Public Health Alerts

This page provides real-time updates on emerging health threats and important public health developments. Our goal is to keep healthcare professionals and the public informed about critical outbreaks, potential risks, and evolving situations. Check back regularly for verified alerts from trusted sources.

March 7, 2025
Measles Updates and Risks
Today brings multiple updates on the ongoing measles outbreaks in the U.S., including a measles-related death in New Mexico, new cases in Florida, New York, and New Jersey, and a reported exposure risk in Los Angeles. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but declining childhood vaccination rates and weakened response efforts have led to a resurgence. Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing infection. WHN urges vaccination and other protective measures to limit the spread of measles and prevent further fatalities.

March 7, 2025
Measles Death in New Mexico
A confirmed measles case has resulted in the death of an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. This is one of 10 cases reported in a county bordering the ongoing outbreak in West Texas and marks the first measles-related death in the state in over 40 years. The individual did not seek medical care, and while the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, it serves as a reminder of the serious risks of measles, especially for unvaccinated individuals.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/06/measles-death-new-mexico

March 7, 2025
First Florida Measles Case Near Miami
Florida health officials have reported the state’s first measles case linked to the recent outbreak, detected near Miami; residents are advised to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
https://www.wdhn.com/news/first-florida-measle-case-tied-to-latest-outbreak-detected-near-miami/

March 7, 2025
Measles Cases in New York City
New York City has confirmed two unrelated cases of measles as of the end of February; health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children to prevent further spread.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/04/new-york-city-measles

March 4, 2025
New Jersey Measles Cases
The New Jersey Department of Health has issued a measles alert following three confirmed cases in unvaccinated individuals in Bergen County, urging residents to monitor for symptoms and verify their vaccination status.
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-jersey-measles-case-bergen-county/

March 4, 2025
Los Angeles Measles Exposure
An individual with a confirmed case of measles traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on February 19, potentially exposing others to the virus; health officials advise those present at the time to monitor for symptoms.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/first-confirmed-measles-case-los-203031996.html

March 4, 2025
Portland Dysentery Outbreak
Portland, Oregon, is experiencing an outbreak of dysentery, with health officials reporting 40 cases in january and advising the public to practice strict hygiene measures to prevent further spread.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/03/03/dysentery-portland-oregon/81175188007/

March 4, 2025
Democratic Republic of Congo Illness Cluster
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with support from the World Health Organization, are investigating a cluster of illnesses and community deaths in Equateur province, with initial tests negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses; further analyses are ongoing to determine the cause.
https://www.afro.who.int/countries/democratic-republic-of-congo/news/democratic-republic-congo-deepens-investigation-cluster-illness-and-community-deaths-equateur

March 4, 2025
​Approximately 20 Geese Found Dead on Ogunquit Beach, Maine
Officials suspect avian influenza (HPAI) as the cause. Residents are advised to avoid contact with wild birds, report sick or dead birds to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and poultry owners should implement biosecurity measures to protect domestic flocks.
https://www.ogunquit.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4407/Ogt-Avain-Flu-022625?fbclid=IwY2xjawIsnfFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVX-ezNd8I3Qiw-wK5IGCqLk4KRucb-gl42bGkubhQtU-9wvy0-zmoVOfQ_aem_zXeXDEIAOAnwuZx_IEU-gw
See also: WHN H5N1 Safety guidelines https://whn.global/guidelines/h5n1-safety-guidelines-for-individuals/

Feb 26, 2025
First Death in Texas Measles Outbreak:
An unvaccinated child in West Texas has died from measles, marking the first U.S. measles death since 2015 and occurring amid the state’s largest outbreak in nearly 30 years, with 124 cases across nine counties.
https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9

Feb 25th, 2025
Third Avian Flu Spillover Reported in Arizona Dairy Herd; Raw Pet Food Sickens Oregon Cats:
H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in a dairy herd in Arizona’s Maricopa County through routine milk testing, with no symptoms observed in the cattle; additionally, contaminated raw pet food has led to H5N1 infections in domestic cats in Oregon.
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/third-avian-flu-spillover-reported-arizona-dairy-herd-raw-pet-food-sickens

Feb 25th, 2025
USDA Grants Conditional Approval for New Bird Flu Vaccine Amid Worsening Outbreak:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has conditionally approved a new avian flu vaccine for poultry, aiming to control the escalating outbreak that has severely impacted the poultry industry.
https://phys.org/news/2025-02-usda-grants-conditional-bird-flu.html.

Feb 25th, 2025
Launching a Vaccine Trial During an Ebola Outbreak:
In response to a recent Ebola outbreak in Uganda, a collaborative effort involving local and international investigators has initiated a clinical trial for a Sudan virus vaccine, using a strategy of vaccinating close contacts (ring vaccination) to assess its efficacy.
https://globalhealthnow.org/2025-02/launching-vaccine-trial-during-ebola-outbreak

Feb 24th, 2025
Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas, has implemented measles screenings for all patients and visitors, effective Feb. 21
“To protect the most vulnerable of our patients, staff and community,” the hospital said after the first measles case was confirmed in the hospital’s county. Individuals will be assessed for virus symptoms at all entrances across the hospital, emergency department, women’s center, urgent care sites and outpatient clinics.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=929929129347628&set=a.506293318377880

Feb 24th, 2025
Canada Announces Avian Flu Vaccine Purchase:
Canada has secured 500,000 doses of GSK’s human avian flu vaccine to protect high-risk individuals.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2025/02/government-of-canada-purchases-avian-influenza-vaccine-to-protect-individuals-most-at-risk.html

Feb 24th, 2025
Bird Flu Found in U.S. Rats for the First Time as Cases Keep Rising:
For the first time, H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in U.S. rats, specifically in Riverside County, California, highlighting the virus’s continued spread among mammalian species.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11028816/bird-flu-found-rats-us-first-time/

Feb 24th, 2025
Texas Measles Cases Are Up, and New Mexico Now Has an Outbreak—Here’s What You Need to Know:
Texas is experiencing an increase in measles cases, and New Mexico has declared an outbreak, underscoring the importance of vaccination and public health awareness to curb the disease’s resurgence.
https://kfor.com/news/health/ap-health/ap-texas-measles-cases-are-up-and-new-mexico-now-has-an-outbreak-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

Feb 14th, 2025
Avian Influenza on the Rise in Ohio
Ohio is currently experiencing a significant surge in avian influenza (H5N1) cases among its poultry population, leading the nation in reported outbreaks over the last 30 days. Concurrently, there is concern that human cases may be underreported nationwide, suggesting a need for increased surveillance and public awareness.
https://www.toledoblade.com/business/agriculture/2025/02/14/bird-flu-surges-poultry-ohio-human-cases-underreported/stories/20250214104

Feb 14th, 2025
Avian Flu May be More Widespread Among Cattle than Previously Recognized
A September 2024 CDC serosurvey of 150 U.S. bovine veterinary practitioners found that 2% had antibodies indicating recent exposure to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5), including individuals without known contact with infected cattle. Notably, two of these individuals had no known exposure to animals with suspected or confirmed HPAI A(H5) infections, and one practiced in states without reported cases in cattle. These findings indicate HPAI A(H5) is more widespread among people than previously recognized.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7404a2.htm

Feb 11th, 2025
Important: U.S. facing most intense flu season in at least 15 years
The United States is experiencing its most severe flu season in over 15 years, with 43 states reporting high or very high flu activity, particularly in the South, Southwest, and western regions. Hospitals are overwhelmed as flu-related complications surge, and there are escalating fatalities, with nearly 8% of recent doctor visits driven by flu-like symptoms, underscoring the urgent need for preventive action.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/u-s-facing-most-intense-flu-season-in-at-least-15-years

Feb 11th, 2025
Texas state health officials urge vigilance as additional measles cases are identified
Two measles cases in unvaccinated school-aged children from Gaines County resulted in hospitalization in Lubbock before the children were discharged, prompting health officials to emphasize the importance of vaccination and vigilance. Earlier, two additional measles cases were confirmed in Harris County.
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/state-health-officials-urge-vigilance-additional-measles-cases-are-identified

Feb 11th, 2025
Clade 1 MPOX identified in New Hampshire
Clade 1 Mpox, identified in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, is significantly more severe than Clade 2, which has been spreading globally for the past few years, with higher mortality rates and more severe symptoms. The individual, who recently traveled to Eastern Africa, is self-isolating at home, and health officials are monitoring close contacts while offering preventive vaccinations.
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/news-and-media/dhhs-identifies-new-hampshire-resident-clade-i-mpox

Feb 10th, 2025
Norovirus, also known as the ‘stomach flu,’ is spreading in Austin
Norovirus, the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the U.S., is currently spreading in Austin, Texas. To prevent infection, health officials recommend thorough handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers are ineffective against the virus.
https://www.kut.org/health/2025-01-27/norovirus-vomiting-diarrhea-stomach-flu-sickness-sick-austin-tx-cdc

Feb 10th, 2025
Increased Tuberculosis cases near Charlotte, NC
Mecklenburg County is currently experiencing a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak. Residents are advised to be aware of TB symptoms, such as persistent cough, fever, and night sweats, and to seek medical attention if they experience these signs.
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article300068169.html

Feb 5th, 2025
Important H5N1 Update
H5N1 variant D1.1 identified in milk and dairy cattle in Nevada. This is not the same as the variant that has been circulating in cattle until now, it is the one responsible for the death in Louisiana and a severely sick teenager in Canada.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/program-update/aphis-confirms-d11-genotype-dairy-cattle-nevada-0

Feb 5th, 2025
Kansas Has One of the Largest Tuberculosis (TB) Outbreaks in Recorded US History
As of January 24, 2025 there were 67 active cases and 79 latent infections reported since January 2024, primarily in Wyandotte and Johnson counties. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is collaborating with local agencies and the CDC to manage the situation.
https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2025/01/24/kansas-tuberculosis-outbreak-is-largest-in-recorded-history-in-u-s/77881467007/

Feb 5th, 2025
H5N1 Avian Influenza Outbreaks Have Recently Been Detected in Poultry Across Four U.S. States
Major outbreaks include cases in Ohio’s Mercer County affecting turkeys and ducks, Arizona’s Pinal County with 316,000 affected birds, and smaller outbreaks in backyard flocks in Nebraska and Florida. Since early 2022, H5N1 has led to the loss of nearly 150 million birds across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/h5n1-avian-flu-strikes-more-poultry-4-states

Feb 5th, 2025
Egg Prices Rose by Nearly 40% in 2024 and Are Expected to Rise Further as H5N1 Continues to Spread
In some areas of the country prices increased much more. This sharp increase was driven by widespread H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks, which have led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens across the U.S, and H5N1 is continuing to spread.
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings, https://www.fox9.com/news/map-states-where-grocery-prices-eggs-have-risen-most

Feb 5th, 2025
First Reported U.S. Outbreak of Novel Bird Flu Strain at California Poultry Farm
A novel strain of bird flu, H5N9, has been detected for the first time in the U.S. at a duck farm in Merced County, California, resulting in the culling of nearly 119,000 birds since early December.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/27/bird-flue-h5n9-california

Feb 5th, 2025
Latest Update on Cases of Clade Ib MPOX
The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed the ninth case of Clade Ib mpox in England on February 4, 2025. The inffected individual recently returned from Uganda, where community transmission of Clade Ib mpox is ongoing. Several previous cases of transmission within the UK have also been reported.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/confirmed-cases-of-mpox-clade-ib-in-united-kingdom

Feb 5th, 2025
Ebola Outbreak in Uganda
Uganda has confirmed two cases of the Sudan strain of Ebola in Kampala, including one fatality, with health officials monitoring over 200 contacts. Affected healthcare workers have been quarantined, and authorities are enforcing strict infection control measures at Mulago National Referral Hospital to prevent further spread.
https://nilepost.co.ug/health/240922/mbale-hospital-strengthens-ebola-response

Feb 5th, 2025
Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania
Tanzania’s Kagera region is currently experiencing a Marburg virus outbreak, with reports indicating ten confirmed cases and nine fatalities. This follows a previous outbreak in March 2023, which was successfully contained by June of that year.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-death-toll-tanzania-marburg-outbreak.html