Public Health News Round Up, May 2, 2025

by Jon Scaccia May 2, 2025

In the hustle and bustle of this week, we forgot to May Day it up in here

Here’s what we have cooking up science-wise for next week.

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Chicago public health officials stress importance of vaccines after 2 cases confirmed in Cook County

Measles cases are on the rise in Chicago, prompting local health officials to boost vaccination education efforts, especially in Head Start and daycare programs, to combat vaccine hesitancy and ensure more children receive the highly effective MMR vaccine. With the disease’s alarming contagiousness and potential for severe complications, experts stress that vaccination remains the best defense, offering nearly complete protection for those properly immunized.

Expert warns Trump’s drastic cuts to HHS will have far-reaching consequences

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recent report, advocating psychotherapy over medical interventions for transgender youth, challenges widely accepted gender-affirming care and its findings contradict major health authorities like the AMA. Simultaneously, drastic funding cuts and restructuring under President Trump threaten key public health programs, posing risks to HIV prevention and LGBTQ youth mental health services, significantly affecting vulnerable populations and undoing years of progress in evidence-based healthcare and disease tracking efforts.

Letters: What slashing Medicaid would do to health care in Cook County

The looming Medicaid cuts, threatening to reduce access to essential health services for low-income families and others dependent on the program, indicate a significant risk to public health and economic stability. Simultaneously, public transit in Chicago faces potential service slashes due to chronic underfunding, while cuts to cultural and humanities funding threaten the preservation of diverse narratives and community programs, underscoring how policy choices can critically impact health, mobility, and cultural integrity within the community.

Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids’ and young adults’ access to chronic disease medicine, study finds

During the Medicaid “unwinding” process following the pandemic, significant disruptions in chronic disease medication access were noted among children and young adults, particularly in states with the most considerable drops in Medicaid enrollment. These findings highlight the potential health risks that could arise if Medicaid funding faces further cuts, as ongoing medication adherence is crucial for managing chronic conditions like depression, asthma, and epilepsy.

RFK Jr. asks CDC for new measles treatment guidance amid his unfounded claims

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s intention to seek new CDC guidance for treating measles with drugs and vitamins has sparked controversy, as experts warn his suggestions could mislead the public with unproven methods and detract from vaccination, the only scientifically validated way to prevent the potentially severe and fatal disease. Despite Kennedy’s claims about alternative treatments, the CDC and medical experts emphasize vaccination’s critical role in prevention and caution against the misuse of treatments like vitamin A and drugs such as budesonide and clarithromycin, which have not been proven to cure measles or effectively combat the virus.

RFK Jr.’s Bats**t New Conspiracy About ‘Fetus Debris’ in Jabs Exposed

Amidst the worst measles outbreak in years, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s false claims about “fetus debris” in vaccines misrepresent how vaccines are safely made, sowing confusion and potentially exacerbating the very vaccine hesitancy driving the outbreak. Public health experts warn that his actions as head of HHS—notably, imposing burdensome testing requirements—could delay new vaccines and undermine public trust, with critics arguing they’re neither scientifically nor ethically justified.

Trump Administration Live Updates: President Vows to Defund PBS and NPR

In a whirlwind of policy moves and announcements, President Trump’s administration recently signaled its intent to target a range of institutions and policies, reshaping America’s educational, media, and health landscapes while sparking controversy and pushback. Among the headlines, Trump threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status amid policy disputes, proposed celebratory renamings for Veterans Day and V-E Day, and delivered a politically charged commencement speech that coincided with protests. Meanwhile, his administration took actions to potentially defund public broadcasters NPR and PBS, citing bias concerns, and faced legal battles over withholding funds from international media agencies. Additionally, a federal report critiqued gender dysphoria treatments for minors, pivoting towards psychotherapy and away from medical interventions, igniting debates about conversion therapy and the role of ideology in health policy. These moves highlight Trump’s penchant for intertwining his political agenda with domestic policy, raising implications for free speech, education, gender rights, and the separation of scientific evaluation from political influence.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Month, and in Rowan County, local public health officials and the Healthy Rowan coalition emphasize that mental health is vital for everyone, no matter their age or background. Recognizing it as a top health priority, they’re joining forces with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to foster a culture of mental well-being through initiatives like peer support groups and trauma-informed care, urging everyone to engage in conversations and efforts to create a supportive, inclusive community.