Measles cases surged by 20% worldwide in 2023, driven by lower vaccination rates due to pandemic disruptions. The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC report that only 74% of eligible children received the second dose of the measles vaccine, falling short of the necessary coverage to prevent outbreaks.   This has resulted in 10.3 million cases and 107,500 deaths globally, although d...

Despite over 2.4 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported in 2023, recent CDC data show promising signs of progress in addressing the epidemic. Gonorrhea cases declined 7% from 2022, and primary and secondary syphilis cases saw their first significant drop in over two decades, falling 10%. Congenital syphilis cases also grew at a slower rate. However, disparities persist, dispr...

Since the 2024 election, professionals in media and public relations have closely monitored the shifting landscape of media influence. As trust in traditional news outlets declines, new voices—such as influencers and podcasters—have risen in prominence, shaping public opinion in ways that demand attention. These new media figures, who are not bound by journalistic ethics, hold sway over large...

Recent data from the CDC highlights a concerning rise in anxiety and depression among U.S. adults, particularly younger individuals. Anxiety rates among adults increased from 15.6% in 2019 to 18.2% in 2022, while depression rates grew from 18.5% to 21.4% over the same period. Young adults, aged 18-29, were most affected, with over a quarter reporting anxiety and nearly 27% experiencing depres...

As elections dominate the media landscape, it's essential for public health organizations to craft a strategic communication approach. The intense election coverage, extending beyond Election Day, risks overshadowing other messages. Avoid scheduling major announcements during this period, as they may get lost in the election's prolonged news cycle.   Remaining neutral is crucial, with ...

Tuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its title as the deadliest infectious disease, surpassing COVID-19 with 1.25 million deaths in 2023. Despite having the tools to prevent, detect, and treat TB, the disease continues to kill millions, with 8.2 million new cases reported last year—the highest since WHO began tracking in 1995.   Public health leaders cite insufficient funding, stigma, and p...

In a recent vote, three states—Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska—passed measures mandating paid sick leave for eligible workers, contributing to a growing movement to improve worker health protections. Currently, 15 states and Washington, D.C., have laws requiring paid sick leave for private employees, though no federal law mandates it.   In Alaska, employees now receive at least 40 hours...

A recent study in Science reveals that reducing sugar intake in the first 1,000 days after conception (gestation through age 2) may significantly lower chronic disease risks later in life. Researchers found that children with reduced sugar exposure during this period showed a 35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure, with onset of these conditio...

Despite initial urgency, the development of a Zika vaccine has stalled due to funding gaps, low pharmaceutical interest, and logistical challenges in trial execution. After the rapid spread of Zika in 2015-2016, which caused severe birth defects in affected pregnancies, public health officials redirected attention and resources to other priorities, including COVID-19. This shift left Zika vac...