Virus
Explore Viruses, Infections & Disease
Latest about Viruses, Infections & Disease

Death reported in Texas measles outbreak is 1st in US in a decade: What to know
By Emily Cooke published
An outbreak of measles in Texas has infected 124 people so far — 18 of whom have subsequently been hospitalized and one who has died.

What are cancer vaccines?
By Marilyn Perkins published
Cancer vaccines harness the power of the immune system to stop tumors in their tracks. They work a little differently than regular vaccines intended to prevent infectious diseases, like measles or the flu.

Mystery illness kills over 50 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
By Patrick Pester, Nicoletta Lanese published
A yet-unidentified illness has killed 53 people and potentially infected hundreds more in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The World Health Organization is investigating the outbreak.

Dozens sickened and 12 dead in Listeria outbreak linked to frozen shakes
By Nicoletta Lanese published
An ongoing Listeria outbreak has mostly affected people living in long-term care facilities and people who were already hospitalized prior to becoming sick from the infection.

What is double pneumonia? Pope Francis's diagnosis explained.
By Hatty Willmoth last updated
Pope Francis is being treated in hospital for double pneumonia — but what is this condition, and why might the pope be particularly vulnerable to it?

What happens to the body during an asthma attack?
By Caleb Neal published
Learn what happens inside the body during an asthma attack and why treatments help prevent or reverse the effects.

2 'exclusively indoor' cats in Michigan caught bird flu, potentially from their owners
By Nicoletta Lanese last updated
A new report details the bird flu cases of two pet cats in Michigan whose owners work in the dairy industry. Earlier in the month, a data table from the report briefly appeared on the CDC website before being taken down.

Why America is losing its 50-year 'war on cancer,' according to scientist Nafis Hasan
By Nafis Hasan published
"This line of attack in the War on Cancer has had few meaningful outcomes for cancer patients."

Parasite lurking in woman's brain caused mysterious 'burning' leg sensation
By Pandora Dewan published
A woman developed an array of symptoms shortly after returning from a vacation, and parasites turned out to be the culprit.

Man nearly guaranteed to get early Alzheimer's is still disease-free in his 70s — how?
By Marianne Guenot published
A man who should have developed early-onset Alzheimer's disease due to a genetic mutation is still symptom-free in his 70s. Scientists are trying to understand why.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.