National Updates
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Moves to Remove Black-Box Warnings on Menopause Hormone Therapy
The FDA announced the removal of strong black-box warnings from over 20 menopause hormone therapy (MHT) products, stating the earlier documented risks—such as certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and dementia—were overstated after new analyses. Some experts express concern about the speed and transparency of the process.
The Australian
New U.S. Dietary Guidelines on Deck for December
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release updated dietary guidelines in December. These are expected to address obesity, saturated fat limits, ultra-processed foods, and school/military nutrition.
Reuters
Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula
An outbreak investigation by FDA and CDC reveals 15 infants across 12 states with suspected or confirmed botulism linked to consumption of a particular brand of infant formula. Hemifarms emphasize immediate cessation of that product.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Texas Updates
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Cases Surge in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reports more than 3,500 pertussis cases through October 2025 in Texas—nearly four times the number this time last year. Most cases are among children, raising serious concern for infant patients.
San Antonio Express-News
+1
Flu Shots Urged Ahead of Holidays
DSHS released a news alert (Nov 10) advising Texans to include flu vaccination in their Thanksgiving planning as respiratory virus season begins to intensify.
Texas Health Services
Global Health Alerts
World Pneumonia Day (12 Nov) Highlights Ongoing Risk to Children and Older Adults
The World Health Organization (WHO) marks Nov 12 as World Pneumonia Day, cautioning that pneumonia remains the leading infectious killer of children under five worldwide, and poses high risk to older adults and those with chronic conditions.
World Health Organization
Global Infectious Disease Surveillance Flags Multiple Risks
According to the International Society for Infectious Diseases’s ProMED database (Nov 12), recent alerts include: increased influenza activity in Indonesia, fatal Japanese encephalitis cases in Nepal, nosocomial Candida auris infections in Bangladesh, rising antimicrobial-resistant Klebsiella in Brazil, and more. Strong global vigilance is needed.
ProMED
Clinical Tips for Providers
Review hormone therapy practices: counsel menopausal patients on the evolving risk/benefit landscape given the FDA label changes.
Begin or intensify flu-vaccine outreach: remind patients that flu season is underway and holiday gatherings increase risk.
With pertussis surging in Texas, ensure Tdap vaccination for adolescents and pregnant patients; reinforce cough-illness protocols and infant protection strategies.
For patient and caregiver education: highlight pneumonia risks in vulnerable populations (young children, older adults, chronic illness) and encourage vaccination (e.g., pneumococcal, influenza).
Maintain awareness of global alerts—especially travel-related risk exposures—for influenza, Japanese encephalitis, Candida auris, and antimicrobial-resistant organisms.
Ensure high-risk patients (infants especially) are not exposed to the recalled infant formula—check feeding history and counsel parents accordingly.
