Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention manages several funded units, described as 'zombie programs,' that are financially appropriated by Congress but are functionally inactive due to staff cuts. Layoffs affecting experts occurred following an effort by a previous administration to reorganize federal health agencies. The new CDC director, Dr. Erica Schwartz, now faces congressional pressure during her confirmation hearing to restart these dormant activities and comply with the law.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is being pressured regarding its 'zombie programs.' Additionally, the CDC operates several programs that are funded by Congress but currently lack staff to operate them.

New research found that white-footed mice, rather than deer, are closely linked to increases in young blacklegged ticks, challenging assumptions about Lyme disease drivers. Researchers also determined that large acorn crops can set off a chain reaction, potentially leading to more ticks two years later. The study notes that mouse populations help predict the number of ticks, though not necessarily how many will carry Lyme bacteria.

New research found that white-footed mice, not white-tailed deer, are closely linked to increases in young blacklegged ticks, challenging long-held assumptions about Lyme disease risk. Additionally, large acorn crops can predict higher tick numbers two years later by supporting increased mouse populations. The study was conducted at a 2,000-acre research site in Dutchess County, New York.

Measles cases reached a milestone as of July 23, surpassing any year since 1991, with over 4,850 infections reported since last year and three deaths recorded. The article notes that measles is highly contagious and often the first vaccine-preventable disease to strike when immunization rates drop. Concerns are raised over recent governmental shifts that have sown doubt about vaccination safety.

New research suggests that white-footed mice, not white-tailed deer, are closely linked to increases in young blacklegged ticks, challenging long-held assumptions about Lyme disease drivers. Researchers also found that large acorn crops can predict higher tick numbers two years later. The study draws on data collected since 1991 and emphasizes that the mix of hosts can affect how many ticks become infected.

New research suggests that white-footed mice, rather than deer, are closely linked to increases in young blacklegged ticks. The findings indicate that large acorn crops can trigger a chain reaction, leading to more mice and consequently higher tick numbers two years later. These observations challenge assumptions about the primary drivers of Lyme disease risk.

Michigan reported 13,909 documented cases of cyclosporiasis from a microscopic Cyclospora parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water. A total of 314 people have been hospitalized, and two deaths were reported during the outbreak. Health departments are advising residents to observe basic food safety practices like handwashing and cooking food properly.

Back-to-school anxiety is a common experience that is often considered developmentally normative rather than a sign of distress. Symptoms may include physical issues like headaches or behavioral signs such as clinginess and irritability, which are sometimes linked to major transitions in schooling. Parents are advised to support their child by validating their emotions while reinforcing confidence using 'acceptance plus confidence.'

Florida spent $6.57 billion between 2023 and 2025 providing applied behavior analysis services, significantly more than any other state. Consequently, a blue ribbon task force has been convened to review Florida’s Medicaid program and ABA service delivery by December 31st. This review is happening amid policy changes requiring managed care plans and increased scrutiny over healthcare fraud.

An H1N2 influenza A variant case was confirmed in an Ionia County resident who was exposed to swine at the Kent County Youth Fair in Michigan. Health officials are contacting swine exhibitors and area health care providers for monitoring following the exposure. Prevention efforts include recommending annual flu vaccinations, frequent handwashing, and avoiding close contact with pigs.

A Michigan resident tested positive for swine flu after being an exhibitor at the Kent County Youth Fair in Lowell. Health officials issued alerts and are contacting other exhibitors and visitors to monitor for potential exposure, advising the public that flulike symptoms should prompt a call to a healthcare provider.

A local Colorado Springs farm called Emerge Aquaponics is experiencing high demand because nationwide lettuce recalls have prompted shoppers to seek alternative sources for fresh produce. The indoor farming operation is benefiting as consumers raise concerns about food safety and origins, noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned the issue.

Donald Trump signed an executive order advising doctors to separate the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine from a single MMR shot into three vaccinations given at separate appointments. The order also directs federal officials to improve vaccine research, while medical experts warned that such changes could inject uncertainty and fear, citing potential increased risk of illness before subsequent shots.

A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has linked shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms to illnesses across multiple states, with Missouri ranking No. 3 in the number of cases. The CDC and FDA determined that many Missouri cases were directly tied to lettuce likely infected by contaminated water in Mexico. Authorities report a high volume of confirmed and pending cases due to the extensive distribution of the affected product.

Dr. Erica Schwartz will lead the CDC and promises “radical transparency and unwavering scientific integrity.” However, she faces political headwinds while working to balance evidence-based policy with requests from her boss, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The role has been complicated by general questioning of trust in government institutions following a global pandemic.

More than half the yards in a section of Omaha, Nebraska, near an old lead smelter still show contamination levels that can pose risks to children. Current EPA policy for the Superfund site only requires cleanup when lead concentrations exceed 400 parts per million, even though scientific research shows lower exposures can cause serious health issues like IQ loss and heart attacks.

Taylor Farms recalled over a dozen prepared food items, including salsa and guacamole, due to concerns over Salmonella contamination in jalapeño products. This recall follows earlier issues where the company was linked to a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak involving its iceberg lettuce.

A string of food safety concerns has led shoppers to examine their purchases more closely, noting alerts regarding items like jalapeños and lettuce. Minnesota was reported among 27 states affected by a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños distributed to chains including Chipotle and Qdoba. Furthermore, federal officials are tracking an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak from recalled iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico, though local health officials report no evidence linking contamination to the state.

While many people use AI chatbots like ChatGPT for fast health answers, experts warn that these systems are often inaccurate and can fabricate facts or miss crucial details. Users face both issues of reliability and privacy because the data shared may not be protected by the same laws as doctors’ offices. Consumer Reports advises treating AI information only as a starting point and always verifying advice with trusted sources or a doctor.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to become director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The confirmation, which passed 51-44, addressed concerns over political interference regarding vaccine policy. During her hearing, lawmakers questioned her on dealing with such interference from the Trump administration.

The CDC warns of a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. The outbreak has sickened 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalized. Chipotle and Qdoba have removed the peppers from their restaurants, and the FDA is investigating potential retail sales.

The CDC has issued a food safety alert regarding a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños. 345 people across 27 states have been sickened, with 36 hospitalized.

A Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeno peppers has affected 345 people across 27 states, including California, according to the CDC. The outbreak is tied to the same Salmonella strain, with jalapenos identified as the source.

The first human case of West Nile virus in Orange County this year has been confirmed in an Anaheim resident. The virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which contract it from infected birds, and health officials warn of an intense WNV season due to multiple positive mosquito detections.

A Michigan woman filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Taco Bell and lettuce suppliers, including Taylor Farms, over a Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce. The lawsuit alleges the defendants failed to ensure safe handling of lettuce, resulting in illnesses, and seeks damages for affected consumers nationwide.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a 51-44 vote. Schwartz, with a background in medicine, law, and leadership roles at the U.S. Coast Guard and as deputy surgeon general, becomes the agency's first confirmed director in nearly a year. The CDC has faced political challenges, staff losses, and leadership instability under recent administrations.

North Carolina confirmed its first West Nile virus case in a Gaston County resident, with a blood donor in Mecklenburg County also testing positive. The virus was detected in mosquitoes across Cabarrus, Forsyth, and Mecklenburg counties, prompting public health advisories on prevention.

Fifteen U.S. states are now linked to a cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce, with investigations pointing to Taylor Farms as the source. Over 25,000 cases have been reported nationwide, including 12,000 in Michigan alone, with two deaths attributed to the outbreak.

Fifteen U.S. states are now linked to a cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce, with investigations pointing to Taylor Farms as the source. The CDC reports over 25,000 cases nationwide, including two deaths in Michigan, and the FDA is tracking five separate cyclospora outbreaks.

Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by the U.S. Senate in a 51-44 vote. The confirmation followed a tense hearing where lawmakers questioned her on political interference in vaccine policy, with support from Senate Health Committee chair Bill Cassidy and only one Democrat, Tim Kaine, voting in favor.

Dr. Erica Schwartz has been confirmed as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is currently experiencing a leadership vacuum and has lost thousands of employees due to layoffs, resignations, and leadership turmoil.

Erica Schwartz was confirmed to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has not had a full-time leader in nearly a year.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with a 51-44 vote. The confirmation followed a July 2026 hearing where lawmakers questioned her on managing political interference in vaccine policy under the vaccine-skeptical agenda of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a 51-44 vote. The confirmation followed a tense July hearing over concerns about political interference in vaccine policy, and she received backing from Senate Health Committee chair Bill Cassidy despite initial reservations. Only one Democrat, Virginia’s Tim Kaine, supported the nomination.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vote took place on Wednesday.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a 51-44 vote. Schwartz, with a background in medicine, law, and leadership roles at the U.S. Coast Guard and as deputy surgeon general, will lead the CDC amid challenges including political interference and a significant loss of staff under President Donald Trump's administration.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new CDC director amid a Cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce. The confirmation followed scrutiny over her independence from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly regarding vaccine policies. Schwartz succeeds Susan Monarez, who resigned after a brief tenure due to disagreements with Kennedy.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next CDC director amid a Cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce. Lawmakers, including Bill Cassidy, expressed concerns about Schwartz's ability to challenge CDC leadership on vaccine-related issues. This follows the brief tenure of previous CDC director Susan Monarez, who was removed after a month.

Erica Schwartz was confirmed as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by the Senate in a 51-44 vote, ending a nearly yearlong vacancy. Her confirmation follows the firing of her predecessor by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.