Local Health Alerts
This Is Why Prescription Drugs Are So Expensive
High U.S. prescription drug costs are driven by a lack of price regulation, patent monopolies, and complex supply chain mechanics involving pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that incentivize high list prices. Infographics highlight that these factors, combined with extensive marketing spend over R&D, lead…
FDA investigates Salmonella outbreak tied to Texas-produced eggs recalled across the U.S.
The FDA opened an outbreak investigation after Midwest Poultry Services recalled white-shell and brown cage-free eggs with sell-by or best-by dates from July 20 through Aug. 17, 2026.
CMS Sets Nationwide Medicaid Work-Requirement Framework for 2027
An interim final rule from CMS will require certain adult Medicaid applicants and enrollees to document 80 hours of work, education, training or community service each month.
WHO and UNICEF Report Global Childhood Vaccination Reached 85% for Full DTP Protection in 2025
WHO and UNICEF say childhood vaccination coverage improved modestly in 2025, but global DTP coverage remained below 2019 levels and measles protection stayed far short of the level needed to prevent outbreaks.
Democratic Republic of Congo Ebola Outbreak Draws $242 Million U.S. Aid Boost as Humanitarian Funding Falls Short
The United States announced $242 million in additional Ebola assistance for the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 5, but food-security operations had received only 25.2% of the funding they required by August 6.
CMS proposes Medicare outpatient-payment changes to reduce site-of-care cost differences
The proposed changes would affect Medicare payments to hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers beginning in calendar year 2027, but rates are not final.
Nashville Heat Patrols Continue Outreach to Vulnerable Residents
Nashville’s emergency-management office launched heat patrols July 27 and is continuing outreach to residents vulnerable to dangerous summer heat.
WHO Reports 2,124 Confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola Cases in the DRC and a New Evacuated Case in Germany
The World Health Organization says transmission remains active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 2,124 confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases and 828 deaths were reported as of July 15. Germany has also notified WHO of a confirmed case in a U.S…
FDA, States Continue Probe Into Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak After Faulty Lettuce Test
Federal officials remain focused on Taylor Farms lettuce as a possible source of a multistate cyclospora outbreak, even after an initially positive sample was found to be inaccurate.
CMS to wind down Medicare drug subsidy program that helped limit some Part D costs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said it would end a prescription-drug subsidy program created in 2024. The effect on beneficiaries will vary.
Tonkawa boil order lifted after E. coli contamination prompted emergency bottled-water distribution
Oklahoma DEQ lifted Tonkawa’s mandatory boil order July 8 after a reported E. coli-positive result led to city and state testing and free bottled-water distribution.
CHRISTUS names Kurt DeVaney president of Mt. Pleasant hospital
CHRISTUS Health named Kurt DeVaney president of CHRISTUS Health Mount Pleasant on July 7, as the system expands emergency, specialty and outpatient services in the community.
