"FLiRT" COVID variants are spreading. Scientists share what we know so far.
Some of the strains in the "FLiRT" group are closely related to the JN.1 COVID variant from last winter.
CDC says bird flu viruses "pose pandemic potential," cites major knowledge gaps
The Texas dairy worker infected by H5N1 "did not disclose the name of their workplace," frustrating investigators.
Ground beef tested negative for bird flu, USDA says
The USDA tested 30 samples from states with herds infected by H5N1.
Cats died after drinking raw milk from bird flu-infected cows
Cat deaths and neurological disease are "widely reported" around farms where the H5N1 bird flu virus was detected, health officials say.
Pasteurization working to kill bird flu in milk, early FDA results find
Around 1 in 5 retail milk samples had tested positive for the bird flu virus, but further tests show it was not infectious.
Plans for menthol cigarette ban delayed due to "immense" feedback
The White House had been due to decide on the menthol cigarette rule in March.
Superbug from human eye drops outbreak spread to dogs
The discovery of drug-resistant bacteria in two dogs prompted a probe by the CDC and New Jersey health authorities.
U.S. birth rate drops to record low, ending pandemic uptick
CDC's provisional figures show a 2% decline in births from 2022 to 2023.
U.S. orders cow testing for bird flu after grocery milk tests positive
Federal officials say they're double checking whether pasteurization has eradicated the danger from possible bird virus particles in milk.
Chocolate milk can stay in school lunch program, Biden administration decides
The USDA had floated banning flavored milk options from some school lunches.
U.S. measles cases reach 125 this year, topping 2022's large outbreaks
The CDC estimates the U.S. could reach 300 measles cases in 2024 — more than the recent peak two years ago.
Measles spread to at least 3 other states after trips to Florida
Measles infections in Ohio, Indiana and Louisiana have been linked to visits to Florida.
U.S. measles cases so far this year now exceed all of 2023
Infections of the highly contagious measles virus have been reported in 17 states in the first three months of 2024.
Going abroad? CDC updates measles vaccination guidance for travelers
Measles outbreaks are on the rise in the U.S. and around the world.
USPS will stop accepting orders for free COVID tests on March 8
Free pandemic-era courses of Pfizer's Paxlovid will also stop being dispensed, but there are some other options for getting it.