United States: CDC Temporarily Revises Public Health Rule in Order to Expand Entry Ban to Green Card Holders Recently in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan

• The U.S. military conducted a strike on a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the Pacific Ocean on May 31, 2026. • Three individuals were killed in the operation, marking the fourth such attack carried out by the military within a single week.

• The FDA approved Icotyde (icotrokinra), developed by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, on March 17, 2026. • The drug is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) receptor antagonist specifically indicated for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

• A study by researchers from University College London, King’s College London, and the University of Oxford found that younger UK generations are becoming sicker earlier than previous ones. • The research analyzed health trends across cohorts born between 1946 and 2000–02, identifying a rise in early-onset illness.

• Dr. Katherine Szarama recently served as the acting director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) for less than three weeks. • CBER is the critical division within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration responsible for overseeing the approval process for vaccines.

• Medical specialty societies are increasing their outreach and evidence-based guidance to fill communication gaps left by federal public health officials. • The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is collaborating with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and over a dozen other organizations to address public health needs.

• A US federal health agency has announced its support for two new research projects focusing on focused ultrasound technology. • The initiative highlights the critical role of FDA clearance and approval for manufacturers, medical device companies, and laboratories producing commercial diagnostic tests.

• An FDA advisory panel overwhelmingly recommended on Thursday that manufacturers base the 2026-2027 Covid-19 vaccine formulas on the dominant XFG variant. • This recommendation ensures that future vaccine iterations remain effective against evolving strains of the virus to maintain public health protections.

• An FDA advisory panel will convene this Thursday to determine which Covid-19 strain vaccine manufacturers should target for the 2026-2027 season. • The meeting occurs as the United States continues to navigate a shifting vaccine infrastructure and evolving public health needs.

• Researchers are testing a novel approach to treating depression by using anti-inflammatory drugs to calm the immune system rather than targeting brain chemicals. • In a small clinical trial conducted around May 28, 2026, early results indicate that reducing systemic inflammation may alleviate depressive symptoms.

• The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the remote Ituri province of eastern Congo. • As of May 15, health officials have recorded 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths linked to the virus.

• Recent health reports highlight critical gaps in private equity oversight, climate-related health disparities, and uneven access to genomic testing. • Data shows that two-sided risk Medicare Advantage arrangements correlate with fewer hospital admissions and emergency department visits, particularly in high-Social Vulnerability Index communities.