Tag

Outbreaks

All articles tagged with #outbreaks

public-health18 days ago•11 min saved

Measles Isn’t Just a Kid’s Problem: Adults Now Face Real Risk

Measles is increasingly a grown-up concern: in 2026, 38% of cases are among adults and hospitalizations in adults are substantial, with Pennsylvania seeing a large share of adult cases and several adult deaths. The op‑ed urges adults to check their MMR status, since many may assume childhood immunity remains protective, and explains when a second dose or revaccination is advised, how to verify records, and steps to take if exposed or pregnant. It also notes MMR is a live vaccine available at pharmacies, and emphasizes not delaying protection due to misconceptions about age.

via CIDRAP|

#adults #measles #mmr

health23 days ago•5 min saved

Adult Measles Surge Tests Vaccination Gaps and Clinical Vigilance

Measles cases in the U.S. are nearing 3,300 with a growing share among adults over 20, and adults are now hospitalized at higher rates than children in this wave. Pennsylvania data illustrate a rising adult burden and even deaths, underscoring that measles is not just a pediatric disease. Experts attribute spread to vaccine hesitancy and waning protection from older vaccines, though two MMR doses are about 97% protective. There is no antiviral treatment for measles, and adults can face serious complications such as pneumonitis and liver involvement. Clinicians should routinely assess immune status and offer boosters when appropriate, while respecting contraindications for pregnant or immunocompromised patients. Universal vaccination remains the best defense to protect vulnerable populations and curb transmission.

via Medscape|

#adults #health #measles

health25 days ago•4 min saved

Pennsylvania Sees Third Measles Death as Outbreak Expands

Pennsylvania reports the death of a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman from measles, the state's third death this year, as U.S. cases rise to about 3,300 amid 676 PA cases across 37 counties and 124 hospitalizations; health officials emphasize vaccination as the primary defense against a disease once near elimination.

via gizmodo.com|

#health #measles #mmr-vaccine

health1 month ago•5 min saved

Measles risk deepens as kindergarten vaccination rates slip nationwide (NC included)

PolitiFact notes a nationwide 0.1% drop in kindergarten MMR vaccination during 2025-26, leaving about 280,000 kindergartners under-vaccinated and contributing to rising measles cases in 2026 (over 2,700 so far), including deaths among unvaccinated individuals. Exemptions have grown for non-medical reasons, and belief in vaccine myths correlates with delaying vaccines. North Carolina is highlighted as part of this broader pattern, illustrating how even small declines in vaccination can enable outbreaks when herd immunity falls short in many states.

via WRAL|

#health #kindergarten #measles

health1 month ago•396 min saved

Measles cases rise to 3,134—the highest in 35 years, CDC reports

Measles in the U.S. has surged to 3,134 confirmed cases in 2026, the highest total in 35 years, driven by outbreaks in areas with falling vaccination rates including Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, which has reported two infant deaths. Wisconsin (144 cases) and Ohio (129) are seeing upticks, and experts warn the true toll is higher due to under-testing. The outbreaks threaten the U.S. measles-elimination status, with PAHO set to decide in November whether elimination has been lost; public health officials emphasize the need for high vaccination coverage, swift response, and robust surveillance to curb transmission.

via NBC News|

#cdc #elimination #health

health1 month ago•47 min saved

Measles resurges in PA, WI, GA as U.S. sees its worst year in decades

Measles outbreaks are expanding across the United States this year, with Pennsylvania reporting the largest cluster and the first measles‑related deaths of 2026, Wisconsin’s largest outbreak in decades, and a Georgia day‑care–linked cluster. More than 2,700 cases have been reported in 2026, with the majority tied to outbreaks in communities with lower vaccination coverage. Health officials reiterate that the MMR vaccine is the best protection, describe common symptoms, and urge people who think they have measles to call ahead before seeking care to avoid exposing others. The CDC notes weekly totals may lag state reporting.

via Yahoo News Canada|

#cdc #health #measles

health1 month ago•11 min saved

America's Summer of Sickness: Food Outbreaks Expose a Frayed Safety Net

Summer 2026 has seen unprecedented foodborne illness outbreaks, led by cyclospora tied to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, plus salmonella in jalapeños and eggs and E. coli with salmonella in alfalfa sprouts. FDA and CDC data suggest a surge due to underfunded food-safety systems, staffing cuts, and delayed traceability rules; import loopholes and weak inspection parity complicate tracing, with outbreaks likely to persist into fall as warm weather and El Niño drive pathogen spread.

via WIRED|

#cyclospora #fda #food-safety

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Measles Booster: Who Should Consider an Extra MMR Dose

Measles cases are climbing in 2026 (about 2,777 confirmed across 47 states as of Aug 20, with 2 deaths in PA), but the MMR vaccine remains highly protective. There is no separate routine “measles booster” for healthy, fully vaccinated adults; an extra MMR dose is simply a second shot given to those who may not have completed the two-dose schedule or fall into higher-risk groups. Most people don’t need a booster, but those who may benefit include individuals who received the older inactivated measles vaccine (1963–1967), and people born before 1989 who are at higher risk (international travel, healthcare work, students, or outbreak areas). If you’re unsure of your vaccination history, you can get a booster or test for immunity, though a negative titer doesn’t rule out protection. Get a booster through your primary care physician, a pharmacy, or local health department; the extra dose is safe even if you’re already immune.

via Prevention|

#boosters #health #measles

health1 month ago•6 min saved

U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak Expands to 48 States Tied to Lettuce from Mexico

CDC data show 17,180 lab-confirmed Cyclospora infections across 48 states and Washington, D.C. since May 1, with two deaths and 922 hospitalizations; Michigan remains hardest hit, and New Mexico was added to the list of affected states. The largest outbreak, linked to iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms, accounts for about 10,930 cases across 17 states. The CDC notes a reporting lag of roughly six weeks and says several other clusters are under investigation as state counts continue to rise, though the overall trend is starting to slow.

via USA Today|

#cdc #cyclospora #health

health1 month ago•12 min saved

Two NYC Legionnaires' Outbreaks Spark Scrutiny Over Cooling-Tower Oversight

NYC faces a second Legionnaires' outbreak in as many years, this time on the Upper East Side, sickening about 92 people and killing nine, as health officials race to identify cooling towers linked to the cases. Critics say staffing shortages and insufficient inspections allowed the outbreak to take hold, despite towers testing positive at sites like the Guggenheim and the Met. Officials insist they’ve increased inspectors and enforcement and quickly eliminated the source, but experts argue prevention requires more proactive testing, lower action thresholds, and closer collaboration with building owners. The city is also facing lawsuits over past outbreaks and ongoing debates over regulatory strategies to curb Legionella growth.)

via Gothamist|

#cooling-towers #health #inspections

science1 month ago•33 min saved

2026 recalls surge triggers public health fatigue and safety doubts

An uptick in food recalls this year—ranging from cyclospora-contaminated lettuce and salmonella in eggs to jalapeño peppers, berries, dog food, and eye drops—has left thousands ill and spotlighted 'recall fatigue' as a risk to public trust. Experts say recall activity this year appears elevated, though it’s not yet clear if total recalls will exceed 2025; the bigger deals, not volume, drive impact. Contributing factors include media amplification, seasonal outbreak spikes, and funding/staff cuts at FDA and CDC, plus surveillance shifts and delays to the Traceability Rule. The article argues the solution is stronger prevention and clearer communication, along with bolstering safety institutions rather than dialing back recalls.

via The Verge|

#fda #food-recalls #outbreaks

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Late-Summer COVID Wave Triggers 2026 Guidelines and Updated Booster

COVID-19 cases are rising in late summer 2026, with wastewater data showing increasing SARS-CoV-2 activity and about 15 states with outbreaks, though the surge is reportedly less severe than in past years and could peak in early September. The current wave is driven by Omicron-related variants XFG.1.1 and Cicada (BA.3.2); most symptoms resemble other Omicron infections. CDC guidance calls for staying home and isolating until fever-free and feeling better for 24 hours, plus masking around others. A new 2026-2027 booster targeting XFG is expected to roll out in September, and vaccination is still advised for eligible people, especially high-risk groups, to reduce severe illness and hospitalization.

via TODAY.com|

#booster #covid-19 #health

health2 months ago•48 min saved

Measles exposure at Universal Studios sparks health alert as US cases climb in 2026

A person infected with measles spent about 11 hours at Universal Studios Hollywood, prompting the Los Angeles County Public Health Department to warn visitors from July 26 to monitor for symptoms through August 16. With 2,465 confirmed measles cases in 2026 so far, officials urge verification of immunity and vaccination (MMR is 97% effective after two doses). California has faced several outbreaks that have since ended, while the CDC notes dozens of outbreaks nationwide this year as health authorities stress vaccination and precautionary travel during crowded events.

via Yahoo|

#california #health #measles

health2 months ago•8 min saved

Summer Salmonella Surge: Eggs, Jalapeños, Backyard Poultry and Pets Tied to Outbreaks

Health officials are facing multiple, concurrent salmonella outbreaks in the U.S. linked to eggs from Texas, jalapeño peppers from Mexico, backyard poultry, and pet veiled chameleons, sickening hundreds across dozens of states and causing one death; guidance stresses clean, separate, cook and chill to prevent infection, while antibiotics are usually reserved for severe cases and doctors distinguish salmonella from cyclospora in diagnosis.

via CNN|

#backyard-poultry #eggs #foodborne-illness

health-and-fitness2 months ago•2 min saved

Protect Your Plate: Practical Tips Amid Nationwide Foodborne Outbreaks

With nationwide outbreaks of salmonella, Cyclospora, and other pathogens, health officials urge safer dining and food-handling habits—cook chicken and ground meats thoroughly, use pasteurized eggs for sauces, avoid buffet foods left at room temperature, and report suspicious or spoiled-looking food; investigations point to jalapeños linked to Chipotle and Qdoba and lettuce grown in Mexico, among other outbreaks in baby formula and produce.

via ABC7 Los Angeles|

#dining-tips #food-safety #foodborne-illness