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Far UVC at a Turning Point With ICFUST 2026 coming to a close, researchers, clinicians, engineers, and organizations all over the world have connected in order to understand more about the power of Far UVC. Get more details about the ICFUST here

Whether its the return of Covid-19 or Hantavius, a number of infectious diseases can spread quickly in the 2026 World Cup. With the FIFA World Cup now underway, soccer fans are brought together worldwide, but experts warn that the large gathering could spread not only excitement, but also various infectious pathogens. “Mass gathering dynamics always increase the risk for infectious disease because you have congregate settings with high concentrations of people ... within the stadiums, airports, hotels and bars,” Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician and CEO of the Wellness Equity Alliance, tells TODAY.com. Several factors make this World Cup [...]

Be sure to wipe down surfaces first and use the Far UV while the surface is still wet. Researchers have noted that Far-UVC (222nm) is considered safer for human skin and eyes than a standard 254nm GUV, making it suitable for use on frequently touched surfaces and potentially for hand disinfection. However, the study found that this added safety comes with some limitations, as Far-UVC’s lower penetration makes it less effective when organic matter is present or when surfaces are rough. As a result, the researchers recommended using Far-UVC after surfaces have been cleaned to remove debris and organic material, preferably [...]

CDC data show that MMR vaccination rates among kindergartners have continued to decline, falling from 95.2% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 92.5% during the 2024–2025 school year. For the second consecutive year, measles cases in the United States have exceeded 2,000, based on CDC data updated Friday. The CDC reports that most confirmed cases in 2026 have occurred among children and teens 19 and younger, with about 92% involving people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Another 4% of cases were reported among people who had received one dose of the MMR vaccine, while 4% were among those [...]

This heartbreaking story of a cancer cluster from Massachusetts is a reminder that proactive air quality monitoring and steps to improve indoor air are crucial, just like with drinking water. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is investigating a possible cancer cluster involving teachers at Uxbridge High School. Investigators are looking at "environmental factors" at Uxbridge High School that could potentially be linked to breast cancer cases. Superintendent David Ljungberg shared the "sobering news" with school families and staff on Monday. Read the news article by Boston 25 to find out more.

Dr. Don Milton shares his perspective with WJLA-TV on the recent hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship As a cruise ship remains under monitoring over concerns that passengers carrying hantavirus could spread the infection inland if the ship docks, Donald K. Milton, MD, DrPH, warned that the disease can be deadly and drew comparisons to SARS and COVID-19. Watch the entire video detailing his thoughts in on the situation.

Ongoing communication is taking place between WHO and the National IHR Focal Points of Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and the United Kingdom to support timely information sharing and coordinated response efforts. On May 2, 2026, WHO was informed of a cluster of severe respiratory illness among passengers aboard a cruise ship carrying 147 passengers and crew. As of May 4, 2026, seven cases had been identified: two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus cases and five suspected cases. These include three deaths, one critically ill patient, and three people with mild symptoms. Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), also called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), [...]

ECDC has deployed an expert from the EU Health Task Force to the cruise ship affected by the Andes hantavirus outbreak, as part of a joint effort to investigate the outbreak and coordinate the public health response together with relevant Member States. On May 2, 2026, the Netherlands informed ECDC through the European Union Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) about a cluster of an unidentified illness causing severe respiratory symptoms aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship in the South Atlantic. The ship was carrying 149 people from 23 nationalities, including passengers or crew from nine EU/EEA Member States: Belgium, France, Germany, [...]

A pediatric infectious disease expert shares information on the Cicada variant, the latest COVID strain spreading in the U.S., and whether children are more at risk of infection. A newly identified COVID-19 variant known as BA 3.2, or “Cicada,” is spreading in the United States and has been found in wastewater samples from 25 states, according to a recent CDC report. BA 3.2 is a mutated form of the Omicron BA 1 variant and was nicknamed “Cicada” because, like the insect, it appears to vanish and then resurface months later. The BA 3.2 variant has over 70 mutations when compared with [...]

Measles Cases and Outbreaks Measles (Rubeola), a viral illness once declared eliminated in 2000, has since then resurged nationwide. Despite the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, reports have shown that vaccination reports have been declining. Something to note is that in 2019–2020, it is reported that 95.2% of U.S. Kindergarteners have been vaccinated for the school year, while of those in 2024–2025, it has dipped to 92.5%. This leaves 286,000 children at risk of being infected with such a contagious virus. For the latest national case information, the CDC provides an updated measles cases and outbreaks page [...]