State News
Friday, April 10, 2026 · Asheville
FBI to Study Serial Killer Case: Insights Could Improve NC Law Enforcement
The FBI plans to analyze the Rex Heuermann case, where he confessed to murdering eight women. Officials aim to understand his motivations as a way to improve future criminal investigations.
Opioid Prescriptions Still High Nationally; What It Means for North Carolina
Opioid prescriptions in the U.S. have decreased overall, but remain significantly higher than in past decades. A recent report highlights the considerable differences in prescribing rates from county to county.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Diabetes Diagnoses Show Regional Variations Across U.S., Potential Implications for North Carolina
Newly diagnosed cases of diabetes are showing geographical variations across the United States. A recent study highlights state-specific data, offering insights into these trends.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Stroke Deaths Plateau: What it Means for North Carolina
The rate of decline in stroke-related deaths has slowed, despite ongoing medical advances. Approximately 800,000 individuals experience a stroke annually, resulting in over 140,000 deaths and lasting disabilities for many survivors.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Report: Obesity-Related Cancers on the Rise; Impacting North Carolina
A recent CDC report indicates that while overall cancer rates are declining in the U.S., specific cancers linked to overweight and obesity are on the rise. The report states that in 2014, 40% of cancers diagnosed in the U.S. were associated with overweight or obesity.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Mifepristone Access Ruling Sparks Debate and Uncertainty in North Carolina
A federal judge in Louisiana has issued a ruling regarding a lawsuit challenging Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on mifepristone. The case, brought by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, involves access to the abortion drug. The ruling's specific details and implications are still unfolding.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Report: Disability Affects One in Four Adults in NC, Potentially Impacting Millions
Approximately 25% of adults in the United States experience a disability, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. The study, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, highlights the prevalence and impact of disabilities on daily life.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Investigates Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats: North Carolina Residents Urged to Take Precautions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections. The source of the infections is potentially linked to meats sliced at deli counters, according to the agency.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC to Track Pregnancy Outcomes Related to Zika: Impact on North Carolina
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is initiating a new reporting system focused on pregnancies with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection. The surveillance will track adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Could Impact North Carolina Residents
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will convene to discuss revisions to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. The meeting will include presentations on vaccine effectiveness and safety data. Public comment opportunities are also available.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Recommendation Change Could Impact Flu Season in North Carolina
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has advised against using the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the nasal spray flu vaccine, for the 2016-2017 flu season. The recommendation stems from concerns about the vaccine's efficacy.
Friday, April 10, 2026
NC Seniors, Immunocompromised Urged to Get Second COVID Vaccine Dose Under New CDC Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 65 and older and those with compromised immune systems. This recommendation follows a meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Friday, April 10, 2026
Study: NC Newborn Heart Screening Could Prevent Infant Deaths
A study indicates that mandatory screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) in newborns is associated with a decrease in infant mortality. Researchers found a more than 33% reduction in CCHD-related deaths in states with mandated screening.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Drug Overdose Deaths Increased Nationally in 2016; Likely Mirroring Trends in North Carolina
A recent analysis of 2016 data indicates a rise in U.S. drug overdose deaths. The study highlights a broadening geographical reach and increased impact across various demographic populations.
Friday, April 10, 2026
NC Faces Rising Threat as CDC Reports Increase in Drug-Resistant Bacteria
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report has documented a rise in infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. The findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of current antimicrobial treatments. Health officials are monitoring the situation and considering strategies to mitigate the spread.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Congenital Syphilis Cases Rising Nationally: What This Means for North Carolina
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates cases of syphilis in newborns increased again in 2024. The report also highlights the ongoing prevalence of sexually transmitted infections across the US.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Report: Secondhand Smoke Still a Threat in NC, Underscoring Need for Continued Prevention Efforts
A new CDC report highlights the ongoing dangers of secondhand smoke exposure. Millions in the U.S. are still exposed, facing increased risks of respiratory issues, heart disease, and stroke. The report emphasizes the need for continued public health efforts.
Friday, April 10, 2026
National Coronavirus Response: What it Means for North Carolina
Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar held a press conference to discuss the U.S. response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Representatives from the CDC, NCIRD, and NIAID were also present to give updates.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Federal Officials Outline Coronavirus Response: What it Means for North Carolina
Federal health officials convened to discuss the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The briefing covered vaccine rollout progress, emerging variants, and continued efforts to encourage public health measures.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat: North Carolinians Urged to Take Precautions
A Listeria outbreak connected to deli meat is expanding across multiple states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has caused illnesses and at least one death, prompting an ongoing investigation.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Missouri Bird Flu Case a Reminder for NC Poultry Industry
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a human case of avian influenza A(H5) virus in Missouri. The affected individual worked with poultry and experienced mild symptoms. Health officials maintain the risk to the general public is low.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Flint Water Crisis Lessons: How Lead Exposure Affects NC Families and Infrastructure
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study found elevated blood lead levels in Flint, Michigan children following the city's water source change. The report details the potential health impact of lead contamination during that period.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Urges Early Sepsis Recognition; Vital for North Carolina Healthcare
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging heightened awareness of sepsis symptoms to facilitate prompt medical intervention. The agency also stressed the significance of preventing infections that can lead to sepsis development.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC: Nearly 1 in 4 US High Schoolers Use Tobacco; How Does NC Compare?
A new CDC report indicates that almost 23% of high school students are current tobacco users. The data comes from the latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The study highlights ongoing public health concerns.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Opioid Overdose Emergency Room Visits Soar: Impact on North Carolina
Emergency department visits related to suspected opioid overdoses surged by 30% across 16 states between the third quarter of 2016 and the third quarter of 2017. The rise highlights the ongoing impact of the opioid crisis on healthcare systems. Data was collected from states significantly impacted by the epidemic.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Opioid Overdoses Spike: NC Emergency Rooms on Alert, CDC Report Shows
A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report indicates a rise in opioid overdoses presenting in U.S. emergency departments. The data points to a continued worsening of the opioid crisis.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC: HIV Prevention Pill Underutilized in NC, Minorities at Risk
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analysis reveals that a preventative HIV medication, PrEP, is not reaching many Americans who could benefit from it. The analysis indicates disparities in access, particularly affecting racial and ethnic minorities.
Friday, April 10, 2026
North Carolina Residents Could Benefit as U.S. Cigarette Smoking Rate Hits Record Low, But Disparities Remain
Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a historic low in adult cigarette smoking rates in the United States. Despite progress, the CDC emphasizes ongoing efforts are necessary to address disparities among specific populations. Targeted strategies are needed to support those who continue to smoke.
Friday, April 10, 2026
NC Residents Urged to Get Flu Shots as CDC Predicts Potentially Severe Season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising individuals to get vaccinated against the flu and to seek prompt antiviral treatment if they are at high risk and develop symptoms. Initial data indicates the 2014-2015 flu season may be severe.
Friday, April 10, 2026
NC Women's Opioid Prescription Rates Examined in National Study: Potential Impacts on Families
A recent study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) details opioid prescription rates among women of reproductive age. The study analyzed data from women enrolled in Medicaid and with private insurance between 2008 and 2012.
Friday, April 10, 2026