Health news · 18 October 2026
Kenya Ebola Outbreak Reaches Seven Cases as Health Workers Among Infected
Kenya confirmed seven Ebola cases after three healthcare workers who treated the country's first patient tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain, raising alarm about hospital transmission in Nairobi.
US Measles Cases Hit 4,410 as CDC Sends 'Disease Detective' to Pennsylvania
The CDC reported 4,410 measles cases nationwide — the worst US tally in over 35 years — and deployed an emergency epidemiologist to Pennsylvania, where six people have died in the state's 1,222-case outbreak.
Europe's Worst-Ever West Nile Virus Season Claims 130 Lives as Disease Spreads North
Europe recorded its deadliest-ever West Nile virus season with 1,715 cases and 130 deaths across 18 countries, and the mosquito-borne virus reached Belgium and the Netherlands for the first time.
Ozempic and Wegovy Linked to Rare Risk of Sudden Vision Loss, Study Finds
A Rutgers University study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found GLP-1 drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy are associated with a slightly elevated risk of ischemic optic neuropathy, a rare condition that can permanently damage vision.
South Korea Sets First Permanent Telehealth Rules: Local Clinics Only and Seven-Day Prescription Cap
South Korea's health ministry announced on October 18 its first permanent telehealth framework, restricting first-time remote patients to clinics in their home region and capping initial prescriptions at seven days.