Bird flu outbreaks in poultry and cattle have been occurring in the U.S. since 2022. So far, 72 human cases of bird flu have been confirmed, mostly among dairy and poultry workers. Now bird flu has been found in mink – a weasel-like mammal known for its soft, valuable fur used in making clothing. Mink raised for fur at the C&T Fenn Farms facility are dying of bird flu. Reporting revealed that Utah and USDA officials have not ordered the mink to be culled (killed) and are not testing workers for bird flu despite concerns that workers in close contact with infected mink might become infected.

Kayem, Al Fresco, and McKenzie recalled more than 1.5 million pounds of meat and poultry products nationwide. These products, including hot dogs, bacon, sausages, and deli meat, were stored at unsafe temperatures which, may cause harmful bacteria to grow. If you have purchased these brands, check your packages for establishment numbers EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A, and EST. M 9520. If you have any recalled products, throw them away or return them to the store.

Starting December 14, 2026, the FDA will allow salt substitutes in 139 foods. Government rules called "standards of identity (SOI)” specify the ingredients and recipes required for a food to be classified as bread, cheese, milk, ketchup, or other food categories. Most SOIs did not allow salt substitutes, but now, companies can reduce sodium levels in foods by using a salt substitute like potassium chloride. If a product contains a salt substitute, it must be included in the ingredients list. Salt substitutes can be beneficial for anyone who is trying to lower their blood pressure.

A clinical trial shows that adding a personalized mRNA vaccine to standard melanoma treatment cut the risk of death or cancer returning by 42 percent compared to standard treatment alone. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It starts in pigment-producing skin cells and is likely to return or spread to other organs. The new mRNA vaccine trains the immune system to find and destroy mutations in remaining cancer cells. Researchers are also trying personalized mRNA vaccines to treat pancreatic cancer.

Dengue is a virus spread by bites from infected mosquitoes, and is most common in southeast Asia, Pacific islands, and South America. Florida now has the largest dengue outbreak ever recorded in a U.S. state. The outbreak is growing; 57 new locally acquired cases were reported from October 11-17, raising the total to 425. Three counties (Hillsborough, Pinnellas, and Pasco) have declared emergencies. Most U.S. dengue cases occur in people returning from travel in areas where dengue is common, but local spread of the virus is possible. Hotter temperatures can make it easier for dengue to spread by increasing mosquito populations and allowing the virus to mature more quickly.