Urgent CDC Data and Analyses on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate
Sonya Stokes, an emergency room physician in the San Francisco Bay Area, braces herself for a daily deluge of patients sick with coughs, soreness, fevers, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms.
She's desperate for information, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a critical source of urgent analyses of the flu and other public health threats, has gone quiet in the weeks since President Donald Trump took office.
'Without more information, we are blind,' she said.
Flu has been brutal this season. The CDC estimates at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths from the flu since the start of October. At the same time, the bird flu outbreak continues to infect cattle and farmworkers. But CDC analyses that would inform people about these situations are delayed, and the CDC has cut off communication with doctors, researchers, and the World Health Organization, say doctors and public health experts.
'CDC right now is not reporting influenza data through the WHO global platforms, FluNet [and] FluID, that they've been providing information [on] for many, many years,' Maria Van Kerkhove, interim director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the WHO, said at a Feb. 12 press briefing.
'We are communicating with them,' she added, 'but we haven't heard anything back.'
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would withdraw from the WHO.
A critical analysis of the seasonal flu selected for distribution through the CDC's Health Alert Network has stalled, according to people close to the CDC. They asked not to be identified because of fears of retaliation. The network, abbreviated as HAN, is the CDC's main method of sharing urgent public health information with health officials, doctors, and, sometimes, the public.
A chart from that analysis, reviewed by KFF Health News, suggests that flu may be at a record high. About 7.7% of patients who visited clinics and hospitals without being admitted had flu-like symptoms in early February, a ratio higher than in four other flu seasons depicted in the graph. That includes 2003-04, when an atypical strain of flu fueled a particularly treacherous season that killed at least 153 children.
Without a complete analysis, however, it's unclear whether this tidal wave of sickness foreshadows a spike in hospitalizations and deaths that hospitals, pharmacies, and schools must prepare for. Specifically, other data could relay how many of the flu-like illnesses are caused by flu viruses — or which flu strain is infecting people. A deeper report might also reveal whether the flu is more severe or contagious than usual.
'I need to know if we are dealing with a more virulent strain or a coinfection with another virus that is making my patients sicker, and what to look for so that I know if my patients are in danger,' Stokes said. 'Delays in data create dangerous situations on the front line.'
Although the CDC's flu dashboard shows a surge of influenza, it doesn't include all data needed to interpret the situation. Nor does it offer the tailored advice found in HAN alerts that tells health care workers how to protect patients and the public. In 2023, for example, a report urged clinics to test patients with respiratory symptoms rather than assume cases are the flu, since other viruses were causing similar issues that year.
'This is incredibly disturbing,' said Rachel Hardeman, a member of the Advisory Committee to the Director of the CDC. On Feb. 10, Hardeman and other committee members wrote to acting CDC Director Susan Monarez asking the agency to explain missing data, delayed studies, and potentially severe staff cuts. 'The CDC is vital to our nation's security,' the letter said.
Several studies have also been delayed or remain missing from the CDC's preeminent scientific publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Anne Schuchat, a former principal deputy director at the CDC, said she would be concerned if there was political oversight of scientific material: 'Suppressing information is potentially confusing, possibly dangerous, and it can backfire.'
CDC spokesperson Melissa Dibble declined to comment on delayed or missing analyses. 'It is not unexpected to see flu activity elevated and increasing at this time of the year,' she said.
A draft of one unpublished study, reviewed by KFF Health News, that has been withheld from the MMWR for three weeks describes how a milk hauler and a dairy worker in Michigan may have spread bird flu to their pet cats. The indoor cats became severely sick and died. Although the workers weren't tested, the study says that one of them had irritated eyes before the cat fell ill — a common bird flu symptom. That person told researchers that the pet 'would roll in their work clothes.'
After one cat became sick, the investigation reports, an adolescent in the household developed a cough. But the report says this young person tested negative for the flu, and positive for a cold-causing virus.
Corresponding CDC documents summarizing the cat study and another as-yet unpublished bird flu analysis said the reports were scheduled to be published Jan. 23. These were reviewed by KFF Health News. The briefing on cats advises dairy farmworkers to 'remove clothing and footwear, and rinse off any animal biproduct residue before entering the household to protect others in the household, including potentially indoor-only cats.'
The second summary refers to 'the most comprehensive' analysis of bird flu virus detected in wastewater in the United States.
Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, said delays of bird flu reports are upsetting because they're needed to inform the public about a worsening situation with many unknown elements. Citing 'insufficient data' and 'high uncertainty,' the United Kingdom raised its assessment of the risk posed by the U.S. outbreak on dairies.
'Missing and delayed data causes uncertainty,' Nuzzo said. 'It also potentially makes us react in ways that are counterproductive.'
Another bird flu study slated for January publication showed up in the MMWR on Feb. 13, three weeks after it was expected. It revealed that three cattle veterinarians had been unknowingly infected last year, based on the discovery of antibodies against the bird flu virus in their blood. One of the veterinarians worked in Georgia and South Carolina, states that haven't reported outbreaks on dairy farms.
The study provides further evidence that the United States is not adequately detecting cases in cows and people. Nuzzo said it also highlights how data can supply reassuring news. Only three of 150 cattle veterinarians had signs of prior infections, suggesting that the virus doesn't easily spread from the animals into people. More than 40 dairy workers have been infected, but they generally have had more sustained contact with sick cattle and their virus-laden milk than veterinarians.
Instead, recently released reports have been about wildfires in California and Hawaii.
'Interesting but not urgent,' Nuzzo said, considering the acute fire emergencies have ended. The bird flu outbreak, she said, is an ongoing 'urgent health threat for which we need up-to-the-minute information to know how to protect people.'
'The American public is at greater risk when we don't have information on a timely basis,' Schuchat said.
This week, a federal judge ordered the CDC and other health agencies to 'restore' datasets and websites that the organization Doctors for America had identified in a lawsuit as having been altered. Further, the judge ordered the agencies to 'identify any other resources that DFA members rely on to provide medical care' and restore them by Feb. 14.
In their letter, CDC advisory committee members requested an investigation into missing data and delayed reports. Hardeman, an adviser who is a health policy expert at the University of Minnesota, said the group didn't know why data and scientific findings were being withheld or removed. Still, she added, 'I hold accountable the acting director of the CDC, the head of HHS, and the White House.'
Hardeman said the Trump administration has the power to disband the advisory committee. She said the group expects that to happen but proceeded with its demands regardless.
'We want to safeguard the rigor of the work at the CDC because we care deeply about public health,' she said. 'We aren't here to be silent.'
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.
The post Urgent CDC Data and Analyses on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Cavities in children could increase by millions if fluoride is banned, study suggests
The Brief An estimated 25.4 million more teeth will result in tooth decay in the next five years if fluoride is banned from the U.S. public water supply, according to a recent model simulation. The study also predicted an estimated $9.8 billion will be spent on additional dental care over the next five years. Some states like Utah and Florida have already banned fluoride from the state's public water supply. Researchers created a model to estimate the impact a ban on fluoride in the United States water supply would have on children's dental health and the results are bleak. The simulations estimated that a ban would result in tooth decay in 25.4 million more teeth, which is equivalent to a decayed tooth for one out of every three children over the next five years. The results were published in Jama Health Forum on May 30. "There's strong evidence from other countries and cities, such as Calgary in Canada, showing that when fluoride is eliminated, dental disease increases. Our study offers a window into what would happen in the United States if water fluoridation ceased," Lisa Simon, MD, DMD, and senior author of the study, said. Why you should care Not only would eliminating fluoride increase the occurrence of tooth decay, but the estimated cost of dental care would rise exponentially, according to the study. By the numbers The models simulated the potential dental care costs over five and 10 years. $9.8 billion in additional dental care costs over five years $19.4 billion in additional dental care costs over 10 years "Most of the increased cost could be attributed to publicly insured children, meaning it would be a direct public health cost," said Simon. Dig deeper Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the CDC. In 1950, federal officials endorsed water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay, and in 1962 set guidelines for how much should be added to water. Fluoride can come from several sources, but drinking water is the main one for Americans, researchers say. Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population gets fluoridated drinking water, according to CDC data. The addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water was long considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. The American Dental Association credits it with reducing tooth decay by more than 25% in children and adults. About one-third of community water systems — 17,000 out of 51,000 across the U.S. — serving more than 60% of the population fluoridated their water, according to a 2022 CDC analysis. What they're saying "We know fluoride works. We're able to show just how much it works for most communities and how much people stand to lose if we get rid of it," said Simon. Big picture view U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he wants communities to stop fluoridating water, and he is setting the gears of government in motion to help make that happen. Kennedy has said he plans to tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide. And he said he's assembling a task force of health experts to study the issue and make new recommendations. Two states have already banned adding fluoride to public water systems. These include Florida and Utah. The Source Information for this article was taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, a study that observed oral health and water fluoridation data collected from 8,484 children aged 0-19 which was published in JAMA on May 30, 2025, a Mass General Brigham news release about the study, and reporting by The Associated Press. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Seven ways the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' could affect New Mexico
Jun. 2—A massive federal budget bill is winding its way through the Senate after passing the House in May. The controversial tax package would deliver on several of President Donald Trump's campaign promises and could mean big changes for New Mexicans. Democrats have criticized the bill for its cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and tax breaks for high-income earners, while some Republicans say the funding cuts don't go far enough to trim down the bloated federal budget and the ballooning deficit — the tax cuts alone would be paid for, in part, by increasing the country's deficit by $3.8 trillion over 10 years. On average, U.S. households would see an increase in resources from the government from 2026 to 2034, if the House budget bill makes it into law, according to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis. But the bottom 10% of income earners would see a loss in household resources, primarily because of changes to Medicaid and SNAP. Meanwhile those in the top 10% would see an increase in household resources, because the taxes they owe would be reduced. Though House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) accused the CBO of shoddy math, saying the agency was more than $1 trillion off. Here's a look at how the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," could affect New Mexico. 1. Medicaid The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" would cut approximately $700 billion from Medicaid spending over the next 10 years and introduce new work requirements and co-pays. With a high poverty level, New Mexico has the highest rate of Medicaid enrollment. More than 90,000 New Mexico residents could lose health care coverage because of the changes. This provision faces opposition from several GOP senators; but conversely those in the House who pushed for more Medicaid cuts would turn against the bill if these cuts are watered down or eliminated. Medicaid represents the toughest of tight rope acts in this bill to get through both chambers to final passage. 2. Potential hospital closures The Medicaid funding cuts could also put more rural hospitals at risk of closing, Democrats have argued, because Medicaid and Medicare are important revenue sources for rural hospitals. Three of 27 inpatient rural hospitals in New Mexico are already at immediate risk of closing, according to a report from the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform. Overall, seven of the state's rural hospitals are at risk of closing. In part, that's because private insurance plans do not adequately compensate some rural hospitals for the services they provide, according to the report. Rural hospitals often already lose money on uninsured and Medicaid patients, but the hospitals not at risk of closure are often making enough profit on patient services from private health plans to balance those losses. 3. Food aid More than 460,000 New Mexicans receive SNAP benefits. The House bill would cut $267 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, spending over the next 10 years, in part by introducing a cost share with states. It would also introduce new work requirements to the program. The proposed changes could cost New Mexico $300 million. 4. Extending tax cuts The budget bill would extend 2017 tax cuts passed during Trump's first administration. That would prevent tax increases for 62% of taxpayers, which would happen if the tax cuts expire, according to the Tax Foundation. This would extend, or make permanent, tax cuts for most New Mexicans. Republicans have highlighted the benefits to working families, like making the child tax credit permanent. But Democrats have criticized some measures that would benefit the very wealthy, like permanently increasing the estate and gift tax exemption threshold to $15 million. 5. No tax on tips The House-passed budget bill includes no taxes on tips and overtime through 2028, fulfilling one of Trump's campaign promises. The idea of no tax on tips was appealing enough to voters that even former Vice-President Kamala Harris added it to her campaign platform. The Economic Policy Institute has criticized the idea, arguing that it helps relatively few workers, undermines pay increases for non-tipped workers and could expand the use of tipped workers, a system "rife with discrimination and worker abuse." New Mexico's restaurant industry, where tipped employees are often most visible, employs over 90,000 people in the state and generates more than $5.3 billion in annual sales, according to the New Mexico Restaurant Association. 6. Student loans and Pell Grants The budget bill would eliminate some repayment options for future federal student loan borrowers, and introduce a new, income-based repayment plan. Borrowers with loans disbursed before July 2026 could keep their current repayment plan. It would eliminate new borrowers' ability to pause loan payments during economic hardship. The bill also increases Pell Grant credit requirements and changes eligibility requirements. In the 2023-2024 academic year, there were 37,708 federal Pell Grant awards in New Mexico, according to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. 7. Preventing AI regulation The House bill includes a decade-long ban on state regulations of artificial intelligence. Adopting a light regulatory style for the AI industry will allow the AI supply chain to rapidly grow in the U.S., Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing. "The country that leads in AI will shape the 21st century global order," Cruz said. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez signed onto a letter opposing the measure, along with attorneys general from 39 states and territories. A bill to penalize using AI-generated content for harassment or defamation was introduced in the state Legislature earlier this year. "Though it didn't pass, strong state-level protections are still urgently needed, and states must have the flexibility to regulate this emerging technology if Congress refuses to act," Torrez said in a statement. This provision faces an uphill battle in the Senate where even No. 2 Senate Republican John Cornyn, R-Texas, has said it could fail a Byrd Rule challenge, which says that every line in the budget must be related to the budget and not policy.
Health Line
3 hours ago
- Health Line
What To Know About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Pregnancy
The changes that happen in the body during pregnancy can cause blood clotting, but the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is low. Symptoms of DVT include swelling, warmth, and pain in a leg. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein in the: DVT is not common during pregnancy, but pregnant people are at least 5 times more likely to develop DVT than people who aren't pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Blood-clotting protein levels increase during pregnancy, while anti-clotting protein levels decrease. This helps reduce the amount of blood lost during delivery. The enlarging uterus during pregnancy may also increase the risk because it puts the veins of the lower body under additional pressure to return blood to the heart. This article takes a closer look at DVT during pregnancy, including symptoms, risk factors, how it affects the baby, and more. What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in pregnancy? The most obvious symptom of DVT is swelling and heavy pain or extreme tenderness in one of your legs. Approximately 82% of DVT cases in pregnancy occur in the left leg. Other symptoms of DVT can include: pain in the leg when standing or moving around pain in the leg that worsens when you bend your foot up toward your knee warm skin in the affected area visible veins that appear enlarged discoloration or red skin at the back of the leg, typically below the knee bluish toes slight to severe swelling Around 50% of people with acute DVT may be asymptomatic. It occurs more often in post-op patients, particularly those who have undergone orthopedic surgery. The chances of having asymptomatic DVT before or after pregnancy are unlikely. But those with multiple risk factors should receive adequate screening for DVT, especially after cesarean delivery. When should you see a doctor? See a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect DVT. Diagnosed DVT is not a medical emergency and is unlikely to harm you or your baby unless there are serious complications. It's best to get checked early to begin DVT treatment. Is it a muscle cramp or a symptom of DVT? You may experience muscle cramps during pregnancy. They typically affect the calf during the second and third trimesters, particularly at night. Muscle cramps during pregnancy are not a medical emergency. They can be prevented or relieved with: stretching and movement hydration massages magnesium supplements comfortable, supportive footwear Swelling is a symptom of DVT Muscle cramps do not cause leg swelling. Unlike muscle cramps, stretching and moving around will not improve pain from DVT. Pulmonary embolism vs. DVT A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that travels to the lungs. DVT commonly causes it. PE is rare during pregnancy but more common compared with people who are not pregnant. Symptoms of PE can include: sudden shortness of breath chest pain or tightness in the chest a cough that produces blood-streaked sputum (mucus) rapid heartbeat Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a medical emergency If you or someone you know has PE symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, contact 911 or your local emergency services immediately. How do doctors diagnose deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy? It's not always easy to diagnose DVT in pregnancy from symptoms alone. A doctor may order multiple tests to confirm the diagnosis, including: D-dimer test: This blood test identifies pieces of a blood clot that have broken off into your bloodstream. D-dimer levels above a certain threshold may indicate a higher risk of PE, but doctors typically conduct further testing because levels normally fluctuate during pregnancy. Doppler ultrasound: This scan determines how fast blood flows through a blood vessel. A Doppler ultrasound helps a healthcare team establish whether blood flow is slowed or blocked, a possible sign that indicates a blood clot. Venogram: If a D-dimer test and ultrasound cannot confirm a DVT diagnosis, a doctor may use a venogram or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A venogram involves injecting a liquid called a contrast dye into a vein in your foot. The dye moves up the leg. The dye shows on an X-ray, which pinpoints a gap in the blood vessel where the clot stops the blood flow. According to a 2019 review of over 40 studies, a venogram is the 'gold standard' for a DVT diagnosis. How do doctors treat deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy? A doctor can form a treatment plan if you develop DVT during pregnancy. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a hematologist (blood specialist) and a maternal medicine or obstetric medicine specialist. To treat DVT, a doctor may recommend once or twice daily injections of the blood-thinning agent low-molecular-weight heparin. This treatment may help to: stop the clot from getting bigger help the clot dissolve in the body reduce the risk of further clots You'll likely have regular checkups and blood tests to ensure the clot dissolves and no further clots appear. A doctor may recommend at-home practices for DVT in addition to medication. These may include daily walks, keeping the affected leg elevated when sitting, and following your prescribed anticoagulant medication schedule. How does deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy affect the baby? DVT during pregnancy typically does not affect the baby unless there are serious complications. Doctors and researchers consider heparin safe to use during pregnancy because it doesn't cross the placenta, so there is no risk to your baby. Depending on your anticoagulation regimen, you must stop taking injections as soon as you begin labor, or at least 12 to 24 hours before inducing labor or a planned cesarean delivery. If you want to nurse your baby, you will have to stop the injections after birth. For those with a mechanical heart valve, a doctor may prescribe warfarin (Jantoven) to ensure the baby's blood doesn't thin. This medication carries significant risks for you and your baby, particularly before birth. Fetuses exposed to warfarin may develop congenital disabilities. Discuss whether the benefits outweigh the risks with a doctor. Together, you may decide not to breastfeed or to stop taking anticoagulants while nursing your baby. What are other complications of deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy? Untreated, DVT can have lasting effects on the body. Long-term DVT can lead to permanent swelling of the veins and fluid retention. In rare cases, a clot can dislodge and move to the lungs, resulting in a PE. Another rare complication from DVT is venous gangrene of the toes or fingers. Irreparable damage to the veins from DVT may result in chronic post-thrombotic syndrome. This is a collection of symptoms associated with leg pain and ulcers. Finally, taking anticoagulants raises the risk of side effects like bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding, such as nose bleeds, bloody stool/urine, or bruising, to a doctor if you take these medications. Who's at risk for deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy? Factors that can increase your risk for DVT during pregnancy include: having a previous history of clots or DVT having a family history of DVT being over 35 having a BMI of 30 or higher carrying twins or multiple babies having fertility treatment having had a previous, recent cesarean delivery sitting still or being bedridden for long periods smoking having preeclampsia having certain chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) having severe varicose veins Race and DVT risk Research indicates that DVT and PE occur more frequently in Black Americans than in white Americans. The researchers speculate that this disparity has to do with increased risk factors, such as higher BMI and blood clotting protein levels. The data did not take pregnancy into account. What can you do prevent deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy? There isn't a way to definitively prevent DVT in pregnancy. But taking certain steps can help to reduce your risk: Stay active with pregnancy-safe exercises. Wear compression socks during air travel and walk around at least once every hour. Move your legs when sitting down, for example, by raising and lowering your heels and your toes and flexing your ankle. Wear support hose. Quit smoking, if you smoke. See a doctor immediately if you notice any pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in your legs. Pregnant people at high risk for DVT may receive a preventive dose of heparin, either during the entire pregnancy or for 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. What's the outlook for people who develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during pregnancy? While DVT isn't common in pregnancy, it's a serious condition that can be fatal if the clot dislodges and moves into the lungs. Be aware of the symptoms and risk factors if you are pregnant or at risk for DVT. Let a medical professional know right away if you suspect DVT. Early treatment and ongoing management can help keep you and your baby safe.
