The FDA has elevated a recent blueberry recall to a Class I—the agency’s highest risk level—after routine testing by Alma Pak International LLC detected listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects 400 boxes (30 pounds each) shipped to a single customer in North Carolina. Class I recalls signal a reasonable probability that use of the product could cause serious health consequences or death. Li…

A new study published in Nature reveals that air pollution, traditional herbal remedies, and environmental contaminants may be contributing to lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Researchers analyzed lung tumors from 871 never-smokers across 28 regions and discovered specific DNA mutation patterns tied to high pollution exposure—many similar to those caused by tobacco use. Participan…

Measles cases in the U.S. have surged to their highest level since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, driven largely by undervaccinated communities and a major outbreak in West Texas. In 2025 alone, over 1,277 confirmed cases have been reported, surpassing the previous record from 2019. Tragically, three unvaccinated individuals have died this year. Low vaccination rates—such as in…

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a strong link between residential segregation and lung cancer risk among Black adults—highlighting how structural racism in neighborhood conditions impacts health. Analyzing data from over 71,000 participants across Southern states, researchers found that reduced segregation was significantly associated with lower lung cancer risk for Black ind…

We heard you! For the first time ever, the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) is offering limited Day Passes—perfect for local public health professionals, students, and those navigating time or travel constraints.   This new option is designed to make NCHCMM more accessible for those unable to attend the full three-day event. Day Pass ho…

The agenda for the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) is now live—offering an exciting preview of what’s ahead for public health communicators. Held July 28–30 in Atlanta, the conference features a keynote by Dr. Garth Graham of YouTube Health and plenaries exploring the intersection of public health with the arts, vaccine communication, and digital…

Pediatric health leaders are raising serious concerns following the overhaul of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) criticized the new panel—now made up of appointees with ties to vaccine misinformation—for promoting a review of longstanding childhood vaccine schedules. Experts warn this…

Tick-borne diseases vary regionally across the U.S., with Lyme disease the most prevalent, affecting over 470,000 annually. The Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest report the highest tick bite rates (nearly 20%), primarily from deer ticks carrying Lyme disease and other illnesses like anaplasmosis. The South faces ehrlichiosis, spotted fever rickettsioses, and alpha-gal syndrome, while t…

AIM will host a timely webinar, Utilizing Social Media to Promote Adolescent Immunization, on Tuesday, August 12 from 4–5 p.m. ET, addressing persistent challenges in adolescent vaccination rates. Public health communicators will gain valuable insights on leveraging platforms like TikTok to educate and engage teens. Taylor Lombard of Michigan State University will present findings on HPV vacc…