Health & Wellness
Monday, April 27, 2026 · Reading
Shapiro's $50M Push Targets Rural PA Mental Health Crisis
Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled a $50 million initiative to bolster mental health services in Pennsylvania's underserved rural counties, where access lags far behind urban areas. The program builds on bipartisan budget wins and federal funding to bring crisis care closer to home for 26% of Pennsylvanians living rurally. From Altoona to the Northern Tier, it's a lifeline amid rising behavioral health needs.
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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 2026
Flu, RSV Surge Strains Western PA Hospitals
Respiratory illnesses are surging across Western Pennsylvania, with emergency room visits and hospital admissions climbing rapidly for flu, COVID-19 and RSV. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports all regions as 'increasing rapidly,' urging vaccinations as a new flu variant hits the Pittsburgh area. Medical experts warn the peak may still lie ahead amid holiday travel.
Monday, April 27, 2026
DEP Issues Fish Warnings for PFAS-Tainted Chester County Rivers
Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection has alerted residents to dangerously high PFAS levels in southeastern waterways near Chester County, advising against fish consumption. These 'forever chemicals' persist in rivers, sediments and fish tissue, posing risks to communities reliant on local waters. Testing reveals concentrations rising downstream toward urban areas.
Monday, April 27, 2026
31 babies sickened as recalled ByHeart formula lingers on Pa. shelves
A nationwide recall of ByHeart infant formula has failed to clear store shelves as cases of infant botulism linked to the product climb to 31 across 15 states, including Pennsylvania. The FDA warns parents to immediately discard all ByHeart products even if they appear unopened and uncontaminated, as the deadly bacterium Clostridium botulinum is difficult to detect.
Monday, April 27, 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 27, 2026
PA Bill Mandates Naloxone in All High Schools to Fight Opioids
Pennsylvania senators have introduced Senate Bill 1054, requiring every high school to stock naloxone and prepare for overdose emergencies. Partnering with student advocates, the measure aims to save young lives amid a crisis claiming adolescents statewide. If passed, PA would join a select few states mandating this lifesaving drug in schools.
Monday, April 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 2026
E. coli Infections Possibly Linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders Reported in Mountain West
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating an E. coli outbreak potentially linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder sandwiches in several Mountain West states. McDonald's has voluntarily removed certain ingredients from restaurants in the affected region while the investigation continues. The CDC has issued a food safety alert.
Monday, April 27, 2026
First U.S. Ebola Case Confirmed, CDC Announces
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the United States. Officials held a press briefing to outline the situation and address public health concerns.
Monday, April 27, 2026
CDC Provides Update on Ebola Response in U.S., West Africa
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) held a press briefing to discuss the latest developments in the Ebola investigation in the United States and West Africa. Officials detailed ongoing efforts to contain the virus and prevent further spread. Key strategies include enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and support for affected regions.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Federal Agencies Launch Environmental Justice Index
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have released the Environmental Justice Index (EJI). The index is designed to help identify and address the disproportionate environmental and health burdens faced by some communities. It integrates environmental and socioeconomic data to provide a national-level assessment.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Human Case of H5 Bird Flu Detected in California, CDC Reports
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a human infection of avian influenza A(H5) virus in California. The individual had exposure to poultry and experienced mild symptoms, according to the agency.
Monday, April 27, 2026
CDC Provides Update on Novel Coronavirus Response
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) held a telebriefing providing an update on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Officials addressed ongoing efforts to understand and respond to the virus.
Monday, April 27, 2026
CDC Investigates Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats Across Multiple States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to deli meats. The source of the contamination and the scope of the outbreak are currently under investigation. Consumers are advised to practice safe food handling.
Monday, April 27, 2026
CDC Reports Mental Health Improvements Among Some U.S. Teens
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates improvements in mental health for some American teenagers. The report shows a decline in the percentage of students reporting prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Further analysis suggests that while some metrics have improved, concerns regarding school safety and support persist.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Concerns Raised Over Counterfeit Prescription Drugs Purchased Online
Health officials are expressing concern about the potential dangers posed by counterfeit prescription medications obtained through online pharmacies. These unregulated sources may distribute drugs that are ineffective or contain harmful substances. Consumers are urged to verify the legitimacy of online pharmacies before purchasing medications.
Monday, April 27, 2026
E. coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders Expands, Supplier Recalls Onions
Federal officials have updated a food safety alert concerning an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders. A supplier, Taylor Farms, has recalled onions sent to impacted restaurants.
Monday, April 27, 2026
CDC Reports Sharp Rise in Opioid Use Disorder Among Pregnant Women
A recent CDC analysis indicates a substantial rise in the number of pregnant women with opioid use disorder at labor and delivery. The study tracked trends from 1999 to 2014.
Monday, April 27, 2026
CDC Schedules Briefing on Immunization Program, Measles Cases
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will hold a media briefing to discuss the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and current measles outbreaks. The briefing will cover the program's 20-year history and the agency's response to ongoing measles activity.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Colorado Resident Tests Positive for H5 Bird Flu Amid Dairy Cow Outbreak
A person in Colorado has tested positive for the H5 strain of avian influenza, marking the fourth human case linked to the ongoing outbreak affecting dairy cattle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the situation.
Monday, April 27, 2026