Health & Wellness
Friday, May 1, 2026 · Reading
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.
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.
Friday, May 1, 2026
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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 2026