Pakistan continues to be dealing with a polio outbreak as four fresh cases have emerged, pushing the national tally to 37 this year, according to health officials on October 19, 2024. Health officials said that the regional reference laboratory for polio eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad confirmed wild poliovirus type-1 (WPV1) in two children-one from each Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

In recent cases, a girl has been affected from Pishin, and two boys from Chaman and Noshki of Balochistan, and a girl from Lakki Marwat in KP. These are the first detections of the virus within Noshki and Lakki Marwat this year; isolated cases of poliovirus were previously reported within Chaman and Pishin. The province of Balochistan was the worst hit with 20 cases, Sindh had 10, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had five, and Punjab and Islamabad had one case each.

A gigantic fight against polio has been on going in Pakistan- especially in Balochistan and southern KP-over the last two years. Immunisation campaigns have often been suspended or delayed because of local protests, insecurity, and community boycotts. Consequently, quite a number of children did not get the necessary vaccinations, making existing patches of vulnerability for the virus to flow within those pockets.

Noshki, located near Afghanistan's border, and Lakki Marwat have also recently reported some positive environmental samples that confirm the virus is present here, said a local reference laboratory official. Samples of latest cases are currently under genetic sequencing for checking spread of virus and origin.

As the threat of polio continues to grow, Pakistan has vowed to mount a nationwide campaign against it beginning from October 28. With the zeal to tackle the menace in the most effective manner, over 45 million children under the age of five will be vaccinated across the country.

Today, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain one of the few countries where polio has not yet been eradicated. The WHO said the virus remains a potential serious public health threat in areas with low vaccination coverage and weak surveillance.

India On Alert Against Polio

The country declared itself polio-free since 2014 and has kept the disease on bay almost a decade with very robust vaccination programs; however, two cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus cases reported in recent days from Meghalaya create some amount of doubts over a possible resurgence. Experts observe that in India, despite these detections taking place, strong coverage of vaccination at 90-95% and mandatory surveillance measures keep the risk of this widespread outbreak at bay.

The experts point out, however, that such stable situation in India requires continued surveillance. "Countries like Pakistan and parts of Africa remain at a high risk because vaccination rates in those areas are much lower," Dr. Siddharth, public health expert, said. Vaccination is an indispensable act in order to avoid the spread of this incapacitating disease that manifests most importantly as a nervous system affliction leading to the paralysis of a long period.

With concerted efforts from health authorities, there is hope someday that the scourge of polio will be completely eradicated from the face of the earth and future generations will never suffer from its effects.

People who are battling anxiety may not be able to access anti-anxiety sold by Whole Foods, a popular brand in the United States. 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules by Vitality Works were voluntarily recalled recently over possible Salmonella contamination.

According to the Food & Drug Administration, manufacturers found the contamination during routine testing. The potentially contaminated drug has been on shelves since October 20 and will be available for purchase until November 24. Here is everything you need to know about the recall:

Which Product is Affected?

Ashwagandha is a popular herbal supplement widely used to help the body manage stress and anxiety.

The recall affects a specific batch of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules (120-count size). The pills are sold on Amazon and at Whole Foods outlets. No illnesses have been reported due to the recalled pill so far.

To see if your bottle is part of the recall, check the bottom of the white plastic container for these specific details:

• Brand: 365 Whole Foods Market
• Product: Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules, 120-count
• Lot Number: 2025-26227
• Expiration Date: 10/13/2028
• UPC: 9948252099

Also read: US FDA Recalls Thousands Of Blood Pressure Drugs Over Excess Drug Levels, Failed Quality Tests

Is Salmonella Dangerous?

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called salmonellosis. While it is most commonly linked to contaminated foods like poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized milk, it can occasionally turn up in dry goods and medicines if raw ingredients are exposed to the bacteria during harvesting or processing.

When someone ingests salmonella, the bacteria irritate the lining of the intestines. Symptoms usually show up anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure. Salmonella infection may cause:

• Diarrhea (which can sometimes be bloody)
• Fever
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Most healthy people recover within a week without any medical treatment. However, the infection can be much more severe and occasionally dangerous for young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The bacteria can occasionally enter the bloodstream and cause more severe infections. The CDC has warned that the actual number of infections may be higher than reported because some people recover without seeking medical care or getting tested.

Also read: Amgen & AstraZeneca's New Treatment Combination Cuts Advanced Lung Cancer Death Risk By 58% In Trial

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have a bottle of these ashwagandha capsules, take a quick look at the lot number. It is recommended to stop taking them immediately if they match the batch number that was recalled.

You could bring it back to the seller and get a refund by bringing your receipt. You could also discard the product safely in the trash if the seller does not accept returns.

If you have already taken these capsules and are feeling healthy, do not panic. Keep monitoring yourself for symptoms of infection. However, if you develop a sudden and persistent fever, severe stomach pain, or signs of a stomach bug in the days after ingesting the capsules, reach out to your healthcare provider.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced nationwide recalls of two blood pressure medications over concerns about excess drug levels and manufacturing quality failures.

The recalls involve combination medications prescribed to manage hypertension. The FDA cited concerns that one medication may contain more of an active ingredient than specified, while the other failed quality tests that assess how quickly the drug dissolves in the body.

Which Blood Pressure Medications Have Been Recalled?

Also read: US FDA Recalls India-Made BP Drug For The Second Time In 3 Months: Here's Why

1. Viatris blood pressure medication: 21,620 bottles recalled

The FDA has announced a Class III recall of Viatris Inc.'s combination telmisartan and amlodipine tablets because they may contain more telmisartan than specified.

The Class III recall means the use of the affected product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

The FDA did not specify how much additional telmisartan the tablets may contain. However, the National Library of Medicine warns that an overdose of this medication could cause low blood pressure, dizziness or a rapid heart rate.

In total, 21,620 bottles of the medication have been recalled.

The recall covers 30-count bottles of telmisartan and amlodipine tablets (40 mg/5 mg) with the following lot codes:

• Lots 3228113, 3228114 and 3228115, with an expiration date of October 31.
• Lots 3228120 and 3228121, with an expiration date of November 30.

2. Macleods Pharmaceuticals blood pressure medication: 3,744 bottles recalled

The FDA has also recalled 3,744 bottles of another combination blood pressure medication manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals.

The company first initiated the recall on October 7 over "failed dissolution specifications." This means the medication may not release its active ingredients at the required rate after being taken.

If a drug does not dissolve properly, its active ingredients may not be absorbed as intended, potentially affecting its effectiveness. In this case, the medication may not lower blood pressure as expected.

On October 26, the FDA classified the recall as Class II. This means using the affected product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, although serious health problems are unlikely.

The recall covers:

• Olmesartan Medoxomil, Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets (40 mg/10 mg/12.5 mg), 30-count: 3,528 bottles; NDC 33342-246-07; lot number 12251163A; expiration date May 31, 2027.
• Olmesartan Medoxomil, Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets (40 mg/10 mg/12.5 mg), 90-count: 216 bottles; NDC 33342-246-10; lot number 12251163B; expiration date May 31, 2027.

Read More: Mounjaro, Zepbound Ingredient Recalled In US Over Sterility Concerns

What Should You Do If You Have The Recalled Medication?

The FDA advises patients not to stop taking their medication without consulting their healthcare provider, as abruptly discontinuing blood pressure treatment may pose additional health risks.

If you have any of the affected products, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on whether you should continue taking them or switch to an alternative.

For the Macleods Pharmaceuticals medication, the FDA did not issue a separate news release. Its enforcement report states that letters were sent to notify businesses and individuals who may have the affected products.

Patients should consult their healthcare provider before making any changes to their medication routine.

A child recently died in Lewis County amid an ongoing measles outbreak, marking New York state's first measles-related death in more than 30 years. The New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health confirmed the death in a joint statement on November 2.

Officials did not release more information about the child or the circumstances surrounding the death to protect the family's privacy.

The death comes as measles cases continue to rise across the United States. New York had recorded 178 cases in 2026 as of October 24, including eight in New York City, according to health officials.

Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency. The order gave registered nurses the authority to order specimen collection and testing for measles cases.

US Reports More Than 4,800 Measles Cases In 2026

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

The outbreak in New York is part of a wider resurgence of measles across the country. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 4,852 confirmed cases as of October 29, 2026, the highest annual total since 1991.

In an exclusive interview with HealthandMe, Dr Paul Offit, paediatrician and director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and former member of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, said that the reported number of measles cases in the US could underestimate the actual scale of transmission. “You can assume that's off by a factor of at least five."

The CDC said 96% of confirmed cases this year were linked to outbreaks. It has also reported that at least 96% of cases have occurred among people who were unvaccinated.

Declining vaccination coverage has contributed to the growing measles transmission. During the 2025-2026 school year, 92.4% of US kindergarteners had received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, below the 95% coverage level generally needed to maintain community protection.

When Can Measles Become Life-Threatening?

Also read: 'It’s The Best-Studied Vaccine In Human History': Former CDC Adviser Busts Common Myths About COVID Vaccines

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a space.

Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Small white spots called Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body.

While many people recover, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. These complications can lead to hospitalisation and, in some cases, death. Young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are vulnerable to the illness.

MMR Vaccine Is The Best Protection Against Measles

The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first is given between 12 and 15 months of age, while the second is recommended between four and six years.

One dose is approximately 93% effective against measles infection, while two doses are about 97% effective, according to the CDC.

Infants aged six to 11 months who live in or are travelling to areas with a high risk of measles exposure may be advised to receive an early dose. However, this dose does not replace the two routine doses recommended after the child's first birthday..