US State

Florida Department of Health 2025 Public Health Accomplishments

The Florida Department of Health has highlighted its major public health accomplishments for 2025. Key initiatives included a statewide ban on community water fluoridation and the initiation of rulemaking to remove childhood immunization mandates, alongside expansions in telehealth maternity care and newborn screening programs.

Florida Infant Formula Testing Results Released

The Florida Department of Health announced the release of infant formula testing results, which found elevated levels of heavy metals like mercury in 16 out of 24 tested products. This initiative aims to provide transparency and accountability regarding products marketed to infants.

Florida Candy Testing Finds Arsenic in 28 Products

The Florida Department of Health released results from its Healthy Florida First initiative, finding arsenic in 28 out of 46 tested candy products. This initiative aims to increase transparency regarding food safety and product accountability for items marketed to children.

Florida Bread Testing Finds Glyphosate in 6 of 8 Products

The Florida Department of Health released results from its Healthy Florida First initiative, finding glyphosate in six out of eight tested bread products from national brands. The initiative aims to increase transparency and accountability for food products available to Florida families.

NY Reports Record Flu Hospitalizations

The New York State Department of Health announced a record high of 4,546 flu hospitalizations in a single week, nearly 1,000 more than the previous week. This surge indicates a more severe flu season than in prior years.

California CDPH Urges Flu Vaccination and Treatment as Cases Rise

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a notice urging vaccination and timely treatment as influenza cases rise, including a new strain (H3N2 subclade K). CDPH recommends vaccination for all individuals 6 months and older, rapid testing for symptomatic individuals, and immediate antiviral treatment for high-risk patients.

New York State Department of Health Urges Flu Vaccination

The New York State Department of Health is urging residents to get vaccinated against influenza due to high flu activity. The department emphasizes that vaccination is the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and provides guidance on preventive measures.

California Health Advisory: Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning Outbreak

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued an updated health advisory regarding an ongoing outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to wild Death Cap mushrooms. As of January 6, 2026, the outbreak has resulted in 35 hospitalizations, three deaths, and three liver transplants across Northern California and the Central Coast.

Avian Influenza Alert for Wild Birds and Mammals

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued an alert regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds and mammals, with increased risk expected over winter. The DEC urges the public to report suspected cases and avoid contact with sick or dead animals.

CDPH Warns Retailers and Public About Dangers of Kratom-Derived Products

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning to retailers and the public regarding the dangers and illegality of kratom-derived products and 7-OH. These products have been linked to overdose deaths and are not approved for sale for consumption.