The Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze halted major malaria vaccine research. The USAID Malaria Vaccine Development Program (MVDP) told partners to stop work immediately. The freeze disrupts collaboration between U.S. and international researchers.

Affected teams included experts from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Oxford. The program aimed to reduce child deaths by developing improved malaria vaccines.

The funding freeze also halted medicine shipments and raised global health concerns. Malaria kills about 450,000 children under five in Sub-Saharan Africa each year.

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A measles outbreak in West Texas has grown to 58 cases. In eastern New Mexico, eight people have also tested positive.

Measles spreads easily and can cause serious complications. Young children are especially at risk.

Officials say the actual number of infections is likely higher. They estimate between 200 and 300 cases have gone untested. Knowing the signs of measles can help limit its spread.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a new bird flu vaccine. Zoetis, the manufacturer, announced the approval in February.

The vaccine is for chickens and helps protect poultry flocks. It targets the H5N1 strain, which has infected 150 million birds. No existing vaccine fully matches this strain. Officials are now building a stockpile for livestock.

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A new study links plastic takeout containers to a higher risk of heart disease. Researchers surveyed 3,179 people on plastic exposure and heart health. Frequent plastic use raised the risk of congestive heart failure by 13%.

The study suggests plastic exposure harms gut health and heart function. Researchers stress the need for further studies on plastic-related health risks.

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Update: As of March 25, 2025, the DRC’s National Public Health Institute has attributed the outbreak deaths to severe malaria. Officials said the outbreak was likely worsened by poor access to healthcare and possible co-factors such as contaminated water.

An unknown illness has killed 53 people in northwest Congo, says WHO. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, headaches, and fatigue. Many deaths happened within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.

The cause of the outbreak is still unknown. Health officials are investigating to find the source and stop the spread.

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