The health scene over the past 24 hours has seen mixed developments, from outbreaks of infectious diseases in the United States and Sudan, to medical warnings about harmful daily habits, and finally to health initiatives and therapeutic innovations in Saudi Arabia. In this report, we review the highlights published on the "Ajel" website in the health section.

Amid record numbers of measles cases in America, rising dengue fever deaths in Sudan, and the expansion of a parasitic infection linked to lettuce, the need for health vigilance is clear. Locally, awareness and treatment efforts continue.

Wave of Infectious Diseases: Measles, Dengue Fever, and Parasitic Infection

The United States recorded the highest number of measles cases in 35 years, with an official tally released Friday showing 2,318 confirmed infections in just seven months of 2026, surpassing the record for all of 2025 (2,289 cases). The outbreak is attributed to declining vaccination rates and increasing vaccine skepticism, leading the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics to describe the situation as a "preventable crisis" disproportionately affecting children.

In Sudan, a dengue fever outbreak in Blue Nile State has resulted in 39 deaths, with more than 350 confirmed cases. Epidemiologist Adiba Ibrahim attributed the rise in cases to declining environmental sanitation services and climatic conditions.

The US Centers for Disease Control also announced an expansion of an outbreak of a parasitic infection causing diarrhea (Cyclospora) linked to shredded lettuce, now affecting four additional states, making it the largest wave of this disease in the country's history.

United States records highest measles cases in 35 years amid declining vaccination

39 deaths from dengue fever in Sudan's Blue Nile State

Parasitic infection causing diarrhea detected in 4 more US states

US measles cases in 2026 surpass previous year's total

US records 2,318 measles cases, already surpassing 2025 total

Health Warnings: Summer Late Nights and Phone Under Pillow

Cardiology consultant Dr. Khaled Al-Nimr warned against the habit of staying up until dawn during summer vacations, stressing that it increases the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart rhythm disturbances, especially in children, the elderly, and heart patients. He noted that daytime sleep does not compensate for nighttime sleep.

In a related context, a recent report from the website "Biology Insights" revealed the risks of placing a smartphone under the pillow while sleeping, including battery overheating and risk of thermal runaway, suppression of the sleep hormone, and exposure of the brain to electromagnetic radiation.

Medical warning about consequences of summer late nights on heart and family health

Warning against placing phone under pillow: risk of thermal runaway and sleep disruption

Saudi Health Initiatives: Vaccination, Volunteering, and Treatment

The Sahhti Health Association in Tal'at Al-Tamyat in the Northern Borders Region launched health initiatives and programs costing more than 1.8 million riyals during the first half of 2026, including surgical projects such as "Your Treatment Is on Us" and "Noor for Eye Surgeries," and providing medical equipment, with the participation of 315 volunteers.

In Mecca, a branch of the "Weqaa" Center organized a campaign to vaccinate pets against rabies, lasting until July 25 and covering Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, and Al-Qunfudhah, aiming to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases.

In terms of urgent medical interventions, a medical team at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Hafr Al-Batin successfully removed a huge uterine tumor weighing 3.5 kg from a mother of seven who was suffering from severe bleeding, after she had previously undergone two unsuccessful surgeries outside the Kingdom.

Sahhti in Tal'at Al-Tamyat implements initiatives and programs worth over 1.8 million riyals

Free vaccination of pets against rabies in Mecca

Campaign launched to vaccinate pets against rabies in Mecca and its governorates

Urgent medical intervention saves mother of seven from huge uterine tumor in Hafr Al-Batin

Medical Innovations and Mental Health

A study by the University of Wrocław in Poland revealed that long-distance travel disrupts the balance of gut bacteria and the circadian rhythm, negatively affecting sleep, metabolism, and rates of physical recovery, especially for athletes traveling across time zones.

US researchers announced a promising technique for treating chronic back pain, based on delivering drugs directly to the source of pain via a catheter placed in blood vessels, with initial results showing a reduction in the need for opioid painkillers.

In Riyadh, the National Center for Mental Health Promotion held an honoring ceremony for ambassadors of well-being and psychological wellness in the workplace, appreciating their efforts in supporting mental health through innovative initiatives in various sectors.

Scientific study: Long-distance travel disrupts gut bacteria balance and affects athlete recovery

Mental health center honors ambassadors of well-being and psychological wellness in the workplace

US researchers announce promising technique for treating chronic back pain

These diverse news items underscore the importance of health awareness and prevention, whether through vaccination against infectious diseases, modifying harmful daily habits, or supporting local initiatives that contribute to improving quality of life.