of anecdote.

The previous panel's inaugural June meeting was marked by confusion and controversy. Key proposals under consideration included the removal of thimerosal from flu vaccines and a review of the cumulative childhood immunization schedule—topics long rejected by medical mainstream but popular among vaccine skeptics.

Presenters included anti-vaccine figures, such as Lyn Redwood of Kennedy’s own children’s health advocacy organization. Conflicts of interest and lack of published ethics reviews further marred the panel’s debut. The American Academy of Pediatrics even boycotted the meeting in protest.

• Why These Changes Are Coming At A Bad Time For US Healthcare?

The timing couldn’t be worse. The U.S. is battling its worst measles outbreak in decades, with 1,333 confirmed cases—of which 92% occurred among unvaccinated individuals.

Kennedy’s sweeping changes and public vaccine skepticism have emboldened parents to seek exemptions. Recent polls show nearly 60% of Americans are now inclined to skip COVID-19 vaccines, raising red flags for public health professionals.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s ACIP overhaul isn’t just bureaucratic—it’s deeply political. His stated objective of restoring public trust mirrors his long-standing critique of pharmaceutical influence. But replacing experts with skeptics? That risks forfeiting trust altogether.

Like swapping plane pilots at takeoff, ACIP's dismantling invites more than concern—it threatens the foundation that has long kept Americans safe from disease.

The sting of skepticism when we hear about sniffles or cold symptoms in midsummer. Many of us chalk it up to myth. After all, cold and flu season lives squarely in winter—right? New CDC data shows COVID‑19 is rising across several regions, even as flu and RSV remain remarkably low. Emergency room visits for COVID‑19 are climbing in some parts of the U.S., signaling something worth paying attention to—especially if we’re done worrying about respiratory viruses until October.

According to the CDC’s Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel, respiratory illness levels overall are still very low as of August 1, 2025. But the devil’s in the details: COVID‑19 activity is increasing in Mid‑Atlantic, Southeast, Southern, and West Coast states, while flu and RSV cases remain flat or declining.

Summer is supposed to be the season of sunshine, vacations, and a break from cold-season sniffles. But this year, something unusual is happening across the United States — COVID-19 is making a comeback, even as other respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV remain uncharacteristically quiet. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency room visits due to COVID-19 are up in several parts of the country, especially in Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Southern, and West Coast states. So what’s going on, and why is COVID spiking in the summer?

As of early August, RSV activity is flatlining, and flu levels are decreasing. In contrast, COVID-19 numbers are moving in the opposite direction. Emergency department visits are rising for people of all ages, with particular increases among children under four. According to CDC tracking, while the general level of acute respiratory illness is low overall, the uptick in COVID-19 cases in summer has public health officials paying close attention.

The expectation was for COVID-19 to settle into a winter virus pattern. But recent years — including 2024 and now 2025 — have shown that late summer surges are not only possible but are now becoming somewhat predictable.

Why COVID Is Spiking When Other Viruses Aren’t?

One major reason we see fewer respiratory illnesses in summer is behavior. Warmer weather drives people outdoors, where airflow disperses respiratory droplets and reduces transmission. Windows are open, ventilation is better, and large indoor gatherings are less frequent.

However, in parts of the country where temperatures soar into the triple digits, people escape the heat by heading indoors. Air-conditioned environments mean enclosed spaces, close contact, and recirculated air — all of which are ideal for viral transmission.

In places like Arizona, summer is our indoor season. And that means more sickness, just like winter on the East Coast.

Which COVID Variant Is Behind the Summer Spike?

A new COVID-19 variant, known as NB.1.8.1 or "Nimbus," is making the rounds and may be contributing to the current rise in infections. One of the more talked-about symptoms of this variant is an extremely painful sore throat, leading some to nickname it “razor blade throat” COVID.

This symptom has been reported in the UK, India, and now parts of the U.S., although overall severity hasn’t shown any dramatic increase. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the variant is under monitoring but isn’t classified as a variant of concern. Current vaccines remain effective against Nimbus, and there’s no evidence so far that it causes more severe illness than earlier strains.

Still, painful symptoms, coupled with the ease of summer spread, are making this version of COVID a hot topic among health experts.

Should You Get a COVID Booster Now?

Timing matters. According to Dr. Costi Sifri from the University of Virginia Health System, people who are otherwise healthy might benefit from waiting until the fall to get their booster, especially if they're looking to optimize protection for winter gatherings or travel. But if you’ve got a big event coming up — a wedding, trip, or family reunion — a summer booster may offer timely protection.

For people in high-risk categories, including older adults and those with compromised immune systems, consulting a healthcare provider about booster timing is critical. The virus may be milder for many people, but it’s far from benign for vulnerable populations.

Why Are Kids Contacting COVID Faster in 2025?

Last week’s CDC data showed a rise in emergency visits among children under 4 years old. Many of these kids are encountering the virus for the first time, and some may be unvaccinated.

Confusingly, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently stated that COVID shots are no longer recommended for healthy children — a move that has sparked concern among pediatricians and public health experts. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend vaccinations for all children over 6 months old.

What Can You Do to Lower Risk?

The same principles that applied in previous waves still hold true today. Doctors recommend:

• Spending time outdoors instead of enclosed indoor spaces
• Washing hands regularly
• Wearing masks in crowded areas
• Staying home if you feel sick

Additionally, consider returning to more mindful health habits — like using HEPA filters indoors, avoiding unnecessary travel if sick, and staying up to date on all your vaccinations, including the flu and COVID.

Role of Behavior in Virus Spread

It's not just biology. Our habits play a huge role in how viruses circulate. When the weather gets unbearable outside, people crowd into movie theaters, gyms, malls, or shared living spaces — all prime environments for transmission. Summer weddings, concerts, and family reunions can also become hotspots.

Experts say that if people treated summer with the same level of viral caution they show in winter, spikes like this could be mitigated. But fatigue, misinformation, and the seasonal expectations of carefree health often override the reality of virus behavior.

Other Summer Viruses You Should Know About

While COVID-19 is leading the respiratory virus pack this season, it’s not alone. Doctors have also reported increases in:

• Norovirus (aka the stomach flu)
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (common in children, causes rashes and fever)

These viruses tend to spread through close contact and poor hygiene, and are particularly active in schools, camps, and daycare centers.

The big question now is whether this summer’s spike is a blip or a bellwether. Will we see more off-season waves of COVID-19? Will variants like Nimbus become the norm or remain footnotes in the larger pandemic timeline?

While the WHO has designated the public health risk as "low" on a global scale, local surges, particularly among vulnerable populations, demand vigilance. As we approach the fall, new booster recommendations are expected from both U.S. and global health agencies.

For now, the take-home message is clear: Don’t let your guard down just because the sun’s out. COVID-19 isn’t taking the summer off, and your health routine shouldn’t either.

COVID-19 cases are increasing in several U.S. regions during summer 2025, even as RSV and flu remain low. Experts point to heat-driven indoor activity and the rise of the Nimbus variant as key drivers. Staying alert, practicing basic hygiene, and making informed decisions about vaccination timing remain essential for navigating this unusual respiratory season.

Over 7,000 cases of chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquitoes, have been reported in China's Guangdong province since July. To stop the virus from spreading, officials have put in place strict rules similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the hardest-hit city of Foshan, patients must stay in the hospital, and their beds are protected with mosquito nets. They can only leave after a week or when they test negative for the virus.

However, the health official have employed an innovative and biologically friendly way to fight the contagious virus. Giant 'elephant mosquitoes' are being released to to fight the mosquito-borne virus.

What are 'Elephant Mosquitoes'?

To see whether these helpful insects can impact diseases like chikungunya, a study published in the BioControl journal looked at how they interact with Aedes, which are the mosquitoes responsible for spreading chikungunya. Researchers collected elephant mosquito larvae from old tires and studied them in a lab. They discovered that a single elephant mosquito larva can eat up to 45 Aedes larvae in a day.

The study showed that these elephant mosquito larvae are highly effective hunters. Their eating habits didn't change based on the type of container, how much water was present, or whether it was day or night. This means they could be a reliable, natural way to control mosquitoes in many different places, at any time. This shows that these giant, non-biting mosquitoes are a promising, all-natural pest control solution.

What is Happening and Why People Are Worried

The virus is not contagious and spreads only when an infected person is bitten by a mosquito that then bites others. The virus causes fever and bad joint pain, which can sometimes last for years.

The outbreak has caused some panic in China, as the virus isn't well known there. People are concerned about the long-term pain. However, officials say most cases have been mild, and 95% of patients have gotten better within a week. Hong Kong has also reported its first case, a boy who had recently traveled to Foshan.

How Does Chikungunya Spread?

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, chikungunya virus, a type of alphavirus, is found in many parts of the world. It is carried and spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites a person with the virus and then bites another person, the virus is transmitted. People are most likely to infect mosquitoes during the first few days of their illness, when they have a high level of the virus in their blood.

Less Common Ways the Virus Can Spread

While the virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, it can also be transmitted through other means due to the high viral load in an infected person's blood. These less common methods include:

• Blood transfusions
• Handling infected blood in a lab
• Drawing blood from an infected person
• The virus is not spread from person to person through sneezing, coughing, or touching.

Has Monsoon Played A Part In The Chikungunya Outbreak?

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine explains that a surge in chikungunya cases began in early 2025, and it is likely due to favorable climatic conditions, which allow the Aedes mosquito population to boom. Guangdong province is a coastal area, that is experiencing rainfall at the moment. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet conditions, often living near humans and breeding in places with standing water like water tanks and discarded containers. After heavy rain, mosquito populations can grow rapidly, leading to a rise in diseases they carry.

The combined risks of climate change and transmission from people who don't know they're infected. As the climate gets warmer, the Aedes mosquito can now be found in new parts of the world. Additionally, many people with chikungunya don't show any symptoms, so they can spread the virus without knowing it. Other possible reasons for the increase in cases could be a lack of funding for mosquito control or even a change in the virus's genetics that makes it more infectious.

Chikungunya is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and causes a fever and severe joint pain. There is no specific cure, and while rare, the disease can be fatal. The best ways to prevent infection are to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, install screens on windows and doors, and remove any standing water from containers around your home.

Should People Be Concerned About It?

Most people who get bitten by an infected mosquito will feel sick within three to seven days. Besides fever and joint pain, other symptoms include rashes, headaches, and muscle aches. While most people get better in a week, some will have joint pain that lasts for months or even years.

The virus is rarely deadly, but it can be more dangerous for babies, older people, and those with other health issues like heart disease or diabetes. The World Health Organization says the best way to stop the virus is to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.