Health & Wellness
Monday, April 20, 2026 · Clay County
Alabama Pollen Surge Sparks Respiratory Crisis Statewide
Spring pollen levels in Alabama have shattered records, driving a sharp rise in asthma attacks and allergy flare-ups across the state. Health officials from the Alabama Department of Public Health urge residents to brace for worsening symptoms as oak, pine and cedar trees unleash their peak assault. From Birmingham clinics to rural North Alabama trails, sneezes and wheezes are the new normal.
New Lyme Disease-Causing Bacteria Species Identified in Upper Midwest
Federal health officials have identified a new species of bacteria, *Borrelia mayonii*, that causes Lyme disease in humans. The discovery marks the first new Lyme-disease causing bacteria identified in North America. Cases have been reported in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Reports Decline in Preventable Deaths From Key Causes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new data indicating a decrease in preventable deaths from some of the leading causes in the U.S. The study analyzes mortality rates, focusing on potentially avoidable premature deaths.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Links Zika Virus to Microcephaly, Other Birth Defects
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other serious fetal brain abnormalities. The conclusion follows an extensive evaluation of available scientific data.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Report Highlights Sepsis Prevention and Early Recognition
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) addresses sepsis, a severe medical condition arising from the body's reaction to infection. The report emphasizes prevention and early detection to improve patient survival rates. Sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Report Links Tobacco Use to 40% of Cancer Diagnoses
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that tobacco use is a primary preventable cause of cancer. Approximately 40% of cancer diagnoses are associated with tobacco use or secondhand smoke.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Alerts Healthcare Providers to Infection Risk in Open-Heart Surgery Devices
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about the risk of infection linked to devices used during open-heart surgery. The advisory targets healthcare providers and patients undergoing these procedures. Specific devices are under scrutiny for potential contamination.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Reports Decline in Breast Cancer Mortality Rates, Racial Disparities Remain
A new CDC study indicates a decrease in breast cancer death rates among women between 2010 and 2014. However, the research also highlights persistent racial disparities in mortality related to the disease.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Updates HPV Vaccine Recommendation to Two Doses for Younger Adolescents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine for adolescents aged 11-12. This change from the previous three-dose schedule simplifies the vaccination process.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Cancer Death Rates Continue to Fall, National Report Shows
A new Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer indicates a continued decline in overall cancer death rates. The trend extends to both men and women, as well as various racial and ethnic groups. The report, based on data from 1975-2012, shows progress across most cancer sites.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC to Provide Update on First U.S. Ebola Case
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has scheduled a telebriefing to provide an update on the investigation into the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the United States. Details of the briefing including participants and logistical information are forthcoming.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Issues Updated Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Chronic Pain Management
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated guidelines for prescribing opioid medications for chronic pain. The recommendations exclude cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care. The guidelines are intended to address the ongoing issue of overdose deaths in the United States.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Alabama Clinics See 20% Spike in Asthma, Allergy Visits Amid Pollen Boom
Birmingham-area clinics are swamped as pollen counts soar, driving a 20% jump in respiratory illness visits across central and northern Alabama. Public health officials warn of year-round allergens worsened by mild winters and temperature swings. Experts urge residents to act now to breathe easier this spring.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Updates Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Chronic Pain Management
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published revised guidelines for prescribing opioid medications to manage chronic pain. The updated recommendations do not apply to cancer treatment, palliative care, or end-of-life care scenarios. The CDC aims to provide guidance amid rising overdose fatalities.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Report: High Blood Pressure Control Lacking in Older Adults
A new CDC report indicates that approximately 70% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older have high blood pressure. However, only about half of those individuals have the condition adequately managed. This lack of control elevates their risk for serious cardiovascular issues and mortality.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Reports First U.S. Cases of Emerging Fungal Infection, Candida auris
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the first thirteen cases of Candida auris (C. auris) in the United States. C. auris is a fungal infection that has emerged globally and is sometimes fatal.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Report: Tobacco Use Linked to Significant Portion of U.S. Cancer Cases
A new Vital Signs report indicates a significant link between tobacco use and cancer in the United States. Approximately 40% of cancer diagnoses may be attributable to tobacco.
Monday, April 20, 2026
U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Continue to Rise, CDC Report Shows
Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a continued rise in drug overdose deaths across the United States. The report highlights the significant role of opioid-related overdoses in this upward trend.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Birmingham Grapples With Spring Respiratory Surge as Cases Spike
Jefferson County health officials are tracking a significant uptick in flu and RSV cases among schoolchildren as Alabama enters spring, raising concerns about transmission patterns during seasonal weather shifts. Public health experts emphasize vaccination and prevention measures as cases climb across the region.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Dengue Cases Surge in Mobile, Baldwin Counties
Alabama's coastal counties are battling a rise in dengue fever cases, with the state health department issuing urgent warnings amid mosquito season. Residents in Mobile and Baldwin are urged to shield against bites as the virus spreads locally. Health officials stress prevention to avert severe outcomes.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Alabama Pollen Surge Sparks Respiratory Illness Spike
High pollen levels are blanketing Alabama, driving up asthma and allergy cases as state health officials issue warnings. From central Alabama's oak-lined streets to Tuscaloosa's pine forests, residents battle sneezing fits and congestion. Experts urge preventive steps amid the spring onslaught.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Study Suggests Over-the-Counter Availability of Abortion Medication Could Be Safe
A recent study suggests that medication abortion pills could be safely sold over the counter. The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, contributes to existing scientific evidence on the topic.
Monday, April 20, 2026
RSV, Flu Surge Hits Alabama Kids Hard, Health Dept Warns
Alabama's youngest residents face a sharp rise in RSV and flu cases, with hospitalizations among children under 5 jumping 25%. Public health leaders urge immediate vaccinations as East Central districts see cases double. Parents from Mobile to Montgomery are on high alert this season.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Fentanyl Present in Majority of Opioid Overdose Deaths in Ten States During 2016 Study Period
A CDC report indicates fentanyl was detected in over half of opioid-related fatalities across ten states during the latter half of 2016. The data highlights the increasing presence of the synthetic opioid in overdose deaths. Findings are published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Monday, April 20, 2026
UAB's Telehealth Push Bridges Alabama's Rural Care Gap
In rural Alabama counties where specialists are scarce, UAB Medicine is rolling out telehealth programs that deliver expert care without long drives. From stroke consults to home monitoring for chronic diseases, over 1,000 patients are already benefiting. This statewide initiative tackles the state's doctor shortages head-on.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Teen Birth Rates Reach Record Low, Driven by Declines Among Hispanic and Black Teens
A new CDC analysis reveals dramatic decreases in teen birth rates, particularly among Hispanic and Black teenagers. National teen births have fallen over 40% in the last decade, reaching an all-time low.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Tickborne Diseases on the Rise Across the United States
The U.S. is facing a growing threat from tickborne illnesses. Factors contributing to this rise include newly identified disease-causing germs and the expansion of tick habitats.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Provides Update on Novel Coronavirus Response
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) held a telebriefing to provide an update on the ongoing response to the novel coronavirus. Dr. Nancy Messonnier, Director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, led the briefing.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC Study Links Socioeconomic Factors to Suicide Rates
A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report indicates a correlation between local socioeconomic conditions and suicide rates. Counties exhibiting broader health insurance coverage, internet access, and higher incomes appear to have lower suicide incidence. The findings may inform prevention strategies.
Monday, April 20, 2026
CDC: Adult Obesity Prevalence Exceeds 35% in Nearly Half of States
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that obesity rates remain elevated across the United States. In 2023, over one-third of adults in 23 states were classified as obese.
Monday, April 20, 2026