State News
Friday, April 10, 2026 · Lee County
FBI to Study Serial Killer Case: Insights Could Aid Alabama 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.
Diabetes Diagnoses Show Regional Variations Across U.S.; How Does Alabama Fare?
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 Nationally: What It Means for Alabama
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
Federal Court Ruling on Mifepristone Access: What It Means for Alabama
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 to Track Zika-Related Pregnancy Outcomes; Monitoring Expanded Nationally, Including Alabama
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 Soon Impact Alabama
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 Not Recommended for Upcoming Season: What Alabama Residents Need to Know
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
Alabama Seniors and Immunocompromised Now Eligible for Second COVID-19 Booster, CDC Says
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 Links Newborn Heart Screening to Reduced Infant Mortality; Implications for Alabama
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
Alabama Faces Renewed Concerns as Drug Overdose Deaths Rise Nationally
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
Alabama Healthcare Systems Face Growing Threat from Drug-Resistant Bacteria: CDC Report
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
Alabama Faces Threat as CDC Reports Rise in Congenital Syphilis Cases
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: Secondhand Smoke Still a Public Health Threat in Alabama and Across the Nation
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
Federal Health Officials Outline Coronavirus Response; Impact on Alabama
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 Health Officials Address Coronavirus Response: Impact on Alabama Vaccine Access and Variant Monitoring
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 Sickens Dozens: Alabama Residents 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 Alabama Poultry Industry to Stay Vigilant
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: Alabama's Water Infrastructure Under Scrutiny After CDC Report
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 and Treatment: What Alabama Residents Need to Know
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
Alabama High School Tobacco Use: New CDC Report Raises Concerns
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 ER Visits Spike: How Alabama is Impacted
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
CDC Report: Alabama Faces Renewed Opioid Overdose Crisis as Emergency Department Visits Surge
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 Report: HIV Prevention Pill Widely Underused; Alabama Communities 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
Alabama Faces a Continuing Challenge as U.S. Cigarette Smoking Rate Hits Record Low
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
Alabama Health Officials Urge Flu Shots Amid CDC Warning of Intense 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
Study Examines High Opioid Prescription Rates Among Alabama Women of Reproductive Age, Particularly Those on Medicaid
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
C. Difficile Infections: National Study Highlights Risk for Alabamians
A recent study indicates a significant burden of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections in the United States. Researchers estimate that almost half a million Americans contract the infection each year.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Alabama Residents to Benefit from New National Diabetes Prevention Initiative
The American Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are launching a national initiative focused on preventing type 2 diabetes. The effort aims to reach the estimated 86 million Americans with prediabetes, many of whom are unaware of their condition.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Alabama Faces Potential Increase in Suicide Deaths Following National Trend
Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates an increase in suicide deaths in the United States during 2022. This follows previously observed upward trends in suicide rates. The CDC released these latest estimates recently.
Friday, April 10, 2026
CDC Recommends Pneumococcal Vaccine for Alabamians Aged 50 and Older: Here's What You Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults aged 50 to 64. This expands eligibility for protection against pneumococcal disease, a potentially serious bacterial infection.
Friday, April 10, 2026