Listeners, here is the latest on public health alerts in the United States for today, May 19, 2025. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC's Health Alert Network or HAN remains the primary system used to distribute urgent health alerts throughout the country. These alerts go out to public health practitioners, clinicians, laboratories, and other officials, covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population. The HAN issues different types of messages: Health Alerts, signifying the highest urgency; Health Advisories, which convey important, but less urgent, public health information; and Health Updates, which provide ongoing or evolving details. The CDC's HAN archive shows ongoing concern for communicable diseases such as measles, dengue, and avian influenza.
As of earlier this month, the CDC and the American Medical Association both report an expanding outbreak of measles in the United States, with confirmed cases in states including Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington. The rise in measles cases has prompted public exposure alerts, especially in Kansas where a second case has increased the risk of wider community transmission. Health authorities strongly encourage listeners to check their vaccination status and be alert for symptoms of measles such as fever, rash, and cough, particularly if you live in or travel through affected states. The CDC also released guidance this spring for those traveling globally, as measles outbreaks can spread rapidly due to international movement.
Another key concern is the avian influenza, or bird flu, which continues to be monitored, particularly due to outbreaks among dairy cattle and poultry. While there is no widespread human transmission in the U.S. at this time, virologists and the CDC urge ongoing vigilance, especially for those with occupational exposure to birds or livestock. Preparation is encouraged in case of future spillover to humans, and updated information can be found through the CDC's Health Alert Network and the AMA's H5N1 Resource Center.
The CDC has also highlighted the ongoing risk of dengue virus infections within the country and updated testing recommendations remain in place. Healthcare providers are being asked to remain vigilant for symptoms, especially in returning travelers from affected regions. Public health officials continue to provide updates on other notable diseases; for example, ProMED reports recent cases of tuberculosis exposure in an Oregon middle school and family clusters of histoplasmosis in Georgia, Texas, and Washington following bat cave exposures.
Finally, listeners should be aware that today is also National Hepatitis Testing Day, according to the Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development. This observance encourages people to get tested for hepatitis, especially those who may be at higher risk, to support early detection and treatment.
In summary, the United States public health infrastructure led by the
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