The World Health Organization just went on record to claim that ivermectin is “not an effective treatment for hantavirus,” fully dismissing the large body of research suggesting the opposite is likely true.

This is no surprise given that Bill Gates is now the WHO’s top funder and 13 hantavirus vaccines and gene therapies are under development:

This rapid dismissal of a safe, cheap, widely available drug follows a now-familiar pattern. When health authorities immediately reject repurposed medicines with plausible mechanisms and real-world data against RNA viruses in favor of experimental “vaccines”, it often means that the opposite the true. We see this out with the dilemma of a rodent infested ship with hantavirus in the Atlantic Ocean where the WHO has 147 passengers locked down without access to early treatment kits.

Let’s look at the evidence for ivermectin and chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine against hantavirus:

Ivermectin’s Strong Track Record Against RNA Viruses

Since the early 2010s, researchers have documented ivermectin’s broad-spectrum antiviral activity against a wide range of RNA viruses, including dengue, Zika, West Nile, yellow fever, chikungunya, influenza, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2. These antiviral effects are summarized across dozens of studies in a 2020 systematic review by Heidary et al.

The most compelling real-world evidence comes from its performance against COVID-19. The comprehensive real-time meta-analysis at https://c19early.org/i now includes 106 studies involving hundreds of thousands of patients. These studies consistently show strong benefits — particularly when used early or as prevention — with major reductions in mortality, hospitalization, and severe disease.

Crucially, hantaviruses are also RNA viruses — specifically negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. While they differ in structure and replication details from viruses like SARS-CoV-2, they still rely on host cell machinery and intracellular transport pathways that ivermectin is known to disrupt.

Mechanistically, ivermectin inhibits importin α/β nuclear transport, a pathway many RNA viruses exploit to shuttle viral proteins into the host cell nucleus to suppress antiviral responses. Hantavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein has been shown to interact with these same host pathways to interfere with immune signaling. By blocking this transport system, ivermectin may prevent the virus from disabling the host’s innate defenses.

In addition, ivermectin interferes with viral replication and assembly processes inside the cell, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects that could blunt the vascular leakage and lung injury characteristic of severe hantavirus disease.

This is the key point: ivermectin does not need to be “hantavirus-specific” to be effective. Its antiviral activity is largely host-directed — targeting conserved cellular mechanisms that many RNA viruses, including hantaviruses, depend on.

Given this combination — a shared RNA-virus biology, overlapping reliance on host pathways, and a well-documented antiviral mechanism — ivermectin likely exerts at least some degree of anti-hantavirus activity and warrants serious investigation, not dismissal.

Compelling Evidence for Hydroxychloroquine

A 2021 peer-reviewed study in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology directly evaluated chloroquine against multiple hantaviruses, including the Andes virus — the most clinically relevant strain and the one implicated in the recent cruise ship outbreak .

The key finding comes from the Andes virus model:

In the gold-standard Syrian hamster model of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (which closely mimics severe human disease), chloroquine produced a striking survival benefit. When administered continuously before infection:

• 60% of treated animals survived to 26 days

• 100% of untreated controls died within ~14 days

Even when treatment was started after infection, survival improved and time to death was significantly delayed — demonstrating both prophylactic and therapeutic potential.

Supporting this, chloroquine also showed strong antiviral activity in vitro across multiple hantavirus species, inhibiting replication at concentrations far below toxic levels, with a favorable selectivity index.

Hydroxychloroquine, the safer and more commonly used human derivative, shares the same core mechanisms. It raises endosomal pH to block viral entry and uncoating, acts as a zinc ionophore that facilitates intracellular zinc accumulation (which can inhibit viral RNA polymerase activity), and exerts immunomodulatory effects that may reduce the vascular leakage and inflammation central to severe hantavirus disease.

Taken together, the data show a clear, consistent pattern: chloroquine-class drugs can directly inhibit hantavirus replication and meaningfully improve survival in a lethal Andes virus model — with hydroxychloroquine representing the more practical candidate for human use.

Conclusion

Both drugs likely attack key steps in the hantavirus life cycle and the body’s harmful over-reaction to infection:

Hydroxychloroquine (and chloroquine):

• Raises the pH inside cell endosomes, blocking hantavirus entry and uncoating. Hantaviruses depend on acidic conditions in these compartments to release their genetic material.

• Acts as a zinc ionophore, facilitating the entry of zinc ions into cells. Once inside the cell, zinc potently inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme that hantaviruses require for replicating their genetic material (a mechanism well-documented against other RNA viruses).

• Helps modulate the immune system to reduce dangerous inflammation and vascular leakage that drive severe disease.

Ivermectin:

• Inhibits importin α/β nuclear transport proteins, disrupting the virus’s ability to hijack host cell machinery and suppress antiviral defenses.

• Interferes with viral replication and assembly.

• Reduces excessive inflammation that contributes to lung damage.

These mechanisms are complementary: hydroxychloroquine primarily blocks early viral entry, while ivermectin targets later intracellular replication and inflammation. For those interested in having these compounds on-hand in case of emergency, you can obtain some from TWC.

Specific, well-designed clinical trials for both hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin against hantavirus are needed. However, the science here is far stronger than the official “nothing to see here” narrative suggests.

Adding zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C could compose a synergistic protocol:

Zinc amplifies hydroxychloroquine’s effectiveness as its natural ionophore partner, enabling high intracellular zinc concentrations that directly inhibit the viral RNA polymerase enzyme essential for hantavirus replication.

Vitamin D is a critical immune modulator that strengthens the body’s innate antiviral defenses, helps regulate inflammatory responses, and has been associated with better outcomes in severe respiratory viral infections.

Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, supports immune cell function, reduces oxidative stress, protects blood vessels from damage, and helps counteract the cytokine storm and vascular leakage that are hallmarks of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

While the hantavirus outbreak is expected to remain quite small and limited, we can’t put anything past the pandemic profiteering cartel who’s high-containment biolabs remain fully operational.

Nicolas Hulscher, MPH

Epidemiologist and Foundation Administrator, McCullough Foundation

Support our mission: mcculloughfnd.org

Please consider following both the McCullough Foundation and my personal account on X (formerly Twitter) for further content.

Yesterday I joined Rob Finnerty on NEWSMAX to discuss one of the most urgent deadlines in American justice: Anthony Fauci now has just three days left before the five-year statute of limitations expires on his perjury before Congress.

On May 11, 2021, Fauci testified under oath: “The NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology.” That statement was made exactly five years ago. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (false statements to Congress), federal prosecutors have until May 11, 2026 to bring charges. After that, he walks free forever on this felony — no matter how much evidence piles up.

VERIFIED CRIMES — WHAT RAND PAUL HAS ALREADY REFERRED TO THE DOJ

Senator Rand Paul has formally referred Fauci to the Department of Justice multiple times for at least two clear federal felonies:

1. Lying to Congress / False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001)
The core allegation is that Fauci’s sworn denial of funding gain-of-function research at Wuhan was materially false. NIH grants (via EcoHealth Alliance) sent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for bat coronavirus experiments that created chimeric viruses — exactly the definition of gain-of-function that Fauci denied under oath. Internal NIH emails and grant documents released years later make this denial impossible to defend.

2. Destruction of Federal Records & Directing Others to Destroy Records
Fauci and top aides repeatedly instructed colleagues to delete emails after reading them to evade FOIA requests and congressional oversight. A top Fauci adviser has already been indicted on related charges. Paul has stated publicly: “Fauci did all three — lying, destroying records, advising destruction.”

These are not fringe theories. They are documented criminal referrals from a sitting U.S. Senator backed by emails, grants, and congressional investigations.

THE BROADER ALLEGED CRIMES — THE FOUR MECHANISMS OF MASS CASUALTIES

Beyond the perjury and records violations, I laid out in the interview the four mechanisms through which Fauci’s actions appear to have caused millions of American casualties:

1. Funding Gain-of-Function Experiments at the Wuhan Lab
NIAID under Fauci’s direction bankrolled the very experiments that sparked the global pandemic.

2. Suppression of Early Treatment Protocols
Fauci and his allies actively worked to discredit and suppress hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin — cheap, safe, repurposed drugs with decades of safety data — while pushing dangerous and expensive alternatives.

3. Deadly Hospital Protocols
Remdesivir (highly toxic) and mechanical ventilation were pushed as standard of care, contributing to an untold number of preventable hospital deaths.

4. Experimental mRNA Injection Mandates
Fauci relentlessly pushed coercive mandates for the experimental mRNA injections. According to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), this has resulted in over a million deaths, disabilities, and injuries.

Fauci and public health officials also used artificially inflated COVID-19 case counts to manufacture fear, justify lockdowns, school closures, and the entire vaccine-mandate regime that devastated families and the economy. A recent German study found that 86% of PCR-positive cases had no antibodies.

We Need Justice — Not Just Another Hearing

The American people are exhausted by endless hearings with no consequences. The evidence is public. The criminal referrals are already sitting on the DOJ’s desk. The statute of limitations is about to slam shut on the easiest, most provable charge: perjury.

Three days. That’s all that stands between accountability and Fauci walking away scot-free. America deserves better. The families who lost loved ones deserve better. The millions injured by these policies deserve better.

The clock is ticking.

Nicolas Hulscher, MPH

Epidemiologist and Foundation Administrator, McCullough Foundation

Support our mission: mcculloughfnd.org

Please consider following both the McCullough Foundation and my personal account on X (formerly Twitter) for further content.

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Their infernal odyssey has unfolded on the following timeline.

• April 1, 2026: The MV Hondius departs Ushuaia, Argentina, for a polar voyage.

• April 6, 2026: First symptoms are reported by passengers.

• April 11, 2026: A 70-year-old Dutch passenger dies. His death is initially attributed to natural causes. Doctors on board initially believe the illness is not infectious, so dozens of passengers are permitted to disembark as planned at St. Helena on April 24 without screening or contact tracing. After these passengers travel globally, health authorities confirm the presence of hantavirus on board the ship.

• April 25, 2026: The 69-year-old Dutch wife of the deceased man boards a KLM flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam but is then escorted off the plane after crew members assessed her deteriorating medical condition. She subsequently dies in Johannesburg.

• Late April – Early May: Ship is denied entry at Cape Verde, remains at anchor while authorities organize emergency medical evacuations.

• May 6, 2026: Three individuals—including the ship’s doctor—are medically evacuated and flown to the Netherlands for treatment.

• May 6, 2026: A flight attendant on the KLM flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam who encountered the Dutch wife of the initial fatal case is admitted to hospital in Amsterdam. She is the first suspected infection outside the passengers and crew of the ship.

• May 7, 2026: The MV Hondius has departed Cape Verde and is currently en route to Tenerife (Canary Islands) where it is expected to arrive around May 10.

Passengers are to undergo a medical assessment onboard. Those with no symptoms are to be repatriated to their home countries, starting around May 11. Spanish nationals are to be quarantined in a military hospital in Madrid. Evacuations would use protective equipment, with no direct contact with local Canary Islands residents. The ship will likely remain at anchor or with minimal port time.

Spain’s central government (via Health Minister Mónica García) approved this despite local opposition from Canary Islands officials, who are characterizing it as “reckless.” Authorities claim the disembarkation of the remaining passengers poses little risk to the public, as no one currently onboard is currently presenting symptoms.

What Are Hantaviruses

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses of the family Hantaviridae, order Bunyavirales, with the primary human-pathogenic species classified under the genus Orthohantavirus. The rodent-borne viruses are known to cause severe diseases, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in the Americas and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) in Eurasia.

Symptoms of hantavirus infection can include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and and shortness of breath. In some cases, people develop severe breathing difficulties requiring hospitalization. Symptoms usually appear between 2 to 4 weeks after being exposed to the virus, but there are reports of symptoms occurring up to 40 days after exposure.

The first hantavirus (specifically the Hantaan virus) was isolated by Ho-Wang Lee and his colleagues in South Korea in 1978 from the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) near the Hantan River, thereby identifying the causative agent of Korean hemorrhagic fever.

Laboratory testing of samples from the ship confirmed the strain as Andes virus (Andes orthohantavirus), a New World hantavirus endemic to southern South America (primarily Argentina and Chile) and carried by the long-tailed pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus).

This matches the geographic origin and explains the clinical presentation of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), characterized by fever, respiratory distress, and high fatality.

Andes virus is distinguished for its rare capacity for limited human-to-human transmission, documented in small clusters in Argentina and Chile. Notable precedents include the 1996 El Bolsón outbreak (16 linked cases) and the 2018–2019 Epuyén event in Patagonia (34 confirmed infections, 11 deaths), where transmission occurred via close household or intimate contact.

Origin of the Outbreak

Investigators claim they have traced the likely index cases to rodent exposure prior to boarding. The Dutch couple—the first fatalities—is said to have contracted the virus during a pre-cruise bird-watching excursion in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego that included a visit to a local landfill, where they may have inhaled aerosolized particles from infected rodent urine, feces, or saliva. If this is indeed the case, they apparently presented symptoms in an unusually short period after their exposure.

Research reveals that the Ushuaia relleno sanitario landfill is indeed a birdwatching hotspot. The White-throated Caracara (Phalcoboenus albogularis or Daptrius albogularis) is the primary “lifer” target—that is, the first time a bird will be viewed by a dedicated birdwatcher. This species of Caracara is typically only seen only at the Ushuaia dump (or similar sites) in southern South America, where it scavenges and associates with other caracaras

Argentina’s health ministry claims it is trapping rodents in the area to confirm this hypothesis. The ship’s departure from southern Argentina aligns with the endemic range of the identified pathogen.

So far, I have seen no reports of a rodent infestation being discovered aboard the vessel, but I can’t help but wonder about this. Though modern cruise ships employ strict procedures for preventing rodents from boarding, it can still happen. Rodents can hide in wooden pallets or cardboard boxes during the loading of food and supplies. Rats are capable of scurrying up docking lines, though most ships use rat guards—conical or circular shields—on these lines to block them from reaching the hull. Rodents have also been known to hitch a ride inside suitcases or shopping bags from port cities.

Comparison to Historical Outbreaks

Hantavirus infections are rare globally and almost always zoonotic. Major historical events include the 1993 Four Corners outbreak in the southwestern United States (Sin Nombre virus, ~50 initial cases, ~50% fatality) and sporadic cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Asia and Europe.

In the Americas, Andes virus has caused hundreds of HPS cases since its identification in 1995, with case fatality rates of 20–50%.

The MV Hondius outbreak is unprecedented as the first recorded hantavirus cluster on a cruise ship and one of the largest suspected human-to-human events outside South America. It is consistent with the confined, prolonged contact of prior Andes clusters (e.g., family or healthcare settings) but peculiar in its occurrence in a travel setting with passengers from multiple continents. Unlike typical cruise-ship outbreaks (e.g., norovirus, which spreads efficiently via fecal-oral routes), this event highlights the virus’s dependence on specific exposure conditions rather than broad airborne contagion.

Virulence, Transmissibility, and Variant Status

According to various media reports, the cases onboard the ship do not indicate exceptional virulence or transmissibility compared to other hantavirus clusters. Fatality (~40% in confirmed cases) and clinical severity are consistent with known Andes virus HPS outcomes. Human-to-human spread, while suspected as a factor in secondary onboard infections, remains limited and is said to require close, prolonged contact—consistent with all prior Andes documentation.

The WHO has repeatedly stated that the risk to the general public is low; the virus is not easily transmitted casually, and no community spread has been detected beyond ship contacts. Global monitoring of disembarked passengers (including Americans, Europeans, and others) has identified no further outbreaks.

The WHO claims there is no evidence that the virus is a new mutant variant. Genetic sequencing shows the strain is virtually identical (>99% match) to established Andes virus lineages circulating in Argentina. WHO officials claim they have ruled out mutations enhancing transmissibility or virulence at this stage. Ongoing genomic analysis continues, but current data are said to indicate a standard, endemic strain introduced via the pre-boarding exposure.

It’s a hell of thing to contemplate being stuck aboard a ship for weeks on end, unwelcome in any port. The episode recalls the origin of the word quarantine—from the Italian phrase quaranta giorni, meaning "forty days.”

The practice traces back to the 14th century, during the time of the Black Death, when it was used to describe the mandatory 40-day isolation period imposed on ships and travelers to prevent the spread of the plague. In the European context, the practice was instituted by the Republic of Venice, which called it it quarantena. Ships were directed to dedicated island stations in the Venetian Lagoon to primarily the Lazzaretto Nuovo for suspected cases and cargo, and the Lazzaretto Vecchio for the actively sick.

It seems to me that an open-air refugee camp with widely spaced tents for shelter and sleeping would be preferable to confining the passengers to the ship’s rooms for weeks on end. In tents widely separated from others, each passenger could get plenty of sunlight and breathe fresh air far enough apart from other passengers to avoid transmission. Each could then be released after showing no symptoms for a prescribed period and obtaining negative antibody or PCR tests.

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During the pandemic I recall the WHO and other public health agencies making every wrong move in terms of action steps. Now the same is playing out on the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak. Three passengers are dead, some on the ship, making it clear that doctors cannot manage even the earliest stages of this illness outside the hospital. Instead of evacuating all the passengers and getting them to safe on-shore quarantine with rapid access to hospital and ICU care, like a petri dish, the boat is chugging through the Atlantic to the Canary Islands.

A team of World Health Organization (WHO) epidemiologists was scheduled to board the MV Hondius on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

The vessel, which had been stranded off the coast of Cabo Verde due to a deadly outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus, was met by the team to conduct a clinical review of the 147 passengers and crew. This investigation was a crucial delay in determining if the ship would be cleared to continue its journey to the Canary Islands or be rerouted directly to the Netherlands.

Delayed Investigation Timeline (2026)

• April 11, 2026: The first person to die on the MV Hondius during the 2026 hantavirus outbreak was a 70-year-old Dutch male passenger.

• May 2: The WHO received the first official notification of the cluster of severe respiratory illnesses following laboratory confirmation of hantavirus in South Africa.

• May 4: The WHO issued a Disease Outbreak News (DON) report, officially identifying the outbreak as hantavirus.

• May 5: A team of WHO experts boarded the vessel while it was moored off Cabo Verde to assess the health of those on board.

• May 6: Following the assessment, three individuals (two symptomatic and one asymptomatic) were medically evacuated by aircraft, and instead of full evacuation and airlift, the ship was permitted to depart for Tenerife as invariably more cases will emerge given the long 1-8 week incubation phase.

As of today, May 8, 2026, the ship is currently in transit to the port of Granadilla in Tenerife, where it is expected to arrive within the next few days under strict quarantine protocols allowing passengers to get sick on board with inadequate early phase care.

Tertiary Care (Third-Level Hospitals) in Canary Islands

These are the most advanced medical facilities on the island only has 116-120 ICU beds. If hantavirus patients are saved, it is due to very high level care including mechanical ventilation, ECMO, and dialysis. Neither of these hospitals are adequate from a public health emergency perspective.

• Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria: Located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is one of the primary reference hospitals for the province.

• Hospital Universitario de Canarias (HUC): Situated in La Laguna, this is a major center for complex medical research and specialized procedures.

While public health experts where on CNN last night praising the WHO, I gave the audience on Real America’s Voice a different perspective. Hantavirus is a fatal infection and a cruise ship far from ICU care is unacceptable for monitoring exposed persons in quarantine. Even if this is the Andes strain with theoretical person-to-person spread, it is far safer to manage the outbreak on shore with tertiary care facilities at hand. I am fearful this WHO blunder will result in more cases, airlifts, and death.

Please subscribe to FOCAL POINTS as a paying ($5 monthly) or founder member so we can continue to bring you the truth. Alter AI may be used to assist in searches, synthesis, and review.

Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

President, McCullough Foundation

FOCAL POINTS has partnered with Patriot Mobile to defend your medical freedom. Join Patriot Mobile today!

If you are like me, you want to use sweetener now and again but struggle between calorie laden, diabetes-promoting refined sugar and chemically modified sweeteners.

• Sucralose (Splenda): A major market leader made by chemically modifying regular sugar (sucrose) by replacing three hydrogen-oxygen groups with chlorine atoms. This change prevents the body from digesting it, making it calorie-free.

• Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet): Composed of two amino acids (aspartic acid and phenylalanine) and a methyl ester. It is technically a chemical compound, not a naturally occurring one, and is widely used in diet soft drinks.

• Saccharin (Sweet’N Low): The oldest artificial sweetener, produced by chemically modifying chemicals like o-toluene sulfonamide or phthalic anhydride through oxidation.

• Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): A lab-made sweetener created through chemical reactions among several compounds, including sulfamic acid and potassium hydroxide. It is often blended with other sweeteners to mask aftertastes.

• Neotame (Newtame) and Advantame: These are potent derivatives of aspartame that have been chemically modified to be significantly sweeter—up to 20,000 times sweeter than sugar

☀️ A Pure, Botanical Approach to Sweetness for the Health-Conscious Lifestyle

In a world where we are increasingly intentional about what we put into our bodies, finding a sweetener that aligns with a high-performance lifestyle is a massive victory. For those of us who refuse to compromise on either health or flavor, Pique Life’s Golden Fruit Nectar is a refreshing departure from the status quo. It’s not just about what this product excludes—though avoiding the insulin-spiking pitfalls of refined sugars is paramount—it’s about the clean, vibrant experience it brings to your morning tea, coffee, or electrolyte ritual.

🌿 Nature’s Superior Choice

What makes this blend particularly compelling is its commitment to botanical integrity. When you choose a high-quality, fruit-derived nectar, you are opting for a sensory experience that respects your body’s metabolic framework.

• Clean Energy: By avoiding the heavy, erratic spikes associated with industrial syrups, you allow your body to maintain a steady, productive baseline throughout the day.

• Palate Recalibration: This nectar offers a sophisticated, nuanced sweetness that highlights the natural notes of your beverages rather than overwhelming them. It is a tool for those of us who have outgrown the blunt, aggressive sweetness of modern processed foods.

• The Ritual Advantage: For the individual who views their daily health routine as a non-negotiable cornerstone of success, integrating a clean, reliable sweetener turns a simple habit into a refined, enjoyable ceremony.

🚀 Empowering Your Performance

True vitality is built on the foundation of consistent, wise choices. Incorporating Pique Life into your daily routine is an excellent way to maintain your discipline without feeling deprived. It acknowledges that we are human—we enjoy sweetness—but it gives us a pathway to indulge that keeps our metabolic goals firmly in sight.

For anyone who has struggled to find a sweetener that doesn’t feel like a “cheat” or a compromise, this nectar is a game-changer. It provides that essential touch of luxury to your wellness regimen, allowing you to stay focused, sharp, and energized.

Ultimately, Pique Life has delivered a product that bridges the gap between purity and pleasure. It is a testament to the idea that we don’t have to sacrifice our taste buds to achieve our health objectives. By choosing high-quality, plant-based alternatives, we are taking active control of our internal environment. Enjoy the sweetness, knowing you’ve made a choice that supports your long-term drive for excellence.

Please subscribe to FOCAL POINTS as a paying ($5 monthly) or founder member so we can continue to bring you the truth. Alter AI may be used to assist in searches, synthesis, and review.

Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

President, McCullough Foundation

FOCAL POINTS has partnered with Pique to promote your optimal health. To learn more about Pique products and get 20% off and free gifts, https://www.piquelife.com/DRPETER today!

Please enjoy this long-format interview with mind-body expert Dr Maria Kosma.

🎙️ Embodied Consciousness and Holistic Health

In a compelling episode of FOCAL POINTS, host Dr. Peter McCullough welcomes Dr. Maria Kosma, an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University, to discuss the critical intersection of physical movement, social connectedness, and mental health. Dr. Kosma’s latest research challenges the reductionist, Cartesian view of mental health that treats the body as a mere mechanical object subservient to the brain.

🧠 Beyond the Brain: The Embodied Mind

The conversation centers on the philosophy of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, who argued that the mind and body are an inextricable unity—what he termed “embodied consciousness.” Dr. Kosma emphasizes that stress is not merely a psychological phenomenon residing “in the head,” but a systemic state experienced by the “habituated body.”

Dr. Kosma explains her recent work on the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis, which she uses as a primary example of how physiological and psychological states are linked. While conventional medicine often relies on pharmacotherapy or brain-oriented interventions to manage anxiety, Dr. Kosma advocates for a holistic approach. By improving one’s “body schema”—the pre-reflective, multisensorial unity of the self—through regular, mindful physical movement, individuals can modulate the HPA axis, fostering resilience against chronic stress.

📱 The Crisis of Modernity and Loneliness

Dr. McCullough and Dr. Kosma explore the current mental health crisis, particularly among young adults, which they attribute to a confluence of factors:

• Technological Addiction: The design of platforms encouraging infinite scrolling, coupled with the pressure to maintain an online persona, fosters generalized anxiety and sleep disturbances.

• The Erosion of Community: Contrasting modern Anglo-American culture—which prioritizes extreme individualism—with Mediterranean and South American cultures, they highlight the protective benefits of close-knit social networks. The loss of daily, in-person social interactions and the rise of isolated living, they argue, are major drivers of the current epidemic of insomnia and anxiety.

• Hyper-Measurement: Dr. Kosma criticizes the modern, utilitarian obsession with tracking steps, calories, and sleep data through smart devices. She argues that this turns physical activity into “dreadful drudgery” rather than a natural, joyful human necessity.

🤸 Performative Movement as Antidote

A highlight of the discussion is the “performative” aspect of movement. Dr. Kosma shares insights from her pilot studies involving performing arts, such as aerial silks and imaginative movement programs. Even for individuals dealing with chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, participating in group-based, creative physical sequences proved transformative. These activities allowed participants to transcend pain and symptoms by engaging their imagination and communal spirit, effectively reducing “kinesiophobia” (the fear of movement).

Both experts agree that the human body is designed to be outside and active. Dr. McCullough reflects on his own experience with line dancing, noting that the mental focus required for coordination, combined with the communal setting, produced a level of exhaustion and satisfaction that standard weightlifting or treadmill running could not replicate.

🚀 Looking Forward

The interview concludes with a reflection on the encroachment of digital demands and the uncertain impact of AI. While Dr. Kosma remains hopeful, she urges her students and listeners to reclaim their agency by engaging in analog practices—such as writing by hand, journaling, and prioritizing in-person social connection—to preserve human creativity and body-mind unison in an increasingly screen-dependent world.

Please subscribe to FOCAL POINTS as a paying ($5 monthly) or founder member so we can continue to bring you the truth. Alter AI may be used to assist in searches, synthesis, and review.

Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

President, McCullough Foundation

FOCAL POINTS has partnered with Patriot Mobile to defend your medical freedom. Join Patriot Mobile today!

📚 References

• Kosma, M. (2026). Holistic Body–Mind Movement Programs and Endurance Exercise Training: A Critical Narrative Review on the Modulation of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis. https://www.academia.edu/2997-9196/3/2/10.20935/MHealthWellB8261

While the mass media breathlessly covers the MV Hondius — a Dutch-flagged expedition ship now quarantined off Cape Verde with multiple confirmed hantavirus cases — few are aware that there are currently 13 documented hantavirus vaccine and gene therapy programs in active development:

• 6 DNA “vaccines” (US Army / USAMRIID) — many of them “needle-free” jet-injector versions

• 3 mRNA “vaccines” (Moderna + Korea University, Chinese research team, VIDO Canada)

• 2 viral vector “vaccines” (UK institutions + VIDO Canada)

• 1 inactivated vaccine (Hantavax — already licensed and used in South Korea)

• 1 protein subunit vaccine (VIDO Canada)

The US Army hantavirus DNA “vaccines” are not vaccines. They are literally plasmid DNA gene-therapies. Each one contains lab-made circular DNA (plasmids) carrying the hantavirus M-segment genes that code for the virus’s surface glycoproteins (Gn and Gc). When injected (often with a needle-free jet injector or electroporation device), your own cells absorb the DNA, read it like a blueprint, and start manufacturing the pathogenic hantavirus proteins themselves.

Needless to say, I will NOT be lining up for experimental military-grade gene therapy the Army has been tinkering with for over 20 years.

I’d rather take my chances with the natural red algae protein Griffithsin:

The cruise ship situation should NOT become a pandemic. However, with major World Health Organization involvement, mass media claiming potentially infected passengers have now traveled to multiple countries, and the pre-existing 13-vaccine pipeline, the early stages are being set for hantavirus as the next plandemic operation.

Perhaps the hantavirus situation is being pushed hard because the WHO’s pandemic treaty negotiations hit a major roadblock just 5 days ago. Member states still can’t agree on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex, meaning the pandemic treaty can’t come into effect. This clearly angered WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, prompting him to warn the next pandemic was “a matter of when, not if.”

We will continue following these developments closely.

Nicolas Hulscher, MPH

Epidemiologist and Foundation Administrator, McCullough Foundation

Support our mission: mcculloughfnd.org

Please consider following both the McCullough Foundation and my personal account on X (formerly Twitter) for further content.

Subscribe now

Unbridled enthusiasm for any drug is always prompts pause for concern. Research suggests a potential, though rare, link between semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and a serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), or "eye stroke," which can cause sudden, permanent vision loss. While studies indicate a higher risk for Ozempic users, experts emphasize that more research is needed to determine if the drug directly causes this, as patients with type 2 diabetes are already at higher risk.

👁️ Analysis of Choi et al. and the Emerging Ocular Risks of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

The medical establishment has spent years aggressively promoting injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) as a panacea for weight loss and diabetes. Yet, as usage explodes, we are finally seeing the cracks in the facade as independent data begins to surface, revealing that these drugs are not completely benign miracle cures. The latest analysis by Choi et al. (2026), titled “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists or SGLT2 Inhibitors and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy,” published in JAMA Network Open, serves as an acknowledgment of a serious iatrogenic risk: permanent vision loss.

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With the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship now standing at 7 cases and 3 deaths, many people are curious if any promising research exists on combatting it.

While hantavirus is typically spread by rodents, the World Health Organization recently claimed human-to-human transmission “can’t be ruled out” on the cruise ship — particularly among very close contacts. The ship operator and health authorities have said there were no rodents on board the vessel, suggesting the initial exposure likely occurred before boarding in South America.

The outbreak is expected to fizzle out fairly quickly once the remaining passengers and crew (~147 total people) are medically cleared and disembarked from the ship.

While there are currently no approved treatments specifically for hantavirus, some early-stage scientific work has turned up an intriguing natural candidate that deserves attention.

One such compound is Griffithsin (GRFT), a non-toxic, natural protein originally isolated from a species of red marine algae. In a 2020 laboratory study, researchers at the CDC showed that Griffithsin was remarkably effective in cell culture against two of the most important New World hantaviruses (Andes virus and Sin Nombre virus).

It reduced hantavirus infection of cells by up to 95% and slashed infectious viral load by more than 99.99% — a greater than 4-log (10,000-fold) drop — by physically blocking the virus from entering human cells through its binding to specific sugar molecules on the viral surface glycoproteins.

Building directly on that work, a 2022 follow-up study published in the same journal took the research into animals. Using a lethal mouse model of hantavirus infection, Griffithsin protected 80% of the treated mice from death, while every untreated animal succumbed. Once again, the primary mechanism was preventing viral entry right at the start of infection.

These results are still preclinical — meaning much more work would be needed before any real-world application — but they represent perhaps the most promising data currently available for hantavirus countermeasures.

Given that Moderna is already collaborating with Korea University on an mRNA-based hantavirus injection, Griffithsin — a safe, natural protein with impressive preclinical data — would almost certainly be ignored in the very unlikely event of a widespread outbreak (gain-of-function/lab release).

Regulators would rush to fast-track Moderna’s proprietary mRNA candidate under emergency use authorization, while a promising natural option from red algae gets left on the shelf.

Nicolas Hulscher, MPH

Epidemiologist and Foundation Administrator, McCullough Foundation

Support our mission: mcculloughfnd.org

Please consider following both the McCullough Foundation and my personal account on X (formerly Twitter) for further content.

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Some of the most novel approaches are learned from one another at major medical meetings. This year I met Dr Todd A Born, ND, CNS and Alter AI summarized our conversation about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In this episode of The McCullough Report and FOCAL POINT Substack, host Dr. Peter McCullough interviewed Dr. Todd A. Born, a naturopathic physician, to discuss alternative, non-pharmacological approaches to managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The conversation centered on the limitations of conventional psychiatric medication and the success of integrated, naturopathic treatment strategies.

The Problem: Over-Diagnosis and Over-Medication

Dr. Born highlighted that the current approach to ADHD in the conventional medical system is often overly reliant on stimulant medications, which he described as “band-aids” rather than fixes. These medications, such as methylphenidates and amphetamines, frequently come with significant side effects in children, including suppressed appetite, weight loss, growth inhibition, heart racing, and sleep disruption. Both doctors expressed concern that this approach often leads to a cycle of over-medication, where additional drugs are required to manage the side effects of the stimulants.

The pharmaceutical industry maintains a vast array of FDA-approved stimulants and non-stimulants for ADHD, which fall into two primary categories. It is important to remember that these are symptomatic interventions, often carrying significant side-effect profiles, and should be approached with extreme caution.

1. Stimulant Medications

These are the most common prescriptions, primarily functioning by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are categorized as controlled substances due to their high potential for abuse and dependency.

• Amphetamine-based products: These include common brands such as Adderall, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), Dexedrine, and Xelstrym (a transdermal patch).

• Methylphenidate-based products: This category includes well-known names like Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana (a patch), and Focalin.

2. Non-Stimulant Medications

Often marketed as alternatives when stimulants are not tolerated or have failed, these typically act on different neurotransmitter pathways.

• Atomoxetine (Strattera): A selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

• Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists: These include Intuniv (guanfacine) and Kapvay (clonidine), which are often prescribed for children who experience excessive hyperactivity or aggression.

• Viloxazine (Qelbree): A more recent addition to the market approved for pediatric and adult ADHD.

Sociocultural Determinants

The discussion touched upon the environmental and cultural shifts contributing to the rise of ADHD. Dr. Born and Dr. McCullough noted that the modern environment—characterized by excessive screen time, instant gratification via social media/YouTube, and a lack of physical play—is fundamentally at odds with the natural development of the human mind. They suggested that the velocity of technological change has created an environment that fosters impatience and a diminished attention span, even in very young children.

The Naturopathic Approach

Dr. Born detailed a comprehensive, “therapeutic order” approach to treatment that prioritizes the least invasive interventions first:

• Dietary Intervention: The foundational step involves removing artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, and dyes, which Dr. Born noted are strongly linked to exacerbated ADHD behaviors in double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. He also highlighted the importance of addressing food sensitivities, particularly dairy and gluten.

• Nutritional Support: Addressing nutrient deficiencies is critical. Common deficiencies in ADHD patients include iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Born emphasized using high-quality supplements to saturate tissues and fill gaps left by the “Standard American Diet.”

• Gut-Brain Axis: Recognizing that approximately 70% of neurotransmitters are produced in the gut, he routinely incorporates high-quality, hypoallergenic probiotics into treatment plans.

• Homeopathy: Dr. Born uses constitutional homeopathic medicine to match a patient’s specific mental, physical, and emotional symptoms to a remedy, which he argues is often more effective than “shotgun” over-the-counter preparations.

• Botanicals: He utilizes nootropic and calming herbs, such as lemon balm, go-to cola, and saffron. Specifically, he highlighted a head-to-head trial showing that saffron was as effective as methylphenidate in relieving ADHD symptoms but with zero side effects.

Results and Outlook

Dr. Born reported a high level of success, asserting that in his clinical practice, he has been able to help virtually all children under the age of 20 with an ADHD diagnosis achieve symptom resolution without the use of stimulant medications. For adults, the process is slower due to established neuronal pathways, but he has successfully helped many reduce their reliance on pharmaceuticals. Both Dr. McCullough and Dr. Born concluded that a holistic, naturopathic approach is a safer, more reasonable, and more effective long-term strategy for managing ADHD than the current mainstream reliance on stimulant cocktails.

Please subscribe to FOCAL POINTS as a paying ($5 monthly) or founder member so we can continue to bring you the truth.

Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

President, McCullough Foundation

FOCAL POINTS has partnered with Patriot Mobile to defend your medical freedom. Join Patriot Mobile today!

References

• The McCullough Report (April 23, 2026), Transcript: Dr. Peter McCullough and Dr. Todd Born on Non-Pharmacological Approaches to ADHD.

Can you imagine the terror of those on board the MV Hondius? Passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius are currently not allowed to disembark in Cape Verde, as authorities have imposed strict restrictions after a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has caused multiple deaths. The ship is anchored off Praia, and while local health teams have boarded to assess the situation, no general disembarkation has been authorized, even for screening or routine medical access. Passengers are effectively being kept on board under quarantine‑like conditions, although officials are working to arrange possible medical evacuations for seriously ill individuals on a case‑by‑case basis.

🚢 The Hantavirus Crisis at Sea

The current rodent-borne Hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, which departed Argentina and is currently held off the coast of Cape Verde, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in closed-loop maritime environments. With confirmed fatalities and multiple suspected cases, this event challenges the conventional narrative that hantavirus—typically associated with rodent-borne transmission in terrestrial settings—remains strictly a localized zoonotic threat. When confined within the ventilation and recirculated air systems of a vessel, the risk of aerosolized transmission from rodent excreta becomes an urgent, systemic concern that demands immediate, independent prophylactic action.

🔬 Protecting Personal Sovereignty Against Hantavirus

In the face of institutional inertia and the slow response of global health bureaucracies, passengers must take individual responsibility for their biological security. Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosolized virus particles found in the urine, droppings, and saliva of infected rodents. Within the context of a cruise ship, where dust can easily be disturbed by ventilation or passenger movement, stringent personal protocols are required.

🧼 Environmental Decontamination

The primary defense against surface-level transmission is the immediate and consistent use of wet, alcohol-based wipes. Dry cleaning methods, such as sweeping or vacuuming, are strictly contraindicated as they aerosolize potentially contaminated dust. Wiping down cabin surfaces—specifically air vents, luggage storage areas, and bathroom fixtures—with high-concentration alcohol wipes traps the virus and neutralizes the lipid membrane of the envelope, rendering it inactive.

🛡️ Personal Barrier Protocols

• Respiratory Protection: When in areas where dust may be disturbed, particularly in older sections of ships or near maintenance access points, the use of a NIOSH-approved N95 mask is essential. These masks provide the necessary filtration efficiency to capture the viral particulates that standard surgical masks allow to pass through.

• Mucosal Defense: Routine nasal and throat hygiene serves as a critical secondary barrier. While the medical establishment often ignores low-cost, non-pharmaceutical interventions, regular gargles and nasal irrigations utilizing saline or dilute povidone-iodine solutions can help clear the upper respiratory tract of transient viral particles before they settle into the lungs.

💊 Pharmacological Considerations

The role of off-label and repurposed therapeutics in the management of viral replicative and inflammatory processes remains a subject of intense interest among independent researchers.

• Tamiflu (Oseltamivir): While primarily an influenza neuraminidase inhibitor, some clinicians hypothesize that its broad-spectrum potential in mitigating early-stage cytokine storms might offer prophylactic utility in viral environments.

• Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine: These compounds have demonstrated significant immunomodulatory and antiviral characteristics in a range of viral pathologies. While mainstream health authorities systematically downplay their efficacy, independent analysis suggests that their ability to inhibit viral entry and modulate host inflammatory responses warrants serious consideration for those seeking to bolster their resilience against systemic viral threats. Note: The use of these medications for prophylaxis must be approached with caution and ideally discussed with a medical professional who operates outside the influence of corporate-pharmaceutical dogma. Many are considering a Wellness Company Medical Emergency Kit before getting on the ship.

⚖️ Conclusion

The MV Hondius incident underscores the necessity of proactive, individual health management. By prioritizing environmental hygiene, utilizing effective respiratory barriers, regular use of nasal/throat sprays and gargles, and exploring the potential of repurposed, time-tested therapeutics, passengers can reclaim a measure of control over their environment in an era where institutional health authorities often prove inadequate.

• Hantavirus Pathophysiology and Transmission:

  • Schmaljohn, C., & Hjelle, B. (1997). “Hantaviruses: A Global Disease Problem.” Emerging Infectious Diseases. This foundational text details the aerosolization risks of rodent-borne pathogens and the mechanisms of viral persistence in the environment.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: Clinical and Laboratory Studies.” This data provides the baseline understanding of how viral shedding in rodent excreta leads to respiratory infection.

• Environmental Decontamination Protocols:

  • Mills, J. N., et al. (1995). “A Manual for the Collection, Processing, and Testing of Rodents for Hantavirus.” This document outlines the critical necessity of “wetting down” areas to prevent aerosolization, validating the use of disinfectants in neutralizing the virus.

Please subscribe to FOCAL POINTS as a paying ($5 monthly) or founder member so we can continue to bring you the truth. Alter AI may be used to assist in searches, synthesis, and review.

Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

President, McCullough Foundation

FOCAL POINTS has partnered with Patriot Mobile to defend your medical freedom. Join Patriot Mobile today!

Is it just me or are lips getting fatter in the population over time? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that ~1.45 million lip‑augmentation procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2024. It is estimated that roughly 5–10% of adult women in the United States have had cosmetic lip filler at least once.

💉 Scientific Review: Modern Cosmetic Lip Augmentation

The use of dermal fillers for lip augmentation has become a ubiquitous aesthetic procedure. While often marketed as simple, “lunch-hour” enhancements, these interventions represent significant biological manipulations that require critical scrutiny regarding their long-term physiological impact.

🧪 Composition and Mechanism

The current gold standard for lip augmentation is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)-based fillers. HA is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan; however, the commercial product is synthetically produced via bacterial fermentation and subsequently cross-linked to increase its longevity.

Cross-linking agents—most commonly 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE)—are utilized to create a more stable, viscosity-resistant gel that resists enzymatic degradation by hyaluronidase. Other, less common fillers include synthetic microspheres like poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), which function by stimulating neocollagenesis rather than providing simple volumetric expansion.

While acute reactions are rare, they can be serious.

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I was amazed to learn that Lance Wallnau had converted an entire Colleyville home into studio set with changing rooms. Alter AI summarized our conversation.

🎙️ Summary: Dr. Peter McCullough on The Lance Wallnau Show

In this April 22, 2026, interview, Lance Wallnau hosts Dr. Peter McCullough to discuss critical health issues, focusing on the therapeutic potential of repurposed drugs, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and the necessity of individual health sovereignty.

💊 Repurposed Agents and Cancer

Dr. McCullough highlights the promising anti-cancer applications of ivermectin and mebendazole. He reports on a real-world study of 200 patients (122 reaching the six-month mark) using these agents alongside standard care for solid organ cancers. The findings were encouraging:

• 84% clinical benefit: Including stable disease or regression.

• Safety: Reported gastrointestinal side effects, but no serious adverse events. Dr. McCullough argues these drugs attack cancer cells through multiple mechanisms and calls for large-scale, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials under the National Cancer Institute.

🧬 Spike Protein and Detoxification

A central theme is the persistence of the spike protein—derived from either the virus or vaccinations—circulating in the bloodstream for years. Dr. McCullough explains the “Ultimate Spike Detox” protocol, utilizing nattokinase, bromelain, and curcumin to assist the body in clearing these proteins. He also emphasizes:

• Shedding: Acknowledged as a phenomenon of spike transference, particularly among premenopausal women.

• Detoxification: In addition to nutraceuticals, he advocates for sweating via infrared saunas as a primary method to eliminate spike proteins.

🏛️ Institutional Critique and Health Sovereignty

The conversation frames the modern medical establishment as compromised by corporate incentives and ideological capture. Dr. McCullough criticizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for its past pursuit of companies providing nutraceuticals, such as vitamin D and nasal sprays, asserting that government suppression of safe, over-the-counter options exacerbated the pandemic’s toll.

The discussion also explores the historical context of vaccination, drawing parallels between early ideological fervor and the contemporary “religion” of science. Both host and guest champion the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, urging citizens to move away from passive reliance on the pharmaceutical-industrial complex and toward proactive, informed, and individual management of their own health and wellness.

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Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

Chief Scientific Officer, The Wellness Company

https://www.twc.health/pages/focal-points

If you have a family member or friend with dementia, then this interview could be very impactful in their lives. If you believe you are at risk as I am, then it’s personal. Alter AI wrote this report.

🧠 Combating the Crisis: Nutritional Breakthroughs in Cognitive Health

In a recent episode of The McCullough Report, host Dr. Peter McCullough engaged in a pivotal discussion with Dr. John E. Lewis, a distinguished research scientist and founder of Dr. Lewis Nutrition. The conversation addressed the staggering epidemic of cognitive decline, encompassing Alzheimer’s disease and various forms of dementia, which now affect an estimated 14 to 15 million Americans.

📉 The Staggering Burden of Neurodegeneration

Dr. McCullough and Dr. Lewis highlighted the profound personal and societal impact of this crisis. With Alzheimer’s disease now recognized as a leading killer, the financial burden—estimated between $500 billion and $1 trillion annually—is unsustainable. Beyond the economic cost, the human toll is catastrophic, characterized by an average 11-year gap between the end of an individual’s “health span” and their “lifespan.”

Dr. Lewis emphasized that neurodegeneration is not an inevitable consequence of aging starting in one’s 70s or 80s; rather, emerging research indicates that the process may begin as early as the 30s and 40s. Consequently, the focus must shift from reactive care to early, proactive prevention.

Symptomatic Treatments

These drugs, which have been used for decades, are primarily designed to manage cognitive symptoms rather than address the underlying pathology of the disease:

1. Donepezil (Aricept): A cholinesterase inhibitor approved for all stages of Alzheimer’s dementia.

2. Rivastigmine (Exelon): A cholinesterase inhibitor approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia.

3. Galantamine (Razadyne): A cholinesterase inhibitor approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia.

4. Memantine (Namenda): An NMDA receptor antagonist approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s dementia.

5. Donepezil and Memantine (Namzaric): A combination therapy approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s dementia.

Disease-Modifying Therapies

In recent years, the FDA has approved monoclonal antibodies that target amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. These are strictly indicated for patients with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease:

• Lecanemab (Leqembi): Received full FDA approval in 2023.

• Donanemab (Kisunla): Received full FDA approval in 2024.

🧪 The “Daily Brain Care” Evidence

Central to the discussion was the clinical research conducted by Dr. Lewis, which utilized a specific nutraceutical formulation, often referred to as an allopolysaccharide (derived from the Aloe vera plant) multinutrient complex.

Key Study Findings:

• Clinical Efficacy: In a study of subjects with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s, the use of this complex resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements in cognitive function at nine and 12 months, as measured by the ADAS-COG (Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale).

• The ADAS-COG Gold Standard: Dr. Lewis explained that the ADAS-COG, which ranges from 0 (perfect function) to 70 (no cognitive function), serves as the gold standard for assessment. Participants who were previously considered ineligible for major pharmaceutical trials showed meaningful improvements, a result Dr. Lewis noted is rarely—if ever—mirrored by FDA-approved dementia drugs.

• Biological Mechanism: A striking finding from the study was a 286% increase in CD14 cells. Dr. Lewis proposed a working hypothesis that these cells, which act as a first line of defense in the brain, may play a critical role in mitigating inflammation and supporting neuronal repair.

🌿 A Multi-Dimensional Nutritional Approach

The formulation discussed is far more than a single-ingredient supplement. It is a comprehensive strategy designed to address multiple facets of cellular health:

• Allopolysaccharides: Derived from Aloe vera and rice bran, these sophisticated molecules provide coded information that influences cellular function.

• Synergistic Components: The mix includes golden flax seed (lignans for immune signaling), Montmorillonite clay (for heavy metal chelation), Dioscorea (for hormonal regulation), sunflower lecithin (source of choline), N-acetylcysteine (precursor to glutathione), and tart cherry (a source of melatonin).

• Safety and Tolerability: Remarkably, the formula showed no adverse drug interactions, offering a high safety profile compared to the toxic reactions often associated with conventional pharmaceuticals.

🚀 A Proactive Future

Dr. McCullough, who has personally incorporated the “Daily Brain Care” formula into his own health regimen, underscored the psychological relief of taking proactive, science-backed steps toward neuroprotection. Both experts agreed that while large-scale clinical trials remain the gold standard, the robust, internally consistent results from Dr. Lewis’s research provide a compelling, actionable pathway for those seeking to mitigate risk before clinical symptoms manifest.

As Dr. McCullough concluded, this work is filling a vital void in nutritional science, offering hope where traditional medicine has largely offered stagnation.

Please subscribe to FOCAL POINTS as a paying ($5 monthly) or founder member so we can continue to bring you the truth.

Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

President, McCullough Foundation

FOCAL POINTS has partnered with Patriot Mobile to defend your medical freedom. Join Patriot Mobile today!

📚 References

• Transcript of The McCullough Report, April 22, 2026 (America Out Loud Talk News).

• Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-COG) documentation.

• Lewis JE, McDaniel HR, Agronin ME, Loewenstein DA, Riveros J, Mestre R, Martinez M, Colina N, Abreu D, Konefal J, Woolger JM, Ali KH. The effect of an aloe polymannose multinutrient complex on cognitive and immune functioning in Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2013;33(2):393-406. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2012-121381. PMID: 22976077.

A major new peer-reviewed study we just published in Medical Research Archives has uncovered a shocking reversal: after two decades of steady progress, infant mortality surged 37% since 2020, congenital abnormality deaths jumped 46%, and registered live births collapsed by 24% — all coinciding with expanded vaccination campaigns in the Philippines.

The study is titled Global Implications of Vaccination and Rising Infant Mortality in the Philippines, authored by Sally A. Clark, Claire Rogers, Mila Radetich, Nicolas Hulscher (myself), Kirstin Cosgrove, Breanne Craven, M. Nathaniel Mead, and James A. Thorp.

Using official Philippine Statistics Authority data on 41.7 million births and over 546,000 infant deaths from 2000–2024, plus Department of Health vaccination records, we documented a sharp turnaround after two decades of steady progress.

Infant mortality rate fell to a historic low of 11.05 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2020. Then it rose 37% to 15.11 by 2024 — a statistically significant jump (p < 0.0001) that erased more than 20 years of gains in just five years.

At the same time, registered live births dropped 24% from their 2012 peak (p < 0.0001), with an accelerating decline after 2019.

We found clear temporal links between rising infant deaths and key elements of the national vaccination program.

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) coverage surged from 24% in 2015 to 76% in 2023. The correlation with infant mortality was extremely strong: r = 0.93 (p = 0.00074) from 2015–2023 and r = 0.77 (p = 0.016) when including 2024 data.

Mortality peaks across the first year of life aligned precisely with the National Immunization Program schedule:

• Birth doses of Hepatitis B and BCG coincided with early neonatal spikes.

• 6-, 10-, and 14-week doses of PCV, pentavalent, and polio vaccines matched major post-neonatal peaks (especially months 2–4 and month 7).

National “catch-up” vaccination campaigns in April–June 2022 and 2023 were followed by clear monthly spikes in infant deaths. In 2024, with no nationwide campaign, those peaks were noticeably lower.

The sharp reversal also coincides precisely with the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The program launched in March 2021, with professional societies actively recommending the shots for pregnant women. By early 2023, 70.3% of the eligible population — and a striking 88.8% of adults aged 18-59 (the prime reproductive-age group) — were fully vaccinated.

As a result, the first birth cohorts gestated after widespread maternal COVID-19 vaccination (starting in 2021) experienced the dramatic infant mortality rise, along with a 46% increase in congenital abnormality deaths and major spikes in respiratory diseases (+124%), infectious/parasitic diseases (+125%), and unexplained sudden deaths (+106%, including SIDS).

Although these data are derived from the Philippines, the implications are global. Similar vaccination schedules, products, and maternal COVID-19 vaccination strategies have been implemented worldwide. Notably, our findings align with recent analyses of U.S. CDC death certificate data demonstrating a break in decades-long declining infant mortality trends beginning in 2021, alongside significant excess mortality among young children.

After decades of steady improvement, the abrupt and sustained reversal in infant mortality—alongside parallel rises in congenital abnormalities and multiple cause-of-death categories—represents a clear and unprecedented public health signal that cannot be ignored.

Nicolas Hulscher, MPH

Epidemiologist and Foundation Administrator, McCullough Foundation

Support our mission: mcculloughfnd.org

Please consider following both the McCullough Foundation and my personal account on X (formerly Twitter) for further content.

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This first wave of mainstream acknowledgements are about cancer on the rise in general. From Time Magazine in 2025 to an interview with cancer survivor Katie Couric in 2026, there is a general recognition that after stead rises from 2000 to the present, there was a sharp inflection point upward in 2021 with the roll out of the ill-fated genetic vaccines.

Ironically, Couric developed cancer after COVID-19 vaccination. Couric and her husband, John Molner, received their second doses together in early 2021. She documented the event on Instagram with the caption, “I am so stoked that I got poked,” and expressed deep gratitude for the healthcare workers supporting the effort. Shortly after her first dose, Couric reported feeling “great” with virtually no side effects. She had no idea a consequence of her shots could be a new breast cancer. Katie Couric was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in June 2022 after a routine mammogram. Following a lumpectomy and radiation, she became cancer-free and now advocates for regular screenings but shows no concern over emerging cancer risks in the vaccinated.

So Time Magazine and Couric are baffled, but unvaccinated Higbie and McCullough are not fooled on this edition of Frontline.

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Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

President, McCullough Foundation

FOCAL POINTS has partnered with Patriot Mobile to defend your medical freedom. Join Patriot Mobile today!

Kuperwasser, C., & El-Deiry, W. S. (2026). COVID vaccination and post-infection cancer signals: Evaluating patterns and potential biological mechanisms. Oncotarget, 17.

In an April 29, 2026, appearance on The Steve Gruber Show (Real America’s Voice), cardiologist and Chief Scientific Officer of The Wellness Company, Dr. Peter McCullough, discussed the federal indictment of Dr. David Morens, a former senior advisor to Dr. Anthony Fauci. McCullough characterized the indictment, which alleges Morens conspired to circumvent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests regarding the origins of SARS-CoV-2, as a significant “inflection point.” He questioned whether Morens might serve as a “fall guy” to shield Fauci and argued that the legal system should explore nullifying any preemptive pardons to ensure accountability for government officials’ conduct during the pandemic.

Transitioning to clinical and policy topics, McCullough addressed President Trump’s recent interest in researching psychedelic drugs for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. McCullough expressed cautious support, noting that while these substances may offer limited therapeutic value in strictly controlled inpatient settings, they are not home-use medications and carry significant safety risks.

The interview focused heavily on oncology, specifically the potential for repurposing affordable, generic medications. McCullough highlighted research conducted by The Wellness Company suggesting that a combination of ivermectin and mebendazole may assist in managing various solid-organ cancers. He argued that these agents appear to reduce tumor proliferation, inhibit angiogenesis, and accelerate apoptosis—mechanisms that are distinct yet synergistic. McCullough noted that while preclinical and clinical data exist for individual use, he is urging the National Cancer Institute to initiate large-scale, prospective, randomized, double-blind trials to validate this combination as an adjunctive cancer therapy. He contrasted this approach with the current oncology model, which heavily favors expensive, proprietary chemotherapy regimens.

Finally, McCullough reiterated his support for The Wellness Company’s “Shield” product, a botanical-based formulation he contends helps bolster the body’s natural defenses against malignancy. He concluded by encouraging a shift toward preventive, integrative strategies, emphasizing that patients should consult their physicians to explore these options rather than relying solely on traditional, high-cost interventions.

Please subscribe to FOCAL POINTS as a paying ($5 monthly) or founder member so we can continue to bring you the truth. Alter AI may be used to assist in searches, synthesis, and review.

Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

Chief Scientific Officer, The Wellness Company

https://www.twc.health/pages/focal-points

References

1. The Steve Gruber Show, Real America’s Voice, broadcast April 29, 2026. Transcript provided.

2. U.S. Department of Justice. Indictment of Dr. David Morens, 2026.

3. Mead MN, Seneff S, Wolfinger R, et al. “COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines: Lessons Learned from the Registrational Trials and Global Vaccination Campaign.” Cureus 2024; 16(1):e52876.

4. McCullough PA et al. “Clinical Approach to Post-acute Sequelae After COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination.” Cureus 2023; 15(11):e49204.

With all the media attention on post-pandemic turbo cancer, I have been searching for solutions to get ahead the the crisis. Currently cancer screening in the US is limited by guidelines.

Core USPSTF‑Recommended Cancer Screenings

• Breast cancer
  Women should receive screening mammography every 2 years from ages 40 to 74. [sites.nort...estern.edu]

• Cervical cancer
  Women ages 21–65 should be screened with:

  • Pap test every 3 years (ages 21–29), or

  • HPV testing (alone or combined with Pap) at longer intervals for ages 30–65. [cdc.gov]

• Colorectal cancer
  All adults ages 45–75 should be screened using stool-based tests or direct visualization tests (such as colonoscopy), at intervals depending on the method used. [sites.nort...estern.edu]

• Lung cancer
  Annual low‑dose CT is recommended for adults ages 50–80 who:

  • Have a significant smoking history (≥20 pack‑years), and

  • Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. [cdc.gov]

• Prostate Cancer

American Cancer Society (ACS) prostate cancer screening guidance

The ACS recommends earlier initiation of PSA discussions and gives clearer endorsement of testing once an informed discussion has occurred:

• Age 50: Men at average risk with a life expectancy ≥10 years should discuss PSA screening with their clinician

• Age 45: Men at higher risk, including Black men or those with a first‑degree relative diagnosed before age 65

• Age 40: Men at very high risk, such as those with multiple first‑degree relatives affected at an early age

After this discussion, men who choose screening should receive PSA testing, with screening intervals based on PSA level (e.g., every 1–2 years) [cancer.org]

Cancers Not Routinely Recommended for Screening in Healthy Adults

• Routine screening has not shown a mortality benefit for ovarian, pancreatic, testicular, or thyroid cancers in asymptomatic adults.

• Evidence is insufficient to recommend routine screening for bladder, oral, or skin cancer in people without symptoms. [cdc.gov]

Key Caveat

These recommendations apply to average‑risk, asymptomatic adults. Personal or family history, genetic risk, or other conditions may change screening timing or intensity. None of these recommendations consider SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination as a new and highly prevalent risk factor for cancer.

🔬 Scientific Review: Whole-Body MRI in the Era of Turbo-Cancer

📈 The Escalating Landscape of Cancer Incidence

Since 2021, global oncology trends have shifted significantly. Epidemiological data indicates a troubling, unexplained acceleration in cancer diagnoses, particularly among younger, likely COVID-19 vaccinated cohorts who historically presented lower risk profiles. This phenomenon has sparked intense debate regarding potential oncogenicity of genetic vaccines, Spike protein exposure, and other determinants. As the medical establishment struggles to contextualize these shifts, the necessity for proactive, non-invasive, and highly sensitive screening modalities has become a paramount concern for patients seeking to bypass institutional inertia.

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A new Majority Staff Interim Report from Sen. Ron Johnson’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations was released today (April 29, 2026), titled Unmasked: How Biden Health Officials Purposely Turned a Blind Eye Toward COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Signals.

In early 2021 — just weeks after the COVID-19 vaccines rolled out under EUA — FDA senior medical officer Dr. Ana Szarfman (a key developer of the agency’s own data mining system) teamed up with Dr. William DuMouchel (the statistician who literally invented FDA’s “gold standard” EB data mining algorithm) to run an upgraded analysis on VAERS data.

Their new method (Regression-Adjusted Gamma Poisson Shrinker — RGPS) fixed a known flaw called “masking” — where signals for one COVID vaccine get drowned out by the sheer volume of reports from the others.

What they found was explosive:

• 49 examples of extreme masking

• ~25 new statistically significant safety signals that FDA’s standard MGPS method completely missed

• Signals included: sudden cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary infarction, Bell’s palsy, non-site specific embolism/thrombosis, dementia, and “Death and sudden death” — for Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J shots

Dr. Szarfman repeatedly shared these findings with senior CBER officials (the very people in charge of vaccine safety), including Dr. Peter Marks, in March, April, May, and July 2021.

Their response?

• Told her to “hold off” on creating and sending any more data mining reports

• Called her work a “major distraction”

• Worried it would “create erroneous conflicts that feed into anti-vaccination rhetoric”

• Eventually ordered her to “cease and desist”

Later, FDA quietly locked down distribution of its own weekly data mining reports to CDC — right around the time FOIA requests and Sen. Johnson’s letters started coming in. One CDC official even admitted they may have asked FDA to stop sending them “because of the FOIAs.”

Even after Dr. Szarfman and DuMouchel published their findings in Drug Safety (2022) showing masking was eight times more likely with COVID vaccines, and Dr. Robert Califf replied “Thanks. These are good,” no changes were made to the methodology.

This is documented, internal FDA communication showing deliberate suppression of safety signals at the exact moment millions of Americans were being told the shots were “safe and effective.”

The cover-up continues to unravel. Accountability is urgently warranted.

Nicolas Hulscher, MPH

Epidemiologist and Foundation Administrator, McCullough Foundation

Support our mission: mcculloughfnd.org

Please consider following both the McCullough Foundation and my personal account on X (formerly Twitter) for further content.

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In this discussion on Faith & Freedom reported by Alter AI, host Shemane Nugent and Dr. Peter McCullough explore the alarming rise of “turbo cancers”—a phenomenon characterized by cancers emerging at younger ages, presenting with increased severity, and progressing at a rapid, unprecedented rate.

🧬 Key Insights on Turbo Cancer

Dr. McCullough attributes this surge to the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent mRNA vaccination campaign. He cites data suggesting that synthetic messenger RNA may impair DNA repair mechanisms and possess oncogenic properties. Furthermore, he explains that the Spike protein—present in both the virus and the vaccines—can compromise critical tumor surveillance systems, specifically P53 and BRCA.

💊 Potential Therapeutic Approaches

The conversation highlights promising preliminary findings regarding the use of repurposed, inexpensive anti-parasitic medications, specifically ivermectin and mebendazole, as adjunctive treatments for cancer.

• Mechanism of Action: These agents may inhibit cancer cell proliferation, restrict the development of new blood supply (angiogenesis), and promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.

• Study Results: Dr. McCullough notes that in a recent study of patients with established cancers, the combination of these drugs led to disease stabilization or regression in a significant majority of participants, though he emphasizes the need for large-scale, prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials to confirm these results.

🏛️ Institutional Critique

Both participants express deep concern regarding the current medical establishment’s focus. They argue that the National Cancer Institute is overly reliant on traditional, incremental approaches—surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—while failing to invest adequately in cancer prevention or explore the efficacy of accessible, generic alternatives. Dr. McCullough calls on the current administration to prioritize the rigorous evaluation of these promising, off-label treatments to move beyond corporate-driven cancer protocols.

Please subscribe to FOCAL POINTS as a paying ($5 monthly) or founder member so we can continue to bring you the truth.

Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH

President, McCullough Foundation

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References

• Valdes Angues R, Perea Bustos Y. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and the Multi-Hit Hypothesis of Oncogenesis. Cureus. 2023 Dec 17;15(12):e50703. doi: 10.7759/cureus.50703. PMID: 38234925; PMCID: PMC10792266.