Measles surge hits new milestone as US cases surpass last year's total

Measles has reemerged as a persistent public health challenge in the U.S. over the past two years — and the spread isn't slowing down.

According to a Johns Hopkins University tracker that compiles local and state health data, there were 2,295 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. as of July 22.

This figure has officially surpassed the 2025 numbers, which totaled 2,286 measles cases nationwide.

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Cases have been reported across the country, but concentrated outbreaks have worsened in some areas of Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Utah, Texas and Arizona. In 2025, Texas had the largest outbreak, totaling 803 cases throughout the state.

In the latest CDC measles update on July 17, there were 34 new outbreaks reported in 2026, compared to 48 outbreaks in 2025. Most cases were associated with local outbreaks, while some were linked to international visitors.

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Both this year and last year, 93% of all measles patients were either unvaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), or had an unknown vaccination status, data shows.

Most cases have occurred in children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 19. There have been no deaths reported in 2026, according to the CDC, but there were three deaths in 2025.

The rise in cases comes more than two decades after health agencies reported that the disease was eliminated in 2000.

Measles can be spread through direct contact with infectious droplets, or can be airborne when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, according to health officials. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

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Symptoms usually appear within a week or two, and may include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

A few days later, flat, red spots appear on the face and then spread down the neck to the rest of the body. People are most contagious in the four days before and four days after the rash appears.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, emphasized the highly contagious nature of measles.

"Measles is so contagious that up to 90% of susceptible people who are exposed to an infected person will become infected," he told Fox News Digital, noting the importance of community protection. "We need a 95% vaccine coverage rate to ensure herd immunity," he said.

The herd immunity threshold is a mathematical estimate based on how contagious a disease is and how effectively immunity from vaccination or prior infection prevents its spread, according to Siegel.

"In this case, two-dose vaccination is almost 100% effective, and natural immunity after a measles infection is generally lifelong," the doctor said. "This isn’t about personal choice, it’s about community protection. We need to protect those who can’t have a live virus vaccine because they are immunocompromised or pregnant."

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The doctor also cautioned that the U.S. could be at risk of losing its measles elimination status, as the number and duration of outbreaks suggest sustained local transmission within the U.S., rather than isolated cases linked only to international travel.

The CDC recommends that everyone receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, calling vaccination the best protection against measles.

Anyone who is showing measles symptoms or thinks they’ve been exposed should self-isolate and contact their doctor before showing up to a medical center and infecting others.

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Sharon Stone's terrifying weed withdrawal sparks warning about today's potent marijuana

Hollywood icon Sharon Stone recently opened up about a health scare after quitting marijuana, revealing her symptoms were so intense that she turned to a neurologist.

During an interview with Variety, the actress said her decision to quit was driven by a desire for a drug-free life.

"And because I think they put so much stuff in it now — they really do — when I stopped smoking pot, I also got sick," she said.

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"I got pretty sick for a month. I went to my neurologist, and he said, ‘Sharon, I’ve had people dying in the emergency room from marijuana.'"

Stone attributed her ordeal to the potency of modern weed, saying, "It’s not like you’re pulling it out of the ground anymore ... It’s not like when we were kids."

Experts note that cannabis withdrawal itself is generally not considered life-threatening, although severe symptoms, underlying medical conditions or interactions with other substances can complicate recovery.

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Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services at the Lindner Center in Cincinnati, confirmed that today's cannabis products are vastly different from the strains of decades past.

THC levels in marijuana have surged from about 3% to 5% in the 1980s to as high as 30% in today's cannabis products, while concentrates can exceed 90% THC, he told Fox News Digital.

Higher THC concentrations have been linked to greater risks of dependence, cannabis use disorder (CUD), psychosis in some users, and more severe withdrawal symptoms, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

As today's cannabis products become increasingly potent, experts say there are several risks and warning signs that daily users should know before deciding whether to continue — or quit — using marijuana.

According to Cleveland Clinic, CUD occurs when marijuana takes over the brain's reward pathways, amplifying compulsive behavior.

"I do believe cannabis is addicting, especially with the high levels of THC," Tuell told Fox News Digital.

The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) outlines the following diagnostic criteria signaling that casual use may have crossed into dependency.

Quitting heavy, long-term cannabis use can trigger withdrawal symptoms within 24 to 48 hours, Cleveland Clinic notes.

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Users frequently experience severe insomnia, intense irritability, anxiety, appetite loss, sweating, headaches and stomach upset. While acute physical symptoms typically resolve within a month, mood swings and sleep issues can linger much longer, according to Tuell.

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While cannabis withdrawal alone rarely requires hospitalization, Cleveland Clinic notes that people with significant medical or mental health conditions — or those stopping cannabis while also withdrawing from alcohol, opioids or certain other medications — may benefit from medical supervision.

Mental health conditions often occur alongside cannabis use disorder, and treating those underlying issues may help reduce problematic marijuana use, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Cleveland Clinic.

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"I strongly believe that CUD and mental health issues co-exist, and that mental health counseling can address the issues driving the addictive behaviors," Tuell said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Stone's representatives requesting comment.

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Microplastics detected in most heart attack patients' blood in startling new study

Patients experiencing severe heart attacks may have significantly higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics in their blood compared to individuals with stable heart conditions, according to new research.

Italian researchers analyzed blood samples from the coronary arteries of 61 patients undergoing angiograms, a procedure that analyzes blood vessels for irregularities.

They found that nearly 84% of patients suffering an active, severe heart attack had detectable micro- and nanoplastics in their blood. In contrast, plastic was detected in 40% of patients with chronic heart disease and only 32% of those with normal coronary arteries.

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Researchers led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples conducted the study, which was published in the European Heart Journal.

Polyethylene, a common material used in plastic bags and bottles, appeared in 97% of those patients who tested positive.

"This study adds to emerging research showing the potential role of micro- and nanoplastics in heart disease," Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com, told Fox News Digital.

While notable, the findings should be considered in the broader context of environmental health hazards, said New York City-based Routhenstein, who was not involved in the study.

"While these findings are interesting and highlight the importance of paying attention to environmental factors that may contribute to inflammation and blood vessel injury, they do not prove that plastics cause heart attacks," she said.

The findings align with previous research detecting microplastics in arterial plaque, Routhenstein noted, although she cautioned that the study has several limitations.

"This was an observational study, so it can only show an association, not cause and effect," she said. "It also included a relatively small group of patients from one country, so we can't assume the findings apply to everyone."

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Health and environmental variables could also complicate the data. In the study, a history of smoking emerged as the single strongest predictor of detectable plastic particles in the blood.

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"Factors like smoking and air pollution are also linked to cardiovascular disease and higher plastic exposure, making it difficult to separate the independent effects of microplastics," Routhenstein said.

To reduce potential risk, the dietitian recommends making targeted swaps to help limit daily exposure to microplastics.

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"I would take inventory of your regular sources of microplastic exposure and see where you can reduce or swap them for better alternatives," Routhenstein said. "For example, replace plastic food storage containers with glass ones."

She also urged people to take extra precautions when preparing meals and drinking water.

"When microwaving or reheating food, use glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic," she said. "It's also a good idea to limit plastic water bottles and single-use plastic containers, especially when they're exposed to heat."

"Think of reducing plastic exposure as one piece of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle," she added.

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Men switched at birth uncover hospital mix-up after DNA test decades later

Two North Dakota men are suing a local hospital after discovering they were switched at birth nearly four decades ago, a revelation brought to light by a surprise result from a direct-to-consumer genetic test.

The men joined Fox & Friends on Thursday to discuss their journey.

The mix-up was uncovered two years ago when Kyle Bylin received an at-home DNA test as a gift. Bylin says he was shocked when the results showed no genetic match to anyone in the family that raised him.

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"It was absolutely mind-blowing," Bylin told Fox & Friends. "We knew the DNA trail didn’t make sense, but to find out you’ve been switched at birth is a huge revelation."

Instead, the data pointed to a biological aunt, leading Bylin to her nephew, Jeremy Morrison. Subsequent DNA testing confirmed that Morrison and Bylin had been raised by each other’s biological families.

"[My parents] will always be my parents. A DNA test isn’t going to change 38 years of memories overnight," Morrison said.

Morrison recalled having long-standing doubts while growing up, noting that he often made light of the physical differences between himself and the woman who raised him.

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"I kind of had a feeling inside that I was adopted or, you know, she stole me or something like that," Morrison said. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’d change what happened, he added.

"It’s a little bit of nature, a little bit of nurture, and you end up with the life that you have," he said when asked if he’d go back and undo the switch.

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The emotional toll of the discovery has weighed heavily on both men as they grapple with the realization that their upbringings were altered.

"Do I feel like I lost the ability to truly connect with my biological parents? Absolutely," Bylin said.

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The two men filed a lawsuit against Unity Medical Center alleging emotional distress caused by negligence and medical malpractice, claiming the facility robbed them of the lives they were meant to live.

Unity Medical Center denied responsibility for the incident, asserting that an internal review yielded no evidence showing hospital personnel were at fault. However, the medical center did not dispute that the swap occurred.

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"We recognize the profound impact this discovery has had on them and their families," the hospital said in a statement.

"While we deeply sympathize with the men and their families, we have found no evidence to support claims that Unity Medical Center or its staff were responsible for what occurred."

Although both Bylin and Morrison have since met their respective biological parents, the two men have yet to meet each other in person.

"There are no plans in the works right now," Morrison said. "I grew up with his entire family. And he grew up with my entire family," he added, as the reason the two men "don’t feel like" they need to meet.

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Despite the legal battle and the lingering disruption to their lives, both men said they are focusing on moving forward and making the best of their circumstances.

"We’re just trying to raise awareness of this situation," Bylin added.

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FDA to review 7 popular peptides touted for weight loss, healing and longevity

The Food and Drug Administration is taking a closer look this week at seven unapproved peptide substances that have surged in popularity for their purported health benefits.

At meetings scheduled for July 23 and 24 at the FDA’s White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland, the FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee will consider whether to recommend adding seven peptide substances to the agency’s 503A Bulks List, which would allow them to be used in certain compounded prescription drugs.

Although these peptides are not FDA-approved, they are widely available through wellness clinics, compounding operations and gray-market online sellers.

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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has voiced support for expanding access to certain peptide therapies, while FDA reviewers have raised concerns about the limited evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of the seven substances under consideration.

According to Reuters, consumer demand is likely to "remain strong" despite the outcome, as peptides have surged in popularity for weight loss, muscle building, performance enhancement, chronic disease management and even wound repair.

FDA documents show that the following seven peptides are under review.

Proposed use: Ulcerative colitis

Proposed forms: Oral capsules, nasal spray, injections, transdermal cream, rectal suppository

Proposed use: Wound healing

Proposed forms: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection

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Proposed use: Wound healing and inflammatory condition

Proposed forms: Cream and gel

Proposed use: Obesity and osteoporosis

Proposed forms: Subcutaneous injection

Proposed use: Cerebral ischemia (shortage of blood flow and oxygen to the brain), migraine and trigeminal neuralgia (chronic pain condition in the face)

Proposed form: Intranasal spray, subcutaneous injection

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Proposed use: Opioid withdrawal, chronic insomnia, narcolepsy

Proposed form: Subcutaneous injection

Proposed use: Insomnia

Proposed form: Subcutaneous injection

Performance medicine and peptide expert Dr. Alex Tatem, a board-certified urologist and member of Rugiet's Medical Advisory Board, will testify at this week's FDA hearings.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Indiana-based Tatem said that every product up for review is "exciting," as each targets a different problem faced by patients.

"BPC-157 or TB-500 are compounds that can help facilitate healing after injury and have been shown in multiple studies to be incredibly safe when administered — which is interesting when you compare that to the over-the-counter options that we use now for aches and pains, like ibuprofen," he said.

Although ibuprofen is available over the counter, the FDA warns that it can cause serious side effects — including stomach bleeding, kidney damage and cardiovascular complications — especially when used at high doses or for long periods.

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Tatem claimed that millions of BPC-157 doses have been administered and that relatively few adverse events have been reported. 

"There is no other drug on the market that had that sort of safety record," Tatem said. "And it's not because of any magic — it's because these are natural substances that our bodies make and are familiar with, so that's what gives them this incredible safety profile."

The FDA, however, has publicly stated that there is not enough evidence from human clinical trials on the safety or efficacy of these drugs. FDA reviewers have also cautioned that a peptide’s similarity to a naturally occurring substance does not eliminate potential risks.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel cautioned that these substances "need careful study."

According to the doctor, RFK Jr. told Siegel in their latest interview that he believes "not all peptides are created equal, whereas some are helpful, others may not be and need further study."

"I agree with that," Siegel told Fox News Digital. "I’m concerned about the impact some may have on the kidneys. I would like to see rigorous clinical trials before approval. I am not convinced the data is fully there yet."

Tatem said he expects the hearings to be a "hard-fought battle," but hopes committee members will consider what he described as real-world data from tens of millions of doses administered between 2014 and 2023. The data showed adverse event rates of "well under 0.1%," he added.

If the committee recommends inclusion, the FDA would still need to complete its review and rulemaking process before formally adding any of the substances to the 503A Bulks List.

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That list includes active ingredients that state-licensed pharmacies are legally permitted to use for compounding prescription drugs, Tatem said.

He also suggested that the FDA could place some substances under a more permissive enforcement category temporarily while the rulemaking process continues. (The agency has not announced that it intends to do so.)

"Ultimately, what we would hope is, before the end of the year, patients would be able to go to their doctor, work through maybe a telehealth provider, and then be able to get a prescription for this under monitored medical supervision," he said.

"The most important thing to take away is that your voice matters, because this committee is just issuing a recommendation to the FDA. The FDA can take it or leave it," Tatem noted. "Everything that happens afterward is still anyone's guess."

Tatem encourages people to reach out to their local representatives to request access to "safe, regulated peptides made here in the United States of America."

Fox News Digital reached out to the FDA and ibuprofen product manufacturer Haleon for comment.

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CDC reveals massive behind-the-scenes public health operation that kept FIFA World Cup fans safe

FIRST ON FOX: The World Cup tested not only the players on the pitch, but the Trump administration's large public health operation to safeguard the public as fans from all over the world moved across the United States.

Amid the fandom, as 11 American cities hosted 39 teams and 78 matches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) operated largely behind the scenes to detect emerging threats and to respond to public health emergencies.

"Readiness is not only measured by how we respond to emergencies, but by the work we do every day to prevent them," acting CDC Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

"The FIFA World Cup demonstrated the strength of CDC’s partnerships, preparedness and commitment to protecting the health of every community we serve."

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In total, the FIFA World Cup hosted 48 teams across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with more than 5 million tickets sold.

An estimated 6.5 million fans from around the world converged in the three host countries, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and, possibly, germs. Overlapping with Independence Day celebrations, large gatherings were common, as well as the backdrop of concurrent international disease activity, including the Ebola and Hantavirus outbreaks.

Infectious disease can easily spread in large crowds, and experts were already looking at wastewater, a possible uptick in hospital visits and social media for any signs of a potential outbreak.

Diseases like measles are always a top concern. As of July 16, there were 2,260 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., according to the CDC.

"The matches drew the world's attention. The work that kept them healthy did not — and that was the point," the CDC said in a news release Sunday.

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The CDC's effort included a World Cup data dashboard that provided health departments with real-time data on disease trends across multiple cities as fans and teams traveled throughout the tournament, as well as around-the-clock health operations at U.S. ports of entry in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to monitor international passengers.

The agency also deployed its experts to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, wastewater surveillance and preparedness planning in host cities.

In all, the agency coordinated across a broad network, including multiple CDC divisions, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force.

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In March, the CDC released guidance providing health officials with a framework for preparing for a broad range of threats, including biological, chemical, radiologic/nuclear, environmental and mass casualty incidents.

The guidance encouraged every jurisdiction to approach the tournament through a risk-based lens, recognizing that travel between venues connects communities far beyond the host cities.

The tournament is over, but the work is not. The same preparedness, surveillance and partnerships that supported the World Cup are part of CDC's readiness and response mission every day of the year, continuing through the close of the activation on July 31 and well beyond.

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Experts reveal how to avoid deadly Legionnaires' disease as NYC outbreak kills 5

As New York City continues to investigate an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that has claimed multiple lives and sickened dozens of people, doctors say there are ways people can reduce the risk of exposure.

As of July 21, there have been five deaths and 82 diagnoses linked to the Upper East Side outbreak, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Eight patients remain hospitalized.

Health officials said no new cases had been reported in the previous six days, suggesting the source of exposure has likely been eliminated, although the investigation remains ongoing.

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Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia that is typically spread by tiny water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Common sources of infection include contaminated building water systems, such as cooling towers (large structures that remove heat from water used in building cooling systems), hot tubs or plumbing. Cases have also been reported on cruise ships and in spas. It is not generally spread from person to person, according to the CDC.

"We get infected when it gets aerosolized in the water droplets, usually, and we breathe those droplets in," Dr. Dana Mordue, associate professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology at New York Medical College, told Fox News Digital.

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"You can also get infected if you have water that's been contaminated, and you aspirate it and swallow it into your lungs, but most often you get it from air droplets that are contaminated from various types of water sources."

Although it is possible to contract Legionnaires’ in the home, outbreaks are almost always linked to exposure to water droplets coming from a water system in a "commercial-type building," according to Mordue.

"The good news is you usually don't get it from the types of cooling systems that we have in our cars or our homes. But if you don't clean your humidifiers, technically any water source can get contaminated with Legionella."

The most widespread symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches, according to the CDC. Some people may also experience diarrhea, nausea and confusion.

Symptoms typically begin two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria, although they can appear later. The illness often requires treatment with antibiotics.

"The mortality rate is not particularly high for this disease if you are immune-competent and young and healthy," said Mordue.

Risk is higher for older adults, smokers and people with compromised immune systems, "a lot of the same risk factors you might see for COVID," the doctor noted.

The CDC shares the following measures to prevent the spread of Legionnaires’ disease.

For anyone who may have been exposed and developed symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical care, doctors say. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of severe illness.

"If you have certain risk factors, particularly advanced age, get help as quickly as you can," Mordue advised.

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