CDC

Apr 05 2026HEALTH

Stay smart on summer trips: dengue fever is rising

This summer, travelers should pack more than sunscreen. Mosquitoes carrying dengue fever are spreading faster than usual, prompting health alerts across the country. The illness, nicknamed “breakbone fever” for the severe joint pain it causes, starts with ordinary flu-like symptoms—high temperature,

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Apr 03 2026HEALTH

CDC Stops Many Lab Tests for a Quick Check

The CDC has stopped more than twenty lab tests. The pause is only for a short time. Officials say they are doing a routine check to keep tests accurate. The halted tests cover many diseases. Some can be done by private labs, like chickenpox and shingles. Others are rare, such as certain parasites o

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Mar 26 2026POLITICS

Who’s running the CDC while the U. S. looks for a permanent leader?

For now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still has a leader, but not the one it’s used to. Jay Bhattacharya remains in charge while officials hunt for a permanent replacement. The switch-up started last summer when the previous director left after clashing with political leaders over

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Mar 20 2026HEALTH

CDC Leadership Search Shows Hope Amid Health Department Turmoil

The hunt for a new CDC director is sparking cautious optimism, even as the agency grapples with years of shakeups and policy disputes. Recent candidates for the top role suggest better days ahead, but the CDC’s past struggles under political pressure raise questions about stability. The agency has s

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Mar 16 2026HEALTH

Flu Vaccine Falls Short as New Virus Strikes

The flu season in the United States is winding down, yet this year’s vaccine has shown lower protection than expected. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that only about 25% to 30% of adults were kept from needing medical care, while the vaccine cut child ho

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Jan 26 2026HEALTH

A Giant in Public Health: William Foege's Legacy

William Foege, a towering figure in public health, passed away at 89. His contributions were immense, yet he remained humble. He led the charge against smallpox, a disease now eradicated thanks to human effort. Foege's work didn't stop there. He served as the director of the Centers for Disease Cont

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Jan 25 2026HEALTH

A Giant in Public Health: William Foege's Legacy

William Foege, a towering figure in public health, passed away at his Atlanta home. He was 89. His work was crucial in wiping out smallpox in the 1970s, a massive win for global health. Later, he led the U. S. response to the early AIDS crisis as the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Preve

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Jan 10 2026HEALTH

Massachusetts Leaders Push Back Against New CDC Vaccine Guidelines

The CDC recently updated its childhood vaccine schedule, reducing the number of recommended shots from 18 to 11. This change has sparked concern among Massachusetts officials, who are urging parents to stay informed and prioritize their children's health. At a press conference held at Boston Childr

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Jan 09 2026HEALTH

Vaccine Changes: What's Up with Kids' Flu Shots?

The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its advice on childhood vaccines. Now, flu shots and others like RSV and COVID-19 are mainly suggested for kids at high risk or after a chat with a doctor. This is a shift from the old rule where everyone aged 6 months and up was

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Jan 08 2026HEALTH

Vaccine Changes: What's In and What's Out for Kids?

Recent updates from the CDC have made big changes to the list of recommended childhood vaccines. Before this change, kids in the U. S. were advised to get vaccines for 17 different diseases. Now, that list has been cut down to just 11. The vaccines that are no longer routinely recommended include RS

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