## Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Raises Global Health Concerns

The World Health Organization has raised alarm over a potentially rare instance of human-to-human hantavirus transmission aboard the Dutch expedition vessel MV Hondius, where three passengers have lost their lives and multiple others have fallen ill.

### What We Know So Far

Hantavirus is a pathogen typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents — specifically via their saliva, urine, or droppings. Human-to-human transmission is exceptionally uncommon, making the situation aboard MV Hondius particularly concerning to global health officials.

Seven cases in total — two confirmed and five suspected — have been recorded as of the latest WHO update. Among the confirmed cases is a Dutch woman who has since died, and a 69-year-old British national who was airlifted to South Africa for emergency medical treatment. The Dutch woman's husband also passed away, though his case has not been officially confirmed. A German national who died on May 2nd likewise remains outside the confirmed case count.

## Human-to-Human Transmission Under Investigation

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, a senior WHO official, stated that investigators believe transmission may have occurred between individuals in extremely close contact aboard the vessel. "We do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that is happening among the really close contacts," she confirmed.

She also suggested that the first person infected may have contracted the virus prior to boarding the ship, potentially during the voyage's early stages in South America. Investigators are working on the assumption that the Andes strain of hantavirus — known to circulate in South America, where the journey originated — is responsible for the confirmed cases.

### The Ship's Journey and Current Location

MV Hondius departed from Argentina approximately one month ago, embarking on a transatlantic crossing. The vessel is currently anchored near the Cape Verde archipelago off the western coast of Africa. During the voyage, the ship visited numerous islands, some of which are home to rodent populations — a factor health officials are actively examining as a possible source of initial exposure.

## Medical Response and Evacuation Efforts

Medical teams from Cape Verde, operating with WHO support, have boarded the ship to assess and assist with suspected cases. Testing is ongoing for passengers and crew members displaying symptoms.

Two crew members — one British national and one Dutch national — are scheduled for medical evacuation by aircraft to the Netherlands after presenting with acute respiratory symptoms, according to the ship's operator, Oceanwide Expeditions. A person connected to the deceased German national is also being evacuated.

Ship operators confirmed that no rats have been detected aboard the vessel. Disinfection protocols are actively underway, and all individuals either showing symptoms or caring for sick passengers are required to wear full personal protective equipment.

### Passengers Remain on Board Under Strict Measures

Approximately 149 passengers and crew members from 23 different countries remain on the ship under strict precautionary protocols. Among those still aboard are 22 British nationals in addition to the crew member awaiting evacuation.

The family of the Dutch couple who perished released a heartfelt statement, saying: "The beautiful journey they experienced together was abruptly and permanently cut short. We are still unable to comprehend that we have lost them. We wish to bring them home and commemorate them in peace and privacy."

Despite the uncertainty, one anonymous passenger told reporters that the mood aboard remained "pretty good," while travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin captured the general sentiment in a social media post: "There's a lot of uncertainty, and that's the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home."

## Next Steps: Will the Ship Dock in Spain?

The WHO has indicated that Spain granted permission for MV Hondius to dock in the Canary Islands, where a full risk assessment and further medical monitoring could be conducted. However, Spain's health ministry has tempered those expectations, stating that no final decision will be made until epidemiological data gathered near Cape Verde has been reviewed.

A Spanish health ministry spokesperson confirmed that no formal docking request had yet been received, but noted that Spanish authorities stand ready to provide medical care, testing, and disinfection services if required. Whether passengers would be permitted to disembark remains an open question.

The WHO emphasized that the overall risk to the general public remains low, even as health officials continue to monitor the evolving situation closely.

Three dead and seven cases identified as WHO probes rare human-to-human hantavirus transmission aboard Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius near Cape Verde.

WHO Investigates Hantavirus Spread on Cruise Ship

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WHO Warns of Rare Human-to-Human Hantavirus Transmission Aboard Dutch Cruise Ship

## A Career Built on Compassion and Scientific Excellence

When Ann Barrett earned her medical degree in 1968, oncology was a discipline on the move. New drugs were emerging, technology was advancing, and survival rates — long stubbornly low — were finally beginning to climb. For ambitious young doctors, it was an irresistible frontier. Barrett stepped into that world and never looked back.

Over a distinguished 40-year career, she became a globally recognised authority on paediatric radiotherapy, a tireless advocate for multidisciplinary care, and a formative influence on medical education across the United Kingdom. She died recently at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape how cancer is treated and taught.

## From St Bartholomew's to the Royal Marsden

Barrett completed her clinical training at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, progressing through a series of junior doctor positions before joining the Royal Marsden Hospital in 1977 as a consultant. The Royal Marsden was — and remains — one of the world's foremost cancer research institutions, and Barrett found her niche there specialising in brain tumours in children and the irradiation of the central nervous system.

This was painstaking, high-stakes work. In cancers such as leukaemia, malignant cells can spread throughout the body, and those lodged in the nervous system are among the hardest to eradicate. Before the era of computers and advanced imaging, calculating the precise dose and exact location for radiation treatment required extraordinary care and close collaboration with medical physicists. The added complexity of treating children — whose organs were still developing — meant that every decision carried profound long-term consequences.

Barrett embraced this challenge with characteristic thoroughness. She worked closely with paediatric colleagues at the Royal Marsden and, recognising the need for a broader national effort, co-founded the UK Children's Cancer Study Group in 1977 — an organisation that later evolved into the Children and Young People's Cancer Association. Regular meetings in Birmingham brought together specialists to share data, compare outcomes, and push collective understanding forward.

## Establishing Academic Foundations in Glasgow

By the early 1980s, radiotherapy remained an underrepresented academic discipline in many British medical schools. That began to change in 1980 when the University of Glasgow established a new department of radiation oncology. Barrett was invited to lead it in 1986, becoming its first professor.

Her impact was immediate and far-reaching. She designed and launched the UK's first MSc course in clinical oncology, crafting the syllabus from the ground up and personally tutoring students. She championed ideas that were still considered progressive at the time — holistic patient care, psychological wellbeing, and the power of multidisciplinary teamwork — embedding them into the curriculum and into clinical practice.

In 1988, Barrett played a central role in establishing the Beatson Oncology Centre, subsequently serving as its director. The largest cancer treatment centre in Scotland, the Beatson served a population of approximately 2.8 million people. Under Barrett's leadership, it became one of the first centres in the UK to hold multidisciplinary meetings, bringing together oncologists and surgeons to jointly determine the most appropriate treatment pathway for each individual patient. She also launched annual professional development gatherings in St Andrews each spring, giving junior doctors and allied health professionals a dedicated forum for learning about the latest advances in oncology.

### A Commitment to Holistic Healing

Barrett's vision of cancer care extended well beyond clinical treatment. She was a founding director of the Maggie's Centre in Glasgow, serving in that role from 1997 to 2001; the centre opened its doors in 2002. She held a deep conviction that a patient's physical environment — including access to gardens and natural spaces — could play a meaningful therapeutic role in recovery and wellbeing.

## A Principled Resignation and a New Beginning

Despite her achievements, Barrett grew increasingly frustrated with the deteriorating conditions at the Beatson centre during the late 1990s. Ageing equipment and a chronic shortage of resources meant that the centre, which should have operated eleven linear accelerators to adequately serve its population, had only six. Patients were regularly treated in corridors due to insufficient bed capacity.

In 2001, Barrett resigned — a courageous and very public act. In a statement to the British Medical Journal, she explained: "I am so unhappy that the quality of care I am able to give is so far below what I want that I simply find myself unable to carry on." Her departure, alongside that of several other senior consultants, triggered a government review and ultimately led to a significant upgrade of the facility.

Her next chapter unfolded in Norwich. The University of East Anglia had recently opened a brand-new medical school, and in 2002 Barrett joined as deputy dean and inaugural professor of oncology. Professor Sam Leinster, now professor emeritus at UEA, recalled her as "a prime mover" in shaping an innovative curriculum that placed students on hospital wards from their very first year. She also played a central role in developing a communications skills programme that ran throughout the full five years of undergraduate training. Barrett remained at UEA until her retirement in 2006.

## An Influential Voice Beyond the Lecture Theatre

Barrett's influence was never confined to her immediate institution. She served as dean of the Royal College of Radiologists from 2002 to 2004 and provided expert guidance to bodies including the Ministry of Defence and NATO on the health effects of radiation exposure. In 2010, her sustained contribution to healthcare was formally recognised with the award of an OBE.

As a scholar and communicator, Barrett was extraordinarily prolific. She authored or co-authored more than 150 academic papers and made significant contributions to landmark textbooks still widely consulted today. These include *Practical Radiotherapy Planning* — first published in 1985 and now in its fifth edition — and *Cancer in Children: Clinical Management*, which first appeared in 1975 and has since been expanded into the *Oxford Textbook of Cancer in Children*, now in its seventh edition. In 1976, she translated the paediatric oncologist Odile Schweisguth's French-language textbook into English, and in 1994 she took a media fellowship with the British Science Association, spending time at the science desk of the *Independent* newspaper.

## The Woman Behind the Achievements

Ann Barrett was born in Southgate, north London. Her father, Robert Brown, had left the Welsh mining valleys to pursue a career in journalism; her mother, Elsie, was a primary school teacher. Both parents held firm socialist convictions. Ann was the eldest of three children, with a brother, David, and a sister, Jenny.

She attended Queen Elizabeth Girls' School in Barnet, where she studied languages at A-level. Her decision to pursue medicine presented an early obstacle — she had no science A-levels — but St Bartholomew's Hospital agreed to accept her on the condition that she completed a preliminary pre-medical year to build her knowledge of biology. It was a challenge she met without difficulty.

Barrett married haematologist John Barrett in 1970; the couple divorced twelve years later. In 1989 she married Adrian Bell, a Glasgow prison officer whom she had first encountered when she treated his wife for cancer. That marriage also ended in divorce, but Barrett maintained a close and affectionate relationship with her three stepchildren throughout her life.

In retirement, Barrett settled in Cambridge, where she served as church warden at St Paul's Church, supported the local food bank, and worked to engage with marginalised members of the community. She found joy in nature, poetry, piano playing, cycling, and attending music and arts festivals.

She is survived by her brother David, her sister Jenny, and her three stepchildren.

## A Legacy That Endures

Ann Barrett's career traced the arc of modern oncology — from the tentative early advances of the late 1960s to the sophisticated, patient-centred care of the twenty-first century. She was not merely a witness to that transformation; she was one of its architects. Her insistence on collaboration, her investment in education, and her refusal to accept second-best for her patients defined a career of rare distinction and lasting consequence.

Ann Barrett, pioneering oncologist and paediatric radiotherapy expert, spent 40 years transforming cancer care for children and shaping UK medical education.

Ann Barrett: Oncologist Who Transformed Cancer Care

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Ann Barrett: The Oncologist Who Transformed Cancer Care for Children and Shaped a Generation of Doctors

## NHS Rolls Out Game-Changing Cancer Injection That Takes Just Minutes

Thousands of cancer patients across the United Kingdom are set to benefit from a new injectable form of one of the world's most widely used immunotherapy drugs — a development that could dramatically reduce the amount of time they spend in hospital receiving treatment.

The drug in question is Keytruda, also known by its clinical name pembrolizumab. It is a form of immunotherapy that works by supporting the body's natural immune defences in identifying and targeting cancer cells. Since its introduction in 2015, NHS patients have been receiving it through an intravenous drip — a process that can take well over an hour to complete in a clinical setting.

## From Over an Hour to Under Two Minutes

NHS England has confirmed that the newly approved injectable version of Keytruda will cut the administration time to as little as one or two minutes. Depending on a patient's specific diagnosis, the jab will be administered either every three weeks as a one-minute injection or every six weeks as a two-minute injection.

Shirley Xerxes, an 86-year-old from St Albans in Hertfordshire, was among the very first NHS patients in the UK to receive the new injection, at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre near Watford. She described the difference as transformative.

"I was in the chair for a matter of minutes instead of an hour or more," she said. "It's made such a difference and gives me more time to live my life, including spending more time gardening."

## How Keytruda Works

Cancer cells are capable of evading the body's immune system by releasing proteins that transmit a chemical "stop signal," effectively instructing immune cells to stand down rather than attack. Some researchers have compared this mechanism to the disease wearing an invisibility cloak.

Immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda work by blocking that stop signal, allowing the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells more effectively. This scientific breakthrough was so significant that it earned researchers James Allison and Tasuku Honjo the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2018.

Keytruda was among the earliest immunotherapy treatments to receive regulatory approval — initially for skin cancer and subsequently for a broad range of other cancers. It is currently licensed to treat 14 different cancer types in the UK, including lung, breast, cervical, and head and neck cancers.

## Impact on the NHS and Wider Healthcare System

Approximately 14,000 cancer patients in England begin a course of Keytruda each year, and NHS England expects the majority of these patients to transition to the injectable format.

Previously, hospital pharmacy teams were required to prepare each infusion bag under sterile conditions before administering it through a cannula into the patient's vein — a resource-intensive process for both staff and facilities. The shift to a standard injection is expected to free up significant capacity within chemotherapy units.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England's National Clinical Director for Cancer, welcomed the change as a meaningful step forward for patient care.

"Managing cancer treatment and regular hospital trips can be really exhausting," he said. "If we can do this in a much shorter period of time, it frees up space in our chemotherapy units and means we can start thinking about giving treatment in the community and away from hospitals."

### A Broader Shift Toward Community-Based Cancer Care

The introduction of injectable immunotherapy also opens the door to delivering treatment outside of traditional hospital environments — a prospect that could ease pressure on overstretched NHS facilities while making cancer care more accessible and convenient for patients.

This is the third immunotherapy drug of its type to become available as an injection on the NHS, following the rollout of an injectable form of Opdivo (nivolumab) in certain hospitals last year.

## Commercial Context and Patent Controversy

Keytruda is by most measures the best-selling prescription drug in the world. Its manufacturer, US pharmaceutical giant Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), reported global sales of $30 billion in 2025 alone, with cumulative revenues since launch estimated at around $180 billion.

NHS England has not disclosed the cost of the injectable version, citing a confidential pricing agreement with MSD. However, it is understood that the health service will pay a broadly similar price for both the infusion and injection forms of the drug.

The timing of the new formulation has not been without controversy. Patents on the original Keytruda drug are set to expire in 2028 in the United States and 2031 in Europe, which would allow rival manufacturers to produce cheaper biosimilar versions. Critics, including US Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, have suggested that MSD's decision to introduce the new injectable form — protected under separate patents — is at least partly motivated by a desire to maintain market exclusivity and ward off competition.

MSD, for its part, maintains that the injectable format delivers genuine clinical and operational benefits, reducing the burden on hospital resources and freeing up clinical staff to attend to other patient needs.

NHS England introduces an injectable form of Keytruda that reduces cancer treatment time from over an hour to just minutes for thousands of patients.

New NHS Cancer Injection Cuts Treatment Time to Minutes

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Cancer Patients to Spend Less Time in Hospital Thanks to New NHS Immunotherapy Injection

## Who Is Nicole Saphier, Trump's Third Pick for US Surgeon General?

Donald Trump has named Nicole Saphier as his third nominee for US surgeon general, a choice that health experts describe as politically savvy and likely confirmable — though not without controversy. A radiologist and frequent Fox News medical contributor, Saphier brings a media-polished image to a role that, while holding no regulatory or legislative power, remains one of the most influential public health positions in the country.

## Why Two Previous Nominees Failed

Saphier's nomination follows the collapsed bids of Janette Nesheiwat and Casey Means. Means, who lacked an active medical license, drew criticism for deep financial ties to the wellness industry and a documented skepticism toward vaccines. Nesheiwat, also a former Fox contributor, similarly failed to gain sufficient support. Saphier, by contrast, holds an active medical license and currently practices medicine — a baseline qualification that her predecessor failed to meet.

## Her Medical Background and Professional Standing

Saphier specializes in breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Monmouth facility. Her clinical work centers heavily on cancer prevention, with a particular focus on breast cancer. She has linked rising breast cancer rates to shifting social trends such as delayed pregnancies, declining birth rates, and reduced breastfeeding, and has advocated for policies that support young parents and nursing mothers as part of a broader prevention strategy.

Jerome Adams, who served as surgeon general during Trump's first term, offered a measured endorsement of Saphier's nomination. He described her as "an exceptionally clear communicator" who is especially effective at reaching conservative audiences that tend to distrust mainstream public health messaging. Adams also noted that he has worked alongside Saphier and found her to be independent-minded rather than merely deferential. However, he expressed hope that her preference for individual responsibility over government-led public health solutions would evolve once she gained a fuller picture of America's health challenges.

"You can't always make the healthy choice when the environment only offers bad ones," Adams remarked.

## Her Ties to Fox News and the MAHA Movement

If confirmed, Saphier would become the 25th person connected to Fox News to hold a senior position in Trump's second administration. She has appeared on the network more than 640 times, making her one of its most recognizable medical voices.

Her 2020 book, *Make America Healthy Again*, predates Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s use of the same phrase by four years. Kennedy, now serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services, transformed the slogan into the rallying cry of the MAHA movement — a coalition blending anti-vaccine activists, nutrition advocates, environmentalists, and supplement industry figures. Saphier's podcast covers overlapping territory, addressing topics like GLP-1 medications, substance use, microplastics, infectious disease, and nutrition.

Unlike Kennedy's more radical positions, Saphier's health philosophy leans toward personal responsibility and skepticism of government intervention, though she stops short of full anti-establishment stances on most issues.

## Vaccine Stance: Nuanced or Problematic?

Saphier's position on vaccines is one of the most scrutinized aspects of her public record. She does not identify as anti-vaccine, and in February 2025 she stated that the best available research does not support a link between vaccines and autism. In March 2026, she voiced alarm about falling vaccination rates and a worsening measles outbreak, urging a return to higher coverage.

"We need to roll back a lot of the mandates, but we also need to make sure that there is clear messaging that vaccines — while they come with risks — are overwhelmingly safe and do prevent serious illness from what would be preventable diseases," she said on her podcast.

However, she has also questioned the routine childhood vaccine schedule, a stance she said was shaped by her son's bout with whooping cough. She has called for more critical scrutiny of the schedule and has suggested comparing the US immunization program with those of other countries. She also questioned why the hepatitis B vaccine is required for school attendance, citing it as not highly contagious — a claim that overlooks evidence that the virus can survive on shared surfaces for up to a week and can cause serious illness in children.

Bioethicist Arthur Caplan was direct in his criticism: "Sometimes she talks about spacing out the vaccine schedule. That's nonsense. There's no reason to do that. What's dangerous to a child is not getting all the vaccines properly."

Saphier also criticized the communication surrounding changes to the childhood vaccine schedule under the current administration, saying the rollout created unnecessary confusion among the public.

## Her Record on COVID-19

Saphier's public commentary during the pandemic drew scrutiny from public health professionals. In early 2021, she incorrectly claimed that children did not transmit COVID-19 as efficiently as adults and argued that teachers should return to classrooms before vaccines were widely available. Later that year, as the Omicron variant emerged, she suggested allowing the variant to spread to build hybrid immunity — a period during which approximately 244,000 Americans died of COVID-related causes in the following year alone.

She also repeated a widely debunked claim in 2022 that the CDC was planning to mandate COVID vaccines for all schoolchildren, a rumor that has persisted as a fixture in anti-vaccine circles.

More recently, she expressed support for removing the COVID vaccine recommendation for healthy children, praised the decision publicly, and criticized the American Academy of Pediatrics for continuing to recommend the shot after Kennedy scaled back federal guidance.

## Stance on Gender-Affirming Care

Saphier has been an outspoken critic of gender-affirming medical care for minors. She has characterized being transgender as a mental health crisis, described it as a potential "fad," and called it a "national emergency" during a podcast interview with someone who had detransitioned. She has also opposed research into the use of hormone blockers for transgender youth.

## Business Interests and Supplement Industry Ties

Like her predecessor Casey Means, Saphier has financial interests in the wellness industry. She owns Drop Rx, an herbal tincture company, and regularly promotes supplements on social media — including claims that "rosemary and sage decrease Alzheimer's risk." Such claims have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA, as the supplement industry remains largely unregulated in the United States.

## Views on DOGE and Cancer Research Cuts

When federal cancer research funding was paused last year, Saphier acknowledged that her colleagues expressed concern — but she defended the cuts carried out under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk.

"I think DOGE is probably one of the greatest things to happen in US history," she said publicly, a statement that drew criticism from the medical research community.

## What Experts Say About Her Chances

Despite the controversies, health policy analysts suggest Saphier is well-positioned to win Senate confirmation. Her active medical license, communication skills, and political alignment with the current administration make her, in the words of several observers, "almost a lock." Whether she will use the surgeon general's bully pulpit to advance evidence-based public health policy — or continue to sow doubt on established science — remains to be seen.

Who is Nicole Saphier? Trump's third surgeon general pick is a Fox News radiologist with views on vaccines, MAHA, and public health that are raising eyebrows.

Nicole Saphier: Trump's Surgeon General Nominee Explained

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Nicole Saphier: Everything You Need to Know About Trump's Surgeon General Nominee

## The Legal Landscape Around Abortion Medication

A recent federal appeals court ruling has placed significant restrictions on telemedicine prescriptions for mifepristone — one of the most commonly used abortion medications in the United States. The ruling affects patients nationwide, at least on a temporary basis, limiting how and where they can access the drug.

However, this legal development does not eliminate all medication abortion options. Another drug, misoprostol, remains fully available and has a well-established track record of safety and effectiveness when used to end an early pregnancy.

## Understanding Misoprostol as a Standalone Option

Misoprostol is widely recognized by medical professionals around the world as a reliable medication for pregnancy termination. While it is most commonly used in combination with mifepristone — a regimen considered highly effective — misoprostol alone is also a legitimate and medically supported choice.

### How Misoprostol Works

Misoprostol works by causing the uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy. When used as a single-drug option, it is typically administered in specific doses under medical guidance. The medication has been used globally for decades, particularly in regions where mifepristone is unavailable or restricted.

### Effectiveness and Safety

Studies indicate that misoprostol used alone carries a success rate of approximately 80 percent or higher for ending early pregnancies. While this is slightly lower than the combined two-drug regimen, it remains a medically sound and widely endorsed method by major health organizations, including the World Health Organization.

Side effects may include cramping, nausea, and bleeding, which are consistent with the body's natural response to the medication. Serious complications are rare when the drug is used correctly.

## Access and Availability

Unlike mifepristone, misoprostol is not subject to the same level of regulatory restrictions in the United States. It is approved for multiple medical uses, making it more broadly accessible through pharmacies and healthcare providers.

Patients seeking medication abortion during the early stages of pregnancy should consult a licensed healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate and safe course of action given their individual circumstances and local regulations.

## What This Means for Patients

The ongoing legal challenges surrounding mifepristone underscore the importance of awareness around all available reproductive healthcare options. While access to the two-drug combination remains a priority for many advocates and medical professionals, the availability of misoprostol provides an important alternative pathway for patients navigating these complex legal developments.

Mifepristone faces legal restrictions, but misoprostol remains accessible. Learn how this single-drug abortion option works, its safety, and effectiveness.

Misoprostol: Single-Drug Abortion Option Still Available

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Single-Drug Medication Abortion: What You Need to Know About Misoprostol

## Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak Strikes Atlantic Cruise Ship

The World Health Organization has confirmed that three people have lost their lives following a hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship sailing the Atlantic Ocean. At least six individuals are believed to have been infected, with one case confirmed through laboratory testing and five additional suspected cases.

One patient is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit in South Africa, while health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

## WHO Response and Ongoing Investigation

The WHO has stated that thorough investigations are actively underway, encompassing further laboratory analysis, viral sequencing, and comprehensive epidemiological research. Medical support is being extended to both passengers and crew members on board.

The agency is also coordinating with member states and the ship's operators to facilitate the evacuation of two passengers displaying active symptoms. A full public health risk assessment is being conducted for all remaining individuals aboard the vessel. The WHO has not publicly identified the name of the cruise ship involved.

## What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus belongs to a family of viruses primarily transmitted through contact with the urine, saliva, or feces of infected rodents, including rats and mice. While infections are relatively uncommon, they can escalate into a life-threatening condition known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

### Recognizing the Symptoms

The illness typically begins with general symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, sometimes accompanied by headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. As the disease progresses, patients may develop severe respiratory complications including persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by fluid accumulating in the lungs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of patients who develop respiratory symptoms may not survive the syndrome, underscoring the seriousness of the disease.

## Recent High-Profile Case Raises Awareness

Hantavirus has drawn increased public attention in recent months following the death of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of renowned actor Gene Hackman, who succumbed to the illness. Her passing brought renewed awareness to a disease that many had previously considered obscure or geographically distant.

A hantavirus outbreak on an Atlantic cruise ship has killed three people. WHO confirms six infections and ongoing investigations into the deadly respiratory vir

Hantavirus Outbreak Kills Three on Atlantic Cruise Ship

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Hantavirus Claims Three Lives in Atlantic Cruise Ship Outbreak, WHO Confirms

## A Public Health Agency Transformed by Religious Ideology

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stepped into his role as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in February 2025, he delivered a message that caught many observers off guard. Rather than focusing on disease prevention, vaccination policy, or the nation's chronic illness burden, Kennedy opened with a diagnosis of a different kind — America, he declared, was suffering from a "spiritual malaise."

In his first address to HHS employees, Kennedy argued that "spiritual and physical maladies thrive on one another," and that healing the country required confronting questions of personal responsibility and moral fortitude. The solution, in his framing, was not rooted in evidence-based medicine. It was a matter of the soul.

Within weeks, the White House announced sweeping cuts across the very agency Kennedy now leads — eliminating more than 20,500 jobs from the department responsible for safeguarding public health.

## Spiritual Warfare at the Helm of Public Health

Kennedy's rhetoric has only intensified since those early days. As the United States confronted its most severe measles outbreak in 34 years this past March — a crisis Kennedy has largely sidestepped — he stood before an audience of medical trainees and urged them to combat "malevolent forces" through "spiritual warfare." His prescribed remedy: the "sacred ritual" of sharing family dinners.

Over the course of his tenure, Kennedy has championed a range of pseudoscientific or insufficiently tested treatments, including vitamin A as a measles intervention, peptides as longevity boosters, and raw milk as a nutritional powerhouse. At the same time, he has persistently undermined public confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy.

On the surface, Kennedy's language can seem harmless — the kind of holistic, nature-forward vernacular associated with wellness culture rather than hard-right ideology. His background as an environmental advocate lends him a kind of granola credibility that softens the edges of his messaging.

But health policy experts and former members of conservative religious movements argue that his repeated invocations of spiritual forces carry a far more specific — and dangerous — meaning.

## A Dog Whistle for Christian Nationalism

"The 'warfare' thing is a dog whistle to stoke Christian nationalist ideology," says Savannah Tate, who grew up as the daughter of a megachurch pastor before leaving the faith in her early twenties. Now 32 and holding a doctorate in psychology, Tate speaks publicly about her experience inside one of America's most powerful religious-political movements.

Christian nationalism is not a single organization but a broad and interconnected ecosystem of networks and factions united by one core ambition: reshaping American governance to reflect a specifically Christian moral and legal framework. This project would blur — or erase — the constitutional separation of church and state, subordinate democratic pluralism to biblical authority, and position Christianity as the nation's singular guiding force.

Some of the most influential figures in the current administration openly align themselves with this vision. Russell Vought, Trump's director of the Office of Management and Budget and a principal architect of the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, has made no secret of his ideological commitments. That document has effectively become a governing blueprint for the administration.

Terms like "spiritual warfare" and "spiritual attack," Tate explains, are not casual metaphors within these circles. They are the movement's native vocabulary — a binary, combat-oriented framework designed to cast opponents as not merely wrong, but cosmically evil.

## Dominionism and the Drive for Institutional Control

The strand of Christian nationalism currently influencing the Trump administration is dominionist in character, meaning its adherents believe Christian authority should extend over all major cultural, governmental, and social institutions. This is not a passive or traditionalist faith — it is an actively expansionist political project.

President Trump himself has framed his second term as "a war from within" against what he calls "anti-Christian bias." Vice President JD Vance has advanced the historically inaccurate claim that America was founded as a Christian nation, using that myth to court followers within conservative Christian networks like Turning Point.

The Rev. Dr. Gary Gunderson, a Baptist minister and professor of public health science at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, does not shy away from strong language when describing what is unfolding.

"I do think the term 'Christofascist' is appropriate — both theologically and politically," he says of the current administration's direction.

Gunderson argues that what distinguishes this movement from conventional religious conservatism is its singular focus on power rather than the teachings of Jesus. "What we're seeing in the US today is the attempt to use religion and Christian nationalism to erode a scientifically based social contract of trust between government and the people, and replace it with a more authoritarian relationship," he adds.

## Why Science Becomes the Enemy

Researchers who have studied the Christian nationalist movement — including sociologists Joseph Baker, Stephen Perry, and Andrew Whitehead — have found that institutional science poses a particular threat to the movement's worldview. Because science offers an independent source of moral authority grounded in evidence rather than divine revelation, it is perceived as a challenge to Christian supremacy. Public health, which serves all people regardless of race, religion, or gender, is especially threatening to a hierarchical moral order that places devout Christians at the top.

Tate frames this tension in psychological terms. "It's a lot about fear of losing power overall," she says. "Fear that the more medicine we figure out, and the more we're able to help people from getting sick, the less people will depend on God."

## Targeting Scientific Experts from Within

The ideological campaign being waged inside the HHS is not limited to language. It has real and measurable human targets.

Calley Means, the political strategist who helped engineer the alliance between Kennedy and Trump and now serves as Kennedy's senior adviser, took to social media to claim that Trump and Kennedy were "quite litterally fighting demonic forces to return the CDC to real science." His target was Demetre Daskalakis, then director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases — a Harvard-educated epidemiologist and openly gay public health official.

Means publicly labeled Daskalakis a "proud satanist" based on Instagram posts showing he has a pentagram tattoo — a symbol he has said represents his journey through childhood bullying — and that he has worn a leather harness featuring a similar design.

The Poynter Institute investigated the claim and found it to be false. Daskalakis himself has stated he is not a satanist. He was, in fact, raised Greek Orthodox — and has a significantly larger tattoo of Jesus.

The smear campaign, however, was not about accuracy. It was strategic. Russell Vought articulated the underlying goal plainly in a private 2023 speech: "We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected. When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work, because they are increasingly viewed as the villains."

Daskalakis resigned in protest last summer, following Kennedy's unilateral decision to dismiss all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

## The Erosion of a Shared Public Health Reality

What emerges from these combined forces — the religious rhetoric, the institutional dismantling, the targeted harassment of scientists — is something more corrosive than any single policy failure. It is the deliberate erosion of the shared, evidence-based foundation upon which public health depends.

When a government agency responsible for protecting the health of 330 million people begins framing disease prevention as a spiritual battle and casting its own experts as demonic adversaries, the consequences extend far beyond politics. They reach into hospitals, clinics, schools, and communities — anywhere Americans turn for reliable health guidance and trust that their government is acting in their interest.

That trust, once broken, is not easily rebuilt.

RFK Jr. and the Trump administration are using Christian nationalist rhetoric to dismantle US public health institutions and attack scientific experts.

Christian Nationalism Is Reshaping US Public Health

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How Christian Nationalism Is Quietly Dismantling American Public Health

## Trump Taps Dr. Nicole Saphier as His Third Surgeon General Nominee

President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Nicole Saphier, a breast cancer radiologist and former Fox News medical contributor, to serve as the next surgeon general of the United States. This marks Trump's third attempt to fill the position, commonly referred to as "the nation's doctor," a role centered on advancing public health awareness and wellness across the country.

Saphier currently leads breast imaging services at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth and stepped away from her Fox News role this week following the April 30 announcement. Trump praised her on Truth Social, calling her a "STAR physician" and an "INCREDIBLE COMMUNICATOR."

## A Rocky Road to This Nomination

The path to nominating Saphier has been anything but smooth. Trump's first choice, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, was withdrawn after questions arose about how she had represented her medical qualifications. His second pick, Dr. Casey Means — a wellness entrepreneur and author — failed to gain sufficient Senate support, with Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska both reportedly opposing her confirmation.

On the same day he announced Saphier's nomination, Trump publicly criticized Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and physician who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, accusing him of blocking Means' confirmation through "intransigence and political games." Republican members of the HELP Committee responded bluntly, stating on X that "it's clear she did not have the votes."

Saphier will now face scrutiny from the same committee members who rejected her predecessor.

## Does Saphier Have a Stronger Shot at Confirmation?

Political analysts and health policy experts suggest that Saphier stands on firmer ground than either of Trump's previous nominees.

David Mansdoerfer, who served as deputy assistant secretary of health during Trump's first administration, believes Saphier will receive a favorable reception from Republican lawmakers. He describes her as "extremely strong on some of the core base issues," including pro-life policy, chronic disease prevention, and messaging aligned with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement — a growing constituency Republicans are actively courting ahead of the midterm elections.

Dr. Georges Benjamin, CEO of the American Public Health Association, called Saphier a "reasonable choice," noting that her active medical license and position at a prestigious academic medical center set her apart from Means, whom Benjamin had previously described to NPR as "less qualified professionally than any other surgeon general in history."

### Credentials That Stand Out

Beyond her clinical work, Saphier has built a significant public profile. She hosts the podcast *Wellness Unmasked* on iHeartRadio, sells herbal supplement products, and authored a book in 2020 titled *Make America Healthy Again* — notably, years before that phrase became synonymous with the movement now associated with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In a February episode of her podcast, Saphier outlined what she believes the surgeon general's role demands: "They need the respect of not only the American people that they are communicating to, but also the administration they are working with, and the medical professionals and organizations." She had used this standard to argue that Means was falling short.

## Expert Opinions: Strengths and Blind Spots

Dr. Jerome Adams, who served as the 20th surgeon general under Trump's first administration, told NPR's *Morning Edition* that he expects Saphier to earn the respect of the medical community, the public, and the administration alike. He wrote on X that the nomination is "a solid pick" and that he believes she has "both the clinical background and the temperament to do a good job."

However, Adams raised a concern about her perspective. "She tends to see things through a diagnosis and treatment lens because that's what cancer docs do," he said. "It's clear when you look at the book she wrote that she does not think of things through a public health and societal lens."

He pointed out, for example, that her emphasis on personal responsibility may not account for systemic factors: "You can't eat healthy if you are having your SNAP benefits cut or if the cost of groceries is going through the roof because of inflation. The broader societal context actually matters."

## Where Saphier Stands on Vaccines

Vaccination policy is almost certain to dominate her confirmation hearing, particularly given the current administration's fraught relationship with public health orthodoxy.

Saphier's views occupy a nuanced middle ground. She has publicly criticized Secretary Kennedy's efforts to link vaccines with autism, writing in a *Wall Street Journal* op-ed: "When it comes to autism, we can't afford to chase ghosts," and calling for more research into genetic and environmental causes instead.

At the same time, she has expressed reservations about the rigor of childhood vaccine schedules. In a February 2025 Fox News Digital video, she stated that while vaccines "really can save lives," she believes the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics should be "less stringent" on scheduling, specifically referencing the hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccines for children.

Benjamin summarized her stance simply: "She's been opposed to vaccine mandates, but she's not anti-vaccine."

This mirrors the position Means herself articulated during her ill-fated confirmation hearing — a stance that became a sticking point for several senators.

## What the Job Actually Requires

Dr. Richard Carmona, who served as the 17th surgeon general under President George W. Bush, emphasized that the stakes of this confirmation are high — and that television experience or political affiliation are not among the core qualifications.

The surgeon general's mission is "to protect, promote and advance the health, safety and security of the nation," Carmona said, adding that the role also requires representing the U.S. government during domestic and international public health emergencies.

Critically, the surgeon general commands the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps — one of the eight uniformed services of the United States — a body of thousands of professionals who have built careers in public service. The surgeon general holds the rank of three-star vice admiral, underscoring the serious institutional weight the position carries.

Whether Saphier can satisfy both the political requirements of the Senate and the professional demands of the role remains to be seen. A confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Dr. Nicole Saphier is Trump's third surgeon general nominee. Learn about her qualifications, vaccine views, and confirmation prospects in the Senate.

Can Trump's Surgeon General Pick Nicole Saphier Get Confirme

Trump's Third Surgeon General Pick: Can Dr. Nicole Saphier Win Senate Confirmation?

## The Sleep Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

America has a sleep problem — and it's bigger than most people realize. According to a newly released data brief from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 30.5% of U.S. adults surveyed in 2024 are getting less than the seven hours of nightly sleep that health experts recommend. What's more troubling is that these numbers have barely budged since 2020, signaling a deeply entrenched national habit.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is clear: adults need a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night. Fall short of that, and the consequences aren't just feeling groggy in the morning.

## What Happens When You Don't Sleep Enough

James Rowley, a pulmonologist and program director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center — and a former president of the AASM board — explains that insufficient sleep goes far beyond daytime fatigue.

"Below that threshold, there's clear evidence that you're going to feel lethargic during the day," Rowley says. But the risks run deeper. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to serious cardiometabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as cardiovascular disease.

Sleep, Rowley emphasizes, should be treated with the same seriousness as diet and exercise when it comes to maintaining overall health.

## Why Are So Many People Staying Up Too Late?

The reasons vary widely. Some Americans are working multiple jobs or irregular shifts that simply don't leave room for adequate rest. But for a significant portion of the population, the culprit is far more voluntary — and far more avoidable.

Doomscrolling, late-night gaming, binge-watching TV shows, and falling down YouTube rabbit holes are robbing millions of hours of potential sleep every night. Rowley notes that many of his own patients admit to going to bed with a phone, laptop, or tablet in hand.

"Patients tell me they watch one YouTube video and before they know it, an hour has passed," he says. The uncomfortable truth, he adds, is that "a lot of people could go to bed earlier if they chose to."

For others, the issue isn't choice — it's a clinical one. Roughly 15% of surveyed adults report difficulty falling asleep, while around 18% struggle to stay asleep throughout the night, suggesting insomnia may be a widespread but underaddressed condition.

## The Rise of Sleep Aids — And Why You Should Be Careful

A companion publication released alongside the CDC brief reveals that approximately 13% of U.S. adults are using sleep aids every night. These range from prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements to marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) products.

Rowley urges caution for anyone self-medicating their way through sleepless nights. "If you're taking something every night, you really should be talking to your physician," he advises. "There may be a sleep disorder or other underlying issues interrupting your sleep that we could address at the source."

Relying on sleep aids without medical guidance can mask a deeper problem rather than solve it.

## Science-Backed Strategies to Sleep Better Tonight

If you're ready to reclaim your rest, the following evidence-based approaches can make a meaningful difference:

### Build a Consistent Wind-Down Routine

Your body needs cues that it's time to sleep. Create a nightly ritual that includes dimming the lights in your home, lowering the room temperature, and engaging in calming activities before bed. Reduced lighting triggers the natural release of melatonin, the hormone that signals to your body that sleep is approaching. A warm shower or bath before bed can also help — the transition from warmth to a cooler bedroom environment naturally encourages drowsiness.

### Think in Weekly Sleep Totals

Missing sleep on weekdays doesn't have to be a permanent deficit. Sleep specialist Dr. Chris Winter of Charlottesville, Virginia, puts it plainly: "If you need seven hours a night, you really need 49 hours a week." Strategic midday naps and sleeping in slightly on weekends can help offset short-term sleep debt, keeping you closer to that weekly target.

### Address Sleep Anxiety With Proven Techniques

For those whose minds race the moment their head hits the pillow, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) remains the gold standard treatment. Even without formal therapy, you can borrow techniques from this practice. One effective method: schedule a dedicated "worry window" — spend 10 to 15 minutes each day writing down your concerns and stressors. By giving anxiety its own time slot, you free your brain to actually unwind at bedtime.

### Align Your Daytime Habits With Your Sleep Goals

Good sleep doesn't start when you climb into bed — it starts with how you live your day. Expose yourself to natural morning sunlight to anchor your body's internal clock. Stay physically active during the day to build genuine physical tiredness by evening. And consider cutting off caffeine in the early afternoon; that post-lunch coffee could be silently sabotaging your ability to fall into the deep, restorative sleep your body needs.

## The Bottom Line

Sleep is not a luxury — it's a biological necessity on par with eating well and staying active. With nearly a third of American adults chronically under-slept, small, intentional changes to nightly routines and daytime habits can yield significant results. Whether you're battling the scroll, juggling a demanding schedule, or struggling with insomnia, understanding the root cause of your sleep troubles is the essential first step toward genuine, lasting rest.

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans gets less than 7 hours of sleep. Discover the causes of the sleep crisis and science-backed tips to finally rest better.

Why Americans Aren't Sleeping Enough and How to Fix It

Why Millions of Americans Are Running on Empty — And How to Finally Fix Your Sleep

## Federal Court Order Cuts Off Mail Access to Abortion Pill

A three-judge panel from the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a sweeping ruling that severely limits how Americans can obtain mifepristone, one of the most widely used abortion medications in the country. Under the new order, the drug may only be dispensed through in-person clinic visits, effectively shutting down mail-order and pharmacy pickup options nationwide.

## Drug Manufacturers Seek Emergency Relief from Supreme Court

In direct response to the ruling, both Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro — the two pharmaceutical companies that manufacture mifepristone — have filed emergency applications with the U.S. Supreme Court. The companies are requesting that the high court intervene to preserve telemedicine access to the pill while the broader legal battle continues.

GenBioPro's emergency filing warned that the appellate court's decision has created widespread regulatory confusion. The application stated that patients who had planned to pick up a mifepristone prescription at a local pharmacy may now be unable to do so, regardless of which state they reside in.

## Why This Ruling Carries Such Significant Weight

Since the Supreme Court's landmark 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, mail-order abortion pill prescriptions have emerged as one of the primary ways that abortion care is delivered across the United States — including in states where abortion is otherwise banned. Stripping away that access represents a major shift in how reproductive healthcare is provided.

The appeals court's written opinion referenced Louisiana's abortion ban directly, stating that federal regulatory actions enabling mifepristone access effectively cancel the state's prohibition on medication abortions and conflict with its declared policy that life begins at conception.

### FDA Under Scrutiny Amid Ongoing Safety Review

Federal drug regulators have historically been afforded significant deference by the courts when it comes to evaluating the safety and appropriate use of medications. However, FDA officials under President Donald Trump have indicated that the agency is now conducting a fresh review of mifepristone's safety at the president's direction. The appeals court noted that the FDA could not provide a timeline for when that review would be completed and acknowledged that data collection is still ongoing.

The review was prompted in part by a court filing from Louisiana's attorney general and a woman who claims she was coerced into taking abortion pills. Both parties requested that the FDA roll back its regulations to an earlier era when mifepristone could only be prescribed and administered in person.

## Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Civil liberties advocates have warned that the ruling will disproportionately harm some of the most vulnerable groups in American society. Julia Kaye, an attorney with the ACLU, emphasized that restricting telemedicine access hits hardest in rural communities, among people with low incomes, individuals living with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, and communities of color.

"This is going to affect patients' access to abortion and miscarriage care in every state in the nation," Kaye said.

## Background on Mifepristone and Its Regulatory History

Mifepristone was originally approved by the FDA in 2000 as a safe and effective option for terminating early pregnancies. It is most commonly used in conjunction with a second medication, misoprostol — a drug that has been available for decades and is also prescribed for gastric ulcers. The combination regimen is the preferred protocol because it typically results in less cramping and bleeding than misoprostol used alone.

When the FDA first approved mifepristone over two decades ago, it imposed tight restrictions: only specially certified physicians could prescribe it, and patients were required to receive it during an in-person appointment. Those requirements were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with officials under President Joe Biden citing extensive monitoring data and dozens of research studies involving thousands of women showing the drug could be used safely without direct medical supervision.

### The Supreme Court's Prior Stance

The conservative-majority Supreme Court upheld abortion restrictions in 2022 by overturning Roe v. Wade, but two years later, in 2024, unanimously preserved access to mifepristone in a separate case. That ruling, however, did not address the underlying legal questions about the pill's regulation — instead, the Court dismissed the case on the grounds that the anti-abortion physicians who brought the lawsuit lacked legal standing to do so.

The latest appellate court ruling reopens that door, setting the stage for another potential showdown before the nation's highest court.

A federal appeals court has banned mailing mifepristone, forcing in-person dispensing only. Learn how this ruling impacts abortion access across all 50 states.

Court Blocks Mifepristone Mailing, Restricting US Abortion A

Federal Appeals Court Blocks Mifepristone Mailing, Threatening Abortion Access Nationwide

## The Surprising Science Behind Aging Well

Professor Velandai Srikanth is, by any measure, at the top of his game. As director of the National Centre for Healthy Ageing, he has spent decades producing groundbreaking research published in leading scientific journals and securing funding from some of the world's most prestigious scientific organizations. Yet the moment he turned 60, someone casually asked him when he planned to retire.

The question stopped him cold. As a practicing geriatrician, Srikanth understood instantly what he was facing — the deep-rooted stigma of aging, arriving at his own doorstep.

## Two Very Different Ways to View Getting Older

In his clinical work, Srikanth encounters the full range of attitudes people hold about growing older. Some view aging as an unavoidable slide into physical and mental decline. Others embrace what is often called the "third age" — the post-midlife chapter of life — as a period rich with opportunity, freedom, and joy.

Research strongly suggests that which camp you fall into matters far more than most people realize. Studies have found that individuals who hold positive views about aging consistently outperform their more pessimistic peers on measurable indicators such as walking speed, memory recall, and cognitive function.

### Improvement, Not Just Maintenance

Even more striking is the finding that many older adults don't merely maintain their abilities — they actually get better over time. In one landmark study, 44% of participants showed genuine improvements in both walking speed and cognitive function over an average follow-up period of eight years. Crucially, those who entered the study with an optimistic outlook on aging were significantly more likely to be among those who improved.

Professor Becca Levy, who has dedicated much of her career to studying the relationship between age-related beliefs and health outcomes, admitted she was surprised by the magnitude of the results. Society, she notes, tends to treat older individuals who continue to thrive and grow as rare exceptions rather than as examples of what's entirely possible.

## How Positive Thinking Translates Into Real Health Benefits

Researchers used several tools to measure participants' attitudes, including the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale — a questionnaire that asks people to respond to statements such as "The older I get, the more useless I feel" and "I am as happy now as I was when I was younger."

Another method involved asking participants to list five words or phrases they associate with aging. In the United States, negative associations tend to surface quickly, though most people eventually arrive at something positive by the fifth response — suggesting that optimistic views exist but are often buried beneath culturally ingrained negativity.

Professor Julia Lappin, a clinical psychiatrist at the University of New South Wales and Neuroscience Research Australia, explains that a positive mindset generates a ripple effect on behavior. "In being positive, with that comes behaviours that contribute to better physical health," she says. The key principle she highlights is staying cognitively, physically, and socially engaged throughout life — an approach researchers describe as optimizing brain aging.

### The Power of Your Environment

Your community plays a meaningful role as well. Lappin points to a kind of informal social motivation that emerges when older adults are surrounded by active peers. Seeing a 93-year-old neighbor walking to the beach every morning can inspire a 92-year-old to lace up their shoes and do the same — a positive version of keeping up with those around you.

## Taking Action Instead of Accepting Decline

Professor Kaarin Anstey, a psychologist and director of the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute, highlights another critical advantage of positive aging attitudes: people are far more likely to take action when health issues arise rather than dismissing them as inevitable consequences of getting older.

Consider a sore hip joint. Someone who views aging negatively might shrug it off as "just part of getting old" and do nothing. Someone with a more optimistic outlook is more likely to see a physiotherapist, increase their exercise, or seek other interventions. That single difference in perspective can lead to dramatically different health outcomes over time.

## Fighting Ageism — In Society and Within Ourselves

Maintaining a positive personal attitude about aging is one challenge. Pushing back against the broader cultural prejudice of ageism is quite another. Ageism has been described as one of the last widely accepted forms of discrimination — the kind of thinking that assumes a 60-year-old professional, regardless of their expertise and capabilities, must be winding down.

Associate Professor Rod McKay, a psychiatrist from the University of Notre Dame, points out the contradiction in modern workplaces. "We have got an ageing population, we've got people retiring later, yet our discrimination in terms of age and employment hasn't seemingly changed," he says.

The research findings suggest that employers who dismiss older workers may be overlooking candidates who are not only at their peak performance but still have considerable room to grow and improve.

## The Happiest Years May Still Be Ahead

Perhaps the most counterintuitive finding comes from Professor Brian Draper, a psychiatrist at UNSW, who states plainly: "The happiest time of life is as you get older."

The data backs him up. In Australia, rates of depression are at their lowest among people aged 65 to 85. Retirement, Draper notes, tends to bring improvements across most measures of personal wellbeing rather than the decline many fear.

While he acknowledges that the body does accumulate wear and tear over time and that none of us live forever, he emphasizes that significant decline often arrives far later than people expect. "You can continue to function and enjoy life, and mentally and physically function well for quite a long time," he says.

The takeaway is clear: how you think about getting older shapes the reality of how you age. Embracing the possibilities of later life — rather than dreading its limitations — may be one of the most powerful health decisions you ever make.

New research shows that people with a positive attitude toward aging walk faster, think sharper, and actually improve over time. Here's what experts say.

Can Positive Thinking Help You Age Better? Science Says Yes

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Why Getting Older Might Actually Be the Best Time of Your Life

## A Historic Breakthrough in the Fight Against Infant Malaria

The World Health Organization has granted approval to the very first malaria treatment formulated exclusively for infants, marking a transformative moment in global public health. The decision paves the way for widespread international access to a medication that could save countless young lives each year.

### The Scale of the Problem

Malaria has long posed a devastating threat to the youngest and most vulnerable. In certain regions of Africa, as many as 18% of children under six months of age contract the disease. In 2024 alone, malaria claimed approximately 610,000 lives worldwide, with roughly three-quarters of those deaths occurring among children under five years old on the African continent.

Until now, infants diagnosed with malaria had no dedicated treatment option. Medical professionals were forced to administer formulations developed for older children, a practice the WHO warned significantly raised the likelihood of incorrect dosing, adverse side effects, and dangerous toxicity.

## Introducing Coartem Baby

The newly approved medication, **Coartem Baby**, is designed to treat infants weighing as little as 2 kilograms (approximately 4.4 pounds). Developed through a collaboration between global pharmaceutical company Novartis and the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), the drug combines two proven antimalarial compounds — artemether and lumefantrine — in a child-friendly format.

The tablets are cherry-flavored and can be dissolved into liquids, including breast milk, making administration straightforward for parents and caregivers.

### WHO Prequalification: What It Means

Coartem Baby has now achieved WHO prequalification status, confirming that it meets rigorous international benchmarks for quality, safety, and effectiveness. This designation is particularly significant because it enables governments and public health organizations in malaria-endemic countries — especially those across sub-Saharan Africa — to procure the drug through public health channels.

WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed cautious optimism about the milestone. "For centuries, malaria has stolen children from their parents, and health, wealth and hope from communities," he said. "But today, the story is changing."

He also highlighted the broader arsenal of tools now available in the fight against malaria, including new vaccines, improved diagnostic technologies, and next-generation mosquito nets.

## Rethinking What We Know About Infant Immunity

The development of Coartem Baby has also helped challenge a long-standing medical assumption. It was widely believed that newborns were largely protected from malaria due to immunity transferred from their mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Growing research has called this belief into question, underscoring the urgent need for targeted infant treatments.

### A Real-World Success Story From Ghana

Coartem Baby has already been introduced in Ghana, where its real-world impact is becoming evident. Eight-month-old Baby Wonder was among the earliest recipients of the treatment, receiving it when he was just 12 weeks old after being admitted to hospital with a high fever. Blood tests revealed elevated levels of the malaria parasite in his system.

His mother, Naomi, recalled the fear she felt upon learning of his diagnosis. "I was very scared when my son got malaria because he was born underweight," she said. Thanks to swift coordination by hospital staff to access Coartem Baby, Wonder has since made a full recovery and is healthy and thriving today.

Dr. Emmanuel Aidoo, a paediatrician at Methodist Hospital in Ankaase, Ghana, reflected on how the new treatment is changing clinical practice. "As doctors we have tended to look for malaria in older children, but when newborn babies got sick nobody seemed to know what to do," he said. "Having a new treatment tailor-made for infants that is well tolerated gives us confidence."

## Accessibility and Affordability

Novartis has committed to making Coartem Baby available on a largely not-for-profit basis across malaria-endemic regions, addressing concerns that cost could limit access for the countries that need it most.

The Medicines for Malaria Venture, which co-developed the drug, receives support from a range of donors, including the Gates Foundation.

### Looking Ahead

The approval of Coartem Baby represents more than a medical advancement — it signals a shift in how the global health community understands and responds to malaria in the earliest stages of life. With dedicated treatment now available, health workers, parents, and communities in high-burden regions have a powerful new tool in their efforts to protect newborns from one of the world's oldest and most deadly diseases.

The WHO has approved Coartem Baby, the world's first malaria treatment for infants. Learn how this landmark drug could save thousands of young lives annually.