Health Headlines: Nigeria Battles Lassa Fever and US Health Policy Updates

Nigeria is tackling a severe Lassa fever outbreak, with 98 deaths and 535 cases reported in 14 states this year. Meanwhile, US health policies are under scrutiny, including Senator Elizabeth Warren's call for Dr. Oz to divest from healthcare companies and the World Health Organization's cost-cutting measures following US budget cuts.

Nigeria is facing a critical health challenge as it grapples with a severe outbreak of Lassa fever. With 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths reported in 14 states this year, authorities are ramping up efforts to curb the disease's spread. Tragically, a patient recently returned from the UK succumbed to the fever, instigating contact tracing in both nations.

In the United States, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren is pressing for President Trump's Medicare nominee, Dr. Mehmet Oz, to sever financial ties with the healthcare sector. Dr. Oz is due to address the Senate Finance Committee to discuss his nomination as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, amidst concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

Additionally, the World Health Organization is strategizing to realign its priorities after significant US funding cuts. An internal memo revealed the introduction of a one-year limit on staff contracts, part of a broader suite of cost-cutting measures to ensure the organization's sustainability.

(With inputs from agencies.)