Studies have found fragments of bird flu virus in about 20% of the milk supply. It's not expected to pose a threat to humans, but may indicate the outbreak is more widespread than previously thought.

About 1,200 people die from extreme heat each year. As temperatures soar, the CDC is unveiling plans to help people deal with potentially record summer heat.

In the latest story in the NPR's series The Science of Siblings, we hear about a practice that dates back to ancient times that allows people to turn a friend into a sibling.

The COVID guidelines were used by millions of doctors to guide care during the pandemic. Scientists say the development of new COVID treatments has slowed to a drip.

The CDC is dropping its isolation guidance for COVID, instead advising around respiratory viruses in general. The change reflects the reality that severe outcomes are less frequent, says the director.

A measles outbreak in a Florida elementary school flummoxes public health experts, who say the state surgeon general's response contradicts established public health measures to contain the virus.

For years, a cancer-preventing vaccine reached vulnerable teens at rates that exceeded the baseline. Since the pandemic, researchers have seen a worrying drop in coverage among Medicaid recipients.

The CDC is reportedly planning to drop the isolation guidance for those who test positive for COVID-19. Experts say this may align with the current how people are behaving but may not bode well.

NPR's Juana Summers talks with Regina Barber and Pien Huang of Short Wave about a double emergence of cicadas this spring, invasive ants in Kenya, and the secrets in an ancient wad of chewing gum.

Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness. And it benefits school kids too. One elementary school in Florida is using a daily mindfulness program with great success.

Wastewater samples across the country find that the virus that causes COVID is plentiful as a new variant gathers strength. Treatments and vaccines still work against the new variant.

Respiratory illnesses are rising after the holidays. CDC Director Mandy Cohen and other health experts share data and advice on how to navigate what is typically the peak respiratory virus season.

New CDC data shows that life expectancy in the U.S. is starting to recover, after it dropped during COVID-19 health emergency. Despite the gains, it still lags behind pre-pandemic times.

The CDC finds that leishmaniasis, a skin disease spread by sand flies, is spreading at low levels in the southern U.S. It was previously considered a tropical disease only be acquired abroad.

A new CDC report finds a rise in threats and verbal abuse aimed at health care workers since the start of the pandemic. The harassment is linked to high levels of anxiety, depression and burnout.

COVID, flu and RSV are the big respiratory illnesses, but U.S. researchers have a clearer picture of other circulating viruses with wastewater surveillance. (Story aired on ATC on Oct. 20, 2023.)

National data shows COVID-19 levels are moderate. In most of the U.S., levels of other respiratory viruses are low, although RSV is ticking up in some southeastern states.

While COVID, flu and RSV remain the big three of respiratory illnesses in the U.S., researchers are getting a clearer picture of other circulating viruses with wastewater surveillance.

A survey finds more than half of U.S. dog owners question the safety, efficacy or usefulness of the vaccine for rabies, which is a lethal disease. (Story aired on ATC on Oct. 11, 2023.)

A survey finds that more than half of dog parents are doubtful about giving their pups the vaccine for rabies — a lethal disease that vaccination brought under control in the U.S.