The UK Pulse The Pulse of the UK

Farmer says tapeworm cysts caused years of hidden pain

Meredydd Jones, 86, says he lived for years with tapeworm cysts before severe pain led to a hydatid disease diagnosis and two lung operations.

5 min read

Elderly man in blue check shirt looking into the camera. He's smiling and is standing in front of a garden with pink flowers.

Teenager dies at Kendal Calling festival

A 17-year-old girl died after a medical episode at Kendal Calling festival at about 02:15 BST. Police are investigating and want to hear from witnesses near the Calling Out tent and Big Wheel.

2 min read

A large crowd begins to gather in front of the main stage in a field in the sunshine. There are colourful flags around the stage.

Italy puts nearly all major cities on highest heat alert

Italy is placing nearly all major cities on its highest heat alert as a new heatwave drives temperatures into the mid-30s C and worsens wildfire conditions across Europe.

3 min read

People drink water and use hand fans to protect themselves from the sun in Naples, southern Italy. Photo: 1 August 2026

WHO says DR Congo Ebola outbreak is worst in country’s history

WHO says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is the country’s biggest ever, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of 30 July.

3 min read

Two health workers in PPE each hold a young baby.

Woman left in coma after tick bite on Greece holiday

Victoria Stellas was left in a coma for 42 days after a tick bite on holiday in Greece and now lives with memory loss, seizures and daily medication.

5 min read

Victoria is standing by a stone wall on a Greek street, with blonde hair and wearing a white vest top.

Hospital parking costs rise at Essex sites, prompting concern

Parking charges at four Essex hospitals have risen by about 50%, prompting concern from pregnant patients and antenatal experts over added stress and higher costs.

4 min read

A large glass-fronted building with two park benches at its front. There is a green bus driving pass the entrance of the hospital.

Holidaymakers warned over cyclospora parasite causing diarrhoea

UK health officials say 67 cyclospora cases have been reported since April, many linked to Mexico travel, as holidaymakers are urged to follow food and water hygiene advice.

1 min read

A beach in Cancun. The picture shows white sand, palm trees and an aqua sea with waves breaking on the shore

UK on course for record heat-related deaths, UKHSA says

UKHSA estimates 2,877 heat-related deaths from May and June heatwaves, putting the UK on track for a record year. Officials warn hotter weather is increasing health risks.

3 min read

Mountaineer’s recovery after avalanche led to rare Wales sea dragon find

After surviving an avalanche on Yr Wyddfa in 2014, Matthew Myerscough turned to fossil hunting, which helped his recovery and led to the discovery of a rare sea dragon jawbone in Wales.

4 min read

Matthew, a man with short blond hair in a grey shirt stands on a cliff holding a grey rock with a fossil vertebrate in it

Northern Ireland seeks views on banning unhealthy multibuy deals

Northern Ireland is consulting on banning multibuy offers for unhealthy foods, with proposed restrictions on promotions, placement and free refills already used in England and Wales.

5 min read

A row of shelves in a supermarket with "buy one get one free" signs above them.

Dysgwr y Flwyddyn 2026: Cwrdd â Caroline Jones

Caroline Jones, sy'n byw yng Ngwynedd, yw un o bedwar yn rownd derfynol Dysgwr y Flwyddyn 2026. Mae hi'n dweud bod dysgu Cymraeg wedi newid pob agwedd ar ei bywyd.

3 min read