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Measles Exposure Alert: PA Wawa & Nissan Dealerships (2026)

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health
written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania health officials are alerting residents to potential measles exposures at a Nissan dealership in Royersford and a Wawa convenience store in Limerick. The exposures occurred between February 16 and February 19, 2026, stemming from a single individual who was contagious with the highly infectious virus. This incident underscores the ongoing risk of measles outbreaks, even with widespread vaccination efforts, and highlights the importance of verifying immunity.

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory disease, can spread quickly through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically include fever, an unexplained rash, cough, congestion, and red, watery eyes. While generally mild in vaccinated individuals, measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in infants, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. As of February 19, 2026, Pennsylvania has reported five confirmed cases of measles, a notable increase from the six cases reported in all of 2024 and the 16 cases in 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has released specific dates and times for potential exposure at the two locations:

  • Nissan 422 of Limerick, 55 Autopark Boulevard, Royersford, PA 19468: Monday, February 16, 2026, from 8:45 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. And Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 8:45 a.m. To 7:15 p.m.
  • Wawa, 579 N. Lewis Road, Limerick, PA 19468: Monday, February 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. To 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. To 11:00 a.m., and Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 11:45 a.m. To 2:15 p.m.

Health officials emphasize that individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. Measles can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, increasing the potential for transmission.

Protecting Yourself and Others

Determining your immunity status is the first step in assessing your risk. According to health officials, individuals are generally considered protected from measles if they were born in 1957 or earlier, have received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, or have laboratory confirmation of immunity. If you are unsure of your vaccination history, checking your records or contacting your healthcare provider is crucial.

If you believe you may have been exposed and are not fully vaccinated or protected, health officials advise contacting your healthcare provider or the Montgomery County Office of Public Health for guidance. This proves also vital to watch for the development of measles symptoms – fever, rash, cough, congestion, or red, watery eyes – for three weeks following potential exposure. If symptoms appear, stay home and immediately contact your doctor, alerting them to your potential exposure before your visit to allow for appropriate precautions to protect other patients and staff.

Who is Most Vulnerable?

Certain populations are at higher risk of experiencing severe complications from measles. Infants and children under five years old, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems – such as those undergoing treatment for leukemia or living with HIV – are particularly vulnerable. The CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination for these groups to prevent serious illness.

This recent exposure serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect the community from preventable diseases. While measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, imported cases and outbreaks continue to occur, particularly in communities with lower vaccination coverage. Continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to safeguard public health.

Health officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow the guidance of public health authorities.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about a public health issue and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Have you recently been to either of these locations? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below.

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Health

Wegovy, Ozempic & Rybelsus: Novo Nordisk Cuts Prices by Up to 50% in 2027

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health
written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

In a significant move aimed at increasing access to its popular medications, Novo Nordisk announced plans to substantially lower the list prices of Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus in the United States. Starting January 1, 2027, all three drugs – used for both weight management and type 2 diabetes – will be priced at $675 per month, a reduction of up to 50% for Wegovy and 35% for Ozempic, according to the company’s statement.

The price cuts represent a strategic shift by Novo Nordisk to address affordability concerns, particularly for patients with insurance plans that base out-of-pocket costs on list prices. This change comes as demand for GLP-1 medications, a class of drugs that includes Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, continues to surge, with approximately 15.5 million U.S. Adults having used injectable Type 2 diabetes medications for weight loss in 2024, according to a Gallup poll.

The decision to lower list prices is expected to benefit individuals with high-deductible health plans or coinsurance benefit designs, who are directly impacted by the medications’ list prices. “Private and public payers, as well as patients, want access and have been calling for lower list prices,” said Jamey Millar, Novo Nordisk’s executive vice president of U.S. Operations, in a statement. “Our actions today answer that call and remove cost barriers so the value of Wegovy and Ozempic can be realized by more patients.”

Understanding the Impact on Costs

Currently, Wegovy lists for around $1,349 per month, while Ozempic and Rybelsus are priced at approximately $1,028 and $998 respectively, according to the telehealth provider Ro.co. The new $675 monthly price will apply to all dosages of each medication. It’s important to note that these list price reductions will not directly impact the prices paid by consumers outside of insurance coverage.

The move by Novo Nordisk as well comes amid increasing competition in the GLP-1 market. Eli Lilly, a major competitor, offers Zepbound and Mounjaro, which currently list for $1,086 and $1,069 respectively, according to Ro.co. Several other pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Roche, Amgen, and AstraZeneca, are also developing GLP-1 medications, with anticipated market entry between 2027 and 2032, potentially driving further price adjustments, according to CNBC.

GLP-1s and the Obesity Epidemic

GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. These medications are approved for treating type 2 diabetes and, in the case of Wegovy, for chronic weight management. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 42% of adults in the United States are obese, a condition often linked to serious chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Novo Nordisk’s decision also follows the company’s agreement last year to participate in the Trump administration’s most-favored-nation drug-pricing policy, which aims to lower prescription drug costs to levels comparable to those in other developed countries. Under this agreement, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly committed to providing state Medicaid programs with most-favored-nation prices for all new medications they bring to market.

The market for GLP-1 drugs has experienced substantial growth in recent years. Since 2019, the use of these treatments for non-diabetic purposes has increased by 700%, and Morningstar Equity Research projects the market will reach $180 billion by 2034.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance on treatment options and health concerns.

The long-term effects of these price reductions on market dynamics and patient access remain to be seen. However, this move by Novo Nordisk signals a growing recognition of the need to address the affordability of these increasingly important medications. Further developments in the GLP-1 market, including the entry of new competitors and evolving insurance coverage policies, will likely shape the future landscape of obesity and diabetes care. Share your thoughts on this news in the comments below.

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Ireland: Urgent Recall of Rosabella Moringa Capsules Due to Salmonella Fears

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A widespread recall has been initiated for specific batches of Rosabella Moringa 100% Pure capsules sold in Ireland, following concerns of potential Salmonella contamination, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) confirmed Monday. The US-manufactured herbal supplement, popular for its purported health benefits, is being removed from shelves nationwide.

The FSAI stated that Ambrosia Brands, LLC is responsible for the recall, citing the possible presence of the bacteria in capsules packaged in white plastic bottles. Consumers are advised not to consume any of the affected batches.

According to the FSAI, symptoms of Salmonella infection typically manifest between 12 and 36 hours after exposure, though this can range from six to 72 hours. Common symptoms include diarrhea, which can be bloody, as well as fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. While the illness usually resolves within four to seven days, severe cases can require hospitalization, particularly among the elderly, infants, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The recall affects batches with best-before dates ranging from March 2027 to November 2027. The batch code, crucial for identifying affected products, is printed on the bottom of the bottles and consists of the middle seven digits of the code above the expiry date. Specific batch codes and dates include 5020591 (03/2027), 5020592, 5020593, 5020594, 5020595, 5020596, 5030246 (04/2027), and numerous others extending through 5100039 (11/2027), as detailed by the FSAI.

Moringa is a plant-based supplement marketed for its potential to boost energy levels, support the immune system, provide antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellbeing.

Wholesalers and distributors have been directed to contact customers and remove the implicated batches from sale, alongside displaying recall notices at points of sale. Retailers have been instructed to remove the products from shelves and post recall notices.

The FDA has also initiated an outbreak investigation of extensively drug-resistant Salmonella linked to Moringa powder, including Rosabella-brand capsules, in February 2026.

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Health

UGL Health Expands Pediatric Care & Hiring in Upper Peninsula

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health
written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

Hancock, MI – Upper Great Lakes Family Health (UGL) is bolstering its pediatric team across the Upper Peninsula, responding to a significant increase in demand for children’s healthcare services. The expansion includes the addition of three new providers in 2025 and ongoing recruitment of clinical support staff, aiming to ensure families have access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home.

The growing pediatric team now comprises eight dedicated providers: Rajanee Sripaipan, MD; Colleen Vallad-Hix, DO; Michael Verive, MD; Jared Meyette, MD; Cathy Azzarello, MD; Anna Meyers, DO; Emma Buchele, DNP; and Katie Brewster, NP. Most appointments are currently scheduled at UGL’s Hancock Pediatrics clinic, with expanded coverage available at other UGL locations throughout the region, according to a recent press release.

“We know how important This proves for families to have access to consistent, high-quality pediatric care close to home,” said Dr. Anna Meyers, a pediatrician at Upper Great Lakes Family Health. “Being part of a collaborative team that truly cares about both patients and each other makes a real difference – not only in the care we provide, but in how supported families feel every time they walk through our doors.”

Comprehensive Pediatric Services Offered

UGL provides a wide range of pediatric services, including well-child visits, immunizations, same-day sick visits, developmental screenings, behavioral health support, and chronic condition management. This comprehensive approach aims to support children’s health and well-being at every stage of development. The organization’s commitment to pediatric care is reflected in its ranking within the top 20% of community health centers in America based on quality of care, as noted on their website. Upper Great Lakes Family Health

Expanding Access in the Copper Country

Efforts to expand pediatric access are particularly focused on the Copper Country region. UGL has extended hours at the Hancock Pediatrics clinic, now operating from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The addition of Nurse Practitioners Emma Buchele, DNP, and Katie Brewster, NP, has also increased the availability of same-day appointments, ensuring families can access care when it’s needed most. Dr. Cathy Azzarello is now also seeing patients at the Lake Linden clinic on Tuesdays through Fridays, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, bringing personalized care closer to families outside of Houghton, and Hancock.

Bailey Patrick, Chief Operating Officer at UGL, emphasized the importance of accessibility. “We’re continually looking for ways to improve access to care for local families,” Patrick said. “This expansion ensures that children can acquire the timely, compassionate care they deserve, whether it’s a routine checkup or a same-day visit when they’re not feeling well.”

UGL Actively Recruiting Pediatric Support Staff

To support this growth, UGL is actively recruiting a variety of clinical support staff, including:

  • Medical Assistants
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
  • Registered Nurses (RNs)
  • Patient Service Representatives
  • Additional Pediatric clinical support staff

UGL highlights that team members will enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive, team-oriented work environment. “Strong pediatric care starts with strong teams,” Patrick stated. “We are committed to creating a workplace where our staff feel supported, valued, and proud of the care they provide. As our pediatric services continue to grow, we’re excited to welcome new team members who wish to build their careers although making a real impact for families across the Upper Peninsula.”

Those interested in learning more about pediatric services or exploring employment opportunities at Upper Great Lakes Family Health can visit https://www.vs4.vscyberhosting.com/uglhealth/.

As the Upper Peninsula’s population continues to evolve, UGL’s commitment to expanding pediatric services demonstrates a proactive approach to meeting the healthcare needs of the region’s youngest residents. The ongoing recruitment efforts and dedication to a collaborative team environment suggest a sustained focus on providing accessible and high-quality pediatric care for years to come.

Share your thoughts on this expansion and its impact on families in the Upper Peninsula in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

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