Backyard poultry Salmonella outbreak: what families should know
CDC says 34 people in 13 states were linked to a backyard poultry Salmonella outbreak as of April 23, 2026. Here are the symptoms, child risks, and prevention steps that matter most.
Local Health News and Alerts
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What does the new American Heart Association diet guidance tell you to eat?
The American Heart Association’s March 31, 2026 update is not a rigid meal plan. Here’s what its nine diet steps mean in plain English and what you can realistically try this week.
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Can You Use an HPV Self-Swab Instead of a Pap Test Now?
Self-collected HPV testing is now an option in U.S. guidance for some average-risk adults ages 30 to 65, but it is not a universal replacement for Pap tests or follow-up care.
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Did 988 play a role in lower youth suicide deaths?
A new JAMA study found suicide deaths among adolescents and young adults were lower than projected after 988 launched in July 2022. That is an important signal, but the study cannot prove the crisis line alone caused the decline.
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Do Adults Need Another MMR Shot in 2026? Check Before Travel or Outbreaks
Usually no: adults with 2 documented MMR doses generally do not need another shot. The main reasons to check now are travel, missing records, higher-risk settings, or local outbreak guidance.
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Asthma and Wildfire Smoke: Practical Steps to Reduce Flare-Ups
Wildfire smoke can make asthma harder to control, even for people who usually feel well. Here’s what to do before smoke arrives, how to protect indoor air during an event, and when symptoms need medical attention.
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CMS Sets October 2026 Deadline for New Medicaid and CHIP Funding Limits for Certain Noncitizens
CMS issued guidance on April 8 that will limit federal Medicaid and CHIP matching funds for certain noncitizens starting October 1, 2026. Emergency medical conditions remain covered, and states must update applications, verification systems, and notices before the change takes effect.
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CMS Proposes New Drug Prior-Authorization Rules for Coverage
CMS has proposed new electronic prior-authorization rules for some drug coverage in Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, and certain ACA marketplace plans, but nothing changes yet because the rule is still only a proposal.
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Children’s ibuprofen recall puts bottle checks back in focus
A nationwide recall of one Children’s Advil bottle is a reminder to check the lot number before giving any medicine to a child. The FDA said the risk was remote, but families should stop using a suspected bottle and confirm the package details before assuming it is safe.
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Why South Carolina’s measles outbreak matters after it’s over
South Carolina says its measles outbreak has ended, but the bigger lesson is about vulnerability. Here’s what that means for families, schools, and travelers.
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FDA’s updated ‘healthy’ label could change what shoppers buy
The FDA has updated the rules for the voluntary “healthy” claim on food packages. Some foods may newly qualify, while others that used to carry the claim may no longer do so. The label can be a useful shortcut, but shoppers still need to check serving size, added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, and the ingredient list on the Nutrition Facts panel.
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Cervical cancer screening adds self-collection option for some adults
ACOG has updated its cervical cancer screening guidance to include a patient-collected sample option for high-risk HPV testing in some average-risk adults ages 30 to 65. The change may help people who have had trouble getting screened, but it does not replace follow-up care or every other screening approach.
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FDA early alerts are reaching device problems sooner
The FDA is using Early Alerts to warn the public faster about some potentially serious medical device problems. If a device, kit, or lot you use is named in a notice, the safest next step is to read the FDA and manufacturer instructions closely and follow the device-specific guidance.
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CDC’s updated respiratory-virus guidance: who should get flu, COVID and RSV shots now
CDC says some older adults and higher-risk adults should get a one-time RSV shot, COVID-19 vaccination for 2025–2026 is based on age and shared decision-making, and flu planning is already underway for the 2026–2027 season. For families, caregivers, schools, and workplaces, the practical message is simple: stay current, think about timing, and ask a trusted clinician what fits your age and risk.
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Do you need Lp(a) testing? New heart-risk guidance changes the conversation
The American Heart Association’s new dyslipidemia guidance puts lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), on more clinicians’ radar. For many adults, the test is meant to refine heart-risk assessment — not replace a standard cholesterol panel or by itself tell you whether you need treatment. That matters because Lp(a) is usually inherited, often does not cause symptoms, and is not checked on routine cholesterol tests. The new guidance says a one-time measurement may help identify people whose risk is higher than their usual LDL cholesterol result suggests.
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ACA Marketplace enrollment stayed high, but subsidy changes may raise costs
More than 23 million people selected or were automatically re-enrolled in ACA Marketplace coverage for 2026, according to CMS. But for many households, the end of enhanced pandemic-era savings on December 31, 2025, may mean higher monthly premiums even while enrollment remains strong.
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Bicillin L-A shortage continues, with CDC prioritizing pregnancy treatment
The Bicillin L-A shortage is still ongoing, and CDC says limited supplies should be preserved for pregnant patients whenever possible. Here’s what that means for syphilis treatment access, temporary alternatives, and what to do if a pharmacy cannot fill a prescription.
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Raw dairy E. coli outbreak gives families a clear food-safety warning
A multistate E. coli outbreak tied to raw cheddar cheese is a reminder that unpasteurized dairy can carry harmful germs. Families should check their refrigerators, follow recall guidance, and watch for warning signs of foodborne illness.
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FDA updates the meaning of ‘healthy’ on food labels
The FDA has updated when food packages can use the word “healthy.” That does not mean the claim tells the whole nutrition story — shoppers still need to check serving size, sodium, added sugars, and the full Nutrition Facts panel.
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CMS’s April 2026 drug prior authorization proposal could speed reviews
CMS has proposed a rule that would extend electronic prior authorization to certain drugs covered under a medical benefit. It would not take effect right away, and most patients would not feel the change until at least 2027 if the rule is finalized.
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FDA’s March 2026 device shortage update: what it may mean for care
The FDA’s March 13 update added two device categories, removed one, and extended several shortage timelines. Most patients will not be affected, but hospitals, clinics, and surgeons may need to adjust planning when a device on the list is part of a scheduled procedure.
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Measles surveillance in 2026: what the latest CDC data mean for families, schools, and workplaces
CDC’s 2026 measles surveillance shows the disease is still spreading in U.S. outbreaks, not just isolated cases. That matters for families, schools, and workplaces because measles spreads very easily indoors, and even small gaps in vaccination coverage can leave communities vulnerable. The latest national count is still changing as health departments investigate and report new cases. Here’s what the numbers show, why school vaccination levels matter, and what readers can do after a possible exposure.
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