The mutation occurs in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, which regulates cell growth and division across pulmonary tissue. While somatic EGFR mutations acquired during a person’s lifetime are known drivers of non-small cell lung cancer, the T790M germline variant is inherited at birth and present in every cell. Data compiled by the National Cancer Institute shows the mutation occurs in approximately 1 out of every 15,850 people in the United States. Lead study author Dr. Jaclyn LoPiccolo noted that carrying the variant raises lung cancer odds roughly 62 times in never-smokers, compared to about 11 times in individuals with a history of smoking.

The World Health Organization says Ebola transmission is declining in some of the hardest-hit areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The improvement is most visible in parts of Ituri province, the main center of the outbreak. However, the epidemic continues to expand in other areas. Official data through Sept. 13 showed 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces, with the national case fatality ratio at 48.4%.

City health officials ordered all 10 cooling towers with positive preliminary PCR results to undergo complete cleaning and disinfection. The New York City Health Department required the work to be finished by Sept. 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin later said each tower with a concerning result had undergone remediation. The Yankees said the stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned and disinfected on Sept. 13 after the city notified the organization about the preliminary finding.

The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has become Congo’s largest and deadliest Ebola epidemic on record. It is also the world’s second-largest recorded Ebola outbreak, behind the 2014-2016 epidemic in West Africa. Ituri province remains the main center of transmission. The province accounts for about 85% of confirmed cases and 88% of reported deaths, making it the most heavily affected area in the current public health emergency.

Health Minister Roger Kamba confirmed that the government initiated the immunization campaign utilizing doses of the Ervebo vaccine to safeguard frontline personnel operating across impacted eastern provinces.

The European Commission has expanded its Ebola response with a €2.1 million purchase of PCR tests for the Bundibugyo virus outbreak. Shipments are due to start in August as health teams confront a large outbreak centered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and affecting parts of the wider region. PCR testing allows laboratories to confirm infections and support surveillance around known cases, guiding patient care, isolation, and contact tracing.