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…
Aurora agrees to three-year EMS Unlimited contract beginning Aug. 18
Aurora and EMS Unlimited agreed to a three-year emergency medical services contract running from Aug. 18, 2026, through Aug. 17, 2029.
CMS will end Medicare Part D premium-stabilization program after 2026
CMS will end a temporary Medicare Part D program after 2026. MedPAC estimated it reduced the average standalone drug-plan premium by $16 in 2026, potentially increasing costs for some enrollees in 2027.
WHO Declares Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak in Congo and Uganda an International Health Emergency
The WHO says a rare Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda requires clinical trials, stronger surveillance and more funding.
FAO and WFP Warn Hunger Could Worsen Across 13 Hotspots Through November 2026
A new FAO-WFP early-warning report identifies Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen and Palestine as the most severe hunger hotspots and places Nigeria in the highest-concern group.
CMS Begins Medicare GLP-1 Bridge With $50 Monthly Access for Eligible Beneficiaries
A new CMS demonstration began July 1, 2026, offering eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries certain GLP-1 medications for $50 per monthly supply through the end of 2027.
More than 121,000 Orb squeeze toys recalled over possible asbestos exposure
The CPSC recalled about 121,340 Orb Funkee squeeze toys sold nationwide after sand inside the toys was found to possibly contain fibrous tremolite asbestos.
WHO Reports 13 Hantavirus Cases, Including Three Deaths, Linked to M/V Hondius
The World Health Organization says 13 cases of Andes hantavirus, including three deaths, have been linked to travel aboard the cruise ship M/V Hondius as international authorities coordinate tracing and infection-control work.
WHO Warns Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Congo Is Outpacing Response
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Ebola is spreading faster than response efforts in eastern Congo, where 3,874 confirmed cases and 1,751 deaths had been recorded by Aug. 3, 2026.
Afghanistan Food Distributions to Be Suspended as Child Malnutrition Peaks, WFP Says
The World Food Programme says funding shortages will force a suspension of famine-prevention food distributions in Afghanistan’s worst-hit areas from August through October, during the country’s annual peak season for malnutrition.
CDC Maintains U.S. Travel and Monitoring Measures Amid Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa
Federal health officials continue enhanced traveler assessments, post-arrival monitoring and targeted entry restrictions as an Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus continues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
UVM Health cuts 76 jobs and restructures 66 more positions amid pressure to reduce costs
The University of Vermont Health Network says it will eliminate about 76 positions and require 66 employees to reapply for restructured jobs as it seeks to reduce expenses.
