Health news · 5 November 2026
Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak Claims Sixth Life as Cases Top 1,460
Pennsylvania reported its sixth measles-linked death as confirmed cases climbed to 1,467 across 44 counties, making it the worst measles outbreak in the United States in decades.
Child Dies of Measles in New York — First Such Death in the State in 30 Years
A child in Lewis County, New York, has died after contracting measles, marking the state's first measles death in 30 years. Governor Kathy Hochul had already declared a disaster emergency in early October over rising cases in rural New York and neighbouring states.
Washington State Resident Dies of Bird Flu — First H5N1 Death in the US in 2026
A resident of Yakima County, Washington, died after contracting H5N1 bird flu through exposure to infected dairy cattle, becoming the first bird flu fatality in the United States in 2026 and the third since February 2024.
Novartis Heart Drug Pelacarsen Fails Major Trial, Casting Doubt on Lp(a) as a Treatment Target
Novartis's experimental drug pelacarsen reduced Lp(a) levels in a Phase 3 trial of 8,323 patients but failed to lower the rate of heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular deaths, raising questions about drugs in this class being developed by Amgen and Eli Lilly as well.