In early February 2026 several British media outlets reported outrage after multiple NHS trusts advertised specialist roles to support families in close-relative (often first-cousin) marriages. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust posted a fixed-term neonatal/genetic counselling role seeking an Urdu-speaking nurse to help couples “make informed choices in a culturally sensitive” way; similar posts were listed in Frimley, Bedfordshire and Bradford. The controversy intensified after a government-funded monitoring body, the National Child Mortality Database, warned staff it is “unacceptable” to discourage cousin marriage in a blanket way — a finding described in coverage as not being formal NHS England guidance. Critics and some MPs pointed to research and expert commentary that children of first-cousin parents face elevated risks of recessive genetic disorders (commonly cited as up to about three times higher). Campaigners who are survivors or carers of affected families denounced the NHS material as dangerously permissive, while ministers have said NHS England is funding additional genomic and neonatal capacity through pilot projects. The adverts and guidance have provoked debate over public health messaging, cultural sensitivity and the allocation of NHS resources.

More than 94 million people worldwide need cataract surgery but roughly half lack access to treatment, the World Health Organization said on Feb. 11, 2026, as it released new guidance on expanding quality cataract services. Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness and a major cause of vision impairment; surgery is a short, cost-effective procedure (about 15 minutes; intraocular lens cost can be under US$100). WHO and a new Lancet analysis—using Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness and other population surveys across 68 countries with modelled trends to 2030—show large unmet need, worst in Africa where three in four people remain untreated. The WHO-backed modelling projects cataract surgical coverage will rise by only about 8.4% this decade, far short of the 30 percentage-point eCSC target set by member states for 2030. Women have consistently lower access than men, and in some settings, notably Kenya, current rates mean many patients will die with cataract-related blindness. WHO urges integration of eye care into primary health services, investment in equipment and financing, and scale-up of standardised surgeon training and workforce distribution.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has refused to start a review of Moderna's application to license its mRNA influenza vaccine candidate, mRNA-1010, the company said on Feb. 10, 2026. In a refusal-to-file letter signed by Vinay Prasad, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, the agency said Moderna's 40,000-person pivotal trial was not an “adequate and well‑controlled” study because it compared the candidate to a standard-dose seasonal influenza vaccine rather than the “best‑available standard of care” in the United States at the time of the study. Moderna said the FDA raised no safety or efficacy concerns, that its trials met primary endpoints (including data showing about 26.6% greater effectiveness in adults 50+ versus an approved shot), and that it had previously received agency feedback it says allowed the chosen comparator. Moderna has requested an urgent meeting with the FDA and is pursuing parallel regulatory reviews in the EU, Canada and Australia; the company previously indicated potential approvals outside the U.S. in late 2026 or 2027. The refusal-to-file, a rare step for new vaccines, comes amid wider shifts in U.S. vaccine policy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

A large umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine finds structured exercise substantially reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, with effects comparable to or exceeding those of some pharmacological and psychological treatments. Researchers synthesized 63 pooled reviews of randomized trials, covering nearly 80,000 participants across age groups. Aerobic activities — such as running, swimming and dancing — showed the largest benefits. Group and supervised formats produced the strongest reductions in depressive symptoms, while shorter, lower‑intensity programmes (up to eight weeks) were most effective for anxiety. Effect sizes reported included a medium-sized reduction for depression (SMD ~ -0.61) and a small-to-medium reduction for anxiety (SMD ~ -0.47). Benefits were especially pronounced among young adults (18–30) and postnatal women. The authors call for clinicians to consider exercise as a first‑line, evidence‑based intervention and urge translation of findings into clear, actionable public health and clinical guidelines, while noting heterogeneity in study quality and exercise definitions.

A top U.S. health official urged Americans to get measles vaccinations as outbreaks spread across multiple states, raising alarms that the country could lose its measles-elimination status. On Feb. 8, 2026, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz told CNN viewers, “Take the vaccine, please,” and said Medicare and Medicaid will continue to cover the shot. South Carolina is facing the largest outbreak in years, with roughly 920 confirmed cases, and clusters have also been reported along the Utah–Arizona border and elsewhere. The calls for vaccination come amid broader strains on trust in U.S. vaccine policy: an Annenberg survey (Nov. 17–Dec. 1, 2025) found perceptions of vaccine safety slipping — 83% view MMR as safe, 80% the flu vaccine and 65% COVID-19 vaccines — and a KFF poll shows public trust in the CDC has fallen dramatically. Since 2025 the Health and Human Services department has altered federal guidance, moving several childhood vaccines to shared clinical decision-making and removing key advisory committee members, prompting major medical groups to push back. On Feb. 10, 2026 the American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project said they would run independent evidence reviews for the 2026–27 respiratory season to restore confidence.

A coroner has found that the death of 13-year-old Chloe Longster at Kettering General Hospital in November 2022 was "contributed to by neglect" after staff reportedly delayed pain relief and antibiotics and dismissed the girl as a "diva teen." Chloe, from Market Harborough, died of pneumonia and sepsis about 18 hours after admission. An inquest heard multiple missed opportunities to recognise her deterioration, including a displaced nasal cannula and errors in patient identification. Following a CQC investigation, the Trust received a fixed-penalty notice of £1,250 for failing its duty of candour; the trust has paid the fine and a banner will appear on the regulator's site for three months. Chloe’s family says statutory time limits and evidential thresholds have closed off further prosecution and left unresolved questions about accountability and transparency in the case.

Washington, D.C., health officials have warned that multiple confirmed measles cases visited several city locations while contagious, potentially exposing thousands who attended the National March for Life rally on Jan. 23. DC Health said exposures occurred between Jan. 21 and Feb. 2 and listed specific sites including the National Mall (March for Life rally and concert), the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Jan. 21), Catholic University of America (Jan. 24–25), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Jan. 26), Washington Metro lines (Jan. 26–27), Union Station and Amtrak concourse (Jan. 27), and Children’s National Hospital emergency department (Feb. 2). Officials urged anyone potentially exposed to check vaccination status, monitor for symptoms for 21 days and contact health providers or DC Health for guidance. The warning comes amid a large U.S. resurgence of measles this year — federal authorities have reported several hundred confirmed cases and major outbreaks, notably in South Carolina and Texas — driven largely by unvaccinated populations. Two MMR doses are about 97% effective; public-health authorities emphasize vaccination, isolation of suspected cases and quarantine of contacts to limit further spread.

The Trump administration this week moved to terminate roughly $600 million in public health grants directed to four Democratic-led U.S. states — California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota — part of a broader push that officials instructed agencies to claw back more than $1.5 billion in federal grants across the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Transportation. Targeted programs include HIV and sexually transmitted infection surveillance and prevention projects (for example a $1.1 million Los Angeles County behavioral surveillance project and community prevention funds for the Los Angeles LGBT Center), research grants (including a $7.2 million American Medical Association award and a $5.2 million Chicago hospital project), and transportation and climate adaptation grants such as funding for electric vehicle chargers and translating commercial driver’s license tests. Administration officials say the grants “no longer reflect” agency priorities and have cited concerns about DEI and gender-affirming care; critics say the moves are politically motivated. States and affected organizations said they had not received formal notices and plan legal challenges; courts previously blocked similar funding restrictions. Public health experts warn the terminations could weaken outbreak detection and services for vulnerable populations.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued renewed warnings about non-sterile alcohol-free cleansing wipes after an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis linked to four products. Authorities say 59 confirmed cases in the United Kingdom have been connected to the contaminated wipes between January 2018 and 3 February 2026, including several serious infections and one death. The items identified are ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes and Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes; testing found the first three carried the outbreak strain while Reliwipe contained an unrelated Burkholderia strain. The products were withdrawn from sale after MHRA notices, but regulators warn they may still be present in household first-aid kits and clinical settings. No person-to-person transmission has been recorded. UKHSA and MHRA advise discarding affected wipes in household rubbish, never using non-sterile alcohol-free wipes on broken skin or around intravenous lines, and that only wipes labelled sterile be used for wound care. Healthcare providers are instructed to check supplies and patients with signs of infection should seek urgent advice.

On Feb. 9 the New York Times editorial board — which has long supported marijuana legalization — published a major reassessment, saying the loosening of U.S. marijuana policies has produced worse outcomes than expected and calling for stronger regulation. The board cited survey data showing roughly 18 million Americans use marijuana almost daily, up from about 6 million in 2012 and under 1 million in 1992. It highlighted rising health harms including nearly 2.8 million annual cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, more hospitalizations for marijuana-linked paranoia and chronic psychotic disorders, and injuries tied to impaired driving. The editorial rejects a return to broad criminalization — noting the disproportionate harms of past drug enforcement on Black, Latino and poor communities — but argues the current hands-off, commercialized approach has gone too far and urges lawmakers to adopt stricter controls on availability, potency, advertising and other aspects of the legal market. The piece follows federal easing of restrictions in December and comes as states consider ballot measures and regulatory changes.

Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury, 55, provided a health update on Feb. 10, 2026, posting video from a medical chair showing her receiving an ‘immune‑boosting’ IV containing vitamin C, minerals and amino acids. Bradbury, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and had a mastectomy to remove a 6cm tumour, is now in remission and fronting the ITV series Wonders of the Frozen South. She has spoken tearfully in recent days about fearing for her life after the diagnosis and about reaching emotional milestones while filming in Antarctica. Bradbury says her cancer prompted major lifestyle changes — cutting out sugar, largely stopping alcohol, prioritising sleep, meditation and more time outdoors — and has faced some social media backlash for emphasising those choices. Media coverage of Countryfile has also revisited other presenters’ health struggles, including Matt Baker’s ongoing back injury, John Craven’s vision and hearing issues, and Charlotte Smith’s past lung condition, highlighting the series’ long history of presenters confronting serious medical problems.

Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) on Feb. 10 introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at dismantling vertically integrated healthcare conglomerates they say drive up costs and stifle competition. The bill would bar a parent company from owning both a medical provider or management services organization and a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) or insurer, and would also restrict wholesalers from owning provider organizations. It targets firms such as UnitedHealthcare (Optum), CVS Health (Caremark/Aetna) and other companies whose PBMs process the majority of U.S. prescriptions. Supporters call the measure a “Glass-Steagall” for health care and would empower the FTC, HHS and DOJ to enforce penalties and bring suits against noncompliant firms. The move follows bipartisan scrutiny of PBMs, recent provisions in a federal appropriations package and White House executive actions on drug prices. Industry leaders have pushed back, saying integrated models benefit consumers. The bill’s unveiling ahead of U.S. midterm elections highlights political pressure to address affordability and market concentration in the health sector.

UK newspapers on Feb. 10, 2026 highlighted evidence that smoking may accelerate hair thinning and premature greying. Hair specialists and a UK clinic cited research showing men who smoke are about 1.8 times more likely to have male pattern baldness (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology) and smokers were 2.5 times more likely to develop early grey hair (Indian Dermatology Online Journal). Experts say tobacco use can impair circulation and reduce oxygen and nutrient delivery to hair follicles, disrupting the hair growth cycle and contributing to increased shedding, dryness, breakage and earlier greying. UK Hair Transplants urged quitting smoking as a tangible way to protect scalp health and slow thinning, while advising those with sudden or patchy loss to consult a GP to rule out other causes. The coverage frames hair effects as another potential short- and long-term harm of smoking, adding cosmetic concerns to established cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular risks.

Co-op has recalled its Irresistible Triple Cook Thick Cut Chunky Chips after a packaging error led 360g packs labelled as chips to be filled with Dauphinoise potatoes that contain milk not declared on the label. The affected packs carry a use-by date of 14 February 2026. The Food Standards Agency issued an allergy alert and Co-op has notified relevant allergy support organisations while displaying point-of-sale notices in stores. Customers with a milk allergy or intolerance are advised not to eat the product and to return affected packs to any Co-op for a full refund; online purchasers may obtain refunds by calling 0330 041 7737. For further enquiries Co-op has provided a customer service line on 0800 0686 727. The retailer apologised for the inconvenience. Health bodies warn milk allergy can cause symptoms ranging from mild rash and vomiting to severe anaphylaxis, and anyone concerned should seek medical advice.

British consumer watchdog Which? has uncovered prescription-only melatonin products being advertised and sold on major online marketplaces, including AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Superdrug Marketplace and Temu, in an investigation covering October 2025 to January 2026. Which? found products with doses far above typical NHS starting guidance — often listed at 10mg and, in one case, a product claiming 30mg — and noted sellers hiding melatonin in ingredient lists or disguising names (eg. 'melat onin') to evade detection. The watchdog flagged items marketed as 'night-time fat burners', patches and teas that contained melatonin or listed it only in descriptions. Platforms said they removed flagged listings and were taking enforcement action; Superdrug said it has approached the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for clarity on topical products containing melatonin. In the UK melatonin is a prescription medicine because it can interact with common drugs such as antidepressants and hormonal contraception and cause side effects including dizziness and mood changes. Which? warned that unchecked online sales pose health risks and called for stronger oversight and enforcement.

A multinational multicohort study published in The Lancet on Feb. 9, 2026 found that adults with obesity face markedly higher risks of severe infectious disease outcomes. Pooling data from two Finnish cohorts and the UK Biobank — more than 540,000 people followed for about 13 years on average — researchers report that obesity (BMI ≥30) is associated with a 70% higher risk of hospitalisation or death from a broad set of 925 bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections. People with the most severe obesity had around three times the risk. Using global mortality and obesity prevalence data, the authors estimate obesity may have contributed to roughly 0.6 million of 5.4 million infection-related deaths worldwide in 2023 (about 11%), with higher proportions in some countries (around one in six in the UK and one in four in the US). The association persisted after accounting for common chronic conditions and did not appear to extend to severe HIV or tuberculosis. Study limitations include observational design that cannot prove causality. Authors and commentators point to immunological mechanisms and suggest weight-management policies, vaccination and equitable access to effective weight-loss therapies could reduce this burden.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust this week advertised a fixed-term neonatal nurse role to provide culturally sensitive reproductive and genetic support to families practising close-relative (including first-cousin) marriage. The full-time post, now closed to applications, sought a candidate fluent in Urdu and offered a salary of £37,338–£44,962 for a 12-month contract. NHS guidance cited by media this year acknowledges increased genetic risks in some cousin unions but stresses most such couples do not have affected children and recommends balancing risks with social and economic considerations. Similar posts have been advertised elsewhere in England, including Frimley, Bradford and Bedfordshire, as trusts seek to improve engagement with genetic services for affected communities. The recruitment prompted criticism from campaigners who say the practice carries serious child-health and social-care costs; bereaved relatives and activists have urged stronger prevention and education. The story has reignited debate on how the NHS should combine culturally sensitive care with public-health messaging on inherited disorders.

Actress Christina Applegate has launched an online community called Next in MS for people living with multiple sclerosis, the star announced on Feb. 9, 2026. Applegate, who revealed her MS diagnosis in 2021 and co-hosts the MeSsy podcast with fellow MS patient Jamie-Lynn Sigler, said the site is meant to let users share “the good, the bad, the ugly, the in-betweens, the diapers” of life with MS. The initiative is being promoted with a Super Bowl advertisement in which Applegate bluntly described the disease as “zero stars,” and she said she will contribute her own experiences and resources. The platform is launched in partnership with pharmaceutical company TG Therapeutics. Applegate’s new memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, is due March 3, 2026. She framed the project as a way to reach more members of the MS community, foster open conversation about challenges and hope, and provide peer support and information alongside lived experiences.

A study led by Anglia Ruskin University and published in Brain Sciences in February 2026 finds tinnitus has a substantial impact on working lives in the United Kingdom. Surveying 449 people (mean age 54), researchers report 11% reduced their working hours, 7% stopped working and 1% were receiving disability allowance as a direct consequence of tinnitus. Nearly three quarters (72%) said tinnitus made their working lives more difficult, citing problems with concentration, communication in meetings, increased tiredness, reduced productivity and more workplace errors. The team also found that an internet‑based talking therapy programme was associated with significant improvements in work productivity and reductions in tinnitus distress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Lead author Dr Eldre Beukes and advocacy group Tinnitus UK call for workplace policies recognising tinnitus as a potential disability and for reasonable adjustments such as flexible working, access to hearing‑related technologies and targeted interventions to help people remain in work. Tinnitus is estimated to affect around 15% of the population (about 7.6 million people in the UK).

Researchers analysed more than 600,000 traditional Medicare hospitalisations around the suspension and reinstatement of the Medicare 'three‑day rule' and found the policy’s return on May 12, 2023 increased the share of stays lasting at least three nights without improving outcomes or lowering spending. Using a regression‑discontinuity design comparing hospitalisations in the 28 days before and after reinstatement, the JAMA Internal Medicine study (published Feb. 9, 2026) found a 1.13 percentage‑point overall rise (60.4% to 62.0%) in stays of three or more nights and a 5.57‑point rise among patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities. There were no significant changes in SNF use, total SNF days, 30‑day readmissions, 30‑day mortality or Medicare spending. Subgroups with dementia and hip fractures saw larger increases. Authors say the rule appears to have driven longer inpatient stays—adding at least 2,000 hospital days in the first month—and recommend reconsideration of the policy while noting limits to generalisability and potential confounding.