As spring breakers this season continue to head south into warmer territory, mosquitoes are posing a health risk that calls for extra attention.

Global cases of dengue fever are on the rise, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — and it's warning of an uptick in U.S. travelers.

The agency released a Health Alert Network advisory on March 18 noting that dengue activity and transmission "remain high" in some parts of the U.S. and globally, including the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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"Spring and summer travel coincide with the peak season for dengue in many countries, increasing the risk of both travel-associated and locally acquired cases in the United States," the CDC wrote.

The CDC has marked dengue fever as a level 1 health alert, urging the public to "practice usual precautions."

This includes avoiding mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in a room that has air conditioning or screened windows.

Many countries have reported a "higher-than-usual" number of dengue cases in 2024 and 2025, the CDC noted.

TIGER MOSQUITOES BLAMED FOR SPREAD OF DENGUE FEVER: ‘MOST INVASIVE SPECIES’

The following countries have also reported higher-than-expected numbers of dengue cases among American travelers returning to U.S. soil: Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Saint Lucia and Sudan.

Dengue fever is a virus spread through bites from an infected mosquito. 

It is common in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, among other countries, according to the CDC.

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In 2024, more than 13 million cases were reported in North, Central and South America, as well as in the Caribbean.

Local transmission of these outbreaks was reported in California, Texas and Florida last year.

Typical symptoms include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints, or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash — usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten.

Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.

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"It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death," Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, previously told Fox News Digital. 

There is not currently any medication to treat dengue, according to the CDC. 

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and see a doctor.

There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common.

Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.

A ripped NYPD detective who is becoming a social media sensation for his grueling nightly workouts wants to inspire police across the nation to get in shape.

Eddie Barrett, 35, known as "50Cal" to his hundreds of thousands of followers, recently told Fox News Digital he has never taken a day off from training in 21 years — and said there are no excuses for his colleagues to not be physically fit in the line of duty. (See the video at the top of this article.)

The married father wants his daily vlogs to show police officers that they can juggle work and family life while also making time for the gym.

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On his workdays, Barrett wakes up at midnight and heads outside for an ice bath. 

He then drives an hour to the Bronx, where he works with the NYPD's warrant department, a highly specialized unit that rounds up dangerous criminals wanted for serious crimes.

But before Barrett punches in, the 6'1" detective hits the gym to pump iron and pound the treadmill.

He then works his regular police shift — from around 3:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — before driving home, spending quality time with his family and typically getting to sleep no later than 8 p.m.

On weekends, Barrett gets up at around 3 a.m. and hits the ice bath before working out at his purpose-built home gym so he can free up the rest of the day for time with his family.

And if he’s on vacation, as he was recently in the Cayman Islands, Barrett will pound the sandy beaches in the dead of night with a torchlight strapped to his head — and that’s before his gym session.

"Getting my training in is of utmost priority — my wife thinks I'm crazy, people think I'm crazy, but I've been doing this for 21 years," Barrett told Fox News Digital. 

"And it not only sets the standard for the day, especially first thing in the morning, but it's just become who I am. It's just me. No matter where I am, what time I gotta wake up, or whatever I have going on — I will train."

Barrett uploads daily videos of his morning routine and workouts to social media, offering words of motivation to his loyal followers.

His goal is to inspire others — police in particular — to get in shape so they can be faster and stronger.

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"If [a suspect] wants to run or wants to fight, they will lose, because you’ve trained hard to be at a higher level than them," Barrett told Fox News Digital. "We’ve got to constantly work for that, because that can decide whether we go home safe or if we get hurt or God forbid something worse happens."

Said Barrett recently on Instagram in a video that shows him doing sprints before work, "Think you can run from the warrant squad? Think again."

Barrett said he recommends hybrid training, a fitness approach that involves integrating strength training with cardiovascular exercises. 

The detective often mixes extremely heavy weight-lifting with long or short runs, as well as high-intensity workouts. 

While Barrett said he doesn't expect other first responders to mimic his stringent routine, he emphasizes the importance of finding the time to be fit for duty. He noted that some police agencies are lowering fitness standards to help plug recruitment gaps.

"You want to have an appearance and a level of confidence in your fitness that demands respect and that always plays in your favor," Barrett added.

Getting out of bed early is less complicated than people think, according to Barrett.

"Some days are harder than others, right? You just can't give yourself a second option ever," he said. "We know what we have to do in life. And life is very short. The days fly by."

He added, "We have to be the best versions of ourselves, and there's so much to accomplish in life … And if you don't give yourself that second option, there is no snooze button. There is no scrolling on social media."

The detective does some "mind tricks" in the morning to help him get up, like counting down from three or saying a short prayer.

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"Get your mind going. It makes you think. It makes your brain function. You get that cool plunge. You do things that are difficult first thing in the morning, and before you know it, you're rocking and rolling," Barrett said.

Barrett said his goal is to have a lifelong career on the force, following in the footsteps of his late grandfather, who served as a police officer in New Jersey.

Today, Barrett proudly wears his grandfather’s police badge as a necklace.

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During the interview, Barrett’s young son, Henry, noted that he also wants to follow the family’s policing tradition.

"I feel like I live the best life. I really love my life and I tell people even in today's crazy climate … being a cop is a great job," Det. Barrett said. "I encourage everybody that's thinking about it: Go for it."

The detective said his strict fitness discipline is what helps him balance his training, work and family life, as well as his own supplements business.

While he wants to sustain his fitness level for as long as possible, Barrett emphasized that family always comes first, and that he cherishes the support he gets from his wife and his father, who lives with them.

"The memories we gather with our families are the most important things in the world," Barrett said. "And recently, I've come to accept that business might not grow as fast, my fitness might not get to the level I want it to, because I would never sacrifice my time with my family."

Barrett urged others, not just law enforcement members, to develop their own core principles and continue to work hard every day.

"There's so much out there for the taking in life, and if you don't get out there and do it, life is just going to pass us all by," he added.

"You're going to be amazed at what you can accomplish."

President Irfaan Ali on Saturday announced that efforts were underway to get children to spend less time on their mobile phones and electronic devices and instead engage in more sports and physical activity to promote a healthier lifestyle. “Even if we have to put free WiFi in the park to get the children out of ...

As of Oct. 14, the state has had six confirmed and five possible human cases of bird flu, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

All of the affected individuals reportedly had direct contact with infected cattle at nine dairy farms, the department stated. 

FIRST CASE OF HUMAN BIRD FLU DIAGNOSED WITHOUT EXPOSURE TO INFECTED ANIMALS, CDC SAYS

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting tests to confirm the five possible cases.

All the individuals experienced "mild symptoms," including eye redness or discharge (conjunctivitis), the CDPH stated. None were hospitalized. 

There is not a concern at this point about human-to-human transmission, according to the agency.

"Given the amount of exposure to infected cows, evidence continues to suggest only animal-to-human spread of the virus in California," said the CDPH statement. 

"Additionally, based on CDC’s genomic sequencing of three California bird flu cases, there is no evidence to suggest an increased ability for the virus to infect or spread between people and no known reduced susceptibility to antiviral medications."

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As of Oct. 15, there were a total of 20 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Colorado and California have had the most cases, with others reported in Michigan, Missouri and Texas, the same source stated.

Roughly half of those were linked to exposure to infected cattle and the other half to infected poultry. 

"To a large extent, the higher numbers we are seeing in California, and previously in Colorado, are due to more aggressive monitoring and case finding efforts in those states, rather than necessarily reflecting a larger burden of disease," Shira Doron, M.D., chief infection control officer at Tufts Medicine Health System in Boston, told Fox News Digital.

"California has one of the more comprehensive programs to find avian influenza in its cattle herds, and when they find sick cows, they monitor exposed farm workers," she went on.

"The disease has been mostly very mild, so it will only be detected if looked for."

It’s not known whether the strain that is causing avian flu in cows will ever mutate into a strain that can be spread from human to human, according to Doron.

"Right now, with no evidence of human-to-human spread, it does not have the potential to become a human pandemic, but that could change," she told Fox News Digital.

"Obviously, scientists and public health officials should be concerned, and should take action to limit the spread of this disease in farm animals."

BIRD FLU PANDEMIC IN FUTURE? EU WARNS OF POTENTIAL SPREAD TO HUMANS DUE TO 'LACK OF IMMUNE DEFENSE’

Farm owners and farm workers should also be concerned, she said.

"They should be taking measures to protect those who work closely with animals, especially cows and chickens," Doron advised.

Sam Scarpino, PhD, director of AI and life sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, said he finds the rising number of human H5N1 cases "concerning."

"The more spillovers to humans, the more chances there are for the wrong variant to find itself in a person and spark an epidemic," he told Fox News Digital.

There's currently no evidence, however, that the virus has mutated to become more infectious in humans, Scarpino said.

"Most likely, we are seeing the impact of an increasing number of infected dairy farms leading to an increasing number of human infections," he said.

"California also has active efforts for both human and dairy cattle surveillance, so ascertainment may be higher than in other states."

Although experts say the risk for human-to-human transmission remains low, they recommend certain public health precautions. 

"People who have close contact with animals, particularly farm animals and wild birds, should be taking precautions," Doron advised. 

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The CDC also recommends that farm workers wear personal protective equipment — such as gloves, goggles and face shields — and that farms follow guidance to prevent the spread of the virus between animals.

"Even if a large outbreak isn't sparked, the risk to farm workers is clearly higher, and we need to ensure they are protected," Scarpino told Fox News Digital.

"At this point, there's no excuse for a farm worker to die from an H5N1 infection."

It’s also important for people to get their seasonal flu shot, experts say.

"While it is not likely to protect against avian flu, it will help people avoid being infected with the seasonal and avian strain at the same time, which can lead to genetic mixing and emergence of a pandemic strain," said Doron.

Getting the flu vaccine also makes it less likely that someone will end up with a suspected case of avian flu as a result of having the seasonal flu and a history of animal exposure, she added.

Vaccines for bird flu are currently in development.

"It is not time to vaccinate more broadly yet, given the small number of cases, absence of proven human-to-human transmission and mostly mild infection," said Doron.

It is important for tests to be commercially available for avian flu, however.

"Seasonal flu cases will be rising soon, and we will need to distinguish quickly between regular flu and avian flu, especially in animal workers," Doron noted.

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"Right now, to test for avian flu, specimens have to go to special public health labs and the results take days to return. We are going to need answers more quickly if we want people to be able to properly isolate and prevent spread."

The CDPH recommends that California residents monitor for bird flu symptoms for 10 days after exposure.

Those include eye redness (conjunctivitis), sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headaches, trouble breathing and fever.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

"If they start to feel sick, they should immediately isolate, notify their local public health department, and work with public health and health care providers to get timely testing and treatment," the agency advises on its website.

View the full post CDB and partners championing inclusion with new disability study on NOW Grenada.

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Actor Johnny Depp, who was in Spain for the San Sebastian Film Festival, dressed as the famous character from the popular "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series and dropped into the Osakidetza Donostia University Hospital.

Depp visited the pediatric and oncology wards, where he interacted with the delighted children and their families.

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A spokesperson from the hospital described the actor’s visit as "exciting, endearing and unforgettable."

"Both the children admitted to the hospital and their families and professionals who were working at that time welcomed him with great enthusiasm and affection," the spokesperson said. 

"In a situation of illness, anyone, but especially children, greatly appreciates a distraction of this magnitude. It was a breath of fresh air, a magical moment in which they forgot about their illness and were transported to the magical world of pirates."

The entire hospital team, the admitted children and their families are all "enormously grateful" for Depp’s visit, the spokesperson said. 

"It has been a pleasure and an honor to have Jack Sparrow with us, a great pirate."

Harpreet Pall, MD, chair of pediatrics at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, confirmed that a celebrity role model visiting a children’s hospital can have a "meaningful impact" on the patients’ emotional health.

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"Some of the psychological benefits include improved self-esteem and confidence, distraction from illness, improved optimism and a morale boost," Pall told Fox News Digital. 

"A celebrity visit can create excitement and decrease some of the stress of being in the hospital."

The visit can also increase children’s engagement with their health care team, the doctor said, leading to better adherence to the treatment plan. 

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Pall added, "In addition, having a positive outlook and social interaction promotes healing for hospitalized children."

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has brought severe flooding to the southeast.

With excess water in the home, there’s an increased risk of mold growth, which can lead to serious health risks.

As Hurricane Milton heads toward Florida, experts are once again issuing warnings about the dangers of mold exposure.

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Mold in your home can look like multicolored spots and can smell musty, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In an appearance on "Fox & Friends," Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel noted that wet walls can lead to mold that might not always be visible.

Siegel called out two "very serious molds" that he’s most worried about: black mold and aspergillus.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS IF YOU'VE FOUND BLACK MOLD IN YOUR HOME TO KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE

Black mold can appear as black or dark green splotches, Siegel detailed.

Aspergillus is invasive and can cause aspergillosis, an infection that's usually respiratory, according to Mayo Clinic.

Mold can cause a variety of symptoms, such as stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes and skin rash.

Both black mold and Aspergillus can provoke allergy symptoms and infections, as well as conditions like hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the lungs, according to Siegel.

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Mold can also trigger breathing conditions like emphysema or asthma, the doctor added.

"I’m worried about people who are immunocompromised and have chronic illnesses," he said.

"It can be fatal if you’re immunocompromised or if you’ve had a transplant — you can get a severe case of infection from mold."

People with conditions like chronic lung disease can develop an infection in the lungs, the CDC stated.

Mold can develop in as little as 24 hours, Cleveland Clinic experts reported in a news release.

The sooner water damage is cleared up, the less risk there is for mold to grow, according to Maeve MacMurdo, MD, a pulmonologist for Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

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"Obviously, the sooner, the better, and it’s hard," she said in the release. "People are dealing with a lot, but cleaning up the water and mold remediation is a really big part of it."

For those who have regained power in their home, Siegel recommends plugging in a dehumidifier or air conditioner to dry out the space.

"Even if it’s cool outside, you want air-conditioning because you want to get rid of the humidity," he said. "The humidity is where mold grows."

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The doctor also recommends using bleach or vinegar to wipe down mold spots on walls – or hiring a professional to detect and remove mold.

"There are professional organizations that can spot the mold that’s hiding in the nooks and crannies," Siegel said.

For mold prevention, the CDC recommends keeping humidity levels at no higher than 50% in the home.

Air should "flow freely," helped by exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, according to the same source.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Fixing leaks in the roof, walls and plumbing will help ensure that no moisture in the home turns into mold, experts advise.

The CDC also recommends not using carpet in rooms where there is more moisture, such as bathrooms and basements, and replacing carpets and upholstery that have been soaked.

When cleaning mold spots, never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, the agency warned, as this will produce a poisonous gas.

It is best practice to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the bleach container's label, open windows to provide fresh air, and wear rubber boots, gloves and goggles during cleanup, experts advise.

People with persistent symptoms should seek medical attention, MacMurdo urged. 

While the flu season will bring temporary viruses, mold symptoms will continue to linger.

Do you often wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full night's sleep? You might be one of the millions of people unknowingly living with sleep apnea. But here's some great news. Apple has just introduced a game-changing feature that could help you identify this hidden health issue right from your wrist.

If you own an Apple Watch Series 10, 9 or Ultra 2, you'll soon have a personal sleep detective on your arm. This new feature uses the watch's built-in technology to monitor your breathing patterns while you sleep, looking for signs that could indicate sleep apnea. 

No more need for complicated sleep studies or expensive equipment; your everyday smartwatch could be the key to uncovering this common but often undiagnosed condition.

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The sleep apnea detection feature utilizes the watch's built-in accelerometer to monitor a new metric called "breathing disturbances" during sleep. By analyzing these disturbances over time, the watch can identify patterns consistent with moderate to severe sleep apnea.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for this sleep apnea feature, marking a significant milestone in wearable health technology. Apple plans to roll out the functionality to more than 150 countries and regions this month, including the United States, Europe and Japan.

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You can view your nightly breathing disturbance data in the Health app on your iPhone, where it will be categorized as either "elevated" or "not elevated." The watch analyzes this data over a 30-day period and notifies users if it detects consistent signs of sleep apnea.

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In clinical validation studies, the notification performance achieved a sensitivity of 66.3% and specificity of 98.5%. This means that while the algorithm is effective at identifying those with moderate to severe sleep apnea, it also minimizes false positives, ensuring that you can trust the notifications you receive.

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Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple's vice president of health, emphasized the rigorous development process behind this feature. The detection algorithm was created using advanced machine learning with extensive datasets from clinical-grade sleep apnea tests. The studies included diverse participants across various demographics and evaluated both at-home and in-lab sleeping environments.

This new feature has the potential to significantly impact public health by helping identify undiagnosed cases of sleep apnea. Research suggests that up to 80% of sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed, making this tool invaluable for many people who may not exhibit obvious symptoms.

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To use the new sleep apnea detection feature on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:

Ensure your Apple Watch is running the latest version of watchOS. Here are the steps:

Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version. Here are the steps:

Remember, this feature is designed for users 18 years or older who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea. If you receive a notification suggesting signs of sleep apnea, it's important to consult with your health care provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

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It’s incredible how technology can empower us to take charge of our health, and the new sleep apnea detection feature on the Apple Watch 10, 9 and Ultra 2 is a perfect example. With this tool, you can monitor your breathing patterns while you sleep, potentially uncovering issues that have gone unnoticed for far too long. Just remember, while this feature is a fantastic step toward better health, it’s essential to consult with a health care provider if you receive a notification about possible sleep apnea. Embracing these advancements could lead to a more restful night and a healthier life.

How do you feel about using wearable technology like the Apple Watch for health monitoring? Are you excited about these advancements, or do you have concerns about privacy and accuracy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 49,000 people taking their own lives in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Although most suicides stem from mental health disorders, statistics show that the behavior can sometimes be "contagious," leading to "suicide clusters."

Suicide clusters are defined as "a group of suicides or suicide attempts that occur closer together in time, space or both than would normally be expected in a community," the CDC states.

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Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania and the chief clinical officer at Charlie Health, confirmed that the act can have a contagion effect — particularly among young people.

"When individuals hear about a suicide, especially someone close to their age or in their community, it can feel more accessible as an option in moments of distress," she told Fox News Digital. 

"The more the details are shared, especially in sensational ways, the greater the risk."

Up to 5% of youth suicides can be attributed to contagion, according to Jennifer Kelman, a licensed clinical care social worker in Florida who works with JustAnswer, an expert help on-demand platform.

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"It doesn’t necessarily increase for everyone in that community, but rather for those who are struggling as well — with depression, anxiety and other feelings that may be overwhelming," she told Fox News Digital. 

Dr. Deborah Gilman, owner and chief licensed psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services in Pennsylvania, shared the following four factors that could contribute to suicide clusters. 

When people hear about suicides, it can normalize the idea of using it as a way to deal with problems, according to Gilman.

"People often look to others for cues on how to behave," she told Fox News Digital. 

"If they see that many others are choosing suicide, they may believe that it is the socially acceptable or ‘correct’ thing to do."

"Some individuals may feel a sense of connection or empathy with the person who died and may imitate their actions," Gilman said.

"In close-knit communities, schools or social groups, the suicide of one member can lead to others in the same environment feeling similar distress or engaging in similar behaviors."

Some individuals may imitate the behavior of someone who has died by suicide, especially if they are already struggling with their own mental health, she said. 

"This can be due to a sense of hopelessness or a desire to escape their own pain."

People may believe that if others are choosing suicide, it must be a valid option for them as well, according to Gilman. 

"From social learning theory, if the observed behavior — in this case, suicide — is seen as a positive outcome or a solution to problems, it may be reinforced and more likely to be imitated."

‘SLEEP DISORDER DROVE MY SON TO SUICIDE,’ NEW YORK MOTHER SAYS: ‘BROKE MY HEART’

This risk can escalate when a celebrity or widely admired person dies by suicide, she added, as it can have a disproportionate impact on those who look up to that individual.

"Individuals who are already struggling with mental health issues — especially depression and anxiety — may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors," Gilman warned. 

Those experiencing difficult life circumstances — such as job loss, divorce or financial struggles — may be more susceptible, she added.

"People tend to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easily recalled," Gilman said. 

"If a recent suicide has been widely publicized, it may make the idea of suicide more accessible and salient in people's minds."

For those impacted by suicide, experts agreed that it's important to watch for signs of deep distress, including the following.

"Experiencing recurring or intensifying thoughts of suicide is a critical warning sign that immediate professional help is necessary," Gilman advised. 

"For instance, the survivor may start having more frequent thoughts about ending their own life or making plans for it."

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They may also express feelings of being overwhelmed to the point where they believe suicide is the only option, she said.

People saying they feel like a burden is a "major red flag," according to Thomas Banta, a clinical mental health counselor in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

"Many people who try to end their lives feel they are doing the people around them a favor," he told Fox News Digital.

"When we hear that type of language, intervention is essential."

"Difficulty managing daily responsibilities or activities can indicate that the emotional burden is too great to handle without professional support," Gilman said. 

The survivor may struggle to maintain a job, manage household duties or care for themselves due to their emotional state.

Engaging in unsafe or self-harming actions is a serious sign that mental health treatment is needed, experts agree.

"For example, the survivor may start harming themselves physically, such as cutting or burning, as a means of dealing with their emotional pain," said Gilman.

"Or they may engage in dangerous activities, like reckless driving, promiscuous sex or substance abuse, which puts their health and safety at risk."

Significant changes in behavior or mood that affect a survivor’s ability to function in everyday life can be a sign that they need help, according to Gilman.

This might involve the survivor becoming unusually aggressive, withdrawn or apathetic, or displaying behavior that is significantly different from their "normal" demeanor.

"Pulling away from friends, family or support groups can indicate that the survivor is struggling more than they can manage on their own," Gilman warned. 

The person might avoid social interactions, decline invitations or isolate themselves from people who usually offer support.

The signs aren’t always obvious, however, Banta noted.

"We also see the opposite end of the spectrum, where somebody will make a plan, and their mood lifts because they feel like they have found an escape," he said.

Experts offered the following tips to help reduce the risk of "clusters" following a suicide.

"It’s important to be cautious about how we discuss suicide publicly," Fenkel said.

The best way to prevent contagion is through responsible communication, she advised.

"This includes limiting the specifics around the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of the loss," she said. 

Offering access to crisis resources can help vulnerable individuals feel connected and supported, Fenkel said.

"It's crucial to highlight help and hope, encouraging those who are struggling to seek support," she said, noting that many schools and communities provide mental health services to help those who are grieving.

Banta agreed, noting that intervention and higher levels of care can stabilize people and help them develop a robust support system. 

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"In terms of public health communication, we must let people know that treatment works and that there is effective help out there," he said. 

"Stigma can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to suicidal ideation," Gilman warned.

When people feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment, they are more likely to seek help from professionals, she noted. 

Fenkel agreed, encouraging people to talk openly and compassionately about mental health.

"Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should know that there is help available, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness," she said.

Suicide is a "fleeting state of mind," Banta pointed out. 

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

"I have worked with many people who felt hopeless and that their lives would never improve, but then they did," he said.

"So if you are struggling and reading this, there is help. Don't give up."