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 infecti…
Better Communication for Better Health: A Conversation with Dr. John Paul Lederach
In a recent PHCC webinar conversation, public health communicators explored how peacebuilding strategies can strengthen community trust amid growing polarization. Dr. John Paul Lederach, an international expert in conflict transformation, emphasized that evidence alone is not always enough to reach diverse audiences. He highlighted the value of intentional relationship-building, compassionate d…
Shortage of Rural Doctors Won’t End Anytime Soon, Report Says
A new Commonwealth Fund report highlights a persistent shortage of primary care physicians in rural America, where communities currently have only about two-thirds of the doctors they need—a gap expected to continue for at least the next decade. Nearly 92% of rural counties are classified as primary care shortage areas, leaving roughly 43 million residents with limited access to care.
Rural p…
This Mutated Flu Strain is Triggering Fears of a Massive Outbreak
Public health experts are monitoring a rapidly spreading H3N2 influenza A strain, which emerged over the summer and differs from the strain included in this year’s flu vaccine. Early surges in the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong have led to hospitalizations, school closures, and warnings of a potentially severe flu season.
While not considered a pandemic-level threat, H3N2…
Vaccine Advisory Panel Set to Revisit Hepatitis B, Other Childhood Shots Next Month
The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will revisit the childhood vaccine schedule, including hepatitis B, at its Dec. 4 meeting. The panel may vote on delaying the birth dose of hepatitis B, a long-standing recommendation credited with saving tens of thousands of lives. ACIP also may consider changes to the combined MMR vaccine and examine the safety of ingredients suc…
Judge to Approve $7bn Settlement with OxyContin Maker
A federal judge has approved a $7 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, requiring members of the Sackler family to contribute funds and relinquish ownership. The agreement resolves thousands of lawsuits over the company’s role in the U.S. opioid epidemic, which has contributed to nearly 900,000 deaths since 1999.
Purdue will convert into a non-profit, Knoa Pharma, foc…
More Kids Have High Blood Pressure
A new systematic review and meta-analysis shows childhood hypertension is more common than previously recognized, with prevalence estimates rising globally. In-office blood pressure measurements indicate 4.28% of children and adolescents have hypertension, while combining in-office and out-of-office readings raises the estimate to 6.67%, highlighting that traditional screening may miss many cas…