https://latinamericaherald.com/c/health Health en-419 https://latinamericaherald.com/a/2026-09-01-world-sexual-and-reproductive-health-month-begins-sept-1-cf99c0dbf9 https://latinamericaherald.com/a/2026-09-01-world-sexual-and-reproductive-health-month-begins-sept-1-cf99c0dbf9 The 2026 observance begins across Latin America on Sept. 1, with the World Health Organization highlighting access to information, services and evidence-based care. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 01:02:35 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/2026-08-31-colombia-declares-state-of-emergency-after-deadly-earthquake-eb3b2cd47f https://latinamericaherald.com/a/2026-08-31-colombia-declares-state-of-emergency-after-deadly-earthquake-eb3b2cd47f The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency across 15 departments after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Chocó department on August 10, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:14:49 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-28-study-warns-gaps-in-cdc-health-surveillance-updates-could-leave-u-s-mo https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-28-study-warns-gaps-in-cdc-health-surveillance-updates-could-leave-u-s-mo A study reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that nearly half of CDC-managed health surveillance databases that were once routinely updated stopped or delayed updates in 2025. Many of the affected systems tracked vaccinations and vaccine-preventable illnesses, raising concerns from experts that breakdowns in timely federal data could weaken the country’s ability to detect and respond to outbreaks. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:18:28 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-28-u-s-childhood-vaccine-schedule-revised-dropping-broad-recommendations- https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-28-u-s-childhood-vaccine-schedule-revised-dropping-broad-recommendations- The Trump administration has revised the U.S. childhood immunization schedule, removing broad federal recommendations for multiple vaccines and shifting several shots to high-risk or clinician-guided categories, according to a Jan. 5 report. Public-health experts and pediatric groups warned the changes could confuse families and lower uptake of vaccines that prevent outbreaks. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:12:08 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-28-u-s-set-to-leave-who-on-jan-22-2026-raising-concerns-for-global-health https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-28-u-s-set-to-leave-who-on-jan-22-2026-raising-concerns-for-global-health The United Nations said the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization is set to take effect on January 22, 2026, following formal notification. Health experts have warned the move could strain WHO programs and emergency response capacity, especially in areas such as tuberculosis and other major infectious disease efforts, while the administration has signaled it will seek alternative partnerships during the withdrawal period. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:06:27 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-study-warns-cdc-data-delays-weakened-federal-disease-surveillance-in-2 https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-study-warns-cdc-data-delays-weakened-federal-disease-surveillance-in-2 A new study reported in Annals of Internal Medicine found widespread delays or stoppages in CDC database updates during 2025, with immunization and vaccine-preventable disease tracking particularly affected. Experts warn that weakened national surveillance could leave the U.S. more vulnerable to outbreaks and erode public trust in health guidance. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:05:06 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-more-than-30-000-kaiser-permanente-workers-strike-in-california-and-ha https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-more-than-30-000-kaiser-permanente-workers-strike-in-california-and-ha Thousands of Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare professionals walked off the job, citing staffing shortages, compensation, and bargaining frustrations. Kaiser said the strike was unnecessary and pointed to its contract offers and negotiations. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:53:53 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-u-s-cuts-childhood-vaccine-recommendations-drawing-sharp-criticism-fro https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-u-s-cuts-childhood-vaccine-recommendations-drawing-sharp-criticism-fro The federal government has changed the U.S. childhood vaccination schedule, reducing the number of universally recommended vaccines from 17 to 11 and limiting several shots to high-risk groups or shared decision-making. Doctors’ organizations warned the move could increase preventable disease and confuse parents. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:48:38 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-kaiser-permanente-strike-expands-across-california-and-hawaii-as-31-00 https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-kaiser-permanente-strike-expands-across-california-and-hawaii-as-31-00 Thousands of Kaiser Permanente nurses and other healthcare professionals began an open-ended strike over staffing and pay, with the health system saying hospitals will remain open and some appointments may shift or be rescheduled. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:43:14 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-after-major-storm-health-officials-warn-snow-shoveling-can-strain-the- https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-after-major-storm-health-officials-warn-snow-shoveling-can-strain-the- Officials say digging out from a massive snow and ice storm can be hazardous, because heavy exertion combined with cold temperatures can raise blood pressure and elevate the risk of heart attack or stroke. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:37:33 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-about-31-000-kaiser-permanente-workers-strike-across-california-and-ha https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-27-about-31-000-kaiser-permanente-workers-strike-across-california-and-ha Tens of thousands of Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers walked off the job in California and Hawaii, saying staffing levels and compensation have not kept pace with workload and patient needs. The strike adds to a broader wave of healthcare labor pressure as hospitals and systems struggle with retention and capacity. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:31:28 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-measles-surges-across-the-u-s-raising-alarms-over-vaccination-rates-an https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-measles-surges-across-the-u-s-raising-alarms-over-vaccination-rates-an Public-health officials are warning that the U.S. measles situation is worsening, with large outbreaks and rising case counts linked to pockets of low vaccination. Experts say the trend threatens the country’s measles elimination status and signals broader vulnerability to other vaccine-preventable diseases. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:32:02 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-cdc-flu-activity-begins-to-ease-nationally-but-er-visits-among-school- https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-cdc-flu-activity-begins-to-ease-nationally-but-er-visits-among-school- New CDC surveillance data show flu activity is starting to decline across the U.S., but emergency department visits for school-age children are increasing and pediatric severity remains high. The agency estimates tens of millions of illnesses this season and urges vaccination and early antiviral treatment for higher-risk patients. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:27:51 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-u-s-completes-withdrawal-from-the-world-health-organization-raising-co https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-u-s-completes-withdrawal-from-the-world-health-organization-raising-co Federal officials said the United States has finalized its exit from the World Health Organization one year after President Donald Trump started the withdrawal. Public health experts warned it could weaken global outbreak response and reduce U.S. access to international disease data used for early warning and vaccine decisions. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:18:17 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-pediatricians-reaffirm-broader-childhood-vaccine-guidance-diverging-fr https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-pediatricians-reaffirm-broader-childhood-vaccine-guidance-diverging-fr The American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed recommendations for immunizations against 18 diseases, maintaining a broader approach than the CDC’s revised childhood schedule. Health experts warned that conflicting guidance could confuse families and increase risk from preventable infections. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:08:00 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-cdc-data-shows-flu-activity-starting-to-decline-nationally-but-er-visi https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-cdc-data-shows-flu-activity-starting-to-decline-nationally-but-er-visi New CDC numbers suggest the flu wave may be easing overall, but pediatric strain remains evident as emergency-room visits among school-aged children climb even while national activity trends downward. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:57:45 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-pediatricians-reaffirm-broader-childhood-vaccine-guidance-in-split-wit https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-pediatricians-reaffirm-broader-childhood-vaccine-guidance-in-split-wit The American Academy of Pediatrics reiterated its recommendation that children be vaccinated against 18 diseases, diverging from a CDC schedule that now recommends vaccines for fewer diseases, according to reporting summarized by KFF Health News. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:47:40 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-experts-track-linked-ou https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-experts-track-linked-ou International health authorities will assess whether measles transmission in the U.S. meets the threshold for losing elimination status, as scientists investigate whether outbreaks across multiple states are connected to a long-running chain that began in Texas. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:33:42 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-aap-issues-2026-vaccine-schedule-and-urges-broader-coverage-than-cdc-s https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-aap-issues-2026-vaccine-schedule-and-urges-broader-coverage-than-cdc-s The American Academy of Pediatrics released its 2026 vaccine schedule, maintaining recommendations for 18 vaccines for children and adolescents and diverging from a narrower CDC schedule update—setting up fresh debate and potential parent confusion. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:24:19 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-ethiopia-declares-end-of-its-first-marburg-outbreak-after-42-days-with https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-ethiopia-declares-end-of-its-first-marburg-outbreak-after-42-days-with Ethiopia has declared its first Marburg virus outbreak over after meeting the 42-day benchmark without new confirmed cases, following weeks of response efforts supported by the WHO. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:16:48 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-u-s-measles-elimination-status-to-be-reassessed-as-paho-weighs-whether https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-u-s-measles-elimination-status-to-be-reassessed-as-paho-weighs-whether International health authorities will review whether the United States is still meeting the definition of measles “elimination,” a designation it achieved in 2000. The decision hinges on whether a single chain of transmission has continued for at least 12 months, as outbreaks and case counts have risen amid falling vaccination rates and growing vaccine skepticism. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:10:07 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-cdc-accepts-recommendations-to-update-childhood-immunization-schedule- https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-26-cdc-accepts-recommendations-to-update-childhood-immunization-schedule- The CDC said it accepted recommendations tied to a presidential memorandum to update how the U.S. childhood immunization schedule is organized. Officials emphasized that vaccines remain covered without cost-sharing, while the agency described a three-category framework and said it will work with states and physician groups on implementation and parent/clinician education. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:05:32 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-fda-and-cdc-investigate-multistate-salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-live-it https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-fda-and-cdc-investigate-multistate-salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-live-it Federal health officials are investigating a multistate Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to Live it Up-brand Super Greens dietary supplement powder. Consumers were advised not to use affected products and to sanitize surfaces to reduce cross-contamination risk. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:04:21 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-accepts-recommendations-to-revise-u-s-childhood-immunization-sched https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-accepts-recommendations-to-revise-u-s-childhood-immunization-sched CDC leadership signed a decision memo to implement changes to the childhood immunization schedule following a presidential memorandum ordering a review of peer-country practices, drawing scrutiny over process and potential public health impacts. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:59:21 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-nih-halts-funding-for-research-using-fetal-tissue-from-elective-aborti https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-nih-halts-funding-for-research-using-fetal-tissue-from-elective-aborti The National Institutes of Health is ending funding for research that uses fetal tissue obtained from elective abortions, a change that scientists say could disrupt biomedical work while the agency argues it will spur modern alternatives. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:49:08 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-doctors-warn-of-cold-weather-injuries-as-winter-storm-intensifies-expe https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-doctors-warn-of-cold-weather-injuries-as-winter-storm-intensifies-expe Emergency physicians and federal health guidance stress that hypothermia can be hard to recognize and can become life-threatening when body temperature drops below 95°F. With a major winter storm affecting much of the country, experts urge layered clothing, avoiding wet exposure, and rapid warming steps if symptoms appear. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:39:01 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-south-carolina-measles-outbreak-reaches-646-cases-as-health-officials- https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-south-carolina-measles-outbreak-reaches-646-cases-as-health-officials- South Carolina health officials say the Upstate measles outbreak has grown to 646 cases, with hundreds in quarantine and new public exposure sites identified, underscoring continued community transmission risk. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:31:15 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-states-report-confusion-after-brief-pause-then-reversal-of-major-cdc-b https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-states-report-confusion-after-brief-pause-then-reversal-of-major-cdc-b State and local health departments faced a sudden funding pause affecting a roughly $5 billion public health infrastructure grant, then an abrupt reversal—disrupting planning for emergency preparedness and outbreak response. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:20:32 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-warns-families-to-stop-using-recalled-byheart-infant-formula-amid- https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-warns-families-to-stop-using-recalled-byheart-infant-formula-amid- The CDC is urging parents and caregivers not to use any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula and to seek medical care if infants show symptoms such as poor feeding or difficulty swallowing, following reports of infant botulism linked to exposure to the recalled product. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:10:07 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-public-health-groups-sue-over-scaled-back-cdc-childhood-vaccine-recomm https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-public-health-groups-sue-over-scaled-back-cdc-childhood-vaccine-recomm A lawsuit led by pediatric and public health organizations challenges recent CDC changes that scaled back several childhood vaccine recommendations, as officials and clinicians warn that falling vaccination rates are colliding with renewed outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:59:58 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-states-report-chaos-after-brief-pause-in-5-billion-cdc-public-health-i https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-states-report-chaos-after-brief-pause-in-5-billion-cdc-public-health-i A sudden halt to the CDC’s Public Health Infrastructure Grant program—followed by a partial reversal—left state and local health departments uncertain about staffing, preparedness, and ongoing programs. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:50:09 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-moves-to-update-u-s-childhood-immunization-schedule-after-presiden https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-moves-to-update-u-s-childhood-immunization-schedule-after-presiden The CDC said it accepted recommendations from a review comparing U.S. childhood vaccination practices to peer nations and will implement an updated schedule while keeping all currently recommended vaccines covered by insurance without cost-sharing. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:39:52 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-tests-point-to-powdered-whole-milk-as-potential-source-in-byheart-infa https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-tests-point-to-powdered-whole-milk-as-potential-source-in-byheart-infa U.S. health officials say testing suggests organic powdered whole milk used in ByHeart infant formula may be linked to an infant botulism outbreak. The outbreak has sickened babies across multiple states, and the company expanded its recall beyond initial lots. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:34:06 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-reports-416-confirmed-measles-cases-in-the-u-s-in-2026-as-of-janua https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-reports-416-confirmed-measles-cases-in-the-u-s-in-2026-as-of-janua The CDC’s latest update shows hundreds of confirmed measles cases across multiple jurisdictions early in 2026, with most cases linked to outbreaks that began in 2025 and public health officials emphasizing vaccination coverage. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:25:45 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-u-s-flu-activity-remains-elevated-with-millions-sick-and-pediatric https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-u-s-flu-activity-remains-elevated-with-millions-sick-and-pediatric The CDC reports that influenza activity is still elevated nationally, with the season classified as moderate overall but high severity among children. Agency estimates put the burden in the tens of millions of illnesses and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations so far this season, and officials say vaccination and early antiviral treatment remain key tools. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:14:47 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-says-u-s-completes-withdrawal-from-the-world-health-organization-e https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-says-u-s-completes-withdrawal-from-the-world-health-organization-e The CDC announced that the United States has completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, describing a yearlong exit process that included ending funding and withdrawing personnel, with the government saying future engagement will shift to bilateral and other partnerships. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:07:55 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-hhs-says-cdc-accepted-memorandum-to-update-us-childhood-immunization-s https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-hhs-says-cdc-accepted-memorandum-to-update-us-childhood-immunization-s The Department of Health and Human Services announced that the CDC accepted recommendations from a scientific assessment aimed at reviewing and potentially updating US childhood vaccination scheduling. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:03:41 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-states-report-confusion-after-federal-public-health-grant-pause-and-re https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-states-report-confusion-after-federal-public-health-grant-pause-and-re State and local health departments described confusion and disruption after the federal government paused and then reversed a move affecting a major public-health infrastructure grant. Officials said the uncertainty hit as agencies were preparing for severe winter weather and ongoing disease-response responsibilities. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:58:27 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-super-greens-supplement-prompts-recall-4 https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-super-greens-supplement-prompts-recall-4 Federal health officials say at least 45 people across 21 states were sickened in a salmonella outbreak linked to Live it Up-brand Super Greens supplement powder, prompting a recall and renewed warnings for consumers. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:53:59 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-nearly-half-of-u-s-adults-worry-they-won-t-afford-needed-healthcare-in https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-nearly-half-of-u-s-adults-worry-they-won-t-afford-needed-healthcare-in A West Health–Gallup study finds 47% of U.S. adults are worried they won’t be able to afford necessary healthcare in the coming year, and a record 20% report someone in their household couldn’t pay for prescription medications in the past three months. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:50:41 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-accepts-recommendations-to-update-u-s-childhood-immunization-sched https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-accepts-recommendations-to-update-u-s-childhood-immunization-sched The CDC said it accepted recommendations from a scientific assessment comparing U.S. childhood vaccination practices with peer nations, following a presidential directive to review international approaches. Federal health leaders said insurance coverage for currently recommended vaccines would remain in place while implementation moves forward. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:39:07 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-federal-pause-then-reversal-of-5-billion-public-health-grant-leaves-st https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-federal-pause-then-reversal-of-5-billion-public-health-grant-leaves-st State and local health departments were thrown into uncertainty after a sudden federal pause of a major CDC-administered grant program, followed by a reversal hours later. Officials said the whiplash disrupted planning and threatened staffing and services as communities prepared for severe winter weather. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:29:47 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-us-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreak-spreads-across- https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-us-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreak-spreads-across- A long-running chain of measles transmission that began in West Texas is pushing the U.S. toward a possible loss of its elimination designation, a milestone that would signal sustained spread and gaps in vaccination coverage. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:51:37 GMT https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreaks-persist-into- https://latinamericaherald.com/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreaks-persist-into- Public health officials warn that sustained transmission could trigger a loss of measles elimination status, as outbreaks spread across multiple states amid falling vaccination rates. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:26:47 GMT