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…
WHO Updates Multinational Andes Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to M/V Hondius Cruise Ship
The World Health Organization says an Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship M/V Hondius involved 13 cases and three deaths by May 27, with a later probable case reported in Tristan da Cunha after disembarkation.
Great River Health says Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center complies with price-transparency rules
Great River Health says Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center complies with federal hospital price-transparency requirements after a recent report questioned the system’s status.
Parkview Logansport Hospital reports more than $15 million in first-year investment
One year after joining Parkview Health, the 83-bed Logansport hospital says it has invested more than $15 million and maintained full-service operations.
EPA proposes giving drinking-water systems until 2031 to comply with federal PFOA and PFOS limits
The EPA proposed retaining federal limits for PFOA and PFOS while allowing eligible drinking-water systems to request up to two additional years to comply.
UN Agencies Report 2.1 Billion People Faced Food Insecurity in 2025
A new five-agency UN report finds modest global progress on hunger, but says affordability and regional disparities continue to block progress toward 2030 goals.
GAO Says VA Community Care and Medicare Advantage Need Stronger Payment Controls
A new Government Accountability Office report says the Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare Advantage need additional steps to reduce improper-payment and fraud risks.
Parma moves to lease former police station property for Terry Reilly health clinic
The Parma City Council authorized a lease of the former police-station property to Terry Reilly Health Services for a planned health clinic.
FDA reopens public comment period on BHT in food, sets Aug. 31 deadline
The FDA reopened a 30-day public comment period on butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, after stakeholders requested more time to submit data and scientific information.
WHO Reports Bundibugyo Ebola Increase in Congo as Uganda Tracks Cross-Border Cases
The World Health Organization said confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and deaths had increased substantially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while Uganda reported two confirmed cases in Kampala in May.
Dry Mouth Can Raise Cavity Risk: What Adults Should Know About Their Medications
Dry mouth is more than an annoyance. Some medications reduce saliva, which helps protect teeth, so adults with persistent dryness may need a medication review, stronger fluoride prevention, and earlier dental care.
FDA Investigates Nine-State Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Recalled Iceberg Lettuce
The FDA says Taylor Farms de Mexico was the common supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations where people later became ill. The investigation remains ongoing, and no positive product sample had been confirmed as of July 19.
