The CDC reports a nationwide rise in COVID-19 activity as the Labor Day holiday approached, with test positivity rates nearing 10% and several states exceeding 15%. While deaths and hospitalizations remain stable, officials attribute the uptick to new variants, waning immunity, and seasonal gatherings. The agency noted that emergency department visits for COVID-19 are increasing across all age…

The White House appointed Jim O’Neill as acting director of the CDC following the departure of Susan Monarez, sparking significant concern across the public health community. O’Neill, a longtime tech investor and HHS deputy, has no medical background but close ties to major political donors. His past statements advocating for reduced FDA oversight and freer health care markets have drawn scruti…

The CDC is navigating a period of unprecedented strain following a mass shooting at its Atlanta headquarters, harassment of staff, and the recent elimination of over 600 positions, including programs in maternal-child health, oral health, global HIV prevention, and violence prevention. Simultaneously, the agency announced a new panel to review COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, raising concerns among empl…

The Mississippi Department of Health has declared a public health emergency in response to alarming infant mortality rates, with 9.7 deaths per 1,000 births in 2024—the state’s highest rate in over a decade and more than 60% above the national average. Since 2014, more than 3,500 Mississippi infants have died before their first birthday. State health officials outlined strategies including ex…

Twelve states have gained federal approval to restrict purchases of soda, candy, and other unhealthy foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sparking national debate on the best path to improve nutrition and reduce chronic disease. Supporters argue restrictions could lower the $1.1 trillion annual cost of diet-related disease and reduce taxpayer burden, while criti…

Emergency rooms across the Midwest are seeing an increase in cases linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness caused by bites from the lone star tick. The condition, which the CDC estimates may affect up to 450,000 Americans, triggers severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions to mammalian products, including meat, dairy, and even everyday items like lotions or lip balms c…

A recent Gallup poll shows U.S. alcohol consumption has reached a record low, with only 54% of adults reporting they drink. Public awareness of alcohol’s health risks—such as increased cancer, depression, and anxiety—appears to be influencing behavior, particularly among younger adults. Only 50% of Americans ages 18–34 drink, and two-thirds view moderate drinking as harmful. Researchers note…

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have released their first new blood pressure guidelines since 2017, emphasizing earlier intervention and stronger lifestyle changes. For adults with systolic readings of 130–139 mm Hg, providers are now advised to begin with lifestyle modifications and move to medication if needed within months, lowering the threshold for treatme…

Texas health officials have declared the measles outbreak that began in West Texas earlier this year officially over, following 762 confirmed cases, mostly among unvaccinated children. Two unvaccinated school-age children died, marking the first U.S. measles deaths in over a decade. The outbreak originated in a community with low vaccination coverage and highlighted the critical role of public…