Department of Health

Major healthcare institutions across Singapore, including hospitals under NHG Health, NUHS and SingHealth, have reported digital disruptions. Call centre lines across NHG Health's network, covering four hospitals, were temporarily unavailable, and authorities warned patients to expect longer wait times. Separately in the US, workers at Roseland Community Hospital held a vigil to save its labour and delivery department.

Health officials in Hamilton County, Ohio, have confirmed that one person has been infected with West Nile virus, according to the local health department. The announcement comes as searches about the virus are rising in the United States and the Netherlands. Officials typically urge residents to use mosquito repellent and remove standing water as a precaution.

The Tennessee Department of Health has opened an investigation into a possible foodborne illness outbreak linked to a Walmart warehouse in the state. Officials have not yet released details on how many people are affected, what symptoms were reported, or which facility is involved. The probe comes as the retailer works with authorities to determine the source of the suspected contamination.

The Department of Health and Human Services is providing funding for a maternal nutrition program in Texas, according to a report from KVUE. The initiative aims to improve nutrition support for expectant mothers in the state. Details on the funding amount and which organizations will receive the money have not been released.

Mark Zuckerberg's Biohub is partnering with the US Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health on a $1.8 billion investment to build large-scale biological datasets for training AI models. The initiative would support artificial intelligence research in biology and medicine, drawing attention to the growing role of tech billionaires in publicly backed science.

Hawaii's Department of Health has confirmed a travel-related case of dengue virus on Oahu, meaning the infected person contracted the disease outside the state and was not locally transmitted. Health officials typically monitor close contacts and mosquito activity after such confirmations. Residents and travelers are paying attention to the announcement given Hawaii's periodic dengue scares and concern about any potential local spread.

Local health officers face renewed questions over how to handle measles outbreaks, as cases prompt debate over the right response. Key issues include isolation protocols, school exclusion policies, vaccination drives, and public communication in communities with low immunization rates. Public health officials are weighing enforcement against persuasion, and the discussion has drawn attention from policymakers and health departments deciding on guidance.

The Alachua County Health Department in Florida is offering flu immunizations to residents. Seasonal flu vaccination campaigns typically ramp up as the respiratory illness season approaches, and local health departments urge residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and reduce strain on the community. Appointments and availability details can be obtained directly from the department.

The Fort Wayne Police Department is publicly detailing its mental health crisis training following a recent officer-involved shooting in the city. The department is explaining how officers are prepared to respond to people in psychological distress, and the disclosure comes amid scrutiny of how police handle such encounters.

The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating a possible foodborne illness outbreak at a Walmart warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee. The probe is at an early stage, and no details have been released on how many workers may be affected or which illness is suspected. Health officials are working to identify the source and confirm whether the cases are connected, while the facility continues operations.

Hawaii's Department of Health has confirmed the state's ninth travel-related case of dengue fever in 2026. The infection was contracted by a traveler outside the state, and officials stress there is no evidence of local transmission. Health authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to take mosquito precautions when visiting dengue-affected regions.

Wake County Public Health in North Carolina is calling on residents to get vaccinated against the flu. The health department's message stresses that a flu shot is the best protection as cases circulate in the community, and encourages people to get vaccinated at clinics or through local providers.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched a new initiative focused on vaccine injuries, according to Reuters. The move is drawing attention given Kennedy's long history of vaccine skepticism and his department's role in overseeing immunisation policy. Observers are debating whether the effort reflects legitimate patient safety work or risks amplifying doubt about established vaccine science.

Health officials in Putnam County, New York, are preparing for a potential measles outbreak, according to Mid Hudson News. The preparations come amid renewed concern over measles cases, with local authorities readying response measures to contain any spread. Residents in the Hudson Valley region may hear more from the county health department as the situation develops.

The California Department of Water Resources is highlighting its work examining salmon health and biology, described as 'getting under the skin' of salmon science. The piece, carried by water news outlet Maven's Notebook, points to ongoing state efforts to understand salmon populations in California's water systems, a subject of close attention given declining fish runs and water management debates.

El Paso has appointed its third public health director since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to El Paso Matters. The report highlights continued turnover in leadership of the city-county public health department, a role central to the region's pandemic response and ongoing health services. Little further detail is available in the reporting, and the new director's background and priorities have not been outlined.

Congress leader K. Muralidharan is in the spotlight amid a controversy in Kerala's health department following the appointment of a BJP leader. Health Minister Veena George dismissed an employee in connection with the row, according to Manorama News. The dismissal and the political appointment have sparked debate, with the BJP and Congress trading accusations in the state.

People across the US are looking for flu shots as flu season gets underway. Local health departments are promoting vaccination clinics, including free flu shots offered by a Tennessee county health department, while North Carolina's Brunswick County is publishing guidance on where residents can get vaccinated. Pharmacies, clinics and health departments are the main options being highlighted.

The Laredo Health Department in Texas held a discussion on gaps in access to mental health care for local residents. The conversation focused on identifying barriers that prevent people in the community from receiving mental health services and on how the department might address them. Local news covered the department's remarks, drawing attention to mental health access as an ongoing public health concern in the border city.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued public health advisories for several Kansas lakes after blue-green algae blooms were detected. These blooms can produce toxins harmful to people, pets and livestock, prompting warnings to avoid contact with affected water. Residents and visitors are being urged to check advisories before swimming, boating or fishing at lakes on the list.

The Franklin County coroner in Pennsylvania has announced a death associated with measles, while the state Department of Health continues to investigate the case. Details about the victim and circumstances have not yet been released. The announcement has drawn attention amid ongoing measles outbreaks and falling vaccination rates in parts of the United States.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County, citing a public health hazard. The closure means anglers may no longer take razor clams in the county until further notice, as officials work to protect the public from potentially unsafe shellfish.

David Rose, who serves as Alexandria's health director, is leaving his position to take a regional role with the state. The move marks a leadership change for the city's health department, with the announcement drawing attention locally as residents and officials await details on his successor and the transition timeline.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued an update to its mosquito-borne illness alert, advising residents that conditions warrant continued precautions against mosquito bites. Local health authorities typically issue such alerts when mosquito-borne disease activity, such as West Nile virus or other infections, is detected in the area, urging people to use repellent and remove standing water.

An investigation by the Laurel County Health Department in Kentucky has confirmed more than 50 reported cases of measles. Local news outlet WYMT reported the figure, making it a significant outbreak for the area. Health officials are expected to focus on tracing contacts and encouraging vaccination as the response continues.

The US Department of Energy, the National Institutes of Health and the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub have signed an agreement to advance super intelligence in biology. The deal aims to combine federal research resources with Biohub's scientific network to accelerate AI-driven discoveries in the life sciences, though details of funding and specific programs have not been announced.