Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

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.

From 2019 to 2023, 340 Missourians died while pregnant or within a year postpartum, with 80% of pregnancy-related deaths deemed preventable. Cardiovascular disease and mental health/substance use disorders are leading causes, and new state programs aim to improve outcomes despite concerns over budget cuts and expanding maternal health deserts.

Danielle Stewart, a Missouri mother paralyzed from the waist down after a failed epidural during childbirth, became an advocate for affordable childcare and Black maternal health. Her experience highlighted Missouri's disparities in maternal outcomes for Black women and the state's childcare crisis.

Missouri received 43,208 reports of elder or adult abuse in 2025, a 1,300 increase from the previous year. Experts attribute the rise to greater awareness but note staffing challenges and underreporting due to fear of retribution or isolation. Tim Jackson and Wendy Bruemmer highlight financial abuse, caregiver neglect, and lack of social support as key issues.