CDC

Two unvaccinated individuals died from measles in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the first U.S. measles deaths this year and Pennsylvania’s first in over three decades. The outbreak has reached 393 cases in Pennsylvania and 2,777 nationally—a 35-year high. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested the deaths were “fabricated,” sparking a political battle with Governor Josh Shapiro. Democratic lawmakers and pro-science groups are demanding Kennedy’s resignation, accusing him of spreading anti-vaccine misinformation that undermines public health.

14 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 1, 05:54 PM UTC

On August 10-11, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order reducing recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11 diseases, removing universal recommendations for hepatitis B, COVID-19, and flu. The order also calls for splitting the combined MMR vaccine into three separate shots, based on debunked claims linking vaccines to autism. Health experts and lawmakers strongly oppose the move, warning it increases infection risks amid a major measles outbreak. The order’s impact is limited as states control vaccine mandates.

28 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 21, 01:42 PM UTC

A salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, has sickened at least 345 people across 27 U.S. states, with 36 hospitalized. The contaminated peppers, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, were used at Chipotle and QDOBA restaurants, which removed them from all 4,850 U.S. locations. Taylor Farms also recalled ready-made products containing the peppers. The CDC states no ongoing risk to customers, while the FDA investigates potential grocery store sales.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 12, 06:02 PM UTC

On July 30, 2026, the Senate HELP Committee voted along party lines to advance Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director and Sean Kaufman as ASPR assistant secretary. Schwartz’s nomination passed 13-10, with Democrat Tim Kaine crossing party lines, citing urgent health threats like Ebola and measles. Kaufman’s nomination advanced 12-11 after he agreed to avoid vaccine policymaking. Both nominees face full Senate confirmation amid concerns over political interference from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has pursued a vaccine-skeptical agenda.

14 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 6, 02:53 PM UTC

Michigan health officials confirmed the first two deaths in a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, both victims having significant underlying health conditions. Michigan, the hardest-hit state, has reported 11,234 cases and 193 hospitalizations. The outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sourced from central Mexico. While cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening, the fatalities highlight risks for vulnerable populations. Cases have been reported across 45 states, though the outbreak may be subsiding.

11 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 5, 01:52 PM UTC

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to create a comprehensive action plan to prevent zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans. A three-day workshop organized by the State Health Department with support from NCDC, CDC, and JHPIEGO began in Vijayawada on July 28, 2026. Officials from Health, Animal Husbandry, Forests, Environment, Agriculture, and Fisheries departments, along with medical and veterinary experts, discussed 45 diseases including scrub typhus, anthrax, dengue, Zika, COVID-19, and rabies. Participants will prioritize diseases based on severity and public health risk, strengthen surveillance systems, enhance diagnostic lab capacity, improve inter-departmental coordination, train personnel, and increase community awareness. The final priority list and recommendations will form the state action plan.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 03:55 PM UTC

A multistate Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants has sickened over 1,600 confirmed cases and thousands more suspected across the U.S., with Michigan hardest hit. The FDA traced contamination to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sourced from a single farm in Mexico. Taco Bell proactively removed the lettuce and switched suppliers. Federal lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence. The outbreak has affected 34 states since May, prompting a recall and highlighting ongoing food safety concerns.

34 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:30 AM UTC

A resurgence of measles in the United States has reached record levels, driven by declining vaccination rates. Multiple news outlets report that the outbreak has already surpassed last year's total cases, with seven states identified as hot spots for a potential record outbreak in 2026. The CDC confirms the expanding outbreak, while doctors on the front lines describe treating terrified children. WIRED notes that measles is becoming so common that treatments may soon be needed, reversing decades of progress. The New York Times and Axios highlight the link between waning vaccination rates and the surge, while KFF Health News provides firsthand accounts from healthcare workers. The situation marks a significant public health setback in the US.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:30 AM UTC

Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) stock dropped nearly 15% over the trading week ending July 24, 2026, driven by investor fears over a widening cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to lettuce. The CDC and FDA issued multiple alerts, with the outbreak originating in central Mexico and affecting 1,947 people across nine U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. No cases have been reported at Sweetgreen locations, but as a salad-focused chain, the company is seen as vulnerable to consumer avoidance. The article notes that while no fatalities have occurred, 98 hospitalizations have been reported. The author advises caution, suggesting the stock may fall further due to potential revenue impacts from diners avoiding restaurants like Sweetgreen.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:44 PM UTC

The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases recorded in just the first seven months of 2026, according to CDC data. This surpasses the record-setting 2025 total of 2,289 cases, which included three deaths, two of them young children. Measles was declared eradicated in the US in 2000 due to widespread vaccination, but declining vaccination rates and growing distrust in health authorities have fueled a resurgence. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been accused of spreading anti-vaccine sentiment. The American Academy of Pediatrics called the outbreak an 'avoidable crisis' that disproportionately harms children. The last time case numbers were this high was in 1991, before a two-dose vaccine regimen became standard.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:04 PM UTC

The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases recorded in just seven months of 2026, according to CDC data. This surpasses the 2025 total of 2,289 cases, which included three deaths, two of them young children. Measles was declared eradicated in the US in 2000 due to widespread vaccination, but declining vaccination rates and growing distrust in health authorities have fueled a resurgence. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has been accused of contributing to the crisis by spreading anti-vaccine sentiment. The American Academy of Pediatrics called the outbreak an 'avoidable crisis' that disproportionately harms children. The last time case numbers were this high was in 1991, before a two-dose vaccine regimen became standard.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:04 PM UTC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that as of July 23, 2026, the United States has confirmed 2,318 measles cases in 2026, surpassing the total of 2,289 cases recorded for the entire year of 2025. The cases have been reported from across most of the country, indicating a widespread outbreak. This marks a significant increase in measles incidence, highlighting ongoing public health challenges related to vaccination coverage and disease containment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:27 PM UTC

Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6 million shell eggs produced in Texas due to potential Salmonella enteritidis contamination, the FDA announced. The eggs were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. The recall comes amid a series of food safety crises, including a cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce that has affected over 12,000 people across 41 states, and a New World screwworm infestation in Texas cattle causing an estimated $1 billion in damages. The article criticizes the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE program for cutting monitoring and response programs that previously prevented such outbreaks, raising concerns about the government's ability to handle food safety issues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:47 PM UTC

A massive multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic foodborne illness, is testing HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s pledge to overhaul the U.S. food system and restore public trust in agencies like the CDC. At least 7,000 people have been sickened in Michigan alone, with official CDC counts lagging at nearly 4,200 cases. The FDA and CDC initially identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the likely source, but later retracted a positive test result as a false positive, creating confusion. Experts say the response highlights chronic underfunding of food safety at the FDA and CDC, exacerbated by recent Trump administration cuts to key investigative and public communication staff. Kennedy has defended the response as 'under control,' but former officials and food safety experts argue the system is overstrained and underprepared.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:32 PM UTC

A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, is affecting over 1,000 people across 32 US states, with Michigan reporting more than 1,500 cases—far exceeding its typical annual count. New York has also seen 470 cases since May. Symptoms include explosive diarrhea and dehydration, with contaminated fresh produce like berries and basil suspected. The CDC is investigating multiple clusters, and antibiotics are effective for treatment. No deaths have been reported.

9 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:26 PM UTC

The FDA and CDC have not yet confirmed the source of the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, despite HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claiming it is under control. As of late July 2026, the CDC outbreak page had not been updated since July 18, showing 1,644 cases, but state-level data suggests much higher numbers, with Michigan reporting 6,571 cases, Ohio 1,244, Indiana 511, West Virginia 195, and Kentucky 192. An initial positive test for Cyclospora in Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce was later determined to be a false positive, though the company voluntarily recalled products from 27 states. The article notes that the incubation period can range from 2 to 14 days, meaning many undiagnosed cases may exist. The author advises continued caution and recommends checking recall notices until the outbreak is definitively resolved.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:00 PM UTC

A widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak has infected at least 11,276 people across 46 U.S. states in 2026, according to Georgetown University's Health Security Operations Center. The parasitic infection causes prolonged watery diarrhea. Michigan and Ohio report the highest case counts, with the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions most affected. Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, distributed from June 29 to July 16 in 27 states. The CDC has confirmed 1,645 domestic cases but notes over 5,100 more require analysis. Experts warn that multiple outbreaks may be concurrent, including one possibly linked to cilantro in New York. The parasite is resistant to disinfectants; cooking food to at least 158°F is recommended to kill it. The outbreak's end remains uncertain, as contaminated food must be removed from circulation or cooler temperatures must kill the parasites.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:43 PM UTC

The Trump administration has decided not to renew millions of dollars in HIV prevention funding that previously went directly to community-based organizations (CBOs). Instead, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will route these grants through state and local health departments, which will decide whether to subcontract the CBOs. The change affects the 'Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. through Community-Based Partnerships' program. CDC employees and advocacy groups warn that this will increase administrative costs, delay funding, and potentially force many CBOs to lay off staff or shut down. Critics argue that CBOs, often run by people with lived experience, are essential for reaching high-risk communities and building trust. The Department of Health and Human Services defends the move as streamlining funding while keeping local decision-making central. The Save HIV Funding coalition, representing over 150 organizations, has condemned the decision.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:25 PM UTC

The Trump administration has decided not to renew millions of dollars in HIV prevention funding that previously went directly to community-based organizations (CBOs). Instead, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will route these grants through state and local health departments, which will decide whether to subcontract to CBOs. The change affects the 'Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. through Community-Based Partnerships' program. CDC employees and nonprofit groups warn that the new model will increase administrative costs, delay fund distribution, and potentially force many CBOs to lay off staff or shut down. Critics argue that CBOs, often run by people with lived experience, are essential for reaching communities hardest hit by HIV due to trust and stigma issues. The Department of Health and Human Services defends the move as streamlining funding while keeping local decision-making central. The Save HIV Funding coalition, representing over 150 organizations, has condemned the decision.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:25 PM UTC

The Trump administration has decided not to renew millions of dollars in HIV prevention funding that previously went directly to community-based organizations (CBOs). Instead, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will route these grants through state and local health departments, which will decide whether to subcontract the CBOs. The change affects the 'Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. through Community-Based Partnerships' program. CDC employees and nonprofit groups warn that this will increase administrative costs, delay funding, and potentially force many CBOs to lay off staff or shut down. Critics argue that CBOs, often run by people with lived experience, are crucial for reaching communities hardest hit by HIV due to trust and stigma issues. The Department of Health and Human Services defends the move as streamlining funding while keeping local decision-making central. The Save HIV Funding coalition, representing over 150 organizations, condemned the decision.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:25 PM UTC

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Tuesday that the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting thousands across the U.S. is 'under control,' claiming officials have identified the source through extensive forensics testing and that implicated companies have implemented recalls. However, the Food and Drug Administration earlier acknowledged a false positive result from a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms, leaving no clearly confirmed source. Kennedy dismissed criticisms that the Trump administration delayed public notification and that federal funding cuts ended mandatory reporting for cyclospora in some states, arguing no cuts affected the Foodborne Disease Active Surveillance Network. The CDC noted it made cyclospora reporting optional in 2025. The story is developing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:36 PM UTC

Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) has publicly criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for terminating the CDC's FoodNet program, which tracked parasitic infections including cyclospora. The decision, made last year, suspended interagency tracking efforts involving the CDC, USDA, and FDA. Ossoff linked the termination to a recent cyclospora outbreak, arguing that the move undermines public health surveillance and response capabilities. The article highlights ongoing political tensions over federal health policy and food safety monitoring.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:30 PM UTC

A cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce has sickened over 1,600 people across 34 states since May 1, 2026, with 141 hospitalizations. The FDA initially announced a positive test for cyclospora in imported lettuce during border screening, but retracted it the next day as a false positive after lab re-review. The recall, initiated by Taylor Farms voluntarily based on epidemiological data, remains unchanged. The article explains that cyclospora cannot be cultured in a lab, making detection extremely difficult, and that iceberg lettuce's rapid farm-to-table timeline further complicates testing. The FDA has no confirmed positive product samples for cyclospora in this outbreak. Taylor Farms noted the lack of a single positive product test result, while the FDA acting commissioner stated the false positive does not alter the basis for the outbreak investigation or the recall.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:14 PM UTC

The Trump administration has decided not to renew $46 million in direct federal funding for 96 community-based organizations that provide HIV prevention services, including testing, linkage to care, and pre- and post-exposure drug treatment referrals. The Office of Management and Budget informed the CDC of the decision late last week, redirecting resources to state and local health departments instead. A supplemental notice of funding to states was issued, but it only lasts through May and applications are due July 21. The move is seen as part of the administration's push to eliminate DEI-focused initiatives that help the LGBTQ community, and it contradicts the White House's goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. HIV advocacy groups are urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya to reverse the decision. The White House's 2027 budget request proposed eliminating $800 million of CDC HIV prevention funding.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 PM UTC

Nirav Shah, Maine's former CDC Director, announced his withdrawal from the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate on Sunday, just one day after making his case to delegates in Augusta. Shah entered the race weeks ago, motivated by his opposition to incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins potentially winning a sixth term without a strong challenge. His departure marks the second Democrat to exit the primary, narrowing the field of candidates seeking to unseat Collins in the 2024 election cycle. The article highlights the ongoing dynamics in Maine's Senate race, where Democrats are working to consolidate support against the long-serving Republican.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:53 AM UTC

Shares of Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) rallied on July 17, 2026, after the CDC identified Taco Bell as the source of a cyclospora outbreak that had sickened thousands. Prior to this, Sweetgreen's stock had lost about a quarter of its value due to investor fears that its salads could be linked to the parasite. The FDA traced the outbreak to one of Taco Bell's suppliers, easing concerns about Sweetgreen. However, the company faces ongoing challenges: same-store sales fell 12.8% in Q1 due to an 11.2% decline in customer traffic, driven by higher energy costs weighing on consumer budgets. Sweetgreen is set to report its Q2 financial results on August 6.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:36 AM UTC

As a cyclosporiasis outbreak sickens thousands across the U.S., social media is rife with false claims. Forbes analyzes and debunks common rumors: raspberries are not currently implicated; frozen and canned produce are safe; the parasite does not spread person-to-person; not all lettuce is contaminated; washing produce helps reduce risk; heating to 158°F kills the parasite; fresh produce remains safe with precautions. The CDC traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, served at Taco Bell in several states. Over 4,300 cases are in Michigan alone, with 34 states affected. The article notes that the federal government's rollback of the FoodNet surveillance program may have hindered early detection, though the direct impact is unclear.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:21 PM UTC

A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrhea-causing parasite, has sickened thousands across more than two-thirds of U.S. states. The article reports that cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, significantly reduced the CDC's cyclospora response team from 11 to just 3 people. Additionally, in July 2025, the CDC under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. quietly changed cyclospora monitoring from mandatory to optional in its Foodnet surveillance program. Former CDC parasitologist Joel Barratt warned that outbreak responses will be greatly diminished. The White House press secretary claimed the cuts did not impact the response, a claim the article disputes. The outbreak has been nicknamed 'the DOGE shits' on social media.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:45 PM UTC

A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrhea-causing parasite, has sickened thousands across more than two-thirds of U.S. states. Evidence increasingly attributes the severity of the outbreak to cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under the Trump administration. According to a WIRED report, the CDC lab responsible for cyclospora response was downsized from 11 people to just three. Additionally, in July 2025, the CDC under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. quietly changed cyclospora monitoring from mandatory to optional in the Foodnet surveillance system. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's claim that funding cuts did not impact the response is contradicted by these reports. The article also notes a GOP senator coined the phrase 'DOGE shit' to describe the fallout.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:45 PM UTC

A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrhea-causing parasite, has sickened thousands across more than two-thirds of U.S. states. The article argues that cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under President Trump, significantly weakened the CDC's ability to respond. The CDC's cyclospora lab was downsized from 11 to 3 staff. Additionally, in July 2025, the CDC under Health Secretary RFK Jr. changed cyclospora monitoring from mandatory to optional in the Foodnet surveillance system. The White House press secretary claimed the cuts did not impact the outbreak response, a claim the article disputes. The outbreak has been nicknamed 'the DOGE shits' on social media.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:45 PM UTC