Epstein's Scientist Friends, Oz's Vaccine Plea, and Vanishing CDC Alerts

A roundup of the latest health news, including updates on Jeffrey Epstein's connections to scientists, a call for measles vaccinations, and concerns about reduced CDC health threat reporting.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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This news roundup covers several recent health-related developments, including new revelations about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's ties to scientists, a plea from CMS Director Mehmet Oz for Americans to get measles vaccinations, and concerns that public health has been "flying blind" due to fewer CDC alerts about health threats since President Trump took office.

Why it matters

These stories touch on important issues in public health, science, and government oversight. The Epstein revelations raise questions about the influence of wealthy individuals on the scientific community. Oz's vaccine plea highlights ongoing challenges with measles outbreaks, while the reduced CDC alerts suggest a potential gap in the public's access to timely health information.

The details

The latest batch of files related to Epstein revealed more extensive connections between the convicted sex offender and scientists than previously reported. Meanwhile, the company Him & Hers said it will stop selling a compounded form of Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug semaglutide (Wegovy) after threats of legal action from Novo and an FDA plan to take action. CMS Director Mehmet Oz urged Americans to get vaccinated against measles as cases surged in South Carolina, and health officials in Washington said people with confirmed measles cases may have spread the disease during a recent rally. Vaccination rates have also slowed in Minnesota's Somali community due to fear. The HHS Secretary's vaccine advisory panel has mRNA COVID vaccines in its crosshairs, and physicians say public health has been "flying blind" with fewer CDC alerts about health threats since President Trump took office.

  • In January, multiple people with confirmed measles cases may have spread the disease during the National March for Life rally.
  • Since President Donald Trump took office, there have been fewer CDC alerts about health threats.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender whose connections to scientists have been further revealed in a new batch of files.

Mehmet Oz, MD, MBA

The CMS Director who urged Americans to get vaccinated against measles as cases surged in South Carolina.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The HHS Secretary whose vaccine federal advisory panel has mRNA COVID vaccines in its crosshairs.

Donald Trump

The former President during whose administration there were fewer CDC alerts about health threats, according to physicians.

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who signed a bill legalizing medically assisted suicide in the state.

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What’s next

The judge in the case against Jeffrey Epstein's connections to scientists will likely continue investigating the extent of these ties. Public health officials will also monitor measles cases and vaccination rates, especially in communities like Minnesota's Somali population where fear has slowed progress.

The takeaway

These stories highlight ongoing challenges in public health, including the influence of wealthy individuals on science, the persistence of vaccine hesitancy, and potential gaps in government oversight and communication of health threats. They underscore the need for robust scientific integrity, effective public health messaging, and transparent governance to protect the wellbeing of all communities.