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…
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…
Why Next Year's Flu Shot Might Not Be as Good as It Should Be
Global sharing of influenza virus samples has dropped sharply this year, creating concerns that next year’s flu vaccine may be less effective. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received 60% fewer samples than last year, and worldwide shipments to WHO collaborating centers are down. Fewer samples limit scientists’ ability to track viral evolution, select appropriate vacci…
Wild Poliovirus Type 1 Detected in Wastewater Sample in Hamburg
Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported the detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in a wastewater sample collected in Hamburg on October 6, 2025. Genomic analysis links the virus to a strain circulating in Afghanistan. No clinical cases have been identified, and high local polio vaccination coverage keeps population risk very low.
WPV1, like vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDP…
Former CDC Leaders Outline a Plan to Rebuild Public Health
At the APHA 2025 session “Discussion with Former CDC Leaders: The Way Forward,” three former CDC leaders explored strategies to strengthen public health amid ongoing federal challenges. Panelists emphasized the critical role of state and local health departments as the frontline of community protection, especially as federal support faces uncertainty. They highlighted the need to create public…
KFF’s ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credit Calculator
A new analysis from KFF highlights the potential public health impact if enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits expire at the end of 2025. These credits currently reduce out-of-pocket premiums for over 24 million Marketplace enrollees, many with middle- and lower-income households.
Without the enhanced credits, average annual premiums could more than double, increasing from $8…
The Epidemiologists Are Running for Office
A growing number of epidemiologists, physicians, and scientists are entering political races across the country, signaling a shift in how public health professionals engage with policymaking. These candidates, including former CDC leaders and state health officials, are bringing evidence-based perspectives and public health experience to the political arena.
Their participation reflects a bro…