A case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite was detected in a person in Maryland who returned to the U.S. after traveling to El Salvador, the Department of Health and Human Services said Sunday evening.
Why it matters: "This is the first human case of travel-associated New World screwworm myiasis (parasitic infestation of fly larvae) from an outbreak-affected country identified in the United States," said HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon in an emailed statement that noted the risk to public health in the U.S. from this case "is very low."
The Trump administration's crackdown on gender-affirming care is expanding rapidly as officials investigate hospitals, cut off benefits for federal workers and their dependents, and pick new fights with blue states.
Why it matters: The latest moves could put hospitals and other providers in the middle of a showdown between federal power and patient privacy protections — or even force health providers to break their own state laws.
Orthopedic surgeon Vonda Wright has a plan for how women can optimize their bones and muscles to stay stronger for longer.
The big picture: Sexist beliefs that women should be thin and weak are being knocked out by messages from doctors and celebrities saying building muscle mass is key to longevity wellness.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is already working to rally his MAHA(Make America Healthy Again) movement as a critical constituency for keeping GOP control of Congress in next year's midterms.
Why it matters: The RFK Jr. coalition draws several slices of voters who otherwise might shun MAGA, including some traditionally Democratic- and independent-leaning suburbanites, women and younger voters.
