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Florida's dengue outbreak is now the largest in the continental US in decades

Florida's dengue outbreak is now the largest in the continental US in decades

Florida is experiencing its largest dengue outbreak in decades, with over 250 locally acquired cases reported this year

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-associated death

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-associated death

Pennsylvania confirmed a fifth measles-associated death as cases climbed to 943 across 39 counties amid a growing outbreak.

Pennsylvania records a fifth measles death as the nation endures its worst year since 1991

Pennsylvania records a fifth measles death as the nation endures its worst year since 1991

Pennsylvania health officials have reported a fifth measles-associated death

NPR Research Indicates North Carolina Heat-Related Deaths Significantly Underreported

NPR Research Indicates North Carolina Heat-Related Deaths Significantly Underreported

New research conducted by NPR in partnership with Boston University suggests that the actual number of heat-related deaths in North Carolina is substantially higher than official figures reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While CDC data indicates an average of approximately 19 heat-related deaths annually in North Carolina, NPR's statistical model estimates this figure to be around 330 deaths per year, nearly 18 times greater. This discrepancy arises because the CDC primarily records heat deaths only when heat is explicitly mentioned on death certificates by doctors, coroners, or medical examiners. The NPR model, however, incorporates maximum daily temperature readings averaged weekly to provide a more comprehensive estimate of heat-related mortality. Similar underreporting trends were also estimated for other Southeastern states, including South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 Introduced to Expand Screening Access and Research Funding

Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 Introduced to Expand Screening Access and Research Funding

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) has introduced the Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026, a legislative initiative aimed at broadening access to annual glaucoma screenings, delivering detection and treatment services to underserved communities, and investing in research to preserve and restore vision. The bill seeks to mandate glaucoma screening coverage for eligible individuals under private insurance, Medicaid, and Federal Employees Health Benefits, with these provisions generally taking effect in 2027. It also proposes to eliminate applicable Medicare Part B cost-sharing for screenings. The legislation prioritizes individuals aged 40 or older with African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian ancestry, or those with clinical risk factors such as diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. Additionally, adults aged 60 or older would qualify. The bill authorizes $10 million for competitive grants through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vision Health Initiative for free or low-cost screenings and follo...

LISTERINE® Launches 'Oral Care Counts' Initiative Amid Rising Global Oral Disease Cases

LISTERINE® Launches 'Oral Care Counts' Initiative Amid Rising Global Oral Disease Cases

LISTERINE® has launched a multiyear education and advocacy initiative called 'Oral Care Counts' on World Smile Day. This campaign aims to highlight the essential role of oral health in overall well-being and promote practical daily habits, including a three-step routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing. The initiative comes as global research indicates a significant increase in oral disease cases, with nearly half of the world's population affected. A systematic analysis published in The Lancet Public Health found that cases of major oral conditions, such as untreated tooth decay, severe periodontitis, and total tooth loss, rose by 3.07% over four years. This trend suggests that progress is too slow to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2030 target for reducing oral diseases. LISTERINE® plans to engage healthcare professionals, advocates, policymakers, community organizations, and consumers to support evidence-based education and improve access to oral health information and preventive care.

FDA and USDA Investigate Joint E. coli Outbreak with Unknown Food Source

FDA and USDA Investigate Joint E. coli Outbreak with Unknown Food Source

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are jointly investigating an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also involved. The specific food source causing the illnesses remains unknown to the public. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has added this investigation to its outbreak table, referencing the FDA's investigation. Traceback efforts have been initiated by the FDA. While the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths has not yet been reported, E. coli O157:H7 is a Shiga toxin-producing bacteria that can lead to severe illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. The FDA oversees approximately 80% of the U.S. food supply, including fresh and frozen vegetables, while the USDA regulates meat, poultry, and processed egg products. The agencies often collaborate on investigations involving multi-ingredient foods or imports where their...

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-associated death as outbreak grows

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-associated death as outbreak grows

Sept 30 (Reuters) - Pennsylvania health officials said on Wednesday an unvaccinated person in Lancaster County died after contracting measles, raising the state's death toll from the disease this year to five.

COVID cases are on the rise in Pennsylvania. Here's what data shows

COVID cases are on the rise in Pennsylvania. Here's what data shows

COVID-19 cases were surging nationwide, and Pennsylvania was seeing a rise in viral activity.

Wood County Health Department Confirms Measles Case in Bowling Green with Multiple Exposure Locations

Wood County Health Department Confirms Measles Case in Bowling Green with Multiple Exposure Locations

The Wood County Health Department has confirmed a case of measles in Bowling Green, Ohio, identifying multiple locations where potential exposure may have occurred. Individuals who were present at specific locations and times are advised to take precautionary measures. These locations include Bowling Green State University's Overman and/or Physical Science Buildings on September 23, Pagliai’s Restaurant on September 23 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., the Wood County Hospital Emergency Department on September 24 from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on September 25, and again on September 25 from 6:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., and Falcon Health Center on September 28 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The health department has provided a Measles Close Contact Investigation Form on its website and social media for those who may have been exposed.

University of Liverpool Study Finds Non-Nutritive Sweetened Beverages Equivalent to Water for Long-Term Weight Management

University of Liverpool Study Finds Non-Nutritive Sweetened Beverages Equivalent to Water for Long-Term Weight Management

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have completed the longest and most comprehensive randomized controlled trial on non-nutritive sweetened (NNS) soft drinks. The 104-week clinical trial, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, indicates that NNS beverages are equivalent to water for long-term weight management. The study, funded by the American Beverage Association, involved 493 adults who were overweight or obese and participated in a structured behavioral weight management program. Participants were randomized to consume either water or commercially available diet beverages daily, with sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose provided within established European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) safety thresholds. Key findings include equivalent weight loss between NNS beverage and water groups at 104 weeks, sustained weight reduction over two years, and improvements in waist and hip circumference, body composition, and several metabolic biomarkers in both groups. The stu...

Westchester County Journal News

Amish ask Supreme Court to allow school vaccine religious exemptions

Amish ask Supreme Court to allow school vaccine religious exemptions

For the second time this month, a New York parent has sought U.S. Supreme Court intervention over the state's school vaccination rules.