Michigan reports 2 deaths in rare parasite outbreak that has sickened more than 11,000

Two people in Michigan have died in connection with the state's sprawling cyclosporiasis outbreak, marking a rare fatal outcome from the intestinal parasite, health officials said Monday.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said the deaths were identified as part of the ongoing outbreak, which has so far sickened 11,234 people statewide. As of Thursday, 193 people with reported infections said they had been hospitalized.

According to the agency, medical records showed both people who died "had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration." Officials said no additional information about the cases will be released.

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State health officials are continuing to investigate the source of the outbreak and said available evidence points to lettuce or salad greens as a potential culprit. However, investigators cautioned that other food items have not been ruled out, and no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified.

MDHHS said it is working with local health departments and other partners as the investigation continues and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often "explosive" diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.

Health officials emphasized that cyclosporiasis is generally not considered a life-threatening illness and that deaths associated with the infection are uncommon in the United States.

Fox News Digital's Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.

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Forget the gym: A 30-second test may be one of the best indicators of longevity

As more Americans prioritize staying mobile and independent as they age, experts are pointing to a surprisingly simple measure of health.

The number of times a person can rise from a chair in 30 seconds can be an indicator of lower-body strength, which is closely linked to mobility, functional fitness and healthy aging.

Interest in the test appears to be growing, with online searches for "sit to stand exercise" up 287% over the past three months, according to Google Trends analysis.

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The CDC's STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) program states that the purpose of the 30-second chair stand test is to assess leg strength and endurance, with below-average scores indicating increased fall risk.

Bruno Pontes, an ACSM- and AFAA-certified personal trainer at Muscle Booster in California, shared what the sit-to-stand test actually measures and why experts consider it a strong indicator of fitness.

Nick Schofield, a tactical athlete physical coach in the U.K., also provided a video demonstration of the exercise for Muscle Booster.

"What makes this test a great measure of fitness is that it simulates the everyday movement of getting up and down from a chair, compared to machine-based strength tests, which instead isolate muscle groups," Pontes told Fox News Digital.

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"The sit-to-stand test is an excellent indicator of lower-body strength, muscular endurance, balance and mobility," Pontes said. It is also commonly used by healthcare professionals to help assess fall risk in older adults.

While there are several iterations of the sit-to-stand test, the 30-second chair stand test is the go-to exercise endorsed by public health organizations like the CDC, the expert noted.

The sit-to-stand test is easy to perform at home, Pontes said, as the only thing needed is a sturdy chair. He outlined the following steps.

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"As an important note, anyone with significant balance problems, recent surgery, severe joint pain or cardiovascular concerns should consult a healthcare professional before performing the test," Pontes advised.

What is seen as a "good" score varies from person to person and is dependent on a number of factors, including age and gender, Pontes said.

"However, the following benchmarks are good to aim for to measure your lower-body strength," he added. These benchmarks are based on how many full stands can be completed in 30 seconds from a standard-height chair.

"It is important not to obsess over the number you achieve — the focus should be on the ease of movement and making daily functions easier," Pontes said.

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"If rising from a chair becomes easier over time, that's a great indicator that lower-body strength and functional fitness are improving," he went on. "If you fall below the target number, don’t worry — there are many different exercises you can implement into your daily routine to help strengthen your lower body."

The following exercises can be executed at home to help improve your sit-to-stand performance, according to Pontes. These moves help to build strength in the quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves.

Squats

"Squats help to build strength primarily in the quadriceps and glutes, while also engaging the hamstrings and core," Pontes told Fox News Digital. "They are also a great exercise for seniors, as they place limited amounts of stress on your hips and spine."

Squats can be performed by standing with the feet shoulder-width apart and lowering the hips back and down into a seated position. Be sure to keep the back straight and chest up.

Lunges

"These low-impact exercises can help identify any strength imbalances that may be affecting mobility and stability, as each leg works independently," Pontes said.

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To perform a lunge, stand with the feet shoulder-width apart and step forward with one leg, creating a right angle at the knee. The front knee should sit directly over the ankle/heel and should not extend past the toes.

Hold this position briefly before pushing through the heel on the front foot to engage the glutes and return to the starting position, then repeat for the other leg.

Calf raises

"Calf raises help keep the calf muscles strong and functional as we age, to support everyday, functional movements," Pontes said.

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Stand with the feet hip-width apart, keeping an upright posture and engaging the core. Slowly push through the balls of the feet to raise the heels off the floor as high as possible. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the heels back down to the ground with control.

As people age, they become more susceptible to sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength over time, according to Pontes. This can make routine activities more difficult and increases the risk of injury.

"Lower-body strength plays a vital role in maintaining independence because it supports many of the movements we rely on every day, such as climbing stairs, getting up from chairs, carrying groceries and walking confidently," the fitness expert noted.

Maintaining strength in the legs and hips helps to preserve mobility and lower the risk of falls and injury, Pontes said.

"This mobility helps enable people to remain active and keep moving freely through their later years."

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Early eating habits could have lasting effects on dementia risk, study suggests

Consuming less sugar during pregnancy and the first years of life may lower the risk of developing dementia decades later, according to new research.

A study published in Neurology found that people who were exposed to less sugar before birth and during their first one to two years of life had up to a 23% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those born after sugar became widely available again.

Researchers examined the health records of more than 64,000 people in the United Kingdom who were born before and after World War II sugar rationing ended in 1953.

People who experienced lower sugar intake before birth and through their first year of life had a 21% lower risk of dementia, while those whose sugar intake remained limited through age two had a 23% lower risk, researchers found.

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The study also found that people with lower sugar exposure early in life developed dementia an average of 2.6 years later than those who consumed more sugar.

"Our findings suggest that limiting sugar during the earliest stages of life may have lasting benefits for brain health," study author Jiazhen Zheng of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said in the press release.

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Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, who was not involved in the study, said the research raises an interesting question but cautioned against drawing firm conclusions.

"I'm impressed with the researchers' creativity, pulling together information across decades to look at this question, but the findings are not convincing," Mozaffarian told Fox News Digital.

He said many other factors likely differed between people born during and after wartime, including overall nutrition and calorie intake, making it difficult to know whether sugar alone explains the difference.

Still, Mozaffarian said the broader guidance for pregnant women remains the same.

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"Ultimately, we know from other research that women who are pregnant should consume the healthiest foods possible for both their own health and that of their baby," he told Fox News Digital.

He recommended focusing on minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fermented dairy products and fish while limiting ultra-processed foods high in sugar, starch and salt.

Researchers stressed that the study found only an association between early-life sugar intake and dementia risk and does not prove that reducing sugar directly prevents the disease.

Researchers also noted several limitations, including that the study used exposure to a historical rationing policy as a proxy for individual sugar intake and could not eliminate the influence of other differences between the groups.

As a result, the findings cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between lower sugar intake early in life and a reduced risk of dementia.

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America hits major marijuana milestone as daily weed use surpasses daily drinking

Marijuana is officially leading the pack for the most-used daily drug among Americans.

New data from the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), reveals that there are 21.4 million daily or near-daily marijuana users in the U.S.

This surpasses the 19.9 million people who smoke cigarettes and the 17.2 million who consume alcohol.

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The annual federal survey of Americans age 12 and older defines daily or near-daily use as consuming marijuana on 300 or more days in the past year. Daily cigarette smokers were characterized as those who smoked on all 30 days of the past month.

The number of Americans using marijuana daily or almost daily rose about 21% between 2022 and 2025 — from 17.7 million to approximately 21.4 million. This amounts to an increase of about 3.7 million frequent users.

The biggest jump occurred between 2021 and 2022 with an increase of roughly 2.8 million users, according to SAMSHA.

This pattern in higher marijuana use is driven mostly by adults, particularly those age 26 and older, rather than teenagers.

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Between 2021 and 2025, the number of adults 18 and older using marijuana daily or almost daily increased about 22%, from 17.2 million to 20.9 million.

Although marijuana is now the most commonly used substance on a daily or near-daily basis, alcohol remains the most widely used substance overall. During the previous month, about 129 million people drank alcohol while 43.8 million used marijuana.

Cigarette and broader tobacco product use has been on a decline, decreasing from 20.1% of Americans in 2021 to 15.9% in 2025. Meanwhile, general marijuana use rose from 13.2% to 15.1% during that same period.

A recent report by San Francisco-based workplace mental health platform Modern Health found a concerning increase in the number of workers turning to substances to manage stress, especially THC and marijuana products.

The survey of 1,000 full-time employees in April 2026 found that 63% of the workforce engages in at least one form of self-medication after the workday, while 52% have self-medicated during the workday.

Gen Z is the only generation of workers where THC use exceeded alcohol use after work – 59% report using marijuana products compared to 50% who drink alcohol. In that group, 51% reported using THC during the workday.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel said the SAMHSA data reflects a "very disturbing trend."

"Too much attention has been put on the bogus or exaggerated uses of marijuana for pain, insomnia and anxiety, when in fact it increases anxiety exponentially, especially in those with underlying mental health issues," he told Fox News Digital.

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"Too little attention has been paid to the growing THC content in all cannabis products, which makes it far more dangerous in terms of mental performance, judgement, memory and all forms of impairment."

THC has been associated with a growing share of fatal motor vehicle crashes, Siegel said, arguing that increased acceptance of marijuana use is "feeding a dangerous trend."

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"So I firmly believe that the rising use – coupled with decreasing alcohol and cigarettes – is directly due to lack of awareness of all the dangers of marijuana versus an increased awareness of all the dangers of cigarettes and alcohol," he added.

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How often are married people having sex? What to know about the intimacy standard in America

New survey data offers a snapshot of how often married Americans are having sex, while researchers say the findings challenge common assumptions about relationship health.

National demographic studies suggest that lower sexual frequency is often a normal part of aging and long-term relationships, and that there may be a "sweet spot" associated with marital satisfaction.

Data from the General Social Survey, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, found that married Americans report a wide range of sexual frequency.

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The survey asked how often couples have had sex during the last 12 months. Among the 1,893 married respondents surveyed in 2024, the responses were as follows.

The average American adult has sex 53 times a year — or a little more than once per week, according to research by the telehealth platform Hims.

While marriage is often associated with less frequent sex, research has found the difference to be relatively small. A 2014 study found that married people had sex about 55 times a year, compared with 59 times a year among their unmarried peers.

"Experts aren’t sure precisely why this difference exists or why what used to be an advantage has become a disadvantage, but some believe it may be related to the increasing age at which most people get married," Hims wrote in a medically reviewed article.

"There’s no ‘perfect statistic’ or ideal amount of sex. In other words: You like what you like, and that’s perfectly OK."

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Clinical data suggests that aiming for a daily or high-volume sexual quota does not actually improve relationship quality.

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science in 2015 evaluated more than 30,000 individuals over four decades and discovered a drop-off in additional benefits.

While overall happiness increased as physical intimacy moved from monthly to weekly, couples who had sex two, three or four times a week experienced no additional statistical boost in marital satisfaction compared to those hitting the weekly threshold.

Experts emphasize that sexual desire naturally fluctuates as couples navigate career demands, parenthood and biological aging.

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Despite some research suggesting a slowdown with age, intimacy remains an important factor in healthy aging, linked to improved physical and emotional well-being.

AARP survey data indicates that physical connection remains routine for many older Americans, with roughly 17% of adults aged 70 and older engaging in sexual activity on a weekly basis.

When a couple experiences an intimacy dry spell, medical professionals recommend evaluating physiological factors rather than jumping to conclusions about incompatibility.

Educational resources from the International Society for Sexual Medicine note that the following physical conditions can influence libido.

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Rather than trying to force a weekly goal, healthcare providers encourage couples dealing with mismatched sexual desire to discuss the issue openly and consult a doctor to evaluate baseline hormone levels, medication profiles and overall metabolic health.

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No cure, no vaccine: Experts warn of rare Bourbon virus after first NY case

A rarely diagnosed tick-borne virus with no vaccine or specific treatment has been confirmed in New York for the first time, prompting researchers to warn that additional infections may be going undiagnosed.

The Bourbon virus, "transmitted through the common lone star tick, could soon begin to complicate diagnoses if it becomes more prevalent this summer and in coming years," Stony Brook Medicine warned in a news release reporting on a study of the virus.

Only six human cases have been reported since Bourbon virus was first identified in Bourbon County, Kansas, where the first known patient was diagnosed in 2014. That patient later died.

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The virus has been associated with at least two deaths, including the original 2014 case and another reported in 2026. Researchers believe, however, that additional infections have likely gone undiagnosed.

Symptoms of Bourbon virus include fever, fatigue, rash, headache, body aches and nausea. Because there is no commercially available diagnostic test, doctors have a difficult time identifying it.

Many healthcare providers are also unfamiliar with the virus, "thus increasing the possibility of misdiagnosis," the release said.

A team of researchers led by Stony Brook Medicine confirmed the first case of Bourbon virus in New York in a patient from Long Island who developed very severe symptoms and an eight-fold rise in antibody titers of the Bourbon virus. The patient was hospitalized.

"There are a lot of lone star ticks in New York and in the Northeast, we have dense populations, and when someone is infected with Bourbon virus symptoms they are similar to other tick-borne infections," Luis Marcos, MD, Stony Brook Medicine professor and director of the Tick-borne Disease Clinic, said in the news release.

"For these reasons, the Bourbon virus is likely more prevalent than we think in our region and other cases are likely not being diagnosed."

Marcos and his co-authors said their findings show the need for expanded surveillance and better testing to improve diagnosis and track the spread of Bourbon virus.

"Without identifying the cause of an infection, the chances of developing accurate diagnostic tests or effective treatments are minimal," he said. "That is why it is so important to first understand the true impact of the virus in high-risk areas."

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "The lone star tick is widely distributed in the Northeast, South and Midwest United States."

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The tiny, blood-feeding, parasitic arachnid has established populations in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, per the CDC.

Lone star ticks are an "aggressive tick," according to the agency.

"The adult female is distinguished by a white dot or ‘lone star’ on her back. The nymph and adult females most frequently bite humans and spread disease," the CDC reports.

Despite the Bourbon virus’ severity, "only a select few [ticks] bite and transmit bacteria, viruses and parasites (pathogens) that cause diseases in people," according to the CDC.

To avoid tick bites, people should wear protective clothing, such as pants they can tuck into boots and long-sleeve shirts.

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Experts also recommend applying insect repellent, such as permethrin, to clothing and outdoor gear – not directly on the skin.

Stay out of tall grass and on well-beaten trails whenever possible, as ticks thrive in overgrown and heavily wooded areas.

Check for ticks after spending time outdoors and remove them as soon as you find them. Seek medical attention if you develop fever, rash, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms in the days or weeks following a tick bite.

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Skin condition under the eyes goes viral as doctors warn it could signal hidden health issue

Dark under-eye circles may be more than a cosmetic concern. Doctors say they can sometimes signal low iron stores — a condition that's gone viral on social media under the name "ferritin face."

Experts say there's some truth behind the trend — with important caveats.

Ferritin can be thought of as the body's "iron storage vault," according to Dr. Josef Hadeed, a double board-certified plastic surgeon at Hadeed Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. It is a protein that stores iron inside the body's cells and releases it when needed.

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"When ferritin levels drop, the body struggles to produce hemoglobin, which is the iron-rich protein within your red blood cells that transports oxygen to the tissues," Hadeed told Fox News Digital.

Low iron levels can compromise skin elasticity, which can make the tissue appear thinner and less resilient, the doctor said.

When hemoglobin is low, the skin can lose its healthy color and appear pale, making the naturally darker tissue beneath the eyes more noticeable, Hadeed noted.

Besides pale skin and dark under-eye circles, other symptoms may signal that someone is lacking iron.

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"The severity of these symptoms generally increases as ferritin decreases," Dane Thomas, a Texas-based hematology/oncology physician’s associate who specializes in the care of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, told Fox News Digital.

Low energy, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, fainting, brittle or thin nails, hair loss, cravings to chew ice, and restless legs syndrome are a few signs, according to Thomas.

"Some patients also experience decreased exercise tolerance, difficulty concentrating or shortness of breath with exertion," he said.

Other symptoms can include pounding or "whooshing" in the ears, a sore or smooth tongue, rapid heartbeat, intolerance to cold and poor sleep, according to the American Society of Hematology.

Beyond cosmetic concerns, ferritin face may signal an underlying medical condition, including chronic bleeding, gastrointestinal disorders or cancers, or malabsorption, according to hematological experts.

With the rise in bariatric surgery, more patients are developing iron deficiency due to impaired iron absorption, Thomas said. Certain over-the-counter acid-suppressing medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor blockers, may also contribute to low iron.

While treating iron deficiency is important, identifying and addressing its underlying cause is equally critical, he said.

"Whenever possible, I work with my patients to determine why their iron deficiency developed so we can reduce the likelihood that it will recur," Thomas told Fox News Digital. "This often involves collaboration with gastroenterologists, gynecologists or other specialists to evaluate for sources of blood loss or malabsorption."

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Pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding and frequent blood donation can also contribute to lower iron levels. Vegetarians, vegans and those who follow diets that do not include iron-rich foods may also be at risk, according to the American Society of Hematologists.

If a person thinks they may have low ferritin, it is important to see a physician.

"This is not something that someone should self-treat, and I always advise them to seek professional help," Hadeed advised. "Unlike water-soluble vitamins, the body has no easy mechanism to excrete excess iron, and over-supplementation can lead to increased levels of iron in the body, which can affect the liver and heart."

A simple blood test by a healthcare professional can determine iron levels. Further evaluation may include stool and urine tests to look for blood, along with endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach and colon. Women may also undergo a gynecological evaluation, according to experts.

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Treatment for iron deficiency may include oral supplementation and, in cases of severe anemia, intravenous (IV) iron or blood transfusions.

"The biggest drawback of oral iron is gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, constipation, abdominal discomfort and stomach upset," Thomas noted.

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"These side effects can often be minimized by taking iron every other day rather than daily, a strategy that also maintains excellent absorption for many patients."

He also recommends spacing them apart from calcium supplements, dairy products and antacids, which can affect absorption.

Following a diet that includes iron-rich foods can also help, according to the American Society of Hematology website.

Some examples include beef, pork, or lamb; organ meats like liver, chicken, turkey, duck and fish (especially shellfish, sardines and anchovies); leafy greens, such as broccoli, kale, turnip greens and collard greens; legumes, including lima beans, peas, pinto beans and black-eyed peas; and iron-enriched pastas, grains, rice and cereals.

Ferritin face is reversible, Hadeed emphasized. 

Once iron stores are safely restored and hemoglobin levels rebound, the skin recovers its healthy capillary flush, and dark under-eye circles tend to fade over several months.

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