LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Measles Outbreak in Arizona and Utah Could Spell the End for U.S. Elimination Status
A growing measles outbreak in Arizona and Utah is pushing the United States close to losing its long-held measles elimination status, with sustained transmission possible into early 2026. Low vaccination rates in several communities along the Arizona–Utah border have contributed to rapid spread, and cases are also rising in parts of South Carolina.
Public health experts note that most infections involve individuals who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. With holiday travel and indoor gatherings increasing, the situation underscores how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can re-emerge when population immunity falls, and why localized, trusted health communication remains essential. Read more from NBC here.
Washington Man Thought to be First to Die from Rare Strain of Bird Flu
Washington state health officials report the first known human death from the H5N5 bird flu, involving an older adult with pre-existing conditions who kept backyard poultry. The infection likely originated from exposure to wild birds.
Authorities emphasize that the risk to the public remains low, noting no evidence of human-to-human transmission and that close contacts are being monitored. While H5N5 is distinct from H5N1, it shares similar potential complications, including high fever, respiratory illness, and, in severe cases, pneumonia. The CDC and state health agencies continue to monitor avian influenza cases to guide prevention and early intervention efforts. Read more from The Independent here.
MMWR: Nirsevimab Effectiveness Against Intensive Care Unit Admission for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants
Nirsevimab continues to show strong protection against severe RSV disease in infants, according to new data from 24 states. CDC analysis found the antibody was 80% effective against RSV-related ICU admission and 83% effective against acute respiratory failure among infants under one, most of whom were previously healthy and born at term.
These findings reinforce the growing evidence that RSV immunization is reducing severe outcomes nationwide. Public health communicators can help reinforce guidance that infants should be protected each RSV season—either through maternal vaccination during pregnancy or infant receipt of long-acting monoclonal antibodies such as nirsevimab or clesrovimab. Read more in CDC’s MMWR here.
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WHO Warns of Widespread Resistance to Common Antibiotics Worldwide
A new WHO report warns that antibiotic resistance is rising globally, with one in six bacterial infections in 2023 resistant to treatment. Drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli and K. pneumoniae, are increasingly linked to severe bloodstream infections, with resistance exceeding 70% in some regions. Between 2018 and 2023, resistance rose in over 40% of monitored pathogen-antibiotic combinations.
While participation in the WHO GLASS surveillance system has grown, nearly half of countries still lack reliable data, particularly where health systems are weakest. WHO urges countries to strengthen laboratory capacity, report high-quality data, and implement coordinated interventions to preserve antibiotic effectiveness and guide public health policies. Read more from WHO here.
Trust in Media at New Low of 28% in U.S.
Trust in U.S. news media has reached a historic low, with only 28% of adults expressing confidence in newspapers, television, and radio to report fully, fairly, and accurately. Confidence has declined across all partisan groups, with Republicans’ trust now in single digits (8%), independents at 27%, and Democrats holding a narrow majority (51%).
Generational divides are pronounced: adults 65 and older show higher trust, while younger adults remain highly skeptical. For public health communicators, these trends underscore the challenge of effectively conveying health information in a polarized media environment and highlight the importance of building credibility and trust with diverse audiences. Read more from Gallup here.
2024–25 Flu Season Sees Record Pediatric Deaths: CDC Urges Vaccination
The 2024–25 influenza season saw the highest number of flu-associated pediatric deaths during a regular, non-pandemic season since national reporting began in 2004. As of September 13, 2025, 280 pediatric deaths were reported, with a median age of 7 years; over half had underlying medical conditions. Among those eligible and with known vaccination status, 89% were not fully vaccinated.
CDC emphasizes that children under 5, especially under 2, and those with chronic conditions are at higher risk of severe flu complications. Annual flu vaccination for all individuals six months and older remains the most effective strategy to reduce serious illness and death. Read the MMWR from the CDC here.
PHCC Offers New Graphics and Messaging for the 2025-26 Respiratory Illness Season
Public Health Communication Collaborative (PHCC) offers new social media graphics and messaging for public health communicators to support community preparation for the 2025–26 respiratory virus season, running November through April. Available in English and Spanish, these resources help explain respiratory virus prevention, updated vaccine eligibility, and the importance of COVID-19 and other vaccinations for both children and adults.
Step-by-step guides make it easy to encourage community members to find, schedule, and attend vaccine appointments. Early, clear communication can help reduce severe illness, increase vaccination coverage, and strengthen community resilience throughout the upcoming respiratory virus season. Find PHCC’s resources here.
