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CDC

Highly Contagious Stomach Bug Spreading Fast, New Data Reveals Highly Contagious Stomach Bug Spreading Fast, New Data Reveals
Highly Contagious Stomach Bug Spreading Fast, New Data Reveals A highly contagious stomach bug is showing up in a way that can catch communities before doctor visits do. WastewaterSCAN data showed high norovirus levels nationally, including in the Northeast, according to its dashboard viewed Tuesday, June 2. WastewaterSCAN says it monitors norovirus and other infectious disease targets in wastewater samples across participating sites. Norovirus is often called the "stomach flu," but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is not related to influenza. It causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Sy…
This Easy Bedtime Trick Could Help You Fall Asleep Faster This Easy Bedtime Trick Could Help You Fall Asleep Faster
This Easy Bedtime Trick Could Help You Fall Asleep Faster A busy brain can make bedtime feel like the worst part of the day. The technique is called cognitive shuffling, or Serial Diverse Imagining, Calm.com reported in a blog post on the sleep method. It was developed by Dr. Luc Beaudoin, a cognitive scientist, and is designed to help people fall asleep by giving the brain random, simple, emotionally neutral images to picture. The idea is not to force the mind to go blank. Instead, the method gently moves attention away from planning, worrying, and replaying the day. A bedtime method designed to mimic early sleep patterns is getting atte…
If You’re Afraid Of A Hantavirus Pandemic, Read This If You’re Afraid Of A Hantavirus Pandemic, Read This
If You’re Afraid Of A Hantavirus Pandemic, Read This A Hudson Valley travel blogger has become one of the leading voices calming fears over a possible hantavirus pandemic tied to a cruise ship outbreak off the coast of Africa. Jake Rosmarin, a Monroe, NY-raised travel blogger now based in Boston, has spent the past few days posting updates from aboard the M/V Hondius expedition vessel, where confirmed hantavirus cases sparked growing concern online. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the ship was carrying 147 passengers and crew members when the outbreak was reported on Friday, May 1. As of Monday, May 4, the WHO said seven cases had b…
CDC Sounds Alarm On Potentially Fatal 'Breakbone Fever': No Cure, No Vaccine CDC Sounds Alarm On Potentially Fatal 'Breakbone Fever': No Cure, No Vaccine
CDC Sounds Alarm On Potentially Fatal 'Breakbone Fever': No Cure, No Vaccine It sounds like a nightmare, and for some, it can be fatal.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a global travel alert for dengue fever, a potentially deadly mosquito-borne illness so painful it earned the nickname "breakbone fever." The CDC issued a Level 1 travel notice on Wednesday, March 25, flagging a significant surge in dengue cases across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.  The agency says a higher-than-expected number of US travelers have tested positive after returning from 16 countries — among them Colombia, Cuba, Bangladesh, Pakistan, an…
Experts Sound Alarm About Rising Disease Few People Notice Early Experts Sound Alarm About Rising Disease Few People Notice Early
Experts Sound Alarm About Rising Disease Few People Notice Early A serious health condition is quietly affecting tens of millions of Americans, yet most people who have it do not know it exists in their bodies. Medical experts say the disease often develops slowly and produces few warning signs in its early stages, allowing it to progress for years before being detected. Chronic kidney disease, commonly referred to as CKD, is estimated to affect about 35.5 million people in the United States, according to health data cited by the National Kidney Foundation and the CDC. Roughly 90 percent of those living with the condition are unaware they have it, large…
Nearly 90 Sickened In Norovirus Outbreak Aboard Cruise Ship, CDC Says Nearly 90 Sickened In Norovirus Outbreak Aboard Cruise Ship, CDC Says
Nearly 90 Sickened In Norovirus Outbreak Aboard Cruise Ship, CDC Says A norovirus outbreak sickened dozens of passengers and crew aboard a Holland America cruise ship for the second time in less than a year. The outbreak occurred on the Holland America Line ship Rotterdam, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials said 81 of the ship's 2,593 passengers reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, along with eight out of the 1,005 crew members. The Rotterdam left Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. The ship returned on Friday, Jan. 9, after the illness spread among traveler…
These States Have Highest Flu Rates As Christmas Arrives: See Map These States Have Highest Flu Rates As Christmas Arrives: See Map
These States Have Highest Flu Rates As Christmas Arrives: See Map Flu season is ramping up across the country, with several states now experiencing severe or rising levels of illness, and a fast-spreading “super flu” variant is driving the surge.  The CDC’s latest FluView report for the week ending Saturday, Dec. 13, shows widespread influenza activity in nearly every region, with the Northeast and Mountain West hit especially hard. As of Monday, Dec. 16, the CDC estimated that flu cases are growing or likely growing in 47 states. According to the agency, “very high” flu activity has been detected in  New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Col…
RFK Jr.’s CDC Panel Scraps Broad COVID Vaccine Recommendation RFK Jr.’s CDC Panel Scraps Broad COVID Vaccine Recommendation
RFK Jr.’s CDC Panel Scraps Broad COVID Vaccine Recommendation The CDC’s vaccine advisers appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just broke with pandemic-era policy, scrapping a broad recommendation for COVID-19 shots. They have decided vaccination should be a personal decision made with a health care provider. On Friday, Sept. 19, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously to move COVID vaccination to “shared clinical decision-making,” according to meeting summaries.  Members also split 6–6 on whether to require prescriptions. The tie was broken when chair Dr. Martin Kulldorff …
Egg Recall Follows Salmonella Cases In Nearly 100 People From Coast To Coast Egg Recall Follows Salmonella Cases In Nearly 100 People From Coast To Coast
Egg Recall Follows Salmonella Cases In Nearly 100 People From Coast To Coast A multi-state salmonella outbreak tied to eggs has sickened 95 people nationwide and triggered a recall of large brown cage-free eggs sold under several brand names, federal health officials said. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Thursday, Aug. 28, that cases span 13 states, with 73 illnesses in California. Additional infections have been reported in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.  The agency noted the true number of illnesses is likely higher because many people r…
New Travel Advisory Issued By State Department For Mexico: Here's Why New Travel Advisory Issued By State Department For Mexico: Here's Why
New Travel Advisory Issued By State Department For Mexico: Here's Why The US State Department has issued updated travel guidance for one of America’s closest neighbors, citing a mix of safety risks for visitors. The advisory that went live on Tuesday, Aug. 12 applies to Mexico, where officials say travelers should “exercise increased caution” because of threats that include terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.  It is classified as Level 2 on the agency’s four-tier alert system, which ranges from Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions”) to Level 4 (“do not travel”). According to the advisory, violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking,…
EXCLUSIVE: 6-Year-Olds Hit By Meningitis—1 Dead, 1 Disabled—Despite Vaccination; GSK Responds EXCLUSIVE: 6-Year-Olds Hit By Meningitis—1 Dead, 1 Disabled—Despite Vaccination; GSK Responds
Exclusive: 6-Year-Olds Hit By Meningitis—1 Dead, 1 Disabled—Despite Vaccination; GSK Responds Two 6-year-old girls from Pennsylvania have been tragically impacted by meningitis — one fatally, one left unable to walk or speak — despite both being previously vaccinated, their families say. Now, the pharmaceutical giant GSK is responding to rising public concern. Aria, of Berks County, died earlier in June after a rare and severe meningitis infection despite being fully vaccinated, according to her family. Just days later, another child — Ruby Lutz of Morrisville (Bucks County) — was diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis. Ruby survived, but the illness robbed her of the …
COVID-19: New Variant From China Spreading In US With Painful Symptom COVID-19: New Variant From China Spreading In US With Painful Symptom
Covid-19: New Variant From China Spreading In US With Painful Symptom A painful new symptom is drawing attention from doctors as another COVID-19 variant begins to spread across the US. The sore throat has been described as “razor-blade throat” — an intensely sharp, uncomfortable sensation that can be an early warning sign of infection.  Lately, it’s been linked to a newly identified strain: NB.1.8.1, also called Nimbus, a descendant of the Omicron subvariant JN.1. The World Health Organization has labeled NB.1.8.1 a Variant Under Monitoring, and public health officials say existing vaccines are still expected to protect against severe illness. The var…
'Tragic, Alarming': 3 Dead From Rare Hantavirus That Killed Actor Gene Hackman's Wife 'Tragic, Alarming': 3 Dead From Rare Hantavirus That Killed Actor Gene Hackman's Wife
'Tragic, Alarming': 3 Dead From Rare Hantavirus That Killed Actor Gene Hackman's Wife Health officials in California have confirmed three deaths from the same rare rodent-borne virus that killed actor Gene Hackman’s wife earlier this year. The fatalities, all in the town of Mammoth Lakes, were caused by hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), Mono County Public Health said in a release on Thursday, April 3.  Hantavirus is a serious and often deadly disease transmitted through contact with infected deer mouse droppings, urine, or saliva — often by breathing in contaminated dust. “This third fatal case is tragic and alarming,” said Mono County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom …
MA Ranks Among Nation's Least-Stressed States, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranks Among Nation's Least-Stressed States, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranks Among Nation's Least-Stressed States, New Study Says: Here's Why While most Americans are feeling the pressure — from rising costs to political uncertainty — residents in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic may be catching a bit of a break, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of the most stressed states in the US on Monday, Mar. 24. The findings suggest that despite national anxieties — like inflation, job instability, and healthcare access — many in the region are experiencing less day-to-day stress than much of the country. Connecticut ranked 42nd overall, placing it among the 10 least-stressed states. The Constitution State had …
Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know
Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know With data showing a significant rise in flu cases nationwide, medical experts are describing it as the worst flu season since before the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been over 24 million flu cases nationwide this season, a 10 percent increase over last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Overall flu-related hospital visits are up 25 percent. During this season, there have been 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including at least 55 children. Hospitalizations due to flu also rose, with 8,905 new admissions reported for the week ending S…
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are surging across the United States, with healthcare systems feeling the strain as more people seek care for these conditions.  The CDC reported on Monday, Jan. 13 that the nation is experiencing high levels of acute respiratory illnesses, with young children and older adults particularly affected. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas, fueled by rising emergency department visits, elevated lab test positivity, and high levels of virus detected in wastewater.  Influenza remains widespread, while RSV activity …
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know About HMPV This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know About HMPV
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know About Hmpv A virus causing cold-like symptoms is making its seasonal rounds, and health officials are urging everyone to take preventive measures.  With no vaccines or specific treatments currently available, vigilance is key to avoiding infection of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is key. HMPV, according to the Cleveland Clinic, usually causes symptoms similar to a cold, such as coughing, a runny nose, or a sore throat.  However, certain groups—young children, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for severe complications, including lung infe…
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Production has been halted at the largest producer of fresh eggs in the United States after bird flu was discovered in chickens. Cal-Maine Foods reported that one of the company’s facilities located in Parmer County, Texas, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), resulting in depopulation of approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, or approximately 3.6 percent of its total flock. "Production at the facility has temporarily ceased as the company follows the protocols prescribed by the USDA," Cal-Maine said in a statement, noting that it is working to s…
Bacterial Infection With Unusual, Serious Symptoms Prompts CDC Warning Bacterial Infection With Unusual, Serious Symptoms Prompts CDC Warning
Bacterial Infection With Unusual, Serious Symptoms Prompts CDC Warning A bacterial infection is appearing nationally with unusual and serious symptoms according to federal authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just issued a Health Alert warning that the rare illness, caused by a strain of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, has a higher fatality rate than normally seen with meningococcal infections. As of Monday, March 25, 143 cases have been reported to CDC for the current calendar year, an increase of 62 cases over the 81 reported as of this date in 2023.  Cases caused by this strain are disproportionately occurring i…
COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC
Covid-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC New isolation guidelines for those infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections have just been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said there is no longer a need to isolate for five days before returning to work or school in a statement issued Friday, March 1. The CDC said it's making updates to the recommendations now because the US is seeing "far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV." Three "core prevention tips" were also detaile…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Meat Products Due To Possible Contamination Nationwide Recall Issued For Meat Products Due To Possible Contamination
Nationwide Recall Issued For Meat Products Due To Possible Contamination A  nationwide recall has been issued for a brand of meat products. Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., based in Mount Olive, NJ, says the undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa may be under-processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens. The recall was announced by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The Coppa products have various best-by-dates.  Coppa, a dry-cured capicola, is a boneless pork shoulder product that is dry-cured. Click here to view product…
COVID-19: US Sees Surge In Hospitalizations, Deaths; Take These Steps, CDC Director Says COVID-19: US Sees Surge In Hospitalizations, Deaths; Take These Steps, CDC Director Says
Covid-19: US Sees Surge In Hospitalizations, Deaths; Take These Steps, CDC Director Says COVID-19 is on the rise just in time for the height of the holiday season. "COVID is starting to increase again after being stable for the last few weeks," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen said this week.  Nationwide, in the latest data for the week ending Saturday, Dec. 2, there was a 17.6 percent rise in COVID hospitalizations (a total of 22,513) and 25 percent increase in deaths. COVID accounted for three percent of deaths in America from Sunday, Nov. 26 to the end of last week. In addition, the test positivity rate went up around one percent. …
COVID-19: Here's How To Order Free At-Home Tests Through Mail Now COVID-19: Here's How To Order Free At-Home Tests Through Mail Now
Covid-19: Here's How To Order Free At-Home Tests Through Mail Now The federal program offering free COVID-19 rapid at-home tests through the mail has just been restarted. Every American household may order four of the tests starting Monday, Sept. 25 by visiting covid.gov/tests, the Department of Health and Human Services says. But first, before throwing out tests past their expiration dates, HHS recommends visiting this page to see if expiration dates have been extended. The news comes as a newly identified COVID-19 strain BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, with around 30 mutations, has now been identified in 10 states. Earlier report - COVID-…
COVID-19: Here's When Free At-Home Tests Will Become Available Again By Mail COVID-19: Here's When Free At-Home Tests Will Become Available Again By Mail
Covid-19: Here's When Free At-Home Tests Will Become Available Again By Mail Just days after the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccination booster shot started, the Department of Health and Human Services announced on Wednesday, Sept. 20 that its program of offering free rapid tests for the virus through the mail will be restarted. Every American household may order four of the tests starting Monday, Sept. 25 by visiting covid.gov/tests. But first, before throwing out tests past their expiration dates, HHS recommends visiting this page to see if expiration dates have been extended. The news comes as a newly identified COVID-19 strain BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, w…
Potentially Fatal Bacteria Prompts CDC Warning Potentially Fatal Bacteria Prompts CDC Warning
Potentially Fatal Bacteria Prompts CDC Warning A potentially fatal bacteria confirmed in the United States has prompted a warning from federal authorities. Three cases of B. pseudomallei, which can become lethal if not treated, have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has declared the bacteria endemic in the US Gulf Coast with the most recent case reported in Mississippi in January, Julia Petras of the CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, told HealthDay News. However, most of those exposed to the bacteria don't have symptoms and develop antibodies against it, s…
2 In Massachusetts Infected With Listeria Amid Nationwide Outbreak 2 In Massachusetts Infected With Listeria Amid Nationwide Outbreak
2 In Massachusetts Infected With Listeria Amid Nationwide Outbreak Two Massachusetts residents are among 16 across the country to become infected in the latest national Listeria outbreak, which is likely tied to deli meats and cheeses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the US, federal health officials are evaluating and monitoring the outbreak across six states that led to 13 hospitalizations and one death, launching an active investigation. According to the CDC, the initial investigation found that deli meat and cheese purchased at deli counters in multiple states are the likely sources of this outbreak. “Deli meats …
Norovirus Possible Catalyst Behind Closure Of Central Mass Elementary School Norovirus Possible Catalyst Behind Closure Of Central Mass Elementary School
Norovirus Possible Catalyst Behind Closure Of Central Mass Elementary School An elementary school in northern Massachusetts was closed after numerous students came down with an unknown stomach illness, officials said.  Florence Roche Elementary School in Groton was closed after 204 students contracted the illness, reports said. School officials believe the illness was caused by a virus.  Florence Roche Elementary School #Groton has 200 of its 530 students sick. Superintedent reported #norovirus like symptoms in students, staff is healthy. School dismissed early.#wcvb pic.twitter.com/k0C5tihxBk — Rhondella Richardson (@wcvbrhondella) October 14, 2022 "Given the …
Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Purchase Of Small Turtles Hits Massachusetts Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Purchase Of Small Turtles Hits Massachusetts
Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Purchase Of Small Turtles Hits Massachusetts At least 21 people, including one person from Massachusetts, have been impacted by a multi-state Salmonella outbreak linked to the purchase of small turtles, the CDC reports.  Five people reported getting sick after buying pet turtles with shells smaller than four inches long from an online store known as myturtlestore.com, the CDC said. That number has since grown to 21 with eight being hospitalized.  The first reported illness was on January 3, 2022, according to CDC data. It is unclear as to when the Massachusetts resident became infected and where they live.  I…
COVID-19: CDC Announces Sweeping New Guidance, Including For Schools, Quarantines COVID-19: CDC Announces Sweeping New Guidance, Including For Schools, Quarantines
Covid-19: CDC Announces Sweeping New Guidance, Including For Schools, Quarantines Federal health officials have announced sweeping new COVID-19 guidelines, including for schools and quarantines for those infected. In the updated guidance unveiled on Thursday, Aug. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was no longer recommending that unvaccinated people quarantine after possibly being exposed to the virus. Instead, the CDC said they should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested five days after they were exposed. The agency had previously said unvaccinated people and those who haven't received their booster shots should q…
COVID-19: Newly Emerging Omicron Mutant Strain Sparking Concerns Among Scientists COVID-19: Newly Emerging Omicron Mutant Strain Sparking Concerns Among Scientists
Covid-19: Newly Emerging Omicron Mutant Strain Sparking Concerns Among Scientists More people are contracting the Omicron strain of COVID-19 multiple times in quicker sequences compared to other subvariants, and a newly emerging mutant of the strain is sparking concerns among scientists. The BA.5 strain is now the most dominant COVID variant in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  A new mutation of the Omicron strain -- identified as BA.2.75 -- is being described as perhaps the most contagious yet. "Previous infections from Omicron are not giving us the same antibody protection against the newer variants," Dr. Alok Patel of St…
Spike In Overdoses Reported In This CT County Spike In Overdoses Reported In This CT County
Spike In Overdoses Reported In This CT County A Connecticut county is reporting a spike alert in overdoses associated with the supply of available drugs in the area. Litchfield County County officials reported that from Tuesday, June 28 to Tuesday, July 5, there were dozens of overdoses, with two of them fatal, according to Fox61. A spike alert is triggered when there have been more than three overdoses in a 24-hour period, officials said. When an alert is issued, the county's Opiate Task Force responds with messaging to make sure that drug users are aware and also offers information on where and how to get help. Some of the resource…