National Updates
Mississippi Declares Public Health Emergency Over Infant Mortality
Mississippi’s infant death rate rose to 9.7 per 1,000 live births in 2024, highest in over a decade. Key issues include healthcare access, poverty, and racial disparities. The state has also cut staffing for crucial maternal health data-collection programs. Midland Reporter-Telegram+1
Secretary Kennedy Appoints New Members to CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. has added five new experts to the vaccine advisory committee. The panel will review guidance for several vaccines (e.g. MMRV, COVID-19, hepatitis B). Some public health voices express concern about panel independence and vaccine policy direction. Reuters
Texas Updates
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Marks 2 Years of Maternal & Infant Health Initiative
BCBSTX is celebrating two years of its Special Beginnings® Maternal & Infant Health Initiative. Over that time, it has invested more than $10.2 million in 16 community partners to improve care access, education, and reduce disparity gaps for mothers and infants statewide. PR Newswire
New Packaging Rules for Kids’ Toothpaste Amid Fluoride Concerns
Colgate-Palmolive is updating its toothpaste packaging, following concerns from the Texas Attorney General, to depict safe, pea-sized amounts of fluoride for children under six. Changes begin November 1, 2025, first affecting online visuals and subsequently in-store products. Reuters
Ozone Action Day Issued for Dallas-Fort Worth Area
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has declared an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth region today (Tuesday) due to elevated ozone levels. Sensitive groups (asthmatics, elderly, children) should limit outdoor activities. Star-Telegram
Global Health Alerts
Ebola Outbreak in Kasai Province, DRC Intensifies
The Kasai Province outbreak now has at least 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths. Remote regions and limited infrastructure complicate containment and response. Vaccination and support efforts are ongoing. Midland Reporter-Telegram+1
Rise in West Nile Virus Cases
U.S. human West Nile virus cases are approximately 40% above typical levels for this period. Over 770 cases reported, several in Texas, with ~490 severe cases. Prevention via mosquito control and personal protection is strongly advised. Midland Reporter-Telegram+1
Clinical Tips for Providers
- Emphasize maternal and infant health resources; refer patients to BCBSTX’s initiative or similar local programs.
- For parents, explain safe fluoride usage in children; monitor packaging of dental products.
- Alert sensitive patients in DFW about outdoor ozone; schedule appointments accordingly.
- In Texas, be vigilant for West Nile symptoms; advise protective measures.
- Support patients with travel or contact ties to DRC by screening for Ebola-relevant symptoms.
