The current measles outbreak has gripped US states like Texas and New Mexico leaving people worried whether it would become a new pandemic. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services as of February 21, 90 cases were diagnosed in the last month in the South Plains area, with at least 77 of them were reported in children and teens under 17.

Measles is highly contagious and can be deadly. The outbreak, which started spreading in late January, has resulted in multiple hospitalizations, with at least nine confirmed cases and three probable cases as of early February. Health officials caution that at least one in five infected individuals will have to be hospitalized, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Misinformation surrounding vaccines and with the new Trump administration anti-vaccine campaigs, has causing parents to hesitate or refuse vaccination.

Furthermore, the country down under Australia is also witnessing a surge in measles cases as health officials in Sydney have issued an urgent alert, urging residents to watch for measles symptoms after an infected individual visited several places in Sydney over the last seven days.

Authorities report that the traveller had returned from South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.

What Are The Symptoms Measles?

Key symptoms of measles include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough. Typically, a red, blotchy rash appears three to four days later, spreading from the head down to the body. Symptoms can manifest between 7 and 18 days after exposure.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms after potential exposure should immediately contact their doctor or emergency department. It is crucial to call ahead before visiting to avoid potentially exposing others in the waiting room. Dr. Selvey also highlighted that ongoing measles outbreaks are occurring in various parts of the world, making awareness and prompt action essential.

Why It Is Important To Get Vaccinated?

According to CDC everyone should get the MMR vaccine. It protects you from measles, mumps, and rubella. Getting vaccinated helps stop these diseases from spreading. There are two safe MMR vaccines available. They work the same way, so it doesn't matter which one you get. Kids can also get a shot that protects against chickenpox too, but this is only for children.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Kids Need Two Shots

All children should get two MMR shots. The first shot should be given when they are between 12 and 15 months old. The second shot should be given when they are between 4 and 6 years old. If needed, the second shot can be given earlier, but it must be at least 28 days after the first shot.

College Students Need to Be Protected

Students going to college or other schools after high school, need two shots if they are not already immune. The shots must be at least 28 days apart.

Adults Need at Least One Shot

Most adults need at least one MMR shot. Some adults need two shots, especially those who work in healthcare, travel a lot, or go to college. These people should get two shots, with 28 days between them.

Travelers Need to Be Extra Careful

Anyone traveling to other countries should make sure they are protected. Babies 6 to 11 months old should get one shot before traveling. Kids 12 months and older, teens, and adults need two shots, with 28 days between them.

Healthcare Workers Must Be Immune

People who work in healthcare should have proof that they are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella. If they are not immune, they need two MMR shots, spaced 28 days apart.

Women Thinking About Having Babies

Women who might get pregnant should talk to their doctor about the MMR vaccine. It's safe to get the shot while breastfeeding.

Did Robert F Kennedy Jr. lie during his 2025 confirmation hearings to become US health secretary? US senators have opened up an investigation into whether Kennedy misled Congress about his 2019 trip to Samoa, months before a measles outbreak killed 83 people.

Ron Wyden of Oregon, incoming chair of the Senate Finance Committee, has launched an investigation into evidence that Kennedy “unlawfully lied” during his confirmation hearings, The Guardian reported.

Wyden is also expected to seek records from Children's Health Defense (CHD), the anti-vaccine non-profit Kennedy headed at the time, including documents related to his Samoa visit.

“We are beginning an investigation into evidence that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy, Jr unlawfully lied to Congress on multiple occasions,” Wyden said in a letter to the group sent on Wednesday and obtained by The Guardian. The letter was also signed by Angela Alsobrooks, a Democratic senator from Maryland.

The investigation comes as the US faces its worst measles crisis in decades. More than 5,000 cases and eight deaths have been reported in 2026, the highest annual case count since 1991. The country is also at risk of losing its measles elimination status, achieved through decades of public health and vaccination efforts.

Also read: US Set To Lose Measles-Elimination Status After 26 Years: Prof Devi Sridhar Explains Reasons Behind Resurgence

What Is The Controversy Surrounding RFK Jr's Samoa Trip?

Kennedy allegedly misrepresented the purpose of his 2019 Samoa visit during two congressional hearings last year, telling lawmakers that the trip had “nothing to do with vaccines”.

However, letters obtained by The Guardian and the Associated Press in August reportedly contradicted his testimony.

In a letter to the Samoan prime minister before the visit, Kennedy explicitly said he wanted to study the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. He used the words “vaccine” or “vaccination” eight times.

“I am writing this letter to you in the hope that we might be helpful to the people of your great nation,” he wrote, suggesting that the deaths of two children following MMR vaccination could have resulted from manufacturing issues.

“I would propose my team conduct detailed health informatics assessment in Samoa of what happened with your MMR vaccines,” Kennedy wrote.

How Is Kennedy's Visit Linked To Samoa's Measles Outbreak?

Kennedy visited Samoa just months before a measles outbreak killed 83 people. Critics have argued that his presence emboldened anti-vaccine activists and worsened the country's vaccination crisis.

Children were among those who died in the outbreak, which exposed the consequences of low vaccination coverage.

Kennedy has denied the allegations, saying he never made public statements about vaccines or discouraged Samoans from getting vaccinated.

Read More: EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach

Why Is RFK Jr Under Scrutiny?

The letters have raised questions about the purpose of Kennedy's visit and the accuracy of his congressional testimony.

During his confirmation process, Kennedy pledged to maintain existing vaccine policies. However, after taking office, he moved to change several of them.

“We are deeply concerned by the tactics Kennedy has used – both before and during his tenure as secretary – to stand in the way of children receiving life-saving vaccinations,” the two Democratic senators wrote.

“In Samoa and in the United States, unvaccinated children have died tragic and preventable deaths during measles outbreaks. We intend to hold Secretary Kennedy accountable for the grave harm he has caused to vulnerable children. We also intend to hold him accountable for any false statements made to Congress, a crime that undermines the Senate’s ability to fulfill its constitutional duties.”

What Has Kennedy Said About Measles Vaccination?

Long known for his vaccine-skeptic views, Kennedy has spent years amplifying misinformation about vaccines, including the MMR vaccine.

But as measles cases mounted in the US, he urged American parents to vaccinate their children during an August CNN interview, marking a notable shift in his public messaging.

The appeal came as US measles cases surpassed the 2025 annual total.

"I've never questioned the efficacy of the MMR vaccine," the health secretary told CNN. However, the damage had already been done, with cases continuing to rise and eight deaths reported in 2026.

BidenAmid rising prostate cancer cases, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has revised its screening guidelines, recommending earlier testing for men at higher risk to improve early detection.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the US. An estimated 333,830 men will be diagnosed and more than 36,000 will die from the disease in 2026.

Updated for the first time since 2010, the guidelines, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, introduce age- and risk-based screening schedules. They aim to detect potentially aggressive cancers while limiting unnecessary tests and treatment.

Former President Joe Biden urged men to get tested for prostate cancer after the American Cancer Society changed its screening guidelines, four days after he said his own fight with the disease has been slowing him down.

"I know firsthand the toll of this disease, and I know that catching it early saves lives. So talk to your doctor, get screened, and let’s keep working to end cancer as we know it," Biden shared in a post on X.

What Has Changed In The New Screening Guidelines?

Previously, the ACS recommended that men discuss the benefits and risks of screening with their doctors without prescribing a specific schedule.

The revised guidelines recommend prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests at different intervals based on age and risk.

1. Men At Average Risk: Ages 50–69: PSA testing every two years.

2. Men At Higher Risk

Black men:

• Begin screening at 45, with annual PSA testing until age 69.

Men with an affected father, brother or son should begin screening at 45 and continue through age 69.

• Annually: If a close relative was diagnosed before 65, or more than one close relative has had prostate cancer.
• Every two years: If only one close relative was diagnosed at 65 or older.

Men with inherited genetic risk:

Men with inherited conditions such as BRCA2 mutations, or those with a close relative carrying a high-risk mutation who have not been tested, should discuss screening with their doctor.

3. Screening After Age 70

• Ages 70–74: Discuss the benefits and risks with a doctor. Those opting for screening should undergo PSA testing every two years.
• Ages 75–79: Screening is not routinely recommended. Exceptionally healthy men with rising PSA levels may discuss continuing with their doctor.
• Age 80 and above: Screening is discouraged.

Screening is also not recommended at any age for men in poor health who are not expected to live another 10 years.

What Happens If Your PSA Level Is High?

An elevated PSA does not necessarily mean prostate cancer or an immediate need for a biopsy. The ACS considers PSA levels high at:

• 3 ng/mL or higher in men younger than 70.
• 6.5 ng/mL or higher in men aged 70 and above.

If elevated, the test should be repeated, preferably within two weeks to three months. If levels remain high, further evaluation may include:

• Prostate MRI: To identify suspicious areas.
• Biomarker testing: To assess cancer risk.
• Prostate biopsy: To confirm cancer when indicated.

These additional steps can help avoid unnecessary biopsies and reduce screening-related harms.

Active Surveillance For Low-Risk Prostate Cancer

For men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, the ACS recommends active surveillance as the initial management approach. This involves:

• Regular PSA testing.
• Periodic biopsies.
• MRI scans, when appropriate.

Treatment may be considered if monitoring shows that the cancer is becoming more aggressive.

Prostate Cancer: Why Early Screening Matters?

"Early prostate cancer usually doesn't cause signs and symptoms, which is why screening is important," said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the ACS.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream.
• Frequent urination, particularly at night.
• Blood in the urine or semen.

Advanced prostate cancer may cause bone pain if the disease spreads to the bones or other organs.

However, these symptoms can also indicate conditions other than cancer. Men experiencing them should consult a doctor.

India has intensified its efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) through early detection, advanced diagnostics, nutritional support and community participation under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched in September 2022, the Union Health Ministry said.

Citing the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, the ministry said India recorded a 38% decline in TB mortality since 2015, outperforming the global reduction of 35%. The country also achieved a 94% treatment success rate among patients with drug-susceptible TB.

TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: 15 Lakh Asymptomatic Cases Detected

The campaign has expanded its screening efforts through intensified 100-day campaigns, including initiatives launched on December 7, 2024, and March 24, 2026.

Between December 7, 2024, and November 8, 2026, more than 25 crore people were brought under TB screening activities.

According to the ministry, the screening drive resulted in:

• More than 11 crore chest X-rays conducted.
• Over 3 crore nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) conducted.
• 48.64 lakh TB cases detected, including 14.97 lakh asymptomatic cases.

"The detection of nearly 15 lakh asymptomatic cases is particularly significant, demonstrating the effectiveness of proactive screening in identifying individuals who might otherwise remain undiagnosed. Early identification facilitates timely treatment and provides opportunities to reduce TB transmission and prevent severe disease," the ministry said.

How The Intensified TB Screening Campaign Works

The first intensified 100-day campaign was launched on December 7, 2024, across 347 high-priority districts in 33 states and Union Territories. It was subsequently expanded nationwide to strengthen early detection, particularly among vulnerable and high-risk populations.

A second intensified 100-day campaign, launched on March 24, 2026, focused on screening in 1.58 lakh high-risk villages and wards, congregate settings and vulnerable populations.

Technology And Innovation In TB Diagnosis And Care

The campaign uses chest X-rays and rapid molecular diagnostic tests to identify and diagnose TB cases. Portable AI-enabled digital X-rays and other technology-enabled tools have also been deployed to strengthen screening and diagnosis.

• AI-enabled X-rays: Portable digital X-rays supported by artificial intelligence help strengthen screening and early detection.
• Rapid molecular testing: Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) enable faster TB diagnosis.
• Ni-kshay digital platform: Supports patient tracking, treatment monitoring and programme management, helping ensure continuity of care.
• Comorbidity screening: TB screening is integrated with the identification and management of diabetes, undernutrition and other comorbidities.

What Happens After TB Detection?

The campaign focuses on prompt treatment initiation, differentiated patient care, nutritional assistance and continued community-based support to improve treatment outcomes.

Through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, eligible patients receive financial assistance towards their nutritional requirements during treatment. The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative encourages individuals, institutions and organisations to provide nutritional and psychosocial support.

The ministry said 67,933 panchayats were declared TB-free in 2025, reflecting efforts to involve communities in India's TB elimination programme.

India Records 38% Decline In TB Mortality

According to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, India's estimated TB mortality rate declined from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 18 per lakh in 2025, representing a 38% reduction.

The country also recorded a 94% treatment success rate among patients with drug-susceptible TB.

The government said 96% of the TB programme's funding requirements are being met through domestic resources.