At least 46 children dead amid measles outbreak as virus spreads globally

Public health officials are warning of measles exposure as the disease spreads on a global scale.

At least 46 children have died in Bangladesh, with about 684 measles cases confirmed in the country since late January, according to Reuters.

Government officials recently announced deaths linked to measles after laboratory testing of 33 samples.

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"Of the tested samples, 15 deaths ⁠have been directly linked to measles infection," said Health Services Division Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury in a statement.

Bangladesh has modified its vaccine schedule after health officials found a significant share of measles cases were occurring in infants younger than 9 months, who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination, according to local reports.

World Health Organization guidance recommends that children receive two doses of the measles, usually given at 9 months of age in countries where measles is common and at 12-15 months in other countries. The second dose should usually be administered at 15-18 months.

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In the U.S., as of March 26, 1,575 confirmed measles cases had been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There have been 16 new outbreaks reported this year, with 94% of confirmed cases deemed outbreak-associated, per the CDC.

The agency attributes the spike in measles activity to a trend of lower "herd immunity" in communities — meaning vaccination rates have fallen below the roughly 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.

"U.S. national MMR coverage among kindergartners has decreased and is now below the 95% coverage target," the CDC states on its website.

Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery and red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms start, according to medical sources.

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The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet.

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The airborne virus can spread when someone coughs or sneezes. Measles is known to stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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RFK Jr launches $134M+ national program to study microplastics in the human body, drinking water

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday announced a massive joint effort to measure, understand and remove microplastics and pharmaceuticals from the nation's water supply and the human body.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin detailed the urgency of the growing health crisis during a press event, citing dramatic increases in plastic concentrations in human organs.

"This is not a rare exposure, this is baseline," Kennedy warned, noting that researchers have found plastic particles in human blood, lung tissue, livers, kidneys and in every single sample of tested human placentas. "We are not dealing with a distant or theoretical risk. We are dealing with a measurable and growing presence inside the human body. And the signal is getting stronger."

He added that the concentration of plastics in the human brain has spiked by 50% since 2016, amounting to roughly "a spoonful of plastic in every human brain."

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Kennedy also highlighted a clinical study revealing that patients with microplastics detected in their arterial plaque face a 450% higher risk of heart attack, stroke or death within three years. 

"We do not ignore signals like that," he said. "We investigate."

To tackle the medical crisis, the administration is launching the STOMP (Systematic Targeting of Microplastics) initiative, a national program valued between $134 million and $144 million, which aims to precisely measure microplastics in the body, track how they cause biological harm and safely remove them.

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Dr. Alicia Jackson, who leads the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, said the program will develop a clinical test for microplastics that takes less than 15 minutes and costs less than $50 so that every American can have access.

"STOMP will do, in five years, what the entire field has been unable to do for decades," Jackson said. "… This field has been working in the dark long enough and STOMP turns on the lights."

On the environmental front, Zeldin announced the release of the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6), which includes 75 chemicals, four chemical groups — microplastics, pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), along with disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and nine microbes.

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"For too long, Americans have been ignored as they sound the alarm about plastics in their drinking water. That ends today," Zeldin said. "By placing microplastics on the Contaminant Candidate List, for the first time ever, [the] EPA will follow the science, pursue answers and will hold ourselves to the highest standards to protect the health of Americans."

Additionally, the EPA released human health benchmarks for nearly 400 pharmaceuticals known to, or have the potential to, occur in drinking water — including antibiotics, antidepressants and hormones. 

While the benchmarks are not enforceable regulations, Zeldin described them as a "vital resource" to empower local decision-makers to evaluate risks and protect their communities.

Medical experts at the conference stressed the staggering economic toll of plastic exposure.

"Just from the few chemicals that we know about, the United States health care cost contribution of plastic exposure right now is $250 billion," said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a pediatrician and director at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "1.2% of our gross domestic product goes out the window as a result of toxic exposures that derive from plastic. … We're probably underestimating the scope of the problem."

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Fatal drug combination sparks alert as 'rhino tranq’ spreads across US

Health and government officials are warning of a potential deadly substance in the illegal drug supply.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) issued a health advisory on Thursday about reports of medetomidine being detected in fentanyl.

Also known as "rhino tranq," "mede" or "dex," medetomidine is a veterinary sedative that causes severe, prolonged sedation. Classified as an alpha-2 agonist, it acts on the nervous system similar to other veterinary sedatives, like xylazine, and can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

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The advisory is based on surveillance data, including forensic drug testing, wastewater analysis, clinical case reports and overdose investigations.

In 2023, there were 247 incidences of medetomidine detected in drug samples, which rose to 2,616 in 2024 and 8,233 in 2025 – a more than 3,000% increase. Forensic drug reports showed that about 98% of medetomidine-positive samples also contained fentanyl. 

The drug has been detected in at least 18 states and Washington, D.C., with a concentration in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S., per the CDC alert.

Dr. Adam Scioli, chief medical officer of Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, said the alert highlights a "concerning and rapidly evolving development" in the illicit opioid supply.

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"Its co‑occurrence with fentanyl significantly complicates overdose presentation and withdrawal management, further increasing both clinical acuity and unpredictability," he told Fox News Digital.

"Medetomidine is not routinely detected on standard toxicology screens, increasing the risk of under‑recognition without a high index of clinical suspicion."

Naloxone (Narcan), known for its overdose reversal effects, does not counteract medetomidine, the advisory warned.

"While naloxone remains essential for reversing opioid‑induced respiratory depression, it does not address the sedative effects of medetomidine," Scioli confirmed.

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The initial effects of the drug include deep sedation or decreased consciousness, bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure) and respiratory depression, especially when combined with fentanyl and other opioids.

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin about a few hours after taking medetomidine. They can be severe and rapid, peaking at about 18-36 hours, according to experts.

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Initial withdrawal symptoms include rising blood pressure, tachycardia, agitation and nausea/vomiting, gradually leading to severe hypertension, altered mental status, and possible cardiac or neurologic complications, per the alert.

Severe cases require intensive care in a hospital. "Management may require ICU‑level monitoring and care," said Scioli.

In a May 2024 example cited by the CDC, medetomidine in the illegal opioid supply was linked to a cluster of overdoses in Chicago, potentially exceeding 175. At least 16 people were hospitalized and one died.

There were some limitations to the surveillance, the agency acknowledged. Surveillance systems rely on small samples that may not be representative of all areas.

There is also the chance that the numbers could be overestimated due to contamination or repeated use of drug paraphernalia. Conversely, numbers could actually be higher than recorded, as medetomidine is rapidly metabolized in the body and is not typically tested in clinical settings.

The surveillance was conducted by the CDC with support from federal public health programs and collaboration with other agencies.

Scioli noted that the alert highlights the need for "careful assessment beyond standard opioid toxicity models," as well as close coordination with toxicology, emergency medicine and public health partners.

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"The drug supply is evolving in ways that strain traditional opioid‑focused frameworks and demand greater clinical vigilance," he said.

"From a treatment perspective, this is another clear example of why addiction care must be adaptive, medically sophisticated, and grounded in whole‑person, long‑term recovery — not solely acute stabilization," he added.

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New weight-loss pill hits the market, promising 'greater flexibility'

Following Wegovy’s recent launch of the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication, another weight-loss pill has been approved by the FDA.

Foundayo (orforglipron) is a once-daily pill developed by Lilly for lasting weight loss. It is reportedly the only type that can be taken at any time of day without food or water restrictions.

Clinical trial participants who took Foundayo lost an average of 27.3 pounds (12.4%) on the highest dose, according to a press release from Lilly.

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This marks Lilly’s second FDA-approved obesity medicine, joining Zepbound (tirzepatide). The drug is intended for adults who are overweight or obese and also have weight-related medical problems.

The treatment achieves best results for weight loss and maintenance when partnered with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, according to the manufacturer.

The drug will be ready to ship to patients on April 6, Lilly stated.

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Foundayo is also being studied as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, knee pain, hypertension, peripheral artery disease and stress urinary incontinence.

Deborah Horn, director of the Center for Obesity Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, emphasized the importance of new treatment options.

"People living with obesity need treatment options that meet them where they are – and for many, a once-daily pill that can be taken with no food or water restrictions can offer them greater flexibility in how they approach their treatment," she said in the same press release.

David A. Ricks, chair and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, also commented on the importance of new treatment options.

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"Today, fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from a GLP-1 are taking one, held back by access, stigma, perceived complexity, or the belief that their condition isn't serious enough for treatment," he said in the release. "We believe Foundayo can help level the playing field for those living with obesity or who are overweight and living with weight-related complications."

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Lilly does not recommend using Foundayo in combination with other GLP-1 drugs. It is also unclear whether the medication is safe for children.

The drugmaker warned that the treatment could cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer, warning patients to monitor symptoms such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath.

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Similar to other GLP-1s, the most common side effects of Foundayo are gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, swollen belly, fatigue, belching, heartburn, gas and hair loss.

Lilly recommends speaking with a healthcare provider before taking Foundayo to share other medications and family health history that may increase the risk of complications.

Fox News Digital reached out to Lilly for comment.

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Does marijuana cause lung cancer? Doctors reveal what the research says

The connection between smoking cigarettes and lung cancer risk has been clear for decades — but what about marijuana?

As more U.S. states legalize recreational cannabis, new and developing research has pointed toward an increased risk of cancer.

A recent study by Keck Medicine of USC in Southern California found that patients who have heavily smoked marijuana may face an increased risk of small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

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An earlier Keck study also associated smoking marijuana with up to a five-times higher risk of head and neck cancer compared to those who don’t smoke.

Brooks Udelsman, MD, a thoracic surgeon with USC Surgery, part of Keck Medicine, commented in a recent university publication that it remains unclear exactly how much marijuana use contributes to cancer risk.

"If someone smokes marijuana occasionally – once a week, once a month or a few times a year – do they still have that same risk?" he questioned. "My suspicion is that there is probably minimal risk."

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"All we know right now is that people who smoke a lot of marijuana — to the point that they develop a dependency on it or require hospital care or evaluation for it — do appear to have a higher cancer risk."

Dr. Luis Hererra, a lung cancer and thoracic surgery specialist at Orlando Health, reiterated that there is a "clear correlation" between tobacco cigarette use and lung cancer risk, while there is "less evidence" of a clear link for marijuana use.

"However, recent studies suggest that heavier or daily smokers of cannabis have an increased risk of lung cancer," he told Fox News Digital. "It is also known that marijuana smoking has some of the same chemical compounds and byproducts present in cigarettes."

Smoking both tobacco and marijuana creates a "direct injury" to lung tissue and can cause inflammation, according to Hererra. Over time, this can lead to cellular DNA damage or mutations that can cause cancer.

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"It appears that the risk of lung cancer with other forms of cannabis use is likely not as significant, mainly due to not exposing the lungs to burning products or smoke," he added.

Further studies are needed to confirm the risk related to light and recreational cannabis smoking, as well as vaping, the doctor noted.

It will be important to determine whether marijuana smoking should be considered in the criteria for lung cancer screening eligibility in the future, Hererra added.

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New research published in the Oxford Academic journal Carcinogenesis found that nicotine-based vapes are likely to cause oral and lung cancer.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales analyzed a wide body of global research, finding that "those who vape are at increased risk of cancer compared to those who don’t."

"Considering all the findings — from clinical monitoring, animal studies and mechanistic data — e-cigarettes are likely to cause lung cancer and oral cancer," lead author and UNSW cancer researcher Bernard Stewart commented in a press release.

Udelsman challenged the belief that vaping may be safer than smoking, noting that some "very severe inflammatory diseases" are beginning to become apparent.

More time is needed to analyze the impact of vaping both marijuana and tobacco, he added.

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"The data on vaping is very new, so we don’t know yet, but I’d worry about anything you’re breathing into your lungs, because it infiltrates the cells and air sacs in your lungs, which can cause damage and put you at a higher risk for cancer," Udelsman warned.

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Woman’s double-twin relationship sparks court’s impossible paternity ruling

A panel of judges has ruled that it is impossible to determine which of two identical twins fathered a woman’s baby.

The child (referred to as "P"), who was conceived in 2017, is now 8 years old, according to court documents.

The U.K. woman, who was only identified as "the mother," reportedly engaged in sexual relations with the identical twins just four days apart.

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She remained in a relationship with one twin, who was named on the birth certificate and initially acted as the legal father, the filing stated. When the relationship ended, it triggered a legal dispute.

The mother and the twin who is not listed on the birth certificate brought the case, seeking to overturn an earlier ruling and have him legally recognized as the child’s father, the document detailed.

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The Court of Appeals ruled that legal paternity rights are only granted to a genetic father. While DNA testing shows a 50/50 chance for each twin to be the father, there is no definitive answer.

"Currently, the truth of P’s paternity is that their father is one or other of these two identical twins, but it is not possible to say which," stated Lord Justice Moylan in the Court of Appeal ruling.

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Moylan added that the child’s paternity "is binary and not a single man," highlighting the legal uncertainty created by the case.

Since neither twin can prove he is the biological father, neither can be given legal parental responsibility, the court declared.

The case is significant because it ​​reveals a limit of DNA evidence, which is the foundation of many legal cases.

Identical twins have long presented a challenge in DNA testing, previous medical research has shown. 

Monozygotic (identical) twins share virtually identical genetic profiles, including the markers used in standard paternity tests, meaning they "cannot be differentiated using standard DNA testing," according to a study published in Forensic Science International: Genetics.

There are more advanced methods, such as whole genome sequencing, that can detect some rare genetic mutations among twins, but researchers say these techniques are complex, expensive and not commonly used in legal cases.

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A study published in PLOS Genetics confirms that distinguishing between identical twins’ DNA requires highly specialized analysis that goes beyond standard forensic testing.

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Should you microdose Ozempic? Experts are split on risks vs benefits

The rise of GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) has introduced new approaches to both weight loss and overall metabolic health.

Some users have found that microdosing, or taking the drug in small amounts, achieves the best health outcomes, but some experts warn against it.

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Terry Dubrow, a plastic surgeon and TV personality based in Newport Beach, California, recommended that everyone takes a low daily dose, even if they don’t need to lose weight.

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"I am obsessed with the concept of microdosing," he said. "I think maybe half the starting dose for diabetes is the way to go — and you probably don't need it every seven days, it's probably every 10 days, just to sort of modulate the amount of sugar in the blood."

The approach has gained popularity on social media, as influencers and self-proclaimed "health gurus" have promoted it even for people without diabetes or obesity.

In a recent episode of the Full Send podcast, Bryan Johnson, a venture capitalist and online creator who aims to reverse aging and extend human lifespan, shared that he microdoses Ozempic.

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"There are some side effects. For example, the dose I'm on raises my resting heart rate by two or three beats, which is a big deal for me, but the benefits are great," he said.

"GLP-1s are the first legit longevity drug," he went on. "It’s an amazing drug … There’s just nothing that rivals its efficacy."

Johnson suggested that a future where most people are microdosing GLP-1s is "not too far off."

"I am as healthy as a person can be, and I still benefit from GLP-1s," he said. "It has other metabolic effects, it has good neuroprotective effects."

Despite these claims, some weight-loss experts find this approach to be not only more costly, but also less effective.

Dr. Andre Teixeira, a bariatric surgeon with the Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, told Fox News Digital that microdosing is "truly dependent" on the individual.

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"The concern is there is no true protocol for it," he said. "We do not do microdosing at our practice."

While some people may think microdosing is cheaper, the doctor claims it can be "more expensive in the long run."

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"[That's] because you’re adjusting the dose and then not getting the full benefits of the medication," he said. "I see people who get frustrated that they are not achieving the weight-loss goal they were hoping for because they are spreading out their doses."

"The risk is that you’re not only playing with the potential benefits, but you’re also playing with the side effects, like nausea and vomiting."

The expert recommends working closely with a healthcare provider before starting a GLP-1. "I do not encourage microdosing on your own," he added.

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Fox News Digital reached out to GLP-1 drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Lilly for comment. 

Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.

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