‘Worse than average’ flu season past its peak, CDC’s Frieden tells Congress
This year’s flu season began early, has peaked and has begun to decline in most parts of the country, CDC Director Tom Frieden told members of a House committee last week. “But there are still many cases around the country and it’s likely that flu activity will continue for many weeks.”
FDA proposes long-awaited food safety rules
Two years after President Barack Obama signed into law a major overhaul of the nation’s food safety system, the Food and Drug Administration Friday proposed rules that will provide greater protections for consumers.
Meningitis outbreak prompts public health response
A deadly meningitis outbreak that has claimed 12 lives across 10 states has mobilized federal and local officials and health care providers, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a multistate investigation.
Aug. 15 news: Tobacco ruling, FDA, Cal Ripken
Putting fruit juice in chocolate may make for a healthier treat, according to study; FDA selects strains for 2012-2013 flu vaccines with help from CDC and other public health organizations; and two-thirds of people want to know if Alzheimer’s is in their future. Read these and other stories headlining public health news for Wednesday, Aug....
FDA approves first drug to reduce HIV risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first drug to reduce the risk of sexual transmission of HIV to people not yet infected.
Today’s news: Affordable Care Act, HIV, FDA
Landmark Affordable Care Act ruling and its immediate aftermath, including on smoking prevention; public health groups recognize June 27 for National HIV Testing Day; and how much coffee is healthy? Those stories and more topping public health headlines today, Friday, June 29, 2012.
Federal appeals court backs tobacco regulation law, warning labels
A U.S. appeals court delivered a major public health victory Monday when it ruled to uphold the graphic warning label mandate on cigarette packs in addition to other key measures included in the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, enacted in 2009.
Federal judge’s ruling against cigarette warnings undermines science, say health groups
A U.S. District Court judge tossed out a federal mandate on Wednesday that would have required tobacco companies to include new, graphic warning labels on the front of cigarette packs, ruling it violates the First Amendment.
Prescription for Plan B still required for younger girls
The Obama administration on Wednesday rebuffed a request by the Food and Drug Administration to ease restrictions of Plan B One-Step that would allow girls under 17 to purchase the emergency contraception directly from drug stores without a prescription.
U.S. court rules against tobacco warning labels
A U.S. District judge dealt a major setback to tobacco control efforts on Monday by blocking a measure that would require tobacco companies to include large, graphic warning labels on the front of their cigarette packs.
Public health groups approve of graphic tobacco warnings
The FDA’s new tobacco warnings caused a stir when the new images were released last month.
