Public Health News Roundup: March 7, 2025

by Mandy Morgan March 7, 2025

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After a surge of pneumonia, public health expert explains how to protect yourself and your child.

In 2024, pneumonia cases significantly increased, particularly affecting children aged 2 to 4, with the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae contributing to this surge, possibly due to reduced vaccination rates and less-exposed immune systems post-COVID-19. Preventive measures highlighted include masking and hand hygiene in crowded spaces, with symptom management and vaccination being crucial for controlling bacterial pneumonia, while at-home oxygen monitoring is recommended to assess severity

Illinois patients, hospitals fear potential Medicaid cuts: ‘I hope people have some kind of compassion’

The article emphasizes the critical role Medicaid plays in providing healthcare access to over 3.4 million residents in Illinois, including those with chronic diseases and low-income families, who risk losing coverage amidst Congressional discussions about potential budget cuts. The proposed reductions could lead to decreased services, hospital closures, and exacerbated health disparities, underscoring the broader implications not only for Medicaid recipients but also for the healthcare system and community well-being at large.

House Republicans could face a major obstacle if they cut Medicaid: Their own districts’ health needs

The House Republican proposal to cut Medicaid funding faces significant resistance due to its potential adverse effects on their constituents, many of whom rely heavily on the program amid prevalent chronic health issues in GOP districts. This fiscal strategy, intended to finance tax cuts, positions Republicans against the health interests of their own voters, potentially creating a central conflict in the upcoming legislative agenda and elections.

Jobs lost, lifesaving cures not discovered: Possible effects of Trump research cuts

The Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts and anti-diversity measures threaten U.S. biomedical research, risking substantial job losses, delaying critical medical discoveries, and potentially reducing access to life-saving treatments for patients nationwide. The National Institutes of Health, a primary funder of university and hospital research, faces significant financial constraints that could halt progress in areas like cancer research and personalized medicine, ultimately impacting patient health and the broader economy.

Kennedy touts unconventional therapies for measles linked to disciplined Texas doctor

In response to a growing measles outbreak in Texas, CDC teams are assisting while HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. focuses on alternative treatments instead of emphasizing the highly effective measles vaccine. Kennedy’s controversial approach, which includes endorsing unproven treatments like vitamin A and antibiotics, has alarmed public health experts who warn this can undermine efforts to control the outbreak and prevent future cases, especially when evidence shows the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective in preventing the disease.

Where Did U.S. Public Health Go Wrong?

The article illustrates how historical attempts to integrate public health with medical practice in the U.S. failed, primarily due to opposition from private interests like the AMA and systemic barriers in a profit-driven healthcare model. These failures have left public health underfunded, hindered a cohesive response to emergencies like Covid-19, and perpetuated challenges in addressing chronic diseases effectively, underscoring the need for a reevaluation of how public health initiatives align within a market-driven system.