The CDC is calling for action to increase U.S. measles immunization amid a rise in cases that could threaten the nation’s status as one where the virus is eliminated. The number of measles cases detected in 2024 has already nearly reached double the total confirmed in 2023. The CDC has confirmed 113 cases so far, compared to 58 detected last year.   Overall, 91 percent of measles patients sin...

"Listen Up! Podcast Series" – a podcast for health communicators by health communicators – announces the launch of season 2 hosted by Dr. Betsy Mitchell from CDC's Office of Communications. The inaugural episode, "Unraveling the Digital Tapestry: Pitfalls and Potential for Impact," features an interview with Dr. David Lazer, distinguished professor at Northeastern University.   Delving into t...

A study conducted by scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York suggests that pregnancy may accelerate biological aging in women. Analyzing data from a long-term health survey in the Philippines, researchers used genetic tools to estimate biological age based on DNA methylation patterns.   They found that each pregnancy reported by women was associated with ...

Breast cancer causes more than 40,000 deaths among women each year in the U.S. At the same time, a recent CDC study found that the more health-related social needs a woman faces — such as food insecurity or a lack of access to reliable transportation — the less likely she is to get a mammogram.   According to the study, life dissatisfaction, social isolation, lost or reduced hours of employme...

The CDC recently released data addressing the potential link between the COVID-19 vaccine and sudden cardiac death in young adults. The findings indicate no association between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden cardiac death in previously healthy young individuals. This investigation was prompted by reports and media coverage suggesting a connection between sudden deaths among young athletes and ...

A new study, published April 12 in the journal Exposure and Health, found concerning levels of toxic PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in seafood. PFAS are found in many foods, household, and personal products and are widely present in the environment.   These human-made substances are the focus of a growing body of research given their potential toxicity and associations with serious health issu...

The Public Health Communication Collaborative (PHCC) developed Talking Points and Answers to Tough Questions on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) for health communicators to share accurate and actionable messages with your communities.   On April 1, 2024, a Texas resident with exposure to dairy cattle tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1), also known as b...

The Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) has released its April 2024 Climate and Health Outlook. Check out this edition to learn about your region’s forecast for heat, flooding, drought, and wildfire in April 2024 along with how to protect yourself and others’ health from these climate hazards.   Delve into the importance of well water in times of crisis and uncover the surprisi...

April is National Minority Health Month. This annual observance builds awareness about the health disparities that persist among racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations and encourages everyone to take action to end these inequities.   This year's theme, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Co...