LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts; People Sickened with E. coli and Salmonella
An outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people with E. coli and Salmonella across 15 states, underscoring the ongoing risk of foodborne illness from contaminated foods.
Four people have been hospitalized, while 46 cases involved E. coli, seven Salmonella, and two both infections. Nearly 70% of reported illnesses occurred in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with some cases linked to restaurants using Everything Sprouts-branded alfalfa.
Investigators identified three E. coli strains and one Salmonella strain and estimate additional illnesses may have gone unreported because some infections resolve without medical care. The investigation highlights the importance of timely outbreak detection and traceback. Read more from The Hill here and find the CDC Food Safety Alert here.
CDC Taps Former Paragon Health Institute Executive for Top Communications Role
A leadership change at the CDC could affect how public health information is communicated as the agency undergoes broader organizational changes.
Caroline DeBerry has been appointed acting director of communications and acting deputy director of public affairs, while Nina Witkofsky, the previous communications leader, moves to a new role as chief transformation officer. DeBerry will also serve as a senior advisor to CDC Director Erica Schwartz and perform Office of Chief of Staff duties.
The appointments come as the CDC launches an “enterprise transformation project,” though the agency has not provided details about the initiative. The changes underscore the importance of communications leadership during organizational transition. Read more in Politico here.
Respiratory Protection Day Highlights Workplace Respiratory Safety
September 1 marks Respiratory Protection Day, highlighting the essential role of respirators in protecting workers from airborne hazards across healthcare, construction, manufacturing, mining, emergency response, public safety and other industries.
Millions of U.S. workers rely on respiratory protection, underscoring the importance of selecting and using respirators correctly. A NIOSH resource, Informing Workers of Counterfeit and Misrepresented Respirators, provides employers and workers with information on respirators that may not provide advertised protection and tips for identifying NIOSH-approved products.
The fact sheet can support public health communicators in promoting informed respiratory protection practices. Find the resource from NIOSH and the CDC here.
FEATURED TOPICS
NPHIC and CDC Monthly Communication Call Highlights Accessibility Practices for Public Health Communicators
NPHIC and CDC’s July 29 Monthly Communication Call highlighted practical strategies public health communicators can use to improve accessibility and expand access to health information. The session featured CDC’s Jessica Handley, who shared guidance on accessible digital content, including the use of descriptive links, alt text, plain language, proper headings, and mobile-friendly design.
The presentation also reviewed upcoming accessibility requirements for state and local governments, including WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards for digital content. Find the full presentation here.
Members are invited to join the next call on Wednesday, August 26, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET; participants can contact Laura Espino at lespino@nphic.org to receive the Microsoft Teams invitation.
Medicaid's Work Requirement Crunch Arrives
Medicaid beneficiaries in states implementing new work requirements are beginning to face coverage losses as eligibility rules take effect, increasing the risk of insurance disruptions for eligible enrollees.
Nebraska, the first state to enforce the requirements ahead of the Jan. 1 national deadline, expects about 200 people to lose coverage this week, while projections estimate up to 7 million people nationwide could lose Medicaid coverage by 2028.
Patients with serious illnesses, including cancer, and clinicians report concerns about reporting requirements, exemption processes, and administrative burden. The rollout highlights implementation challenges that could affect access to care and continuity of coverage as states adopt the new rules. Read more in Axios here.
New CDC Data Shows Decline in Healthcare-Associated Infections
According to new CDC data, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in U.S. hospitals declined between 2015 and 2023, signaling progress in patient safety while highlighting ongoing risks. In 2023, about 1 in 38 hospitalized patients had at least one HAI, compared with 1 in 31 patients in 2015, though an estimated 518,000 HAIs still occurred nationwide.
Reductions were seen in central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and Clostridioides difficile infections, while pneumonia and surgical site infections showed limited change.
The new findings underscore the continued need for prevention strategies and infection control efforts to reduce avoidable harm in healthcare settings. See the data from the CDC here.
US Death Rate at Record Low: CDC Data
The U.S. death rate fell to a record low in 2025, reaching 689.2 deaths per 100,000 people, a 4.6% decline from 2024. Heart disease and cancer remained the leading causes of death, followed by unintentional injuries, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
Death rates were highest among males, older adults, and Black people, with no declines among American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and Asian populations.
Provisional CDC data from the National Vital Statistics System covering 99 percent of deaths informs public health policy and prevention efforts. Read more from The Hill here.
