LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
An Early Flu Season Means it Might be Time to Think About a Flu Shot
Flu activity is rising earlier than usual in the United States, with Western states seeing increases weeks before the typical start of the season. In an October 7 NPR report, epidemiologists noted that positive flu tests and flu-related emergency department visits have climbed since early September, an unusual pattern that typically begins in the South.
A newly mutated variant that may better evade existing immunity, particularly among teenagers, could help explain the early surge.
Although activity remains low in most regions, infectious disease experts are urging people to consider getting vaccinated earlier this season to help protect against influenza. Read the NPR article here.
Suspected Pneumonic Plague Death in Russia Prompts International Public Health Monitoring
A suspected case of pneumonic plague in Russia that resulted in a laboratory worker’s death is prompting international public health monitoring, although the cause of death remains unconfirmed.
The World Health Organization sought laboratory test results and additional information from Russian health officials following reports published in early October 2026. Nearly 200 contacts were placed under precautionary medical observation, with Russian authorities reporting no infectious disease concerns among them by Oct. 8.
Pneumonic plague is rare but can progress rapidly and become fatal without prompt antibiotic treatment. The case highlights the importance of timely testing, transparency and risk assessment. Read more from NBC News here.
American Academy of Pediatrics Renews Call for Ban on Raw Milk
The American Academy of Pediatrics renewed its call for a nationwide ban on raw milk sales and distribution in an updated policy statement published in October 2026, citing recent outbreaks and serious health risks, particularly for children.
More than 10 million Americans consume unpasteurized milk, which carries over 100 times the risk of foodborne illness compared with pasteurized milk. Nine states have experienced outbreaks linked to raw dairy products in the past two years. A recent E. coli outbreak associated with unpasteurized cheese sickened 13 people, more than half of them young children.
The guidance highlights the importance of evidence-based risk communication and prevention. Read more from ProPublica here.
FEATURED TOPICS
Public Health Visual Commons Launches to Strengthen Public Health Storytelling
The Public Health Visual Commons is live! Finding the right image shouldn’t be one of the hardest parts of public health communication. The Visual Commons, from Health Resources in Action, is a free library of public health images designed to help health communicators move beyond generic stock photos and tell the story of public health more effectively.
The library offers images for social media, presentations, annual reports and other communications that reflect the communities public health organizations serve. Public health communicators can also contribute photos to expand the collection.
A November 19 webinar will showcase the Visual Commons, its features and contribution opportunities. Register here.
CDC Launches New Tool to Track U.S. Overdose Trends
Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. are declining, while CDC’s new Overdose Prevention Data Channel provides a centralized view of fatal and nonfatal overdose trends.
From April 2025 through March 2026, the predicted provisional number of drug overdose deaths was 67,798—a 12.3% decrease from the previous year. The channel integrates data from the National Vital Statistics System, Nonfatal Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology System, and State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System.
It allows users to examine national and state-level trends, identify prevention strategies, and see how CDC-funded programs are supporting communities, strengthening access to timely overdose data for public health response.
Is Mpox Here to Stay? CDC Study Says Virus is Likely Becoming Endemic
Mpox is continuing to spread at low levels in the United States, suggesting the virus may be transitioning toward endemic circulation rather than remaining linked primarily to travel.
In 2024 and 2025, 76% of U.S. mpox cases occurred among unvaccinated people, who were nearly 10 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who received both Jynneos vaccine doses. Mpox remains most common among men who have sex with men, while transmission can occur through close contact, including within households.
The findings highlight the importance of vaccination for people at increased risk and ongoing monitoring of transmission. Read more from CIDRAP here.
More Than One Third of U.S. Counties Are Maternity Care Deserts
Maternity care access remains limited across much of the U.S., with 34.6% of counties classified as maternity care deserts and more than half lacking a hospital with labor and delivery services.
The March of Dimes found little change since 2016, while 57.9% of rural counties lack a practicing obstetric clinician. Financial pressures, low rural birth volumes, inadequate Medicaid reimbursement, hospital staffing shortages, and potential Medicaid cuts could further reduce access, particularly in rural communities.
By 2035, all but six states are projected to have an inadequate supply of obstetric clinicians. Longer travel distances can contribute to missed prenatal and postpartum care and delayed treatment of pregnancy complications. Read more from Time here.
