Health October 1 Deadly mosquito-borne virus sparks CDC travel alert — could it reach the US? Amid growing outbreaks, Americans traveling abroad should use insect repellent and protective clothing to prevent chikungunya virus, experts recommend.
Health September 15 Potentially severe mosquito-borne virus surges in US above normal levels West Nile virus outbreak has intensified across the U.S., with the 770 reported human cases far exceeding normal seasonal patterns for severe infections.
Health September 4 ‘Silent killer’ parasitic disease spreading across multiple US states, experts warn "Kissing bugs" transmit Chagas disease through infected feces, causing symptoms like fever and potentially fatal heart problems in 20%-30% of chronic cases.
Travel August 26 Major Midwest city tops bedbug infestation list for fifth consecutive year Chicago leads Orkin's annual bedbug cities list for 2025, based on commercial and residential treatment data from metro areas across the United States.
Health August 25 Flesh-eating parasite case detected in US traveler returning from Central America The CDC has confirmed a human screwworm case in Maryland linked to a Central American outbreak, with health officials stating there is a very low risk to U.S. public health.
Texas August 16 USDA announces $750M sterile fly breeding program to protect cattle from Mexican flesh-eating maggots The USDA has announced a new sterile fly breeding site in southern Texas to protect American cattle from the deadly New World screwworm maggots near the Mexico border.
Health August 15 Mosquito-borne dengue fever cases surge at popular US vacation destination Dengue fever cases have surged in Hawaii with the latest travel-related infection, prompting health department warnings about mosquito-borne virus prevention for returning travelers.
Insects August 7 Could chikungunya virus spread to US? Here's what Americans should know Mosquito-borne chikungunya virus has caused an outbreak in China, but public health experts say the risk for spread and infection in U.S. remains low.
Health August 7 Dangerous tick-borne virus causes brain damage in vulnerable young patient A Boston baby is hospitalized with seizures and brain damage after a tick bite on Martha's Vineyard may have led to Powassan virus, which transmits faster than Lyme disease.
Health August 6 Mosquito-borne virus spreading through China causes high fever, joint pain China is battling a widespread chikungunya outbreak using drones, insecticides and quarantine measures, as a mosquito-borne virus has infected over 7,000 people in Guangdong.
Science August 6 Tarantulas are on the move and will swarm during mating season in certain states Tarantula mating season has led to increased spider sightings in Southwestern U.S. states as males leave their burrows to find females, though the spiders are not aggressive to humans.
Travel August 2 Radioactive wasp nest discovered by workers at former nuclear bomb site Workers at South Carolina's Savannah River Site, a nuclear facility, found a radioactive wasp nest with radiation levels 10 times higher than federal regulations allow.
Health July 31 Rare tick-borne virus causing neurological symptoms diagnosed in Northeastern state Rare Powassan virus case in Maine highlights serious tick-borne illness with no vaccine or treatment, causing neurological symptoms and potential fatality.
Health July 29 Doctors reveal key signs of Lyme disease as tick season intensifies across US Lyme disease from deer ticks can cause complications if untreated, with symptoms appearing weeks after infection. Experts share tips for treatment and prevention.
Viruses July 26 Health officials alarmed by unprecedented July spike in West Nile-infected mosquitoes in 2 major cities Mosquitoes in all seven Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro counties in Minnesota tested positive for West Nile virus, and over 25% of pools show infection rates typical of late August.
Travel July 14 Destructive bug infestation threatens historic 1,000-year-old book collection Restoration experts at Hungary's Pannonhalma Archabbey are fighting to save thousands of historic books from drugstore beetles that have caused an unprecedented infestation.
Travel July 8 Massive bee swarm sends three people to hospital in critical condition, 24 injured Twenty-four people were injured during a 30-minute bee attack in the French alpine town of Aurillac, with three victims initially in critical condition now improving.
Health July 2 Federal government plans to air-drop sterile flies over Texas to fight flesh-eating maggots USDA combats flesh-eating New World Screwworm by breeding sterilized flies for release over Mexico and Texas, with a new fly factory planned for 2026.
Health June 28 Billionaire's death after swallowing bee raises questions about rare cardiac reaction Cardiologists discuss the rare possibility of bee-related cardiac events after Indian businessman Sunjay Kapur reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack swallowing an insect during a polo match.
Health June 27 Ticks spread to new regions across America, bringing dangerous diseases and need for vigilance Ticks are spreading beyond traditional regions experiencing an uptick in milder winters, with experts warning about the rise in tick-borne illnesses across the country.
Texas June 20 US government to build $8.5M fly-breeding facility to combat cattle parasite threat USDA announces new Texas facility to breed sterile New World screwworm flies as part of an effort to combat the flesh-eating parasite threatening livestock near the US-Mexico border.
Health June 18 Invasive pests could stage dramatic comeback this summer, experts warn Experts warn of a potential spotted lanternfly surge this summer, urging vigilance against these invasive pests that damage plants and spread easily through human transportation.
Health June 14 Bedbug 'massacre' at Las Vegas hotels leads to multiple lawsuits from guests with 'injuries' Two Las Vegas hotels are facing lawsuits over bedbug infestations, as guests have reported bites, severe reactions and emotional trauma. Attorney Brian Virag representing the guests shared details.
Travel May 29 America's second-largest cicada swarm is about to emerge across the East Coast The fascinating emergence of Brood XIV cicadas in the Eastern U.S. will take place this summer. These insects are harmless to humans and gardens, and mark a unique natural event, experts say.
Travel May 19 Flight passenger spots cockroaches crawling in airplane cabin: 'Never again' After a passenger found roaches on a Spirit Airlines flight, she shared footage online. Spirit Airlines inspected the aircraft and said it maintains a commitment to cleanliness.
Health May 18 Family kicked off flight over son’s insect bites despite doctor’s approval A family was stopped from boarding their British Airways flight after staff became suspicious of insect bites on their baby's leg, as the airline cites safety concerns.
Health May 15 Invasive insect poses health threat in 19 states, expert warns The Asian needle ant is a stealthy and dangerous invasive species spreading across the U.S., with a painful sting that can cause severe allergic reactions.
Health May 13 FDA warns seniors to avoid this vaccine after deadly complications Adults over the age of 60 are recommended not to get the chikungunya vaccine to prevent the mosquito-borne illness due to two related deaths, according to the FDA and CDC.
Health May 13 Flesh-eating New World Screwworm could pose health risks to cattle, humans Mexico's New World Screwworm outbreak halts livestock imports at the southern border as US officials work to prevent the parasitic fly from spreading to American animals.
Infectious Disease March 24 Dengue fever cases rising in popular spring break locations, CDC alerts As spring break continues, the CDC released a warning about rising dengue fever cases among U.S. travelers and in several destinations across the globe. Here's what to know.