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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Stamford's Purdue Pharma Files New $7.4B Bankruptcy Plan: How Opioid Victims Could Benefit Stamford's Purdue Pharma Files New $7.4B Bankruptcy Plan: How Opioid Victims Could Benefit
Stamford's Purdue Pharma Files New $7.4B Bankruptcy Plan: How Opioid Victims Could Benefit Purdue Pharma has filed a new bankruptcy plan that will distribute more than $7.4 billion to compensate opioid epidemic victims and fund addiction treatment programs. The Stamford, Connecticut-based company submitted the plan to the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, Purdue said in a news release on Wednesday, Mar. 19. The reorganization increases the Sackler family's payout by $1 billion from a previous deal. The plan will dissolve Purdue and transfer its assets to a new public benefit company focused on opioid crisis abatement. The Sacklers, who have…
Bald Eagle Tests Positive For Bird Flu After Being Found In Cortlandt, Euthanized: DEC Bald Eagle Tests Positive For Bird Flu After Being Found In Cortlandt, Euthanized: DEC
Bald Eagle Tests Positive For Bird Flu After Being Found In Cortlandt, Euthanized: DEC An injured bald eagle found on a trail in Westchester was euthanized after testing positive for bird flu, officials announced.  The eagle was found on Saturday, Feb. 22, when Environmental Conservation officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation responded to a trail near Croton Gorge Park, the DEC said on Thursday, March 13.  According to officials, a birdwatcher who discovered the eagle provided officers with an approximate location, and ECOs searched the area in the darkness until they found the bird.  The eagle was taken to Animal Nation, a w…
What Is Hantavirus? Gene Hackman's Wife Died From Rodent-Transmitted Disease, Officials Say What Is Hantavirus? Gene Hackman's Wife Died From Rodent-Transmitted Disease, Officials Say
What Is Hantavirus? Gene Hackman's Wife Died From Rodent-Transmitted Disease, Officials Say A rare but serious virus linked to rodents claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, health officials said. Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on Tuesday, Feb. 11, a full week before the 95-year-old Hackman died from cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimer’s, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner revealed at a press conference Friday, March 7. The couple of more than 35 years–along with one of their three dogs–was found dead inside their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, as Daily Voice reported. Hantavirus is …
New Coronavirus Resembling COVID-19 Discovered In Bats In China New Coronavirus Resembling COVID-19 Discovered In Bats In China
New Coronavirus Resembling Covid-19 Discovered In Bats In China A coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been discovered in bats in China. Lab studies at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China show it may have the potential to infect humans. The HKU5-CoV-2 virus resembles COVID because it targets the same human receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), according to research published in the scientific journal Cell. The virus doesn't enter human cells as easily as COVID, the researchers said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday, Feb. 24 that there is no reason to believe…
These States Seeing Highest Rates As Flu Hospitalizations Spike Amid Worst Season In Years These States Seeing Highest Rates As Flu Hospitalizations Spike Amid Worst Season In Years
These States Seeing Highest Rates As Flu Hospitalizations Spike Amid Worst Season In Years The flu is surging across the United States, reaching its highest severity in 15 years. Overcrowded hospitals, long ER wait times, and visitor restrictions have made this one of the worst flu seasons in recent history. In early February, flu-related doctor visits and hospitalizations hit their highest levels since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to the CDC. The agency reports that at least 33 million Americans have already been sickened during the 2024–2025 flu season. Key Figures  (as of Feb. Friday, 21, per CDC estimates): 33 million illnesses 430,000 hospitalizations 19,00…
'Predatory' Vape Makers Fueled Teen Nicotine Addiction Crisis, NY AG's Lawsuit Says 'Predatory' Vape Makers Fueled Teen Nicotine Addiction Crisis, NY AG's Lawsuit Says
'Predatory' Vape Makers Fueled Teen Nicotine Addiction Crisis, NY AG's Lawsuit Says New York is suing more than a dozen leading vape manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, accusing them of fueling vaping among children. Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against 13 companies including brands such as Puff Bar, Elf Bar, Geek Bar, and Breeze, her office said in a news release on Thursday, Feb. 20. The lawsuit claims the companies marketed highly addictive, flavored disposable e-cigarettes to kids, misled consumers about product safety, and violated federal and state regulations. According to the Office of the Attorney General, the vape make…
New Surge In Flu Cases Reported Nationwide; These States Are Seeing Biggest Spikes New Surge In Flu Cases Reported Nationwide; These States Are Seeing Biggest Spikes
New Surge In Flu Cases Reported Nationwide; These States Are Seeing Biggest Spikes Flu cases are surging across the nation, closing nearly a dozen schools and swamping hospitals in some states. At least 24 million cases, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths —including 57 children —have been reported for this flu season, which began in October, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, Feb. 7. The two strains of flu circulating this season are H1N1 and H3N2. Both are covered in this year's flu vaccine, but only about 40 percent of Americans have taken the vaccine each of the last two years, compared to 50 percent t…
Trump To Federal Workers: Remove Pronouns On Email Signatures Trump To Federal Workers: Remove Pronouns On Email Signatures
Trump To Federal Workers: Remove Pronouns On Email Signatures Federal employees across multiple agencies have been directed to remove pronouns from their email signatures. The move stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump seeking to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government, according to internal memos obtained by ABC News. It's also part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI initiatives in federal agencies.  The directive takes effect at the end of the business day Friday, Jan. 31. The measure has sparked concerns among workplace advocates, with som…
Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide
Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide Flu activity remains high and is increasing across many parts of the country.  For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 18, 25 percent of tests returned positive for flu, up from 19 percent the previous week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than five percent of emergency-room visits were flu-related, with notable increases among infants, older children, and teens, nearing pre-holiday surge levels.
 "The country is still experiencing elevated influenza activity and that is expected to continue for several more weeks," the CDC said. Elev…
Stamford-Based Purdue Pharma To Pay $7.4B In Historic Opioid Settlement: How Much Will CT Get? Stamford-Based Purdue Pharma To Pay $7.4B In Historic Opioid Settlement: How Much Will CT Get?
Stamford-Based Purdue Pharma To Pay $7.4B In Historic Opioid Settlement: How Much Will CT Get? Purdue Pharma will pay more than $7 billion for the corporation's role in fueling the opioid epidemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. The Sackler family and Purdue Pharma reached a $7.4 billion settlement with attorneys general from 15 states on Thursday, Jan. 23. The Sacklers have owned the company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, for decades. The settlement includes $6.5 billion from the Sackler family, with $1.5 billion to be paid immediately, and nearly $900 million from Purdue Pharma. Funds will be distributed to states, local governments, and victims ov…
Bird Flu Found In Goose At Farm In Brewster: Here's Who Is At Risk Bird Flu Found In Goose At Farm In Brewster: Here's Who Is At Risk
Bird Flu Found In Goose At Farm In Brewster: Here's Who Is At Risk A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a wild goose found in Putnam County, health officials announced. The deceased goose was discovered at the end of December at the Farm and Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys in Brewster, which promptly ensured the animal was tested, the Putnam County Department of Health announced on Friday, Jan. 17. While the virus has been spreading globally among wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks since 2022, the risk to the general public remains low, according to the health department.&n…
Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know
Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know A highly contagious strain of norovirus, GII.17, is rapidly spreading across the United States, fueling an unusually high number of outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Facts Record Outbreaks: The CDC reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks in the first week of December, the highest for this time of year in recent history. Dominant Strain: GII.17 accounts for nearly 70 percent of US cases and has driven a similar surge in Britain. Foodborne Threats: Contaminated oysters from a Los Angeles event sickened at least 80 people. Recall…
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know The bird flu outbreak in the United States is causing egg prices to hit new highs, affecting consumers across the nation.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increased cases of the virus in several states, leading to concerns over food supply. As producers respond to the outbreak, many are culling infected flocks to prevent further spread. This has led to a notable drop in egg production.  According to the USDA, current egg prices are nearly double what they were last year, leaving shoppers feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Nearly 129 mi…
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…
COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States
Covid-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States Parts of the nation are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns among health officials. The increase in activity picked up just ahead of the holiday season. Experts attribute this resurgence to several factors, including the emergence of new variants. The XEC variant, an off-shoot of the highly contagious Omicron strain, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the US after first being identified in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  States with "very high" current wastewater viral activity are shown in the darker sh…
COVID-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms COVID-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms
Covid-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms The XEC COVID-19 variant, first identified in Europe, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Click here for a new, updated story - COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States As infections tick upward, public health experts are urging vigilance. The strain, a mix of earlier Omicron subvariants, exhibits symptoms similar to Omicron and its predecessors. These include: Congestion,  Runny nose,  Cough,  Shortness of breath,  Fever or chills,  Fatigue.  Not…
Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks
Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks A sharp increase in norovirus cases is sweeping the United States, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Often called the "stomach flu," norovirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The CDC reports 41 outbreaks in the first week of December alone, surpassing levels recorded in prior months. This spike aligns with the virus's typical winter peak but underscores the need for heightened vigilance this season. Norovirus spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, and …
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Health officials have confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 18 saying the infection was diagnosed on Friday, Dec. 13, following contact the patient made with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. The case was reported in Louisiana and marks the first H5N1 case in the US linked to exposure to backyard poultry.  Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. H5 is generally less severe than…
22+ Pounds Of 'Gas Station Heroin' Seized From South Jersey Shipping Center, Feds Say 22+ Pounds Of 'Gas Station Heroin' Seized From South Jersey Shipping Center, Feds Say
22+ Pounds Of 'Gas Station Heroin' Seized From South Jersey Shipping Center, Feds Say Customs agents seized more than 22 pounds of tianeptine—a dangerous drug also called "gas station heroin"—at a South Jersey shipping facility, authorities said. Customs and Border Protection officers found the shipments at "an international express consignment facility," CBP said in a news release on Friday, Dec. 13. CBP didn't mention the specific location where the packages were found. The shipments were marked as "deep groove ball bearings" but officers found five bags of a white powdery substance in each package. The parcels were seized on Monday, Nov. 25 and Monday,…
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC The deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats is over, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Boar's Head recalled all deli products made at its Jarratt, Virginia facility in July 2024, due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recall included prepackaged deli products and ready-to-eat liverwurst. The CDC announced the conclusion of its investigation, noting that the outbreak resulted in 61 confirmed illnesses across 19 states. Among those affected, 60 were hospitalized, and 10 deaths were reported, underscoring the severity of the cont…
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic, An Amityville Native, To Lead CDC Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic, An Amityville Native, To Lead CDC
Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic, An Amityville Native, To Lead CDC Another vaccine skeptic with New York ties could soon shape public health policy. President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida congressman and physician Dave Weldon to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon was born on Long Island, in Amityville, and graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 before earning his M.D. degree at the University of Buffalo in 1981. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services “In addition to being a medical doctor for 40 years, and an Ar…
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products 1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products A multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry products has killed an infant and sickened at least 10 others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are investigating infections linked to recalled Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The illnesses were in New York, New Jersey, California, and Illinois between Wednesday, July 31 and Thursday, Oct. 24, the agency said. Of 11 people with information available, nine have been hospitalized. In California, one pregnant woman and her twins were sick and both infants died. But …
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products An E. coli outbreak linked to bagged organic carrots has prompted an expanded recall as the number of cases grows. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 39 people across 18 states have been sickened.  Click here for a new, updated story - Here's What To Know Now About Food Illness Outbreaks, Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving The outbreak has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death. The recall initially began earlier this month when reports of illnesses linked to Grimmway Farms’ bagged carrots surfaced. The recall now covers multiple brands of orga…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area A fresh alert has been issued in Harford County after another raccoon tested positive for rabies. The Harford County Health Department issued an alert cautioning that on Thursday, the agency received confirmation from the Maryland Department of Health that a raccoon tested positive for the virus in Street. While the raccoon was found near the 1200 block of Boyd Road, and may have exposed other people or pets in the surrounding area., they said. "It may seem like there have been a lot of rabies exposure alerts lately, but the number of positive rabid animals that the Harford County Health D…
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Chambliss Park Park New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Chambliss Park Park
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Chambliss Park Park A new alert has been issued by the Alexandria Health Department advising that a raccoon tested positive for rabies after being collected near an area park. On Friday, Nov. 15, officials say that a raccoon came into contact with several dogs in the yard of a home in Alexandria near Chambliss Park. The raccoon is dead, the dogs have been isolated, but there is an increased risk in the area, health officials are cautioning. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bi…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County A new alert has been issued in Anne Arundel County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The county's Department of Health issued an alert on Friday, Nov. 15 advising that a raccoon that was trapped in the area of Seamore Street and Marco Drive in the Cedarwood Cove Community in Pasadena tested positive on Thursday for the virus. It is the second such alert in a week. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite or scratch, officials said. Symptoms of rabi…
COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts
Covid-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts With respiratory illness season underway, the New York State Department of Health is actively urging residents aged 6 months and older to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent update, which emphasizes the importance of a second dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine for older adults and those at higher risk. The CDC now advises that adults aged 65 and older, along with individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose six months after their initial vaccination. This u…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County A new alert has been issued in Anne Arundel County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The county's Department of Health issued an alert on Friday, Nov. 8 advising that anyone who came into contact with a raccoon on or near Trailing Ivy Lane, not far from Jones Elementary School in Severna Park, should contact officials after the animal was captured on Thursday, Nov. 7. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite or scratch, officials said. Symptoms of r…