A series of unusual wildlife attacks has rattled the Bay Area. A wild squirrel, previously not considered a rabies carrier, has attacked multiple residents, sending at least two to the hospital. “We do not usually see squirrels behaving aggressively like this,” said a local wildlife expert. “While rabies is unlikely, residents should still exercise caution around wild animals.”

Story Highlights

• Bay Area squirrel attack sends residents to hospital; wildlife experts urge caution.

• CMS clarifies no strict rules against acetaminophen use in pregnancy.

• HHS cancels $500M mRNA research contracts; Pentagon continues pathogen-related mRNA projects.

• Expanded flu shot exemptions announced for U.S. troops.

• Dr. Ben Carson joins Agriculture Department as nutrition adviser.

• U.S. considers tariffs on medical equipment; agencies prepare for mass firings in case of government shutdown.

• Nearly 60% of voters doubt medical info from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

• Vermont, New York, and Washington have lowest healthcare climate risks.

• Research highlights longevity, chromosome fusion, and related health risks.

• AstraZeneca escalates Medicare pricing legal battle; pharmaceutical companies adjust foreign prices.

• Screwworm outbreak in northern Mexico approaches U.S. borders.

• WHO launches cholera vaccination in Darfur; Yeztugo HIV prevention drug priced affordably in low-income nations.

In healthcare developments, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz addressed recent statements from former President Trump, emphasizing a measured approach. “There are no hard rules against acetaminophen use during pregnancy,” Oz stated. This clarification comes amid ongoing public concerns about medication safety for expecting mothers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) canceled $500 million in contracts for mRNA research. However, the Pentagon continues to back mRNA projects aimed at fighting deadly pathogens. A Pentagon spokesperson noted, “Our support for mRNA research remains strong, particularly for national security threats and infectious diseases.”

The U.S. military also announced expanded flu shot exemptions for troops, reflecting adjustments in vaccination policies. “These exemptions are designed to ensure readiness while respecting medical needs,” the statement read.

In administrative shifts, retired neurosurgeon and former presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson has joined the Agriculture Department as a nutrition adviser. Carson commented, “Nutrition plays a critical role in public health, and I am excited to contribute at a policy level.”

On federal operations, the U.S. is reviewing whether to apply tariffs to medical equipment, including personal protective equipment. Agencies have also been instructed to prepare for mass firings in the event of a government shutdown. “Contingency planning is essential to maintain continuity,” a federal official explained.

Public confidence in medical guidance appears to be declining. A recent poll shows nearly 60% of registered voters are not confident in medical information cited by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Experts note that transparency and accurate communication are key to maintaining public trust.

Climate-related healthcare risks are also under scrutiny. Vermont, New York, and Washington rank as the states with the lowest climate threats to healthcare systems, according to the Commonwealth Fund. “These rankings help states prioritize resilience in healthcare infrastructure,” said a policy analyst.

Scientific research continues to advance. Researchers studying longevity found that a Spanish woman who lived to 117 possessed a unique combination of genes, microbiome, and epigenome markers associated with youthfulness. In genetics, scientists have mapped how two chromosomes fuse in a Robertsonian translocation, highlighting potential health implications. “Our next step is to understand how these genetic variations affect long-term health,” researchers said.

Pharmaceutical and healthcare industries remain in flux. AstraZeneca has escalated its legal challenge over Medicare drug price negotiations to the Supreme Court. Some companies are raising drug prices abroad in response to federal guidance, though U.S. prices remain stable for now. Pharmacy benefit managers are also updating business practices to avoid stricter federal regulation.

International health threats are emerging. Northern Mexico is reporting cattle infections by screwworm, a development edging closer to U.S. borders. At the same time, public health experts critique the World Health Organization’s chronic illness guidelines for being weakened by industry influence. However, WHO has initiated a cholera vaccination campaign in Darfur targeting 1.86 million people, and the twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir (Yeztugo) for HIV prevention will be available at $40 per person annually in low- and middle-income countries.

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