All articles tagged with #cdc
Falls are the leading cause of injury death for adults over 65, but risks can be mitigated through exercise, home safety adjustments, and medication reviews. While aging increases vulnerability, proactive measures significantly reduce the likelihood of serious injury.
A new study published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reveals a sharp increase in cases of Cladophialophora bantiana, a rare but highly lethal mold that targets the brain. Data from the University of Washington shows confirmed cases jumped from an average of one to five annually between 2009 and 2023 to 14 in 2025. The fungus has a mortality rate of 60% to 70% and can infect individuals with healthy immune systems, defying typical patterns of fungal infections. While the exact cause of the rise is unknown, researchers suspect environmental changes or improved detection methods may be factors.
The CDC is proposing to reduce disability-related questions in the 2028 National Health Interview Survey from 49 to 15, a move advocates warn will severely undercount Americans with developmental disabilities and compromise federal funding and health research.
President Trump confirmed a scheduled call with Vladimir Putin to discuss a suspected pneumonic plague case at a Siberian research institute. A worker, Darya Shipilova, died after a reported accident at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, prompting quarantine measures for nearly 200 contacts. While Russian authorities deny a plague link, the U.S. CDC and WHO are monitoring the situation, with the WHO assessing the global risk as very low.
The U.S. government is closely monitoring a suspected plague case in Russia following the death of a researcher in Siberia. While Russian authorities deny a plague link, the U.S. has issued travel alerts and is preparing for potential threats. President Trump has scheduled a call with Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation, with more details expected soon.
A U.S. clinical reference laboratory reported a fourfold increase in detected cases of Cladophialophora bantiana, a rare fungal infection that primarily targets the brain. Between 2023 and 2025, annual cases jumped from a baseline of one to five to 14 in 2025. The infection carries a case-fatality rate of up to 70% and affects both healthy and immunosuppressed individuals. Researchers attribute the rise to potential climate change effects, improved molecular testing, or increased specimen submission, though the exact cause remains unclear.
The U.S. government is delaying a formal response to a potential plague outbreak in Russia due to conflicting information regarding the cause of a researcher's death. While a worker at the Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East died of pneumonia, officials have not confirmed if the strain was natural, genetically altered, or antibiotic-resistant. Experts emphasize that accurate diagnosis is critical before implementing travel advisories or border controls, as current reports suggest the infection has not spread beyond the lab.
Pennsylvania has recorded over 1,000 measles cases in 2026, marking the largest U.S. outbreak in three decades. The state reports 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, with cases concentrated in Lancaster County. While vaccination rates have surged, experts warn that low baseline immunity and delayed federal data reporting are complicating containment efforts.
Pennsylvania has recorded 1,004 confirmed measles cases in 2026, the largest state outbreak in the US in over 30 years. The state reports five deaths and 198 hospitalizations, but the CDC only acknowledges two deaths due to a dispute with Governor Josh Shapiro. Vaccination rates have surged, yet cases continue to rise, particularly in Lancaster County.
Pennsylvania has recorded 1,004 confirmed measles cases, making it the largest U.S. outbreak in three decades. The state has reported five deaths and 198 hospitalizations, with cases concentrated in Lancaster County. While vaccination rates have surged, experts warn the outbreak will persist for months due to low baseline immunity.
Pennsylvania has recorded over 1,000 confirmed measles cases in 2026, making it the largest outbreak in the United States in more than three decades. The state accounts for all five measles-associated deaths reported in the U.S. this year, with 198 hospitalizations. Over 99% of cases involve unvaccinated individuals, and transmission is concentrated in Lancaster County, which has the highest case count. Public health officials warn that the outbreak is likely to spread to neighboring counties, including Chester and Montgomery, due to low vaccination rates and limited local health infrastructure in many Pennsylvania counties.
U.S. influenza activity is rising earlier than usual in the 2025-2026 season. CDC data for Week 38 shows 3.4% of respiratory tests are positive, with Influenza A dominating. While national levels remain low, experts warn that the early start and concurrent COVID-19 surge may impact healthcare systems. Vaccination is now recommended.
Measles infection is far more dangerous than vaccination because it causes 'immune amnesia,' a phenomenon that erases up to 73% of the body's immune memory. While both infection and vaccination result in immunity against measles, the natural infection damages the immune system's ability to recall protection against other diseases, leaving individuals vulnerable to unrelated infections. In contrast, the measles vaccine provides protection without this collateral damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unvaccinated individuals face severe risks, with one in five hospitalized and 1 to 3 per 1,000 children dying from the infection. This distinction highlights that catching measles is not a safe alternative to vaccination, as the long-term immune costs outweigh the immediate benefit of immunity.
The FDA has confirmed the presence of the cyclospora parasite at a Mexican farm linked to a massive U.S. foodborne illness outbreak, closing its investigation. The outbreak sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. While the agency found the parasite in wastewater and drainage areas, it remains unclear how the contamination reached the lettuce, and Taylor Farms has since removed the implicated grower from its supply chain.
Flu activity is surging earlier than usual in parts of the western United States, prompting health experts to urge immediate vaccination. While national levels remain low, local spikes in Washington and Seattle have caught hospitals off guard. New vaccine options, including an mRNA shot for adults over 50, are available, but federal guidance has been disrupted by changes to the CDC’s advisory committee, leading independent medical groups to issue their own recommendations.