Today, August 30, 2025, public health alerts in the United States reflect several key developments and advisories all listeners should know. The most prominent concern is the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases as summer ends and children return to school. According to ABC News and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, hospitalization rates have doubled over the past two months, now at 1.7 per 100,000 people, but are still three times lower than the same period last year. The positivity rate for COVID-19 tests now exceeds 11% nationwide, rising above 10% in the Southwest and Western regions, and roughly 200 Americans continue to die from COVID each week.

The dominant variant in circulation is XFG, an omicron offshoot now responsible for 78% of new cases. Other variants NB.1.8.1 and LP.8.1 account for smaller shares. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from UC San Francisco reminds listeners that, while fewer people are being hospitalized compared to past years, cases are still increasing due to waning immunity and the emergence of new variants. There are updated COVID-19 vaccines now approved and available, but eligibility is more restricted this season. The FDA recently approved Moderna’s Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE for protection against circulating strains. These updated vaccines are for adults 65 and older and for younger individuals with high-risk conditions, though federal officials emphasize that anyone who wants a vaccine can still get one, even if access may be more complicated due to the narrower approval, uncertainty about insurance coverage, or provider policies. Dr. William Schaffner at Vanderbilt University recommends listeners with risk factors get a COVID and annual flu shot, mask indoors in crowded settings, and consider continued social distancing, especially in high-risk groups. Juanita Mora, MD, in Chicago stresses the importance of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccination to protect older adults, who now make up about 70% of hospitalizations and 90% of COVID deaths.

Outside of COVID-19, ProMED and other infectious disease monitoring platforms report several ongoing concerns that warrant attention. Florida is experiencing new cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that can cause severe illness through contaminated seafood or exposure to brackish water. There has also been a recent case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but fatal brain infection due to Naegleria fowleri in Missouri. In New York City, there has been a continued uptick in Legionellosis, also known as Legionnaires’ disease, which can cause pneumonia and is associated with contaminated water systems.

The CDC, which normally coordinates public health surveillance, has faced leadership upheaval. According to multiple reports, Dr. Susan Monarez was recently dismissed as CDC director, replaced by acting director Jim O’Neill. These leadership changes have prompted concern from the American Nurses Association and other medical organizations about the ability of the agency to respond effectively to public health emergencies. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was recently overhauled, losing the involvement of many established medical societies, prompting outside groups like Boston Children’s Hospital and the Vaccine Integrity Project to offer their own guidance.

Local and regional public health agencies remain crucial as the CDC undergoes dramatic budget and staff cuts that may impact routine infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, vaccination guidance, and animal-to-human disease control. Experts warn that listeners should expect a patchwork of localized responses in the event of an outbreak.

For all listeners, experts advise extra vigilance in areas with rising positivity rates, especially for immunocompromised or elderly populations. Wash hands frequently, avoid exposure to contaminated water in affected regions, pay attention to local health department alerts, and consult with healthcare providers about eligibility for updated vaccines. The risk of infectious disease outbreaks underscores the ongoing need for clear, evidence-based guidance amid change.

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Today, August 28, 2025, Public Health Alerts across the United States are dominated by new federal actions regarding COVID-19 vaccines. For the upcoming fall and winter season, the Food and Drug Administration has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines, but these come with significant restrictions. According to ABC News, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now only approved for adults aged 65 and older, and for those ages 5 to 64 who have at least one underlying health condition making them high risk. The updated vaccine targets the LP.8.1 subvariant in line with FDA guidance to match circulating strains. Healthy children under 18 may receive the vaccine only after consultation with a healthcare provider. The Moderna vaccine is cleared for high-risk individuals six months and older, while the Novavax vaccine is available for people 12 years and older at risk.

The narrowing of eligibility has been heavily criticized. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls the FDA’s decision “deeply troubling,” arguing that it risks leaving millions of children without protection as severe disease continues to threaten young age groups. The organization’s own immunization schedule recommends at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for all children six months to two years old. The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that limiting vaccine access endangers “millions of Americans’ choice to be protected and increases the risk of severe outcomes from COVID.” They urge doctors to continue recommending vaccines according to best-available science, regardless of official restrictions.

There is also emerging confusion among clinicians, insurers, and local health departments about interpreting these guidelines, as reported by the American Chemical Society. Insurers are undecided on whether to cover the vaccines for groups now outside FDA guidance, raising concerns that fewer Americans—including children, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised—will receive essential protection this season. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains that pregnant people should receive the updated vaccine due to higher risk of severe COVID.

On the infectious disease front, the CDC is coping with a severe measles outbreak in Texas and neighboring states, aggravated by shrinking vaccination rates and growing misinformation. According to Governing magazine, the outbreak, one of the worst in decades, has resulted in more than 4,500 cases and at least 16 deaths, burdening hospitals and health departments. Delayed CDC communications and widespread confusion have complicated response efforts. Health officials are warning against misinformation—specifically claims that vitamin A can replace measles vaccines. Physicians urge that no supplement should be used in place of recommended vaccines.

ProMEDMail’s weekly alerts mention additional public health threats in the US, including cases of Legionellosis in New York City, outbreaks of salmonella linked to frozen bean sprouts, and norovirus associated with recalled half-shell oysters in Utah. Listeners should pay attention to recalls and food safety warnings, particularly regarding frozen bean sprouts and shellfish, and avoid products named in CDC and FDA alerts.

Health experts encourage listeners to consult trusted healthcare providers about vaccine access, follow updated CDC and professional organization guidance, and heed local or national advisories on infectious diseases, especially in areas with active outbreaks.

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Listeners, today’s public health alerts in the United States emphasize a few crucial topics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a Level 2 travel health notice for China because of a chikungunya outbreak. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne illness causing severe joint pain and fever, and travelers are urged to practice enhanced precautions such as using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves, especially older adults who may be more vulnerable. Recent safety reviews have paused the use of the live-virus chikungunya vaccine in those over 60, so focusing on avoiding mosquito bites is critical. Warmer global conditions are increasing the range of mosquitoes, and outbreaks like these are linked to changes in travel and climate.

In the United States, measles continues to be a pressing concern. The New Jersey Department of Health reports a new confirmed measles case, reminding everyone to keep vaccines up to date. If listeners suspect exposure to measles or develop symptoms such as rash, fever, cough, or runny nose, they should call their healthcare provider before visiting medical offices to prevent further spread. Measles cases are at the highest national levels since 1992, with over 1,370 cases reported so far this year in 42 different locations. Measles spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can linger in the air for hours, making timely vaccination and careful awareness critical.

Augmenting the disease climate, COVID-19 activity is again trending upward. The CDC notes that test positivity for COVID-19 increased from 8.9% to 9.9% this week, with some states in the south-central U.S. reaching as high as 15%. Hospitalizations and emergency department visits are climbing, particularly among young children. While the overall national death rate from COVID remains low, listeners are reminded to stay alert for symptoms, get up to date on vaccines, and practice preventive hygiene—especially in regions with elevated case counts.

During late August and September, New York City regularly sees an increase in travel-associated infectious diseases as residents return from summer trips. The New York City Health Department recommends providers and the public be extra alert for febrile illnesses after international travel. Diseases like dengue, malaria, typhoid fever, and tuberculosis are notably more common during this period, so anyone with recent travel who feels ill should mention their travel history when seeking care. Immediate isolation is advised for suspected measles, mpox, and tuberculosis pending evaluation.

A few more timely updates: The CDC has rescinded long-standing import restrictions on both civets and Dracaena (Lucky Bamboo) imports, stating that these do not currently pose an active public health risk. Meanwhile, wildfires, such as the Dragon Bravo Fire in northern Arizona, may cause local air quality issues, so those in affected areas should follow local advisories on outdoor activity, especially listeners with respiratory illnesses or sensitivities.

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Listeners, for August 21, 2025, several public health alerts and advisories are active in the United States.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory for ground-level ozone in Maricopa County. Ozone levels are expected to exceed federal health standards today. Exposure to ground-level ozone can irritate and damage the lungs, triggering asthma attacks and respiratory distress, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with lung disease. Officials recommend listeners limit outdoor activities, especially vigorous exercise, during the advisory period and urge everyone to help reduce ozone pollution by driving less, avoiding long drive-thru lines, and considering walking or biking for short trips. More information is available through the Maricopa County Air Quality Department.

COVID-19 activity is rising across the United States in a pattern that reflects the typical late summer wave. The currently dominant variant is XFG, also called Stratus, a hybrid of two Omicron strains. Symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, and cough, similar to earlier variants. Updated COVID vaccines for the upcoming respiratory season are being prepared, targeting the JN.1 lineage and LP.8.1 strain as advised by the FDA. However, federal guidelines under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggest COVID vaccination for children is now based on shared clinical decision-making rather than broad recommendation.

A major development this week, the American Academy of Pediatrics split with the CDC for the first time in three decades. The group now recommends COVID vaccination for all children ages six months to 23 months and risk-based vaccination for older children. Pediatricians are encouraged to actively safeguard infants, citing persistently high rates of severe illness and hospitalization among young children. Experts from the AAP say routine childhood immunizations remain essential for community health.

In Florida, the Department of Health in Escambia County is observing Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid found in many street drugs and counterfeit medications, posing a risk for fatal overdoses. The department urges listeners to be cautious with any pills, liquids, or powders not obtained directly from a pharmacy or licensed dispensary, due to the prevalence of undetectable fentanyl contamination. The Florida Legislature established this day to educate and empower the public to help prevent overdoses and save lives.

On the national stage, public health professionals continue to voice concerns following the August 8 armed attack at CDC headquarters in Atlanta. Hundreds of staff and former staff at CDC, NIH, and HHS have urged Secretary Kennedy to stop spreading inaccurate health information and ensure the safety and integrity of the health workforce. The letter highlights how controversy, mistrust, and violence are now affecting federal health agencies and their ability to protect Americans.

Listeners should be aware that federal vaccine advisory committees have recently undergone significant changes. The long-standing CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was replaced by a smaller panel including vaccine skeptics, and multiple respected medical groups have lost their liaison roles. Pediatric and infectious disease experts warn this may dampen public trust and lead to confusion about vaccine recommendations.

Several ongoing disease surveillance alerts are monitored by ProMED, including continued reports of respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV, as well as sporadic outbreaks of legionellosis in New York City and foodborne illnesses in other countries. There are no new national alerts for these conditions today, but local and state health departments continue to monitor and respond as needed.

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Listeners, here is the most current and critical public health alert information for the United States as of August 14, 2025. Multiple cities across the country are carrying out mosquito spraying in response to samples testing positive for West Nile virus. Grand Prairie, Texas, will conduct ground spraying on August 13 and 14, and Franklin County, Ohio, is scheduled to spray on the west and south sides of Gahanna after mosquitoes there tested positive for West Nile virus. For those in these areas, Franklin County Public Health recommends staying indoors during the evening spraying hours and eliminating standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding. Hackettstown, New Jersey, will also be spraying in select areas at sunset to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, and listeners can check their local health department websites for exact areas and timing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its global travel alert for polio. Travelers should be up to date on their polio vaccinations, especially if visiting countries where the virus is circulating, including several in Europe and Africa. While most polio infections cause no symptoms or only mild illness, there can be rare but severe outcomes including paralysis or death if breathing muscles are affected, as reported by the CDC. The agency also warns about mosquito-borne illnesses for Americans traveling abroad. Chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever are present in specific international locations; pregnant people and older adults are advised to avoid affected areas due to higher risks from these viruses.

There has been recent discussion of COVID-19 vaccine policy for young children in the United States. According to reporting from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, the FDA may not renew the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years for the upcoming respiratory virus season. While this is still under official review, parents of children in this age group should monitor announcements from the CDC and FDA as the only currently approved alternatives are Moderna for children with certain health conditions and Novavax for those 12 and older.

Gun violence remains a significant and urgent public health crisis in the United States. According to The Trace and CDC data, firearms have overtaken motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death for Americans under 18, with particular impact on communities of color and young people. The CDC and public health community continue to call for secure gun storage and violence prevention measures.

Recent research published in JAMA and shared by Stat News highlights that life expectancy for U.S. children continues to lag behind other high-income countries, attributed to poorer healthcare access, increased exposure to gun violence, obesity, and lack of supportive family policies.

Locally, various summer health screening events are ongoing, such as at the Whirling Thunder Wellness Center, offering free or low-cost health checks for community members. Listeners are encouraged to utilize these opportunities, stay current on vaccinations, and maintain healthy habits.

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Today’s key public health alerts for the United States, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, center on respiratory viruses, vaccine guidance changes, air quality, and several localized safety notices.

According to the CDC via the American Hospital Association, COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 45 states, with wastewater levels at a moderate national baseline and highest in the West. Listeners in high‑risk groups should keep up‑to‑date on vaccination and consider indoor masking in crowded poorly ventilated spaces, especially during local surges. The FDA recently approved Moderna’s Spikevax for certain children under 12 with underlying conditions, and a Sandoz recall was issued for specific cefazolin lots mislabeled as penicillin G—clinicians should verify inventory details and patients should follow provider guidance on antibiotic substitutions, per AHA’s summary of FDA notices dated July 10 and July 15. AHA reports these updates from CDC and FDA as of August 8 and 11.

CDC highlights record‑breaking measles cases and outbreaks in 2025 despite prior elimination status, with outbreaks concentrated in undervaccinated communities. CDC’s COCA clinician update scheduled for August 14 underscores the need to verify MMR status, rapidly isolate suspected cases, and notify public health authorities. For listeners, if you’re unsure of your vaccination history, contact your provider to confirm two documented MMR doses, especially before international travel or if you live in areas with low coverage.

CDC’s newsroom today notes the launch of the Free Mind campaign on youth substance use and mental health, pointing teens and families to resources for prevention and support. CDC also links to its Current Outbreak List, a useful hub to check multi‑state foodborne outbreaks and other ongoing investigations. Given rising stress and overdose risks in many communities, families should know how to access naloxone, store medications securely, and use 988 for immediate mental health support if needed.

Air quality is a concern in parts of the Northeast. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for elevated ozone today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the Lower Hudson Valley and New York City Metro regions, with Canadian wildfire smoke still visible aloft. Sensitive groups—children, older adults, and people with lung or heart disease—should limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak hours and check local AQI at AirNow. Energy‑saving steps like using mass transit and limiting outdoor burning also reduce pollution, according to DEC and DOH.

Wildfire‑related safety closures remain in effect in parts of Arizona. The U.S. Forest Service expanded an emergency closure for the Billy Fire area on the Tonto National Forest through September 30 to protect public health and safety. Listeners should avoid closed roads and trails; violations can carry fines or jail time. Contact the Payson or Tonto Basin Ranger Districts for details.

Global and U.S. incident signals to watch include tuberculosis exposure alerts and cyclosporiasis activity noted by ProMED today, and recent New York City legionellosis reports last week. While these are situational, listeners with potential exposure to large building water systems who develop fever and cough should seek care promptly, and travelers should practice food and water hygiene to reduce gastrointestinal infection risks.

Policy context may affect guidance flow. Multiple outlets report leadership and advisory changes at CDC and HHS, including critiques of dissolving vaccine advisory structures and the fallout from last week’s shooting at CDC headquarters, as covered by eMarketer today. Regardless of political developments, listeners should continue to follow local and state health department advisories and consult clinicians for personalized recommendations.

Practical steps today: check your COVID‑19 and MMR vaccination status; monitor local COVID‑19 trends and wastewater dashboards when available; reduce outdoor exertion during ozone advisories; carry naloxone if someone in your circle is at risk; and heed wildfire closures. For localized alerts, follow your state health department, CDC’s Current Outbreak List, and AirNow.

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Listeners, today’s public health alerts in the United States center on heat, vaccinations, infectious disease outbreaks, environmental hazards, and COVID-19 precautions. With much of the country facing a stretch of hot and humid weather, health officials including Public Health Sudbury & Districts and Grand Erie Public Health are issuing heat warnings. Heat warnings trigger when daytime temperatures remain above 29 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures stay above 18 degrees, with a humidex of 36 or higher. Listeners are urged to stay indoors during peak hours, hydrate frequently, and check on elderly individuals, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and dark yellow urine; emergency symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services have adopted recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for respiratory syncytial virus and seasonal influenza vaccines ahead of the 2025-2026 respiratory infection season. All infants under eight months entering their first RSV season should get one vaccine dose, and children under 18, pregnant women, and all adults are strongly encouraged to get an annual flu shot according to the American Hospital Association and the CDC. Five new pediatric flu deaths last week bring this season’s total to 266. The CDC also reports seasonal flu activity is currently low, but millions of cases have already occurred. Thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, is now being removed from all US flu vaccines, a step designed to address safety concerns—these new vaccines will remain widely available and covered, including through the Vaccines for Children program.

Measles is resurging across 41 states, with over 1,300 cases reported nationwide since January and three associated deaths according to the Virginia Department of Health and the CDC. Vaccination rates for children remain below target, which is fueling outbreaks. Pediatricians are now offering the measles vaccine to infants as young as six months, especially in outbreak zones, which is within CDC guidelines.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is also rising, with more than 15,000 reported US cases this year per the CDC, posing special risk to unvaccinated infants. Community urgency surrounds routine immunizations, spurred by concerns over insurance coverage and Medicaid changes.

For older listeners, the Food and Drug Administration has lifted its pause on the Chikungunya vaccine IXCHIQ for adults age 60 and over. However, its use comes with new safety warnings for older adults with multiple health issues, and remains discouraged for low-risk travelers and immunocompromised patients.

COVID-19 cases and wastewater viral activity are climbing again, especially across the western United States. The CDC highlights that infections are rising in 45 states, driven largely by the new Stratus (XFG) recombinant variant. Though overall severity does not appear greater than previous strains, listeners—especially those vulnerable—should not ignore the rise. Stay up to date on boosters if eligible, mask as needed, and avoid crowded indoor spaces during surges according to CDC and CBS News medical experts.

Legionellosis cases and fatalities are increasing in New York City, according to ProMED and local health departments. Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water and cause severe pneumonia; older adults and those with weakened immune systems should avoid hot tubs, poorly maintained air conditioners, and keep up with building maintenance advisories.

Listeners are also advised that lead exposure remains a persistent problem. The CDC’s Lead Exposure Risk Index tool now helps identify high-risk neighborhoods, focusing interventions where children and families are most likely affected by deteriorated lead-based paint, contaminated soil, or industrial emissions. The CDC underscores that no level of lead exposure is safe for children.

As always, listeners should consult their healthcare provider for personal risk factors and monitor official updates on public health websites. Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Listeners, here’s what you need to know today about public health alerts in the United States as of August 7, 2025.

The nation is experiencing its most significant measles activity in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 1,356 confirmed cases of measles in 41 states so far in 2025, with 32 active outbreaks. States with ongoing measles activity include Alaska, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, and many others across all regions. Tragically, there have been three measles-related deaths this year. Most cases are linked to outbreaks rather than isolated events, and the majority occur in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. Health officials urge everyone, especially travelers and families with young children, to verify that they are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. If you are unvaccinated or your vaccination status is unknown, talk to your healthcare provider immediately, especially if you live in or plan to visit a community with active outbreaks, as the CDC emphasizes in its weekly updates.

COVID-19 remains a public health topic, with the CDC reporting that a new variant, known as “Stratus” or variant XFG, has quickly risen to become the third most common strain in the United States. As of late July, cases are reported as rising in 27 states, and likely growing in 12 more and in Washington, D.C. The CDC warns that infections are increasing or likely increasing in 40 states, with no states currently seeing a decline. The “Stratus” variant appears to cause symptoms similar to previous strains, but listeners should watch for updates and consider following the CDC’s guidance on testing, masking, and vaccination, particularly for vulnerable populations, as reported by USA Today and Newsweek.

There are also concerns around air quality linked to wildfires. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory in Maricopa County today, August 7, due to ground-level ozone expected to exceed healthy limits. Ozone pollution is especially risky for children, older adults, and those with asthma or other lung illnesses. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, particularly in the afternoon and early evening, and to monitor local air quality reports. In Colorado and parts of Minnesota, similar air quality warnings remain in effect due to wildfire smoke, with public health officials urging people in affected regions—especially sensitive groups—to remain indoors during periods of heavy smoke and avoid strenuous activity outside.

Internationally, the CDC has issued a travel advisory for Americans heading to China due to a chikungunya virus outbreak in Guangdong province, especially focused in the city of Foshan. More than 7,000 cases have been reported since June. Chikungunya is spread by mosquitoes and causes fever and severe joint pain. While rarely fatal, it can result in long-lasting health problems. The CDC suggests using effective insect repellent, wearing long sleeves, and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms develop after international travel. Vaccination is now recommended for travelers to areas with chikungunya outbreaks, and two vaccines are available in the U.S.

In mental health, the CDC this week launched “Free Mind,” a national campaign to support teens’ mental health and prevent substance use as the new school year approaches. The campaign focuses on providing parents, teens, and caregivers with trusted resources on managing mental health and understanding the link with substance use.

Finally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its guidance, encouraging primary care providers to screen all adults for unhealthy alcohol use, emphasizing early intervention with brief counseling when risky drinking is detected.

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Today, public health alerts across the United States signal several urgent issues listeners should be aware of. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns of a Salmonella outbreak linked to frozen sprouted beans, with 11 confirmed infections in 10 states. Listeners are advised to check their freezers and avoid eating, selling, or serving any frozen sprouted beans until more is known. The CDC’s latest Current Outbreak List provides details and guidance on symptoms and what to do if exposure is suspected.

Measles cases are sharply rising, with the CDC reporting 1,333 confirmed cases across 39 states so far this year—more than four times last year’s total. Most cases, 92 percent, are in individuals with unknown or no vaccination status. The CDC notes a troubling drop in vaccination rates among kindergarteners in the 2024-2025 school year coupled with an increase in vaccine exemptions. Parents are urged to ensure children are up to date on all vaccinations to protect against highly contagious diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella.

Air quality alerts are active today from Minnesota to Maine as smoke from ongoing Canadian forest fires spreads south into the United States. Bloomberg reports that cities like New York are under an alert, and listeners in the affected regions are encouraged to limit outdoor activities, especially those with asthma, heart, or lung conditions.

Tick-borne infections are also rising, particularly babesiosis in New England. According to a report highlighted by The Washington Post, climate change is extending tick season beyond summer, leading to more cases. Babesiosis is spread by blacklegged ticks and can cause flu-like symptoms, with severe cases potentially resulting in hemolytic anemia. Listeners are urged to use insect repellent, check for ticks after outdoor activities, and seek medical care for unexplained fevers or chills.

There are significant policy and healthcare delivery changes underway. KFF Health News details calls from national public health leaders urging the CDC and new director Susan Monarez to safeguard critical overdose prevention efforts, as nearly half of the Overdose Data to Action grant funding may be cut. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has proposed rolling back abortion access for veterans at VA hospitals, reversing allowances for abortions in limited cases such as rape, incest, or when the health of the pregnant veteran is at risk.

Vaccine policy and advisory board changes have also drawn alarm within the public health community. The Department of Health and Human Services recently barred liaison members from esteemed organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists from participating in CDC vaccine policy work groups. Critics, including eight major medical associations, warn that removing expert input threatens the transparency and safety of U.S. vaccine recommendations.

Listeners in agricultural communities should note new evidence reported by The New York Times that bird flu may be airborne in dairy farm environments, suggesting both cows and farmworkers could become infected by inhaling the virus. This is a developing public health concern as farm biosecurity and worker safety protocols come under review.

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Today in the United States, public health alerts focus on infectious disease outbreaks, air quality advisories, changes to vaccine policy, and food safety updates. ProMED reports that parts of the country are experiencing ongoing outbreaks of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, especially in North Carolina and Washington. There is a significant increase in anaplasmosis cases in Wisconsin, a tick-borne disease that can cause fever and flu-like symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently confirmed more than 35,000 cases of whooping cough in the past year, six times more than in 2023. Health officials warn that with childhood vaccination rates for key diseases such as measles, polio, chickenpox, whooping cough, and hepatitis B now below the critical 95% threshold for herd immunity, outbreaks are more likely and could increase in size and severity. CDC data notes that vaccination exemptions, mostly for non-medical reasons, have reached a record high at 3.6 percent of kindergartners. In 17 states, exemption rates exceed 5 percent, increasing the risk of outbreaks in those communities. Experts, including Dr. John Brownstein, caution that this drop in childhood vaccination and the rise in exemptions are creating pockets of vulnerability and likely conditions for sustained outbreaks. The United States is witnessing the highest number of measles cases since 1992, with outbreaks detected in multiple states according to CDC and ABC News.

In addition to infectious disease concerns, listeners in the Midwest should be aware of widespread air quality alerts. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued a statewide air quality alert through Saturday afternoon, August 2, with much of the state experiencing unhealthy air due to heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires. The Air Quality Index reached red or unhealthy levels in cities including Duluth, Detroit Lakes, Rochester, and St. Paul, with conditions expected to improve by Monday but remaining unhealthy for sensitive groups. Wisconsin remains under an air quality alert until noon Saturday, August 2, according to the National Weather Service. The public is advised to avoid outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions.

Recent policy changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have excluded several major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, from the process of reviewing and informing vaccine recommendations. Leaders of these groups, as reported by ABC News and Kaiser Family Foundation, have expressed alarm that this exclusion removes vital medical expertise from federal vaccine policy and will undermine public trust and safety. Administration officials argue the move is intended to reduce conflicts of interest, but major physician groups warn this could further erode confidence in vaccination and harm public health.

Marin County Public Health in California reminds listeners not to forget routine vaccines, as respiratory viruses remain a concern and early detection remains vital for the management of conditions like autism. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service notes updated Salmonella performance standards for raw poultry, emphasizing ongoing food safety monitoring. Listeners should be aware of previous alerts regarding norovirus outbreaks linked to frozen oysters and restaurant-based giardiasis cases in Kentucky.

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