Insects

Travel 1 day ago

Flight passenger spots cockroaches crawling in airplane cabin: 'Never again'

After a passenger found roaches on a Spirit Airlines flight, she shared footage online. Spirit Airlines inspected the aircraft and said it maintains a commitment to cleanliness.

Health 2 days ago

Family kicked off flight over son’s insect bites despite doctor’s approval

A family was stopped from boarding their British Airways flight after staff became suspicious of insect bites on their baby's leg, as the airline cites safety concerns.

Health 5 days ago

Invasive insect poses health threat in 19 states, expert warns

The Asian needle ant is a stealthy and dangerous invasive species spreading across the U.S., with a painful sting that can cause severe allergic reactions.

Health May 13

FDA warns seniors to avoid this vaccine after deadly complications

Adults over the age of 60 are recommended not to get the chikungunya vaccine to prevent the mosquito-borne illness due to two related deaths, according to the FDA and CDC.

Health May 13

Flesh-eating New World Screwworm could pose health risks to cattle, humans

Mexico's New World Screwworm outbreak halts livestock imports at the southern border as US officials work to prevent the parasitic fly from spreading to American animals.

Infectious Disease March 24

Dengue fever cases rising in popular spring break locations, CDC alerts

As spring break continues, the CDC released a warning about rising dengue fever cases among U.S. travelers and in several destinations across the globe. Here's what to know.

Travel March 21

Travel hot spot seeks emergency declaration over massive bug infestation

Orbetello, Italy, located in the Tuscan region, seeks an emergency declaration over swarms of midges ahead of the busy tourist season. Fishermen say dead fish attracted the bugs.

Massachusetts March 3

Woman stung by venomous critter while getting bag at Boston's Logan Airport

Massachusetts State Police said a 40-year-old woman retrieving her luggage at Boston Logan International Airport was stung by a scorpion on Sunday night.

Travel January 17

This 'hitchhiking' bug can travel on planes, follow passengers home: expert weighs in

A bug expert reveals that traveling is a common way for people to bring home the well-known, parasitic insects that are bedbugs — and yes, they can wind up on airplanes.

Travel November 19

Actress boards plane with head lice, triggers social media firestorm: What to know

Actress Jenny Mollen said on Instagram that she learned she had head lice while on an airplane, sparking social media users to sound off. A lice expert weighs in.

Travel November 12

Store your luggage in this bizarre location while traveling, expert says

A bug expert in Pennsylvania says to store your luggage and its contents in this unusual location at your hotel or homestay if you want to avoid bringing back any unfavorable pests, like bed bugs.

HEALTH October 22

'Airport malaria' on the rise in Europe, new study suggests: Here's what travelers should know

A study noted an increase in airport and luggage malaria cases in Europe, but is it really a concern? Experts weigh the risks and the need for prevention measures.

TRAVEL October 21

After travel, wait to unpack your suitcase, doctor insists in unsettling social media post

A Virginia primary care physician is telling people on social media to be "lazy" and to not unpack their luggage for up to 10 days to avoid a bedbug infestation.

North Carolina October 6

Hurricane Helene flooding in NC stirs yellow jacket swarms, prompting distribution of Benadryl and EpiPens

Swarms of stinging insects in North Carolina are swarming those trying to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, prompting the distribution of Benadryl and epinephrine injections.

SCIENCE September 26

Giant Joro ‘flying’ spider continues march northward with Massachusetts sighting

A palm-sized and brightly colored invasive spider that is native to East Asia was spotted in a historic neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts.

HEALTH September 25

New York resident dies from mosquito-borne disease as experts warn of widening risk

New York has reported the state’s first death from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a disease that spreads through bites from mosquitoes. An expert discusses the risks and means of prevention.

HEALTH September 10

Tick-borne Wetland virus, newly discovered in China, could cause damage to brain, researchers say

Scientists are warning of a new tick-borne disease, which they are calling the Wetland virus, recently discovered in China. Here's what to know about the symptoms and risks.

US Open Tennis September 4

US Open ball boy ignites crowd by chasing down insect that stopped play

A bug flew around the court at the U.S. Open Tuesday and halted a match between Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov and American Frances Tiafoe.

HEALTH September 3

What is EEE, the mosquito-borne disease that killed a New Hampshire man?

Here's what to know about Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), the rare, potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease that has sparked concern in the Northeastern U.S.

HEALTH August 28

'Sloth fever,' or the Oropouche virus, has entered the US, here's what to know

A disease transmitted by mosquitoes — the Oropouche virus, or sloth fever — has been detected in the United States. Travelers returning to the U.S. from Cuba had contracted the virus in recent months.

New York August 25

West Nile Virus detected at New York beach

A mosquito sample found at Fire Island National Seashore near Long Island, New York, contained the year's first case of West Nile Virus, officials said.

HEALTH August 24

Anthony Fauci’s West Nile virus diagnosis: What to know about the mosquito-borne disease

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been diagnosed with West Nile virus. Here's what to know about the disease.

HEALTH August 23

Northeastern towns issue voluntary lockdown to prevent spread of mosquito-borne disease

Four Massachusetts towns — Douglas, Oxford, Sutton and Webster — have enacted a voluntary evening lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of a potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease.

HEALTH August 12

'Zika-like' mosquito-borne virus has spread into Europe, health officials warn

Cases of the Oropouche virus (OROV) emerging in Europe have health officials on high alert. As of the end of July, 19 cases had been reported in several countries.

HEALTH August 7

West Nile death reported in Texas as health officials warn residents to safeguard against mosquitoes

A woman in Dallas County, Texas, has died after being diagnosed with West Nile virus. Officials are warning residents to take measures to protect against infected mosquitoes.

Allergy July 31

How to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms that arise in summer, plus preventative tips to keep in mind

Summer allergies can quickly get in the way of warm weather fun. Luckily, there's plenty you can do to help relieve symptoms and prevent them from coming back.

Ask a Doctor July 26

Ask a doctor: ‘I swallowed a bug — now what should I do?'

Swallowing a bug can be a startling and somewhat disgusting occurrence — but is it dangerous or just a nuisance? A physician offered his expert opinion.

Deals July 21

Keep your family safe this summer with 4 smart items

Find comfort in knowing that you are prepared to keep your family safe this summer with these helpful items available on Amazon — now go have fun in the sun!

Insects July 3

Local dengue fever cases confirmed in Florida Keys, spread by mosquito bites

Two locally acquired cases of mosquito-borne dengue fever have been confirmed in the Florida Keys. Officials and experts share prevention efforts as infections hit record highs around the world.

LIFESTYLE June 25

7 of the grossest world records involving food, insect consumption

World records can get wacky, especially those involving food. Peeps, peppers and even live cockroaches have served as a catalyst for record-breaking moments.