LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CDC Reports Emergence of Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigella
CDC analysis published in MMWR reports a marked rise in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections in the United States. Among 16,788 isolates collected from 2011–2023, 3% were XDR, increasing from 0% in 2011–2015 to 8.5% in 2023.
Most cases occurred in adult men, with limited travel history, suggesting domestic transmission. XDR strains are resistant to five key antibiotics, and no FDA-approved oral treatments are available.
CDC highlights the need for strengthened surveillance, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and rapid reporting, along with targeted prevention strategies to limit further spread and address growing antimicrobial resistance concerns. Read more in Food Safety Magazine here.
Fertility Rate Drops to New Record Low: CDC
The CDC reports that the U.S. general fertility rate declined 1% in 2025 to 53.1 births per 1,000 females ages 15–44, marking another record low and a continued long-term downward trend since 2007.
Teen birth rates fell sharply, including a 7% decline among ages 15–19. The total fertility rate remains below replacement level, and increasing proportions of adults report delaying or forgoing parenthood.
Census data show rising childlessness among women ages 25–29. Public health analysts note that financial pressures, including housing and childcare costs, are frequently cited barriers shaping reproductive decisions. Read more from The Hill here.
Flu Vaccine May Slash Alzheimer's Risk
A new study published in Neurology suggests that influenza vaccination, particularly the high-dose formulation given to adults 65 and older, may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Analysis of health records from approximately 200,000 older adults found a 55% lower Alzheimer’s risk among high-dose vaccine recipients compared with about 40% among standard-dose recipients. Researchers also observed a stronger protective association in women.
Analysis of health records from approximately 200,000 older adults found a 55% lower Alzheimer’s risk among high-dose vaccine recipients compared with about 40% among standard-dose recipients. Researchers also observed a stronger protective association in women.
While the findings add to emerging evidence linking routine vaccinations with potential cognitive benefits, experts caution that causality is not established and emphasize the need for longer-term and randomized studies to confirm mechanisms and outcomes. Read more from Medical News Today here.
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MMWR: Kratom-Related Poison Center Reports Surge 1,200%
Published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, new data show kratom-related exposures reported to U.S. poison centers increased approximately 1,200% from 2015 to 2025, reaching a record high.
The findings highlight a shift toward higher-potency products and expanding use across demographic groups. Although many cases involved kratom alone, co-use with substances such as alcohol, opioids, and antidepressants was linked to more severe outcomes, including hospitalizations and deaths.
The report underscores the importance of continued surveillance, targeted public health education, and clinical awareness, particularly around polysubstance use. Read the MMWR here.
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What’s Ahead for NPHIC in 2026
As we move further into 2026, NPHIC wants to thank our members for your continued leadership and dedication to public health communication. In a rapidly evolving information landscape, we remain deeply committed to supporting your work through practical tools, professional development, and opportunities for connection.
This year, we are exploring a potential strategic partnership with the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) aimed at strengthening capacity and expanding timely, actionable resources for communicators. To ensure transparency as we plan ahead, we have paused 2026 membership renewal invoices. We also look forward to engaging with you through upcoming opportunities, including a Member Needs Survey that will help guide our priorities and programming. Learn more in our FAQ section on our website here.
Medical Misinformation More Likely to Fool AI if Source Appears Legitimate, Study Shows
A recent study highlights that artificial intelligence (AI) tools are more likely to share incorrect medical information when it appears to come from authoritative sources, such as doctors’ notes, compared with social media content. Researchers tested multiple AI models using clinical scenarios, hospital discharge summaries with inserted errors, and common health myths.
Findings show AI “believed” nearly half of fabricated recommendations in realistic medical notes, while only 9% of social media misinformation was propagated. The study underscores the need for built-in safeguards in AI systems to verify medical claims, especially as AI becomes increasingly integrated into patient care and clinical workflows. Read more from Reuters here.
