— Health news and commentary gathered by MedPage Today staff
October 21, 2026 • 2 min read
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A Salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters has sickened 27 peopleopens in a new tab or window and hospitalized five across a dozen states, the CDC said.
Meanwhile, the agency confirmed a third measles death in Pennsylvania, although it still doesn't equalopens in a new tab or window the number reported by the state itself. (The Hill)
A start-up company says it has used viruses designed by artificial intelligenceopens in a new tab or window to treat a patient. (New York Times)
A group of scientists says they have developed an artificial intelligence model that can predict a cancer patient's mortality riskopens in a new tab or window by looking at a photo of their face. (Washington Post)
The U.S. fertility rate declined 1% in 2025 to reach a new record-low, according to a CDC reportopens in a new tab or window, with 53.2 births recorded per 1,000 females ages 15 to 44 years.
The FDA released guidanceopens in a new tab or window advising companies on how to develop and distribute apps that go along with their prescription medications.
Among the National Academy of Medicine's new membersopens in a new tab or window are former senator Bill Frist, MD (R-Tenn.); National Cancer Institute Director Anthony Letai, MD, PhD; and former CDC director Susan Monarez, PhD.
The late Fred Lorenzen has become the first NASCAR driveropens in a new tab or window to be diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His family has donated $1 million for CTE research. (Sports illustrated)
Ob/gyns in Idaho who stayed on after the state banned abortion are cracking under the pressureopens in a new tab or window. (New York Times)
HHS launched a planopens in a new tab or window to revitalize kidney care and also announced that it's establishing seven new hubsopens in a new tab or window to help sickle cell disease patients access treatment closer to home.
The NFL Players Association is demanding an investigationopens in a new tab or window into the medical care provided to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was diagnosed with blood clots in both lungs. (The Athletic)
NPR profiled Vanessa Kerryopens in a new tab or window, MD, the World Health Organization's new special envoy for health resilience.
Nigeria confirmed an Ebola caseopens in a new tab or window in a woman who had traveled there from Uganda. Meanwhile, Kenya also confirmed a new caseopens in a new tab or window, bringing its total to nine. (AP)