The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) fired approximately 5,200 probationary employees, a move attributed to administration efforts to restructure the federal government. This included nearly 1,300 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), impacting roughly one-tenth of its workforce and significantly affecting the Epidemic Intelligence Service. While some specialized staff may be retained, the layoffs sparked concern among experts about potential disruptions to public health initiatives. The action follows the recent appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to oversee HHS.
Read More
Following the detection of seven bird flu cases in New York City, Governor Hochul mandated a temporary closure of live poultry markets from February 7th to 14th for thorough disinfection. All markets, regardless of infection status, must sell remaining inventory and remain closed for five additional days after cleaning. Affected markets must contact the state Department of Agriculture, while the situation also impacts zoos and contributes to rising egg prices and price gouging concerns. A separate bird flu strain has also been detected in Nevada dairy cows, though milk pasteurization renders it safe for consumption.
Read More
A Florida family’s lawsuit alleges that nitrous oxide manufacturers and retailers are contributing to a national health crisis by exploiting a legal loophole allowing the sale of the gas as a culinary tool, despite its widespread recreational misuse. The suit, filed on behalf of a woman who died from nitrous oxide addiction, accuses companies of marketing the product with appealing flavors to encourage inhalation and distributing it through smoke shops. The lawsuit seeks the immediate removal of nitrous oxide from store shelves and damages for affected families, comparing the situation to past controversies surrounding vaping products. It proposes a class action against both manufacturers and retailers, aiming to address industry-wide practices.
Read More
Kansas is experiencing a major tuberculosis outbreak, with 67 active cases identified—exceeding the state’s typical annual total. This surge, affecting less than 3% of the state’s population, is one of the largest in the US in recent decades and highlights the impact of weakened public health infrastructure. Reduced state powers, including limitations on mandated testing and isolation, hinder effective response efforts, while national-level communication restrictions further complicate the situation. Experts emphasize the critical need for strong coordination between state and federal agencies to prevent future outbreaks.
Read More
The White House is reportedly preparing an executive order that will result in the dismissal of thousands of federal health workers. This action has sparked widespread outrage and concern, raising significant questions about its potential consequences for public health and national well-being. The sheer scale of the proposed cuts is alarming, particularly given the already strained state of the nation’s healthcare system. This drastic reduction in the federal health workforce could leave a significant gap in critical services, potentially weakening our ability to respond to future health crises.
This move seems counterintuitive, especially considering the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the current surge in other infectious diseases like avian flu.… Continue reading
A major tuberculosis outbreak has hit the Kansas City area, sparking concerns about public health and the adequacy of the response. The situation is particularly alarming given the reported lack of timely warnings or public announcements, a silence some attribute to deliberate suppression of information. This absence of proactive communication contrasts sharply with the severity of the situation and the potential for widespread transmission. The fact that this is coming to light through unofficial channels raises serious questions about the effectiveness of public health agencies and the overall preparedness of local health authorities.
The timing of this outbreak is deeply unsettling, coinciding with what many perceive as an undermining of key public health institutions.… Continue reading
Kansas is experiencing its worst tuberculosis outbreak since the 1950s, with active cases surging from 51 in 2023 to 109 in 2024. The highly contagious bacterial infection, characterized by symptoms like chest pain and coughing up blood, is a serious concern if left untreated. While the state is collaborating with the CDC and local agencies, conflicting federal guidelines and communication freezes from the Department of Health and Human Services may hinder response efforts. This unprecedented increase necessitates immediate and coordinated action to control the spread of the disease.
Read More
In summary, Kansas is experiencing the largest tuberculosis outbreak in US history, with 66 active and 79 latent infections identified since 2024, primarily in Wyandotte County. The outbreak, traced back to 2021 and linked to travel to Micronesia, has severely strained local public health resources. Despite challenges, collaborations forged during the COVID-19 pandemic aided the response, highlighting the need for sustained TB prevention efforts. The current lack of public messaging from federal health agencies raises concerns about public awareness of this critical health issue.
Read More
A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the Kansas City metro area constitutes the largest documented outbreak in US history, surpassing records kept since the 1950s. As of late January 2024, 67 active and 79 latent TB cases have been identified across Wyandotte and Johnson counties, with the majority in Wyandotte County; two deaths have been linked to the outbreak. While the risk to the general public remains low, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is actively managing the situation with treatment and preventative measures. This surge follows a concerning national trend of rising TB cases in the United States and globally.
Read More
The United States has reported its first outbreak of the H5N9 avian influenza strain in poultry, according to a recent announcement from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This news has sparked a range of reactions, from concerns about the potential economic impact on poultry farmers to anxieties about a potential public health crisis. The sheer scale of culling required in previous outbreaks, like the one affecting a Long Island duck farm with over 250 years of tradition, highlights the devastating financial consequences for producers. Many farms face the difficult choice of adapting to frequent culling or shutting down altogether, potentially leading to a significant reduction in the number of poultry farms in the coming years.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood