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  • Public Health Alert: West Nile Virus Surges, Multiple Disease Outbreaks Reported Across US States with Vaccine Concerns Emerging

    Public Health Alert: West Nile Virus Surges, Multiple Disease Outbreaks Reported Across US States with Vaccine Concerns Emerging
    2025/09/13
    Today, public health alerts in the United States include several developing issues that listeners should know about. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus cases are running 40 percent higher than usual, with more than 770 cases nationwide so far this year and most infections clustered in August and September. Health officials are urging the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially in high-incidence areas.

    State health authorities from Iowa, Vermont, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas, and Wyoming are tracking various outbreaks, including a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Iowa’s Marshall County, which has been possibly linked to contaminated cooling towers and has resulted in at least one fatality. Vermont has confirmed its first human case of Jamestown Canyon virus, a mosquito-borne disease, and Missouri scientists are calling for Chagas disease, also known as “kissing bug disease,” to be classified as endemic after human cases were reported in multiple states and insects found in Missouri and Illinois. Additionally, health officials report that Oropouche virus, common in South and Central America, has been found in travelers returning to the United States from countries with active outbreaks, especially among those who visited Cuba and Florida. There is no vaccine currently available for Oropouche virus, and travelers are advised to consult healthcare providers if they develop symptoms such as high fever, headache, or muscle aches after travel.

    There are also concerns about the United States’ approach to vaccines. The American Medical Association is closely monitoring federal policies after the Department of Health and Human Services released the Make America Healthy Again Strategy Report, which calls for changes to childhood vaccine frameworks. This includes increased investigation of vaccine injuries and provider choice, as well as efforts to modernize vaccine schedules with transparency and best science. States are acting independently to guarantee vaccine access, particularly in anticipation of the fall flu season, and are urging the public to get vaccinated as measles outbreaks and related tragedies have recently occurred, including the death of a child in Los Angeles County from complications of measles contracted prior to vaccination eligibility. The AMA continues to advocate for robust immunization access to prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.

    Public confidence in federal vaccine policies is low, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey, which finds only a quarter of Americans trust that current recommendations are based on science, particularly amid changes that exclude certain groups from COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. The loss of broad vaccine confidence could lead to increased risk and higher health costs, as noted in an editorial by The Washington Post.

    For older adults, rising fall deaths have been linked to certain prescription drugs, especially fall risk-increasing drugs; care providers advise regular medication reviews to reduce risks. Meanwhile, health insurance premiums are set for their largest increase in five years as drug costs and policy changes drive up expenses, according to The Washington Post.

    The Department of Health and Human Services is also increasing enforcement against information blocking in health care and prioritizing research into the use of artificial intelligence for disease management. Environmental health remains a focus, particularly with the scrutiny of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in consumer products and their link to liver damage, as well as ongoing concerns about wildfire smoke residue in communities like Los Angeles.

    In policy news, federal lawmakers continue to negotiate extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and the future of telehealth coverage for Medicare, with key deadlines approaching that could impact millions of Americans. Listeners in Wyoming should note that the state stands to receive significant federal funds for rural healthcare improvements and public input is requested.

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  • US Health Alert West Nile Virus Surges Amid COVID Vaccine Access Changes and Measles Outbreak Concerns

    US Health Alert West Nile Virus Surges Amid COVID Vaccine Access Changes and Measles Outbreak Concerns
    2025/09/11
    Listeners, here is today’s public health update for the United States as of September 11th, 2025. Health officials are ramping up warnings about the growing spread of West Nile virus. According to the Associated Press, cases are running about 40 percent higher than usual for this time of year, with more than 770 cases reported so far, including nearly 500 severe cases. Most infections happen in late summer and early fall, so the risk remains elevated. Massachusetts and Colorado are seeing higher case counts, with Colorado reporting more than double the cases typically expected. To reduce risk, people should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside and use EPA-registered insect repellent. West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and while many infections are mild or symptomless, severe illness can cause brain or spinal cord inflammation and even death. As of now, CDC officials have not identified why infection rates are so high, but weather and bird infection rates could be factors.

    New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Connecticut are taking steps to keep COVID-19 vaccines widely accessible. KFF Health News reports these states are allowing residents to get vaccinated without a doctor’s prescription, expanding eligibility and easing access at pharmacies, especially for children as young as three in some places. At the federal level, there has been some confusion about guidance on COVID vaccines, but these measures ensure continued protection during respiratory virus season.

    Public attention is also on measles. This year, the CDC is tracking record-breaking numbers of measles cases and outbreaks despite high overall immunity. CDC guidance emphasizes immediate recognition and mitigation, especially in communities with low vaccine coverage. The CDC continues to recommend the MMR, or measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, with particular focus on maintaining high immunization rates to prevent further outbreaks.

    There is ongoing debate and uncertainty about vaccine policy. According to advisory.com and TurnTo23, significant leadership changes at the CDC and new appointments to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are reigniting debate over school vaccine requirements, including for hepatitis B, chickenpox, and meningitis. The Committee is due to meet September 18th and 19th to discuss possible changes to recommendations for several vaccines, including COVID-19 and MMR.

    In other advisory news, AP has issued a warning about alternative Lyme disease testing and treatment. Experts urge people to avoid unproven diagnostic methods and treatments, which have proliferated due to complex symptoms of this tick-borne illness. Only federally-approved testing and treatment should be used.

    A hand soap and personal care product recall is expanding. The Hill reports that DermaRite Industries has broadened the recall to more than 30 products over concerns about contamination with Burkholderia cepacia complex, a bacterium that can cause life-threatening infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Listeners should check product labels and consult FDA announcements for recall details.

    For listeners affected by the 9/11 attacks, there are urgent concerns about the World Trade Center Health Program. Newsweek and ABC7NY highlight that this program, which serves over 140,000 survivors and first responders, is facing funding issues and could have to ration care or deny new enrollees by 2028 without additional Congressional support. Advocacy for swift legislative action is ongoing.

    Lastly, while not currently detected in the United States, international health agencies are monitoring a new Ebola outbreak in the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to STAT News. There is no indication of threat to U.S. listeners, but CDC and global partners are actively tracking developments.

    Listeners, thank you for tuning in for today’s public health alerts. Please stay informed, subscribe for daily updates, and remember your wellbeing is our priority. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

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  • Vaccine Policy Shifts Spark Nationwide Concerns: Key Changes in School Immunizations, COVID Guidance, and Public Health Recommendations

    Vaccine Policy Shifts Spark Nationwide Concerns: Key Changes in School Immunizations, COVID Guidance, and Public Health Recommendations
    2025/09/09
    Today, listeners should be alert to the significant changes and updates influencing public health across the United States. The most immediate issue is a shift in vaccination policies and requirements. According to Stat News, Florida recently became the first state to announce plans to eliminate school vaccination requirements, and national exemption rates for childhood vaccines have reached a record-high for the third year in a row. Experts warn that these exemptions are linked to rising outbreaks, citing the recent measles outbreak in West Texas, which was the worst in 30 years and resulted in multiple child fatalities. Immunization rates are now dropping below the critical threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, raising concerns about the resurgence of diseases like measles and mumps.

    COVID-19 vaccination guidance has also shifted. The Nevada Independent reports that the FDA and CDC have narrowed their recommendations: COVID-19 vaccination is now advised primarily for those 65 years and older or at high risk. This departs significantly from previous guidance recommending universal vaccination, causing confusion and access issues. Pediatricians and major medical associations continue to recommend routine vaccination for children and pregnant people, but varying state policies and insurance constraints are causing challenges, as described by both The Nevada Independent and Tompkins County Whole Health. In New York, Governor Hochul's executive order has overridden these restrictions, allowing anyone over six months of age to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through their provider or local pharmacy, though listeners are reminded to check with insurance providers regarding coverage. Vaccine supplies are currently rolling out to pharmacies, but some short-term availability disruptions should be expected.

    House Committee hearings and health policy debates remain focused on these changes. JD Supra highlights congressional concerns about vaccine policy becoming politicized, leading to public mistrust and threatening child health protections. Meanwhile, the WHO has expanded its Essential Medicines List to include new treatments for cancer and diabetes, which will guide procurement and insurance coverage in many settings, according to the Pan American Health Organization. While these lists influence global access, in the U.S. they serve as an important reference for public and private health sectors.

    Other health issues remain relevant. The FDA this week issued new guidance for healthcare providers regarding accommodations for employees and patients suffering from Long COVID. The Department of Labor and Job Accommodation Network have provided resources outlining employer responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, advising that Long COVID may significantly affect employment and necessitate workplace adjustments, as described in the FDA’s latest stakeholder update.

    Listeners should stay vigilant for updates on respiratory illness, as the CDC and state public health agencies continue to monitor COVID-19, influenza, and RSV heading into peak season. Tompkins County Whole Health emphasizes that vaccination remains the best defense against serious respiratory illness, hospitalizations, and complications like Long COVID.

    It is crucial for listeners to double-check the most recent recommendations from both federal and state agencies, consult trusted medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, and stay current with local health alerts. The public health situation remains dynamic and politicized, and rapid shifts in guidelines may affect access to critical vaccines and therapeutics.

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  • CDC Warns of Salmonella Outbreak in Metabolic Meals, Advises Flu Vaccination and COVID Booster for High Risk Groups

    CDC Warns of Salmonella Outbreak in Metabolic Meals, Advises Flu Vaccination and COVID Booster for High Risk Groups
    2025/09/06
    Listeners, today’s public health alerts in the United States cover food safety advisories, infectious disease vaccine recommendations, and breaking national health policy developments.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to certain ready-to-eat Metabolic Meals home delivery foods. Sixteen people across ten states have become ill, with seven hospitalized. The outbreak is traced to meals delivered around July 28, 2025. If you have Metabolic Meals products from this period, do not eat them. Dispose of these meals or contact the company for instructions. The CDC also advises listeners to thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with these items. Severe Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F, ongoing diarrhea lasting more than three days, bloody stool, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration. If you experience any of these, seek medical attention immediately according to the CDC.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert for Trader Joe’s Uncured Pepperoni Pizza sold in California. This frozen pizza, imported from Italy, was not properly reinspected by the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Though no illness has been reported, and no recall was required as the item is no longer available for sale, listeners who have this pizza in their freezer – specifically with “MFG LOT: 06/16/25 BEST BY: 08/16/26” or “MFG LOT: 06/21/25 BEST BY 08/21/26” and establishment number “IT 1558 L UE” – should not consume it. Return the item to the store or safely discard it per USDA recommendations.

    Flu season is approaching, and the CDC now recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. The ideal window for vaccination is September and October this year. This guidance is supported by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which also confirm that both children and adults benefit from updated flu vaccination to reduce severe infection risk.

    For COVID-19, the FDA has approved the 2025-26 vaccine for adults 65 and older and for those ages 6 months and up who have risk factors for severe COVID-19, such as chronic conditions or immunocompromised status, according to communications from the CDC and state health departments. The New York State Department of Health recommends adults 19 and older—including people at higher exposure risk or living with vulnerable individuals—receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Pregnant, postpartum, and lactating individuals, as well as those planning pregnancy, should also get the updated vaccine following advice from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Insurance coverage may vary, so listeners should verify with their health plan providers.

    Beyond vaccines, federal and local agencies are in flux regarding immunization policy and mandates. A federal court has blocked parts of new ACA enrollment rules, and some states like California and Massachusetts have announced independent vaccine policies. Leadership changes and oversight debates at the CDC are ongoing, with upcoming hearings in Congress about vaccination policy and national health funding.

    Finally, over 25 million Americans in the Northeast are under severe weather and flash flood alerts today. Damaging winds and flooding are possible especially from Philadelphia up through Maine. If you live in this region, monitor local alerts, stay safe, and avoid flood-prone areas.

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  • CDC Leadership Shakeup Sparks Vaccine Policy Changes and Public Health Concerns Amid Rising Disease Outbreak Risks

    CDC Leadership Shakeup Sparks Vaccine Policy Changes and Public Health Concerns Amid Rising Disease Outbreak Risks
    2025/09/04
    Listeners, today’s public health alerts in the United States revolve around urgent changes to vaccine policies, heightened concerns about preventable disease outbreaks, and the continuing impacts of federal health agency shakeups.

    According to ABC News, the most important federal change is the Food and Drug Administration’s restriction of COVID-19 vaccine access, now limited to people aged 65 and older or those of any age with health conditions placing them at high risk for severe illness. This change, finalized just days ago, follows widespread leadership upheaval within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Newly installed CDC director Susan Monarez was dismissed after refusing to endorse vaccine policy changes not grounded in scientific evidence. Four other senior CDC officials resigned in protest, deepening expert concerns about evidence-based public health guidance.

    The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, known as ACIP, was completely overhauled in June by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Per STAT News and the Tufts Daily, every previous member was dismissed, and new appointees—some with limited experience in immunology and some with vaccine-skeptical views—were installed. Major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Physician Associates and the California Medical Association, warn this politicization undermines scientific trust and could fragment the vaccine recommendations that insurance companies, pharmacies, and providers use to guide patient care.

    The CDC’s Advisory Committee is still slated to meet this month to discuss guidelines not only for COVID-19 vaccines but also for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis B, and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines. However, Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health Committee, and others are calling for the advisory session to be postponed indefinitely due to turmoil surrounding the CDC’s leadership and procedures, according to Holland & Knight.

    Meanwhile, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and other advocacy organizations highlight a disturbing surge in measles cases. As of late August, there have been 1,408 confirmed measles cases nationwide—the most in 33 years—with outbreaks concentrated in communities with low vaccination rates. Health officials warn that reduced immunization support and misinformation from national leaders are increasing the risk of further outbreaks, endangering vulnerable children.

    At the state and local levels, many health departments are holding or awaiting CDC guidance before administering new COVID-19 vaccines. The Georgia Department of Public Health, for example, reports that it does not yet have the updated shot in stock, and federal agencies are instructing providers to destroy the previous season’s vaccine inventory.

    There is significant concern about broader consequences from these federal changes. According to Food Safety News, Kennedy’s cuts at the CDC have resulted in state health departments no longer being required to track key foodborne pathogens like Campylobacter and Salmonella, even though they remain leading causes of illness and death. Experts warn this weakens surveillance, prompt outbreak detection, and clinical responses. CDC staff cuts have further slashed support for infectious disease tracking, chronic disease prevention, healthy pregnancy and child development, HIV and hepatitis elimination, and coordinated responses to emerging public health threats.

    Listeners should also be aware that Congress is convening to review health appropriations and systemic policy changes, with advocates emphasizing the need to protect access to care, public health infrastructure, and science-based immunization protocols.

    Listeners seeking to take charge of their health should check local health department alerts, confer directly with their healthcare providers regarding their specific vaccine eligibility or needs, especially for COVID-19, measles, and hepatitis B, and remain vigilant due to the ongoing reorganization of federal health protection policies.

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  • Public Health Crisis Unfolds: CDC Leadership Shakeup Threatens Vaccination Rates and Emergency Response Capabilities

    Public Health Crisis Unfolds: CDC Leadership Shakeup Threatens Vaccination Rates and Emergency Response Capabilities
    2025/09/02
    Listeners, today’s public health alerts in the United States come amid significant changes and concerns at the highest levels of the nation’s health infrastructure. NPR reports that nine former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned the American public health system is, in their words, “a raging fire.” This unprecedented statement comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently fired CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez and thousands of CDC employees, deeply disrupting disease prevention programs and weakening protections against major threats such as cancer, heart disease, lead poisoning, and infectious disease outbreaks.

    According to The New York Times, these former leaders describe Kennedy’s actions as unlike anything seen before in U.S. public health, stating millions of Americans’ lives are put at risk. The ousted director’s legal team has accused the administration of weaponizing public health for political purposes, creating destabilization at a delicate moment.

    Medicalxpress reports that childhood vaccination rates across the country have declined, with experts expressing alarm about rising vulnerability to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. While Texas recently declared its measles outbreak over, neighboring New Mexico continues to see new cases. Adding to the concern, three top CDC vaccine officials resigned in protest over recent anti-vaccine policy shifts. Dr. Paul Offit, director at the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, cautions that what’s being normalized now is an increasing number of outbreaks that disproportionately impact children, especially in under-vaccinated communities.

    A new panel reconstituted by Secretary Kennedy and comprised of vaccine skeptics is scheduled to review routine recommendations for childhood immunizations, including protection for measles and hepatitis. Current and former CDC staff warn that further changes could further reduce vaccination rates and undermine outbreak response capacity. The American Public Health Association has highlighted the danger of replacing long-standing scientific safeguards with disjointed or misinformed policies.

    Adding pressure are ongoing congressional budget fights, as reported by STAT News. Funding for critical health programs—including coverage subsidies for millions and support for safety-net clinics—hangs in the balance with a government shutdown possible by September’s end. These political battles could affect everything from affordable care coverage to the ability of the CDC and public health partners to respond effectively to current and future health emergencies.

    Recent healthcare transparency policies signed by President Trump have strengthened requirements for hospitals and insurers to fully disclose treatment prices, aiming to empower consumers and address rising drug costs, according to the Presidential Prayer Team. However, persistent hospital closures in rural and underserved urban areas are compounding access challenges, and many Americans still struggle to afford necessary care.

    Listeners should be especially mindful in communities where childhood vaccination efforts have weakened, as vulnerability to measles, Covid-19, and influenza remains elevated. Experts recommend ensuring children and adults are up to date on vaccines, seeking care with reputable providers, and staying informed as public health recommendations may change rapidly in the weeks ahead.

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  • COVID-19 Cases Rise as New Variants Emerge and CDC Faces Leadership Changes Amid Public Health Challenges

    COVID-19 Cases Rise as New Variants Emerge and CDC Faces Leadership Changes Amid Public Health Challenges
    2025/08/30
    Today, August 30, 2025, public health alerts in the United States reflect several key developments and advisories all listeners should know. The most prominent concern is the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases as summer ends and children return to school. According to ABC News and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, hospitalization rates have doubled over the past two months, now at 1.7 per 100,000 people, but are still three times lower than the same period last year. The positivity rate for COVID-19 tests now exceeds 11% nationwide, rising above 10% in the Southwest and Western regions, and roughly 200 Americans continue to die from COVID each week.

    The dominant variant in circulation is XFG, an omicron offshoot now responsible for 78% of new cases. Other variants NB.1.8.1 and LP.8.1 account for smaller shares. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from UC San Francisco reminds listeners that, while fewer people are being hospitalized compared to past years, cases are still increasing due to waning immunity and the emergence of new variants. There are updated COVID-19 vaccines now approved and available, but eligibility is more restricted this season. The FDA recently approved Moderna’s Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE for protection against circulating strains. These updated vaccines are for adults 65 and older and for younger individuals with high-risk conditions, though federal officials emphasize that anyone who wants a vaccine can still get one, even if access may be more complicated due to the narrower approval, uncertainty about insurance coverage, or provider policies. Dr. William Schaffner at Vanderbilt University recommends listeners with risk factors get a COVID and annual flu shot, mask indoors in crowded settings, and consider continued social distancing, especially in high-risk groups. Juanita Mora, MD, in Chicago stresses the importance of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccination to protect older adults, who now make up about 70% of hospitalizations and 90% of COVID deaths.

    Outside of COVID-19, ProMED and other infectious disease monitoring platforms report several ongoing concerns that warrant attention. Florida is experiencing new cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that can cause severe illness through contaminated seafood or exposure to brackish water. There has also been a recent case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but fatal brain infection due to Naegleria fowleri in Missouri. In New York City, there has been a continued uptick in Legionellosis, also known as Legionnaires’ disease, which can cause pneumonia and is associated with contaminated water systems.

    The CDC, which normally coordinates public health surveillance, has faced leadership upheaval. According to multiple reports, Dr. Susan Monarez was recently dismissed as CDC director, replaced by acting director Jim O’Neill. These leadership changes have prompted concern from the American Nurses Association and other medical organizations about the ability of the agency to respond effectively to public health emergencies. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was recently overhauled, losing the involvement of many established medical societies, prompting outside groups like Boston Children’s Hospital and the Vaccine Integrity Project to offer their own guidance.

    Local and regional public health agencies remain crucial as the CDC undergoes dramatic budget and staff cuts that may impact routine infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, vaccination guidance, and animal-to-human disease control. Experts warn that listeners should expect a patchwork of localized responses in the event of an outbreak.

    For all listeners, experts advise extra vigilance in areas with rising positivity rates, especially for immunocompromised or elderly populations. Wash hands frequently, avoid exposure to contaminated water in affected regions, pay attention to local health department alerts, and consult with healthcare providers about eligibility for updated vaccines. The risk of infectious disease outbreaks underscores the ongoing need for clear, evidence-based guidance amid change.

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  • FDA Restricts COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Most Americans, Sparking Controversy Among Health Professionals and Pediatric Experts

    FDA Restricts COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Most Americans, Sparking Controversy Among Health Professionals and Pediatric Experts
    2025/08/28
    Today, August 28, 2025, Public Health Alerts across the United States are dominated by new federal actions regarding COVID-19 vaccines. For the upcoming fall and winter season, the Food and Drug Administration has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines, but these come with significant restrictions. According to ABC News, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now only approved for adults aged 65 and older, and for those ages 5 to 64 who have at least one underlying health condition making them high risk. The updated vaccine targets the LP.8.1 subvariant in line with FDA guidance to match circulating strains. Healthy children under 18 may receive the vaccine only after consultation with a healthcare provider. The Moderna vaccine is cleared for high-risk individuals six months and older, while the Novavax vaccine is available for people 12 years and older at risk.

    The narrowing of eligibility has been heavily criticized. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls the FDA’s decision “deeply troubling,” arguing that it risks leaving millions of children without protection as severe disease continues to threaten young age groups. The organization’s own immunization schedule recommends at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for all children six months to two years old. The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that limiting vaccine access endangers “millions of Americans’ choice to be protected and increases the risk of severe outcomes from COVID.” They urge doctors to continue recommending vaccines according to best-available science, regardless of official restrictions.

    There is also emerging confusion among clinicians, insurers, and local health departments about interpreting these guidelines, as reported by the American Chemical Society. Insurers are undecided on whether to cover the vaccines for groups now outside FDA guidance, raising concerns that fewer Americans—including children, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised—will receive essential protection this season. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains that pregnant people should receive the updated vaccine due to higher risk of severe COVID.

    On the infectious disease front, the CDC is coping with a severe measles outbreak in Texas and neighboring states, aggravated by shrinking vaccination rates and growing misinformation. According to Governing magazine, the outbreak, one of the worst in decades, has resulted in more than 4,500 cases and at least 16 deaths, burdening hospitals and health departments. Delayed CDC communications and widespread confusion have complicated response efforts. Health officials are warning against misinformation—specifically claims that vitamin A can replace measles vaccines. Physicians urge that no supplement should be used in place of recommended vaccines.

    ProMEDMail’s weekly alerts mention additional public health threats in the US, including cases of Legionellosis in New York City, outbreaks of salmonella linked to frozen bean sprouts, and norovirus associated with recalled half-shell oysters in Utah. Listeners should pay attention to recalls and food safety warnings, particularly regarding frozen bean sprouts and shellfish, and avoid products named in CDC and FDA alerts.

    Health experts encourage listeners to consult trusted healthcare providers about vaccine access, follow updated CDC and professional organization guidance, and heed local or national advisories on infectious diseases, especially in areas with active outbreaks.

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