#cdc

Trump signs order directing CDC to align with assessment calling for fewer childhood vaccines President Trump signed an executive order on Friday directing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to align with a scientific assessment released earlier in the year by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that advocates for reducing the number of childhood vaccines recommended. The order mandates the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to review the HHS assessment and the latest clinical data, then take any necessary steps to update the U.S. childhood and adolescent vaccine schedule. The move follows a December memo issued by Trump instructing HHS to align U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations with "best practices from peer, developed countries." In early January, HHS released an assessment concluding that the U.S. recommends more childhood vaccines than any other peer nation and more than twice as many doses as some European countries. The report highlighted that the U.S. schedule includes vaccines for diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, meningococcal ACWY, and meningococcal B, which are recommended only for high-risk children. However, the CDC retained recommendations for 11 diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Hib, pneumonia, polio, HPV, and varicella. The executive order was met with significant backlash from medical experts and health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP, which criticized the HHS assessment, released its own childhood vaccine recommendations, diverging from CDC guidance. The White House defended the order, stating it reaffirms Trump’s commitment to "gold-standard science" and empowers patients and doctors with "maximum flexibility.#trump #cdc #robert_f_kennedy_jr #hhs #acip

CDC Mobilizes Staff for Airport Ebola Screenings Amid DRC Outbreak The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an urgent call for its workforce to assist with Ebola screening efforts at U.S. airports, as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda escalates. Acting CDC Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya sent an internal email to staff requesting additional personnel, including public health advisors, emergency management specialists, and licensed medical providers, to conduct health checks on travelers arriving from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. The move follows the CDC’s temporary ban on entry for non-U.S. citizens who had visited these regions within the past 21 days. New York’s JFK International Airport has been added to the list of designated screening locations, joining Dulles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Staff at these airports will monitor passengers for symptoms such as fever, refer suspected cases for further evaluation, and support containment efforts. The CDC’s initiative comes as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned that the outbreak is spreading faster than responders can control, risking becoming the deadliest on record. The IRC highlighted that the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, responsible for the current outbreak, is particularly challenging to detect and has a fatality rate ranging from 30% to 50% in past cases. Unlike other strains, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo variant, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).#world_health_organization #cdc #democratic_republic_of_congo #dr_jay_bhattacharya #international_rescue_committee

U.S. Health Officials Expand Hantavirus Monitoring to 41 People U.S. health officials have expanded their monitoring efforts for hantavirus to include 41 individuals, up from the initial 18 passengers linked to a Dutch cruise ship outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday that 16 additional people across the country are now being tracked for symptoms, though the agency did not specify their locations or details about their exposure. These new cases involve individuals who were passengers on an April 25 flight to Johannesburg and had contact with a Dutch woman infected with hantavirus, who later died. The CDC’s response leader, Dr. David Fitter, clarified that the 16 newly added individuals were not part of the cruise ship group but had been exposed to the infected woman during the flight. The woman, a 69-year-old Dutch national, was among those who disembarked from the cruise ship on April 24 in St. Helena, an Atlantic island. She returned to the U.S. via commercial flights on April 25 and was monitored by state health departments. However, she collapsed shortly after arriving in Johannesburg on April 26 and died on May 4, after her hantavirus infection was confirmed. The CDC emphasized that no confirmed cases of hantavirus have been reported in the U.S. as of Thursday. The agency is actively contacting all individuals potentially exposed to the virus, both within the country and abroad, to ensure they are monitored. Dr. Fitter stated that the CDC’s focus is on tracking anyone who might have been on the flight the infected woman took, highlighting the agency’s commitment to thorough contact tracing. The 18 passengers from the cruise ship who were brought back to the U.S. on Monday are currently quarantining at specialized facilities in Omaha and Atlanta.#cdc #david_fitter #dr_jay_bhattacharya #st_helena #hantavirus

CDC Classifies Hantavirus Outbreak as 'Level 3' Emergency Response Spanish authorities on Friday prepared to receive over 140 passengers and crew members from a cruise ship infected with hantavirus, which was en route to the Canary Islands. Health officials planned to evacuate passengers to a "completely isolated, cordoned-off area" on the Spanish island of Tenerife, where the ship was expected to arrive Sunday. The Dutch-flagged vessel, MV Hondius, had been linked to at least three deaths and five confirmed infections among passengers who had disembarked before the outbreak was identified. Cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions reported no symptomatic individuals remained on board as of Thursday. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated the risk to the general public from the outbreak was low, citing a negative test result for hantavirus in a flight attendant who had briefly boarded a plane after an infected passenger disembarked. Christian Lindmeier, a WHO spokesman, emphasized the outbreak was not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the virus is primarily spread through rodent droppings and rarely transmissible between humans. However, the Andes virus strain detected in the outbreak may pose a rare risk of person-to-person transmission. Symptoms typically appear between one and eight weeks after exposure. Health authorities across four continents were tracking more than two dozen passengers who had left the ship before the outbreak was confirmed. The first confirmed case of hantavirus in a passenger was reported on May 2, nearly two weeks after the first death onboard. Dutch officials and the cruise operator revealed that over two dozen passengers from at least 12 countries had disembarked without contact tracing on April 24, raising concerns about potential spread.#world_health_organization #cdc #mv_hondius #oceanwide_expeditions #tristan_da_cunha

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Poultry Affects 34 Across 13 States The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry, with 34 people across 13 states reported sickened by the same strain of the bacteria. Thirteen individuals were hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported as of April 29, 2026. The outbreak highlights the risks associated with handling backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, even when the animals appear healthy. The CDC emphasized that these birds can carry salmonella without showing signs of illness, making prevention measures critical to avoid infection. The outbreak spans multiple states, with Michigan reporting the highest number of cases. The CDC has mapped the affected regions, though specific details about the distribution of cases were not provided in the initial report. The agency stressed that salmonella can spread through contact with poultry, their eggs, or contaminated surfaces, and that improper hand hygiene is a primary risk factor. People who touch backyard poultry or their environment and then eat without washing their hands are at risk of contracting the infection. To prevent salmonella infections, the CDC recommends several precautions. Individuals should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean water for 20 seconds after handling poultry, collecting eggs, or touching any items in their environment. Dedicated footwear should be used when working in coops, and these shoes should never be brought indoors. Bird supplies, such as feed and waterers, should be kept outside the home to minimize contamination risks. Supervision of children is also crucial, as young children are particularly vulnerable.#michigan #cdc #salmonella #backyard_poultry #cdc_cdc

Flea-Borne Typhus Cases Surge in Los Angeles County, Prompting Health Warnings Los Angeles County health officials are reporting a significant increase in cases of flea-borne typhus, with the city experiencing its highest number of infections ever recorded. At least 220 cases were identified in 2025, marking an 187-case rise compared to 2024. Nearly 90% of those infected required hospitalization, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The bacterial illness, transmitted through contact with infected fleas or their feces, has prompted urgent public health advisories to residents and pet owners. Flea-borne typhus is spread when humans come into contact with fleas that have bitten infected animals such as rats, cats, or opossums. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that symptoms typically develop between one and 14 days after exposure. Common signs include fever, chills, muscle aches, and a rash, though severe cases can lead to complications such as coughing, digestive issues, confusion, and even organ failure. In extreme instances, the disease can be fatal if left untreated. Dr. Aiman Halai, a Medical Epidemiologist at Public Health L.A. County, emphasized the growing threat of the disease. “These cases have been rising year after year. They’re occurring in all areas of our county,” she told ABC7. Halai warned that some patients may develop severe illnesses involving multiple organ systems, with a risk of death in rare cases. She also highlighted that pets can unknowingly carry infected fleas, even if they appear healthy. Pet owners are at risk if flea feces enter the body through open wounds, eyes, or mucous membranes.#los_angeles_county #cdc #centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention #dr_aiman_halai #public_health_la_county

Flu Vaccine 2026 Focuses on CDC Data and Australia’s Free Shot Initiative The CDC’s initial 2025–26 vaccine effectiveness estimates highlight that flu vaccines reduced medical visits by 24–36% and hospitalizations by 31% during the season. This moderate protection is attributed to the influence of H3N2 drift and varying levels of community immunity. Australia’s immunisation coalition is promoting free influenza vaccination days to boost coverage ahead of winter, aiming to address lower uptake and prepare for potential late-season demand. Public health officials anticipate increased vaccine use, higher antiviral prescriptions, and greater patient traffic to pharmacies and general practitioner clinics. The CDC’s findings underscore the ongoing need for vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups such as older adults, First Nations communities, and individuals with chronic conditions. Preventing a quarter to a third of GP visits and hospitalizations helps alleviate pressure on healthcare systems. In Australia, combining flu vaccine 2026 messaging with free vaccination days is expected to improve uptake among vulnerable populations, especially if local governments support pop-up clinics and extended hours. Health planners are advised to prepare for late-season vaccine demand and ensure timely antiviral access for at-risk patients. Clear guidelines on symptom onset and rapid testing in primary care can reduce severe outcomes and absenteeism while easing strain on emergency departments. Increased bookings will require extended clinic hours, weekend services, and careful staff scheduling. Pharmacies may expand cold-chain inventory, while GP practices streamline consent and billing processes.#australia #cdc #flu_vaccine_2026 #free_shot_initiative #first_nations

A New COVID-19 Variant with 75 Mutations Detected in the U.S. A newly identified strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as BA.3.2, has been detected in multiple U.S. states and is raising concerns among health officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that the variant has undergone approximately 75 mutations, which may allow it to evade the immune protection provided by current vaccines. First reported in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 has since been identified in 23 countries as of February 11, 2026. Scientists are cautioning that the strain’s spike protein, a key target for vaccines, has mutated significantly, potentially reducing the effectiveness of existing immunizations. The CDC has been monitoring the variant through its Traveller-Based Genomic Surveillance program. As of mid-March 2026, BA.3.2 was detected in six travelers who had recently visited the U.S. and in over two dozen patients across 29 states and Puerto Rico. The strain’s presence in wastewater sites further indicates its spread, though CDC data suggests it currently accounts for less than 0.5% of recent virus sequences. The first confirmed case in the U.S. was identified in June 2025 in a traveler from the Netherlands. The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report notes that BA.3.2 is genetically distinct from the JN.1 lineages that have dominated in the U.S. since January 2024. While the variant showed a spike in Europe around September 2025, comprising roughly 30% of cases in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, it has not become the dominant strain. Experts attribute this to its reduced ability to bind to human cells, which limits its transmission rate.#south_africa #cdc #denmark #ba_3_2 #traveler_based_genomic_surveillance

New COVID Variant with Immune Escape Potential Confirmed in US, 22 Other Countries A highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variant, BA.3.2, has been detected in the United States and 22 other countries, according to a study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The variant, first identified in South Africa in November 2024, has been found in nasal swabs from four US travelers, clinical samples from five patients, three airplane wastewater samples, and 132 wastewater surveillance samples across 25 states. BA.3.2 differs from the JN.1 variant and its descendant, LP.8.1, by having 70 to 75 substitutions and deletions in its spike protein gene sequence. This genetic variation could potentially reduce the effectiveness of current vaccines. The CDC notes that BA.3.2 is genetically distinct from the JN.1 lineages that have circulated in the US since January 2024. Genomic surveillance data shows BA.3.2 detections rose in September 2025, with the first US case identified in June 2025 through the CDC’s Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program. By January 2026, the variant accounted for about 30% of sequences in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. As of February 11, BA.3.2 made up 0.19% of 2,579 genetic sequences in national surveillance. Researchers caution that limited genomic surveillance capacity in many countries may mean the actual spread of BA.3.2 is underrepresented. Phylogenetic analysis has identified two sublineages, BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2, indicating ongoing viral evolution. Continued monitoring is essential to assess the variant’s impact on public health. --- COVID Vaccines Not Tied to Risk of Sudden Death, Study Shows A Canadian case-control study published in PLOS Medicine found no increased risk of sudden death in young, healthy individuals vaccinated against COVID-19.#south_africa #cdc #sars_cov_2_variant #morbid_mortality_weekly_report #ba_3_2

Early Detection and Surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant BA.3.2 — Worldwide, November 2024–February 2026 The SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.3.2 was first identified in South Africa on November 22, 2024, in a respiratory sample. This variant has approximately 70–75 substitutions and deletions in the spike protein gene sequence compared to JN.1 and its descendant, LP.8.1, which are antigens used in the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employs a multimodal genomic surveillance approach to monitor the emergence and spread of BA.3.2 globally and within the United States. As of February 11, 2026, BA.3.2 had been reported in 23 countries. Detections began increasing in September 2025, with the first U.S. detection occurring on June 27, 2025, through the CDC’s Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program. A clinical specimen from a patient in the U.S. was reported on January 5, 2026. By February 2026, BA.3.2 had been identified in nasal swabs from four U.S. travelers, three airplane wastewater samples, clinical samples from five patients, and 132 wastewater samples from 25 U.S. states. The CDC’s surveillance efforts include digital public health monitoring internationally and genomic surveillance in the U.S., combining data from the National SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance program, the Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program, and the National Wastewater Surveillance System. These systems track sequences submitted to open-access repositories like the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data and NCBI GenBank, as well as monitor media, preprint databases, and social media for variant reports. Genetic analysis of BA.3.2 sequences revealed mutations in the spike protein that may reduce protection from prior infections or vaccinations.#south_africa #cdc #sars_cov_2 #global_initiative_on_sharing_all_influenza_data #ncbi_genbank

Costco Recalls Meal Kit Over Salmonella Concerns Costco has issued a recall for a meal kit containing Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Glaze due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall notice stated that the product, identified by Item #30783, is being recalled because an ingredient supplier, Griffith Foods Inc., has initiated a recall of an ingredient used in the meal. The supplier cited the potential for contamination with Salmonella, prompting Costco to take action. The affected meal kits have sell-by dates ranging from March 5 to March 16. These products were distributed to Costco locations across 26 states, including California, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Customers who purchased the meal kit are advised not to consume it and are encouraged to return it for a full refund. Costco expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the recall. The company emphasized that no illnesses have been reported as a result of the recalled product. Salmonella infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms typically appear six hours to six days after infection and usually last four to seven days. The CDC also noted that infections can be particularly severe in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, who may require hospitalization. Costco’s recall notice serves as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety, highlighting the importance of adhering to food safety guidelines. The Associated Press contributed to this report.#costco #cdc #salmonella #griffith_foods_inc #associated_press

Bolivia's Chikungunya Outbreak Continues to Prompt Travel Advisories The chikungunya outbreak in Bolivia's Santa Cruz department has seen a slight decline in new cases, according to the Departmental Health Service (SEDES). Epidemiologist Carlos Hurtado reported that the latest epidemiological week recorded 655 confirmed cases, a reduction of about 300 compared to the prior week. This brings the total number of cases in Santa Cruz, the primary epicenter of the outbreak, to 4,283 as of March 9, 2026. Despite the drop, the positivity rate remains high at 51%, meaning over half of those tested are infected with the East/Central/South African genotype of the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, urging travelers to take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and considering vaccination where available. Bolivia is not the only country experiencing chikungunya cases this year. Global data indicate over 29,000 cases and 85 fatalities have been reported by early March. The main vaccine available in the U.S. and select countries is VIMKUNYA®, a non-live virus-like particle vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S. Approved by the U.S. FDA in 2025, the vaccine is now accessible at travel clinics and pharmacies. The outbreak highlights ongoing challenges in managing mosquito-borne diseases. While Bolivia's situation shows some improvement, the broader context of the epidemic underscores the need for continued vigilance. Travelers are advised to stay informed about regional health advisories and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.#chikungunya #bolivia #santacruz #cdc #bavarian_nordic