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Imaging-based artificial intelligence (AI) models for breast cancer risk assessment added to US guidelines

Updated breast cancer screening and diagnosis guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) now include the use of validated imaging-based AI risk assessment models to determine risk of breast cancer, and strategies for screening and risk-reduction.

The imaging-based AI risk assessment models can be used to analyse negative screening mammograms to detect subtle tissue patterns associated with future malignancy, from which they generate a risk assessment score.

The NCCN guideline recommends increased risk screening follow-up for women with an AI-generated 5-year risk for invasive breast cancer ≥1.7%. Increased risk screening follow-up includes annual mammography with tomosynthesis, discussion of risk reduction strategies, and consideration of supplemental imaging, which should start at the age when increased risk is identified. Women assessed using a validated imaging-based AI risk model should be re-evaluated periodically, because their risk may change over time.

Clinical risk prediction models are widely used in current practice; however, these may overestimate or underestimate risk or be unsuitable for certain groups. One systematic review reported similar or improved discriminatory accuracy with mammography-based AI risk models compared with risk based on breast density or clinical risk prediction models. [114] ​

Further prospective studies are needed to fully determine the role of imaging-based AI risk assessment models in breast cancer risk assessment and screening.

See Diagnosis: screening

Original Source of update

WHO declares cruise ship outbreak over

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the hantavirus outbreak linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship is over. All identified contacts of cases completed a 42-day follow-up period on 2 July 2026, with no secondary cases detected among contacts.

A total of 13 cases, including 3 deaths, were reported during the outbreak, with a case fatality rate of 23%. Males accounted for 69% of cases, and the average age was 65 years. All confirmed cases were among people who travelled onboard the ship, although some people became symptomatic after disembarkation.

The Dutch-flagged cruise ship departed Argentina on 1 April 2026 carrying 147 passengers and crew, and travelled across the South Atlantic with various stops in remote regions. ​The outbreak was first reported to the WHO on 2 May 2026.

The outbreak was caused by the Andes virus (ANDV), a species of hantavirus typically found in South America. It is the only species that has been associated with limited human-to-human transmission, particularly in community settings involving close and prolonged contact, and among healthcare professionals looking after infected patients.

Initial cases likely acquired the infection on land before embarkation (the exact source is currently unknown), with subsequent human-to-human transmission on board the ship. Investigations into the source of the outbreak continue.

See Epidemiology

Original Source of update

First case outside Africa confirmed amidst highest first-month total of any outbreak

The first confirmed case of Ebola outside of the African continent has been confirmed in France in a doctor who had flown back from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This is the first time France has detected a case of Ebola. [32]

As of 7 July 2026, 1561 confirmed cases and 506 confirmed deaths have been reported in the DRC, with 20 confirmed cases and 2 confirmed deaths in Uganda, and 1 case in France (case fatality rate of 32%). [33] This is the largest number of confirmed cases within the first month of any outbreak of the disease.​

The situation is rapidly developing, and you should consult your local public health authority for current information on the situation. Information is available from the WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

• WHO: disease outbreak news
• CDC: Ebola outbreak - current situation
• UK Health Security Agency: Ebola and Marburg haemorrhagic fevers - outbreaks and case locations
• ECDC: Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

The WHO declared that the outbreak constituted a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026. PHEIC status aims to accelerate funding, research, and international public health measures and cooperation to contain a disease. There are several reasons for the WHO declaring a PHEIC for this outbreak including: [34]

• Significant uncertainty about the true number of infected people and geographical spread at the present time. Also, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases. Early data point toward a potentially much larger outbreak than what is being detected and reported.
• Cases have already been reported in Uganda; therefore, neighboring countries such as South Sudan are considered to be at high risk of further spread.
• There is ongoing insecurity and a humanitarian crisis in the region.
• There are currently no known vaccines or specific therapeutics for Bundibugyo virus.

The historical case fatality rate for disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus ranges from 30% to 50%, according to the WHO, although data vary based on whether laboratory-confirmed cases or suspected cases were used to calculate the rate.

The overall global risk is considered to be low. However, the risk at the national level in the DRC is very high, and the risk at the regional level (including Uganda and countries with borders adjoining countries with documented detection) is considered to be high.​ The risk in the rest of the African region is considered to be low. [35]

Prior to this outbreak, there have only been two outbreaks of disease caused by Bundibugyo virus: Uganda in 2007 and the DRC in 2012.

See Epidemiology

Original Source of update