The Ebola crisis in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and 4,209 confirmed cases as of August 7, according to official figures. The death count has increased by 29 compared to the previous report of 1,887. Health officials are also caring for 595 patients in isolation, while 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus outbreak. The most recent daily report shows an addition of 89 confirmed cases and 21 deaths nationally, with Ituri accounting for 73 of the new infections. Efforts continue to update, review, and harmonize case and mortality data as surveillance efforts progress.

Chad’s health authorities have confirmed that an urgent waterborne health crisis has resulted in 13 deaths since late last month, when official public alerts were issued. Updated surveillance data from the Ministry of Public Health of Chad indicates that the cholera outbreak has caused 13 fatalities and increased the total confirmed and suspected cases to 239 across the country. These figures translate to a case fatality rate of 5.4 percent, far surpassing international public health standards for outbreak response.

In 2022, obesity was associated with 9,509 deaths in Belgium, accounting for 8.2 percent of the nation’s overall mortality, according to recent data from the Belgian public health institute Sciensano. This marks the first systematic attempt by Belgian public health researchers to quantify deaths directly linked to high body mass index (BMI). The report highlights that weight-related health issues caused more than one death every hour across the country. Moreover, the analysis shows that elevated BMI contributed to over 150,000 years of life lost among all demographic groups in a single year.

The Health and Environment Alliance, or HEAL, wants EU-wide standards for national climate adaptation plans and mandatory heat goals for member states. The campaign also calls for more funding for health resilience. The proposals follow a June heatwave that pushed temperatures above 40 C in parts of Europe. HEAL says national Heat Health Action Plans should contain ambitious, measurable targets for protecting people from climate risks, especially extreme heat. The group wants those plans to give priority to older people, children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. It also highlights people facing social and economic disadvantages.

Moderna has commenced a Phase 1 clinical trial for an experimental vaccine targeting Bundibugyo ebolavirus in Canada. The initial participant received the mRNA-1469 vaccine on August 3 at a facility in Truro, Nova Scotia. This trial coincides with ongoing virus spread across multiple provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The World Health Organization has designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.

Michigan confirms two deaths as officials investigate a major cyclospora outbreak. Both cases occurred before the voluntary iceberg lettuce recall declared on July 17. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the Michigan deaths on August 3, describing them as cyclosporiasis-related fatalities involving individuals with pre-existing health issues. The state’s total includes all cases reported during the investigation and may be updated. Federal surveillance data typically includes lab-confirmed cases and can differ from the state figures that also count probable illnesses. Federal authorities are examining a nine-state Cyclospora outbreak associated with iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. By July 24, nine states had reported 1,947 infected individuals, many of whom also reported exposure to Taco Bell. At least 98 of these patients required hospitalization. The illnesses began between June 22 and July 20. The CDC later acknowledged Michigan’s two deaths, which had not been reflected in the detailed federal totals from July 24. Recall involves iceberg lettuce from central Mexico Taylor Farms de Mexico withdrew all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The recall covered various food-service products and Marketside iceberg salad and shredded lettuce available at select Walmart stores, with use-by dates from July 18 to August 3. Between June 29 and July 16, Taylor Fresh Foods distributed affected lettuce to 27 states, and Taco Bell ceased using lettuce from this supplier on July 17. Michigan officials have not linked every case within the state to