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LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Listen Up” Podcast: Harnessing AI for the Future of Public Health Communication
Explore how AI is set to revolutionize health communication in the latest episode of CDC’s podcast, Listen Up!, featuring Robert Jennings, Executive Director of the National Public Health Information Coalition. This episode dives into the transformative potential of AI for public health professionals, from delivering rapid solutions to improving communication strategies.
Experts discuss how to navigate the complexities of AI, including potential risks and the need for digital fluency in an evolving landscape. Tune in to learn which AI applications hold the most promise for public health communicators and how to prepare for this shift. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, or through your RSS feed reader. See more information here.
November: Raising Awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease and Supporting Family Caregivers
November marks both National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, highlighting crucial public health topics. Public health professionals are encouraged to leverage partner toolkits to educate communities about Alzheimer's—focusing on early detection and adopting healthy habits that can reduce risks. Additionally, resources are available to support family caregivers, raising awareness about caregiving challenges and promoting caregiver well-being.
These toolkits provide content for social media, newsletters, presentations, and websites, making it easy to spread awareness. Engaging with these resources can amplify understanding and foster a supportive environment for those affected by Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. For more information, access the toolkits here and here.
More Cases Reported in E. coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders
An outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has escalated, with the CDC reporting 75 total illnesses across 13 states, including three newly affected states: Michigan, New Mexico, and Washington. Twelve additional hospitalizations have raised the total to 22, which includes a death in Colorado and serious complications in some patients.
Investigators are focusing on fresh slivered onions and beef patties as potential sources, prompting Taylor Farms to recall onions supplied to impacted locations. While the CDC currently assesses the public risk as low, individuals experiencing severe E. coli symptoms are advised to seek medical attention. Read more from the CDC here.
FEATURED TOPICS
Apple Cider Warning: Health Officials Urge Consumers to be Careful
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Health officials are urging caution when consuming unpasteurized apple cider, a popular fall beverage, as it poses health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Unpasteurized cider may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness or even death, particularly in children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
The FDA reports that while most juice in the U.S. is pasteurized, unpasteurized versions sold at orchards, farmers’ markets, and roadside stands may lack warning labels. Consumers are advised to check for pasteurization or ask vendors if unsure, to reduce the risk of foodborne illness from untreated juice or cider. Read more from USA Today here.
What Happened to All the Health Inspectors in New York City?
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The New York City Department of Health (DOH) faces staffing shortages, leading to delayed health inspections, which worries many restaurant owners. Currently, only about 66 percent of the city's 27,000 food establishments were inspected between July 2023 and June 2024, down from 83 percent the previous year.
The DOH attributes this to a 20 percent drop in public health inspectors since COVID-19. Restaurant owners describe long waits and increased uncertainty surrounding inspections, with some waiting nearly two years. The staffing challenges leave both new and long-established businesses in a state of limbo, heightening anxiety around food safety compliance and public health. Read more from Grub Street here.
FDA Approves First Self-Administered Flu Vaccine
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The FDA has approved the first self-administered flu vaccine, offering a new option to increase flu vaccination accessibility. Adults can now administer FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, at home without a healthcare provider present. This option may help address the decline in flu vaccination rates, which fell below 50% during the 2022-2023 season.
Available for those aged 2 to 49, FluMist provides a convenient alternative to traditional flu shots. However, individuals must still obtain a prescription, and vaccines will be delivered directly to homes. This innovation could enhance public health efforts by improving access to seasonal flu prevention. Read more from The Hill here.
CDC Recommends The 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for Everyone Aged 6 Months and Older
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The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. This updated vaccine targets the evolving virus, addressing the waning protection from prior vaccination and infection.
COVID-19 continues to cause significant hospitalizations and deaths weekly in the U.S., and the vaccine remains crucial, particularly for those at higher risk, including individuals 65 and older, those in long-term care facilities, people with underlying conditions, and pregnant individuals. ACIP’s recommendations, grounded in evidence on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and equity, will be reassessed as new data emerges, ensuring ongoing protection for all. Read more from the CDC here.
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A bi-monthly podcast series about public health issues to educate, inform and assist our members, partners and affiliate organizations in understanding and overcoming urgent communication challenges
From Our Partners
CDC Online Newsroom
- Lassa Fever Suspected in Death of U.S. Traveler Returning from West Africa
- More cases reported in E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders; Taylor Farms recalls onions sent to restaurants
- CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised
- CDC Recommends Lowering the Age for Pneumococcal Vaccination from 65 to 50 Years Old
- Severe E. coli outbreak in Mountain West states linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders; McDonald's removes suspect ingredients temporarily
- Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low, Yet Disparities Persist
- CDC Confirms 3rd Human Case of H5 Bird Flu in California
- CDC Confirms New Human Cases of H5 Bird Flu in California
CDC Latest COVID-19 Science Update
CDC FluView Weekly Summary
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
- Notes from the Field: First Locally Acquired Dengue Virus Infections - Pasadena, California, October-December 2023
- Two Outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease Associated with Outdoor Hot Tubs for Private Use - Two Cruise Ships, November 2022-July 2024
- Locally Acquired (Autochthonous) Mosquito-Transmitted Plasmodium vivax Malaria - Saline County, Arkansas, September 2023
- Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Variants: Circulation of Omicron XBB and JN.1 Lineages - United States, May 2023-September 2024
- Coverage with Selected Vaccines and Exemption Rates Among Children in Kindergarten - United States, 2023-24 School Year
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