National Updates
U.S. Federal Government Officially Shuts Down
At 12:01 a.m. EDT, the federal government ceased many operations after Congress failed to enact a continuing resolution. Some essential services (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security) continue, but agencies like NIH, CDC, and WIC face large furloughs. Reuters+2Reuters+2
FDA Delays Expected During Shutdown
While 86% of FDA staff may remain on duty, new drug applications and non-urgent functions are being suspended until funding resumes. BioSpace
Texas Updates
West Nile Cases Surge — Public Still Unaware
West Nile virus infections in the U.S. have risen ~40% this year, yet public awareness and correct insect repellent use remain low. cidrap.umn.edu
First Human West Nile Case in Texas Confirmed
Williamson County has already had a confirmed case of neuroinvasive West Nile disease earlier this year. wcchd.org
Global Health Alerts
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Brazil Poultry
Brazil recorded its first HPAI outbreak in a commercial poultry breeder farm in Rio Grande do Sul in 2025. Mortality was ~92%, prompting movement restrictions and culling. arXiv
Clinical Tips for Providers
Expect major disruptions in federal public health services; safety net programs may be delayed — plan accordingly.
Delay non-urgent FDA submissions until funding returns.
Increase mosquito-borne disease vigilance: actively counsel on repellent use, screening in symptomatic patients.
Monitor patients with travel or exposure history to affected regions (e.g. Brazil poultry areas) for influenza-like symptoms.
