Measles scare at major airport: What to know about potential exposure

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is sounding the alarm on a potential measles exposure at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

In a news release on April 30, the department identified two confirmed measles cases in Cook County.

These are the first two cases in the county, following the state’s first confirmed case in a southern Illinois adult on April 23.

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One case was identified as a suburban Cook County adult with an unknown vaccination status who sought medical care at a local hospital on April 28.

The second case was identified in a Chicago adult who traveled internationally through O’Hare Airport in April.

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The patient, who had one prior dose of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, reported a rash onset on April 25.

Both individuals have been isolated at home since being diagnosed.

The state health department listed the following locations where there was potential for public exposure:

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IDPH urges all people over the age of 12 months to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine prior to traveling internationally.

Individuals who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms and notify their healthcare provider if they are unsure of prior vaccinations.

If symptoms arise, they should notify the healthcare provider before arriving at a facility to ensure "special arrangements" that will prevent others from infection, according to health officials.

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Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air, IDPH noted, adding that 90% of people close to an infected person will also become infected if not immunized against it.

As of May 1, there have been 935 total cases of measles confirmed across the U.S., according to CDC data.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra wrote in a press release statement that while Illinois public health officials are working to prevent further spread, being fully immunized "remains the best and most effective way for everyone to protect themselves and those they love."

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"The MMR vaccine is safe and effective," he said. "We encourage anyone who is unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, to speak with their medical provider and take appropriate steps to get up to date on the recommended shots."

Interim Cook County Department of Public Health COO Dr. Kiran Joshi added that there is a resurgence of measles in the U.S., despite the effectivenes of the MMR vaccine.

"Misinformation has contributed to declining vaccination rates and fueled recent outbreaks," he said. 

"The MMR vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, is highly effective, and has protected millions of lives."

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Heart disease death risk raised by common household products, study finds

Chemicals found in plastics have been linked to a multitude of health risks — and now heart disease mortality has been added to the list.

In an analysis of population surveys, researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that daily exposure to chemicals in common household items could have been a factor in more than 356,000 heart disease deaths in 2018 alone.

That number equates to more than 13% of heart disease-related deaths worldwide for people between 55 and 64 years of age.

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The study, which was published in the journal Lancet eBioMedicine on April 29, explored the risks of chemicals called phthalates, which are found in cosmetics, detergents, solvents, plastic pipes, bug repellents and other products, according to an NYU press release.

In this research, the focus was a specific type of phthalate called di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which is used to make softer, more flexible plastics like food containers and medical equipment, the release stated. 

DEHP has been linked to inflammation in the arteries of the heart, making people more susceptible to heart attack or stroke.

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To determine levels of DEHP exposure, the researchers analyzed dozens of population surveys spanning 200 countries and territories.

Mortality data was obtained from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a research group in the U.S. that collects medical information worldwide to identify trends in public health.

"By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health," said study lead author Sara Hyman, BS, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, in the release.

The regions with the highest heart disease death tolls linked to phthalates include the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific.

"Our results underscore the urgent need for global regulations to reduce exposure to these toxins, especially in areas most affected by rapid industrialization and plastic consumption," said senior study author Dr. Trasande, the Jim G. Hendrick, MD, professor of pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, in the release.

Inflammation is a known cause of coronary artery disease, according to Dr. Jasdeep Dalawari, an Illinois-based interventional cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company.

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"Our bodies release chemicals and hormones that give directions to the artery to open, close or change diameter," Dalawari, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"This study suggests that microplastics may interfere with those internal signals, so the artery doesn’t perform the way it should."

"Microplastics are widely present in a variety of products we use every day, and it’s crucial to understand their long-term effects on human health," he added.

Renato Apolito, M.D., medical director of cardiac catheterization at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, agreed that manmade plastic products have long been known and suspected to be health risks. 

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"These often use highly engineered chemicals where the goal is not quality and safety, but instead cost-effectiveness and convenience," Apolito, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

The doctor shared that he stopped using non-stick pans long ago, and mostly uses glass storage and avoids eating and drinking from plastic containers.

Apolito noted, however, that the "longitudinal and observational" nature of the study comes with limitations.

"It is generally used to see if there's any correlation between exposure and health risk, which is then used to study the topic further in a more controlled fashion," Apolito, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

"It cannot control for unidentified variations in lifestyles among the people followed."

Senior author Trasande also pointed out the potential limitations.

The analysis does not establish that DEHP caused heart disease and that higher death risks did not take into account other types of phthalates, he stated.

The study also did not include death rates in other age groups, the doctor pointed out, which means the overall death toll is "likely much higher."

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate how reducing phthalate exposure affects mortality rates. 

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They will also measure the chemical’s potential role in other health concerns.

"These studies are typically what are used to study the next step of elucidating cause and effect," Apolito said. "This can lead to the FDA and other policymakers banning or outlawing the use of such products."  

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Dalawari suggested that the researchers may want to look at other contributing factors, including air pollution, which has proven to be a "novel non-traditional risk factor" for coronary disease.

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"The intersection of pollution, regulation and genetic predisposition provides a complex landscape, and further research is necessary to unravel these connections, paving the way for more informed public health policies and preventive measures," he added.

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Weight-loss drugs to get surprising endorsement from global health giant

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday announced its support for weight-loss drugs in adults globally.

The organization plans to back GLP-1s like Wegovy and Zepbound to treat obesity in adults as part of a shift in addressing the global obesity epidemic, as reported by Reuters.

In a memo, the agency called for strategies to improve access to the medications in countries that are low- and middle-income, Reuters summarized.

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More than one billion people have obesity across the globe, according to WHO's data, and around 70% of these individuals live in low- and middle-income countries.

The proven effectiveness of weight-loss drugs has led individuals, especially in the U.S. and other high-income countries like Britain and Germany, to seek out GLP-1 solutions.

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Cost can be a factor, however, as the medications can be priced at more than $1,000 per month, Reuters noted.

In a statement, a WHO spokesperson wrote that the agency has been working on a "set of new recommendations for obesity prevention, care and treatment" among different age groups, including children, adolescents and adults.

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The agency said it expects the drug recommendations to be finalized by August or September 2025.

The guidance will also include "how and when this class of medications may be integrated as one component of a chronic care model that includes both clinical and lifestyle interventions," the WHO stated.

WHO experts also plan to meet next week to decide whether GLP-1 drugs should be included on the agency's list of essential medications to treat both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The agency is also reportedly calling for longer-term studies on the cost-effectiveness of these drugs "across all settings" and income statuses.

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Ice bucket challenge revival for mental health sparks controversy among ALS community

The Ice Bucket Challenge is back, but this time for a new cause.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that went mega-viral in the summer of 2014 had more than 17 million people on social media, and even celebrities on talk shows, dumping ice water over their heads.

The challenge, supported by the ALS Association, was intended to raise awareness of the disease. It ultimately raised $115 million toward ALS research and patient care.

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Eleven years later, the Ice Bucket Challenge has been revived by USC Mind, the University of South Carolina’s Mental Illness Needs Discussion club.

In support of a foundation called Active Minds, the country's largest mental health nonprofit for teens and young adults, the USC group launched the #SpeakYourMind Ice Bucket Challenge.

The challenge is taking off on social media and has raised nearly $400,000 on the event’s fundraising site.

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The trend revival has sparked some controversy for taking attention away from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

The average life expectancy after ALS diagnosis is typically two to five years, according to the ALS Association.

Brooke Eby, an ALS patient and influencer, posted a video on social media with the caption, "Watching people steal the ALS ice bucket challenge for a different cause when ALS still doesn’t have a cure and is 100% fatal. Fuming."

Michael Stone, another content creator and ALS patient, spoke out about the impact the challenge had on the ALS community.

"It is more than a trend," he printed in an infographic. "The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge changed lives."

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"Raising awareness for ALS is crucial because it leads to funding, and funding leads to research," Stone wrote. "What started as a viral challenge grew into something far greater: a worldwide effort that’s funding life-changing research and giving hope to those affected by this devastating disease."

Brian Frederick, the ALS Association's chief marketing and communications officer, shared the organization’s support for the revived movement.

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"We’re thrilled to see young people taking up the spirit of activism for mental health, but we also want people to know that ALS is still fatal and urgently needs a cure," Frederick said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Mental health is an important issue in the ALS community, given the devastating physical, emotional and financial toll that ALS takes on entire families."

Frederick commented that the original ALS Ice Bucket Challenge "dramatically accelerated" the fight against ALS, which led to "new genes discovered, new treatments in the pipeline" and a significant increase in care services.

Since the challenge, the ALS Association has invested more than $150 million in ALS research, followed by nearly $1 billion in additional ALS research funding, according to Frederick.

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"We still have a long way to go to turn ALS from fatal to livable and cure it, but we’re grateful to everyone for taking the Ice Bucket Challenge and raising awareness of ALS and mental health," he added.

Cathy Cummings, CEO of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, noted that many people with ALS and their caregivers can face "serious mental health challenges," such as depression and anxiety.

"Using the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness around mental health supports our community as well," she told Fox News Digital. "We would like to hold space for multiple people’s experiences, without needing to pick which is more deserving." 

In a press release on Thursday, both the ALS Association and Active Minds announced they're teaming up in this new Ice Bucket Challenge for the month of May, which is both Mental Health Awareness Month and ALS Awareness Month.

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Gender dysphoria treatments pose ‘significant risks’ to kids and teens, HHS report reveals

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday released a comprehensive review of best practices for children and teens with gender dysphoria.

The report, titled ‘Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices," was published by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and Office of Population Affairs.

"This review, informed by an evidence-based medicine approach, reveals serious concerns about medical interventions, such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries, that attempt to transition children and adolescents away from their sex," stated a press release from HHS.

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These types of "gender-affirming" treatments are recommended by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). 

The report highlights evidence of risks associated with gender-related treatments, including irreversible infertility, sexual dysfunction, reduced bone density, adverse cognitive impacts, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, psychiatric disorders, surgical complications and regret.

It also cites "very weak evidence of benefit."

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The authors also called into question the ethics surrounding medical interventions for children and teens with gender dysphoria.

"HHS believes that medical ethics should be central in this debate," the release said.

A team of medical doctors, medical ethicists and a methodologist contributed to the review, according to HHS. 

"Contributors represent a wide range of political viewpoints and were chosen for their commitment to scientific principles."

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"Our duty is to protect our nation’s children — not expose them to unproven and irreversible medical interventions," said NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya in the release. "We must follow the gold standard of science, not activist agendas."

The report will undergo a full peer review in the coming days.

Mark Trammell, the CEO of the Center for American Liberty (CAL), said the new HHS report confirms that the "medical mutilation" of children suffering from gender dysphoria "is not only unsupported by credible scientific evidence, but also poses serious, lifelong risks."

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"It’s time for America to follow the example of other nations and end the dangerous experiment of pediatric gender transition," he went on. 

"Children deserve compassionate, evidence-based care, and parents deserve a voice."

Fox News Digital reached out to WPATH for comment.

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Here's why belly fat is more common as we age, and 3 ways to prevent it

More people are focused on staying healthy and fit as they grow older — but it's true that it can become more challenging with age.

New research has revealed that cellular changes during the aging process can cause belly fat — and that's exacerbated by stress and sleep issues that contribute to weight gain.

"People often lose muscle and gain body fat as they age — even when their body weight remains the same," study author Qiong (Annabel) Wang, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Endocrinology at City of Hope, said in a press release.

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Published in the journal Science, the preclinical research involved experiments on mice that were later confirmed with human cells.

Researchers focused on a group of stem cells called adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) within the fatty tissue responsible for age-related weight gain.

When they transplanted these cells from mice of various ages into another group of younger mice, they noticed the creation of large numbers of fat cells within the younger mice.

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However, when they transplanted a batch of cells from young mice into old mice, they did not see the same effect.

The results confirmed that older stem cells are more likely to lead to new fat cells, regardless of the age of the host receiving them, the press release noted.

"While most adult stem cells’ capacity to grow wanes with age, the opposite holds true with APCs — aging unlocks these cells’ power to evolve and spread," said Adolfo Garcia-Ocana, chair of the Department of Molecular & Cellular Endocrinology at City of Hope, in the press release.

Aging also changes these APCs into yet another group of cells called committed preadipocytes, age-specific (CP-As), which actively churn out new fat cells.

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Humans have a "signaling pathway" — a chemical reaction that controls how the body makes cells — called the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR), experts said.

"Our research indicates that LIFR plays a crucial role in triggering CP-As to create new fat cells and expand belly fat in older mice," Wang said in the same release.

Despite the effects of aging, there are steps people can take to prevent expanding waistlines, according to Dr. Sajad Zalzala, co-founder and chief medical officer of AgelessRx in Detroit, Michigan.

"As we age, our ability to maintain lean muscle mass decreases, which contributes to metabolic slowdown and increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen," Zalzala, who was not involved in the City of Hope study, told Fox News Digital.

He recommends starting the day with 20 to 30 grams of protein, which can be found in foods like Greek yogurt, protein shakes and eggs.

Eating protein at the beginning of the day keeps you full longer, stabilizes blood sugar and encourages muscle maintenance, according to the doctor.

"Chronically high cortisol levels, which can be driven by poor sleep or stress, promote fat storage, especially around the waist," Zalzala noted.

People should aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night, according to experts.

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Zalzala also recommends stress-reduction strategies like walking, mindfulness and breathwork, calling them "powerful tools for fat regulation and metabolic health."

"The study reminds us that aging adipose tissue behaves differently — it’s more inflammatory and prone to dysfunction," said Zalzala.

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"Minimizing added sugars and highly processed carbs (white bread, pastries, sugary drinks) reduces insulin resistance and fat accumulation, particularly visceral fat that sits deep in the belly."

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New prostate cancer test pinpoints disease better than PSA option, study finds

A new means of prostate cancer screening could emerge as an alternative to the PSA test, which has long been the first-line option.

Using machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence, Swedish researchers analyzed urine samples from more than 2,000 men with prostate cancer, along with a control group.

They determined that the simple, non-invasive urine test was able to detect biomarkers of prostate cancer with a high degree of accuracy — and could also determine the grade (stage) of the disease.

The results were published in the journal Cancer Research.

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"Prostate cancer can be effectively identified by analyzing the expression of candidate biomarkers in urine," confirmed lead author Martin Smelik from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, who spoke to Fox News Digital about the findings.

"This approach outperforms the current blood tests based on PSA, but at the same time keeps the advantages of being non-invasive, painless and relatively cheap."

The researchers were surprised by the "heterogeneity of tumors," which refers to "the differences between tumors of the same type in different patients, the differences between cancer cells within a single tumor, or the differences between a primary (original) tumor and a secondary tumor," according to the National Cancer Institute.

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"One of the main challenges of the study was to overcome this and to identify biomarkers that were specific for prostate cancer, but also expressed in all types of patients," Smelik said.

Dr. Timothy Showalter, a radiation oncologist at UVA Health in Virginia and chief medical officer at Artera, was not involved in the study but commented on the findings.

"This study highlights the power of machine learning applied to patient data in identifying breakthroughs that can help us diagnose cancer earlier, when our treatments are most effective," he told Fox News Digital. 

"Prostate cancer screening has not seen a transformative advance in decades, and current approaches still rely on the PSA blood test, which is known to have low specificity for clinically significant cancers."

The existing PSA test works by monitoring levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. 

It can be used to screen for prostate cancer or monitor the disease’s progression, but some risks and limitations have been noted.

Matthew C. Abramowitz, M.D., co-chair and clinical lead of the Genitourinary Malignancies Site Disease Group at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, Florida, echoed the need for alternatives to the PSA test.

"While PSA is an incredibly sensitive tool for issues related to the prostate, it is not specific to prostate cancer," Abramowitz, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"The techniques proposed in the current study suggest the promise of identifying specific cancer markers in the urine, minimizing some of the specificity concerns associated with PSA."

While PSA has the advantage of simplicity, quickness and reasonable cost, determining the meaning behind any abnormal findings often requires further testing, such as MRIs and biopsies, the doctor noted.

False positives are also common with the PSA test, occurring in about 6% to 7% of the cases.

"Only about 25% of men who have a biopsy due to an elevated PSA level are found to have prostate cancer," states the NIH.

The study did have some limitations, chiefly the low number of samples. 

"The urine prostate cancer prediction model was performed on a small data set and appears to be largely an analysis of European men, both of which may limit its applicability to other high-risk prostate cancer populations," Abramowitz noted.  

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The test could also come with a significant cost increase due to the specialized equipment necessary to perform the analyses, he added.

The researchers acknowledged the need for larger studies to validate the findings and to potentially include other cancers.

"While this study was focused specifically on prostate cancer, we believe that some of the methods could be generalized to other cancers as well, which we would like to try in our future studies," Smelik said.

The ultimate goal, according to the researchers, is to achieve more efficient screening programs within the next few years, potentially helping to prevent and treat prostate cancer.

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Showalter agreed, adding, "This work may pave the way for more specific screening methods that improve our ability to detect high-grade cancers before they progress or metastasize, ultimately improving cure rates and reducing treatment-related morbidity."

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