Health Updates: CDC Faces New Mpox Variant, WHO Criticizes US Aid Pause, Senate Moves on Kennedy Nomination

The CDC confirmed isolation of an mpox variant case in New York, WHO criticized the US for pausing foreign health aid, causing global impact, while the US Senate advanced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s health department nomination. Meanwhile, CVS Health exceeded profit forecasts and innovative prostate cancer treatments are underway.

A person in New York has been diagnosed with clade 1b mpox, the CDC confirmed, as U.S authorities scramble to identify contacts connected to the patient. The individual's symptoms are reportedly improving without treatment. This takes place as the new variant raises concerns globally.

The WHO has expressed concern over the United States halting foreign health aid contributions, impacting global programs against polio, HIV, and more. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for the U.S. to reconsider its funding pause while seeking lasting solutions to continue global health initiatives.

Elsewhere, the U.S. Senate moved President Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. closer to confirmation as head of the Department of Health and Human Services. His controversial stance on vaccines has met resistance from Democrats and health experts, reflecting an ongoing debate over vaccine policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)