Health
Chronological wire record. Latest transmission first.
Winter Storm Fern raises health risks from cold exposure, carbon monoxide and delayed medical care
As Winter Storm Fern disrupts travel and power across large parts of the U.S., public officials are emphasizing health dangers that often follow major winter events, including hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning from improper generator use, and interruptions to routine and emergency medical care.
Measles outbreak in South Carolina grows; officials urge vaccination and track public exposure sites
South Carolina health officials report a rapidly expanding measles outbreak centered in the Upstate, with hundreds of cases and a growing list of public exposure locations. Neighboring states have also traced cases to travel and contacts connected to the outbreak, renewing calls for vaccination and careful symptom monitoring.
CDC labels the 2025–26 U.S. flu season ‘moderately severe’ as estimated illnesses reach 11 million
U.S. health officials reported that influenza activity remained elevated as winter progressed and, for the first time this season, categorized 2025–26 as ‘moderately severe.’ CDC estimates cited millions of illnesses and substantial hospitalizations, with experts pointing to holiday travel and lower vaccination uptake as key drivers.
Brief freeze, then reversal, of $5B public health grant leaves state agencies scrambling
State and local health departments were thrown into confusion after the Trump administration temporarily paused a major CDC-administered public health infrastructure grant worth about $5 billion, then reversed the decision. Health officials said the episode disrupted planning for emergency preparedness and ongoing community programs.
U.S. risks losing measles elimination status as outbreak persists into a second year
Public health officials warn that continued measles transmission could jeopardize the country’s elimination designation, with vaccination gaps and multiple outbreaks pushing the U.S. toward a formal review in 2026.
CDC adopts updated framework for U.S. childhood immunization schedule after presidential review
The CDC said it accepted recommendations following a federal review of vaccination scheduling practices abroad, keeping vaccines covered while reorganizing guidance into three categories.