A record-breaking heat wave is spreading across the United States, baking the Northeast and Midwest with high temperatures and sweltering humidity. Everyone is at risk for heat-related illness as body temperatures rise, experts warn. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps can fell anyone who overheats. People who are outdoors for too long also might…  read on >  read on >

A deadly bacterial infection known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is spreading across Japan, officials in that country report. In March, Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases issued its first warning that STSS cases were on the rise. As of June 2, Japan’s health ministry has reported 977 cases for 2024 — a count that already surpasses…  read on >  read on >

A new smartphone tool could help paramedics identify a stroke in seconds by scanning the patient’s face. The AI-driven tool analyzes facial symmetry and specific muscle movements to detect subtle signs of stroke, researchers explained. “One of the key parameters that affects people with stroke is that their facial muscles typically become unilateral, so one…  read on >  read on >

The discovery that the Epstein-Barr virus might be a major driver of multiple sclerosis has re-energized research into the autoimmune disease. Now, investigators in the U.K. and Sweden believe they might be closer to understanding how the virus, which also causes mononucleosis, might help spur MS. “The discovery of the link between Epstein-Barr Virus [EBV]…  read on >  read on >