The U.S. faces a stark decline in global health rankings, with life expectancy predicted to fall to 66th place by 2050, despite modest gains to 80.4 years. A report from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) highlights rising obesity as a key driver of this crisis, forecasting over 260 million Americans affected by 2050.   Obesity-related co...

A mysterious illness, referred to as Disease X, has surfaced in Kwango Province, DRC, with nearly 400 cases and 79 deaths reported. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and breathing difficulties, primarily affecting children under five. Health authorities suspect the disease may be airborne, but its exact cause remains unknown, with investigations underway.   The delay in alertin...

The 2025 Recommended Immunization Schedules are now available, offering vital updates for healthcare providers and the public. Approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and endorsed by the CDC Director, these schedules include detailed vaccination guidelines for children, teens, and adults. Key updates feature age-based routine vaccinations, catch-up schedules for ...

A salmonella outbreak linked to SunFed Produce cucumbers has sickened 68 people across 19 states, prompting a recall in over half the U.S. and parts of Canada. Epidemiological and traceback investigations by the CDC and FDA identified the cucumbers, grown in Sonora, Mexico, as the likely source. Major retailers including Walmart, Costco, and Wegmans have issued recalls, urging consumers to ch...

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, a key time to promote toy safety and reduce preventable injuries in children. Public health communicators can raise awareness about selecting age-appropriate toys, checking safety certifications, and avoiding choking hazards. Emphasizing the importance of non-toxic materials and supervision while children play can also help ensure safer holiday gifting. ...

The CDC's new Abortion Surveillance – United States, 2022 MMWR report provides a detailed analysis of trends in legal induced abortions. In 2022, 613,383 abortions were reported across 48 areas, marking a 2% decrease from 2021. Women aged 20–29 accounted for over half of all abortions, with adolescents and women aged ≥40 years having the lowest rates. Early medication abortions (≤9 weeks) con...

NPHIC government members are invited to join the monthly CDC/NPHIC calls, held on the third Wednesday of each month from 2:30-3:30 PM ET. These calls provide essential updates and dialogue with CDC’s Office of the Associate Director of Communication. To join December’s call, email LEspino@NPHIC.org. The November 20 session covered Mpox and Bird Flu cases, updated testing guidance, respirato...

Storytelling in nonprofit communications has the power to inspire and drive change, but it's crucial to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Too often, narratives fall into the "savior" trap, portraying people as "needy" or "voiceless," which diminishes their dignity. Instead, nonprofits should focus on highlighting the resilience, strength, and systemic barriers faced by individuals, empha...

This flu season brings a breakthrough in managing respiratory illnesses with new at-home tests that detect both flu and COVID-19 simultaneously. Available without a prescription, these tests provide accurate results within 15-30 minutes, empowering individuals to determine the cause of their symptoms without visiting a clinic.   Early diagnosis aids in preventing transmission, starting...