National Updates
Government Shutdown Impact Deepens
On Day 3 of the federal shutdown, 41% of HHS staff, including much of the CDC, remain furloughed. Disease surveillance and outbreak response capacity are increasingly limited. Medicare and Medicaid continue, but new public health initiatives are paused. (reuters.com)
Drug Pricing Pressure Continues
After Trump’s call for voluntary U.S. drug price cuts, AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly pledged reductions. Other drugmakers remain in negotiation, raising uncertainty about timelines for relief. (politico.com)
Texas Updates
West Nile Virus Activity Grows
Texas reports 41 confirmed human West Nile cases in 2025, with highest activity in Central and North Texas. Residents are urged to use mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water. (cdc.gov)
Screwworm Surveillance Intensifies at Border
Following the case in Sabinas Hidalgo, Mexico (~70 miles south of Laredo), Texas animal health officials continue heightened surveillance in livestock. No human or Texas animal cases confirmed. (chron.com)
Global Health Alerts
Ebola Outbreak in DRC’s Kasai Province
The outbreak has reached 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths. WHO is assisting with vaccination and containment strategies. Remote geography remains a barrier to rapid control. (who.int)
Avian Influenza in Brazil Raises Concerns
Brazil’s highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in Rio Grande do Sul continues under monitoring. With ~92% poultry mortality in the affected farm, public health agencies remain alert for zoonotic transmission risk. (arxiv.org)
Clinical Tips for Providers
Anticipate patient concerns over care continuity during the shutdown—reassure Medicare/Medicaid stability.
Emphasize mosquito-bite prevention in patient education amid rising West Nile activity in Texas.
Advise ranchers on livestock wound checks and prompt reporting for screwworm suspicion.
Screen for febrile illness in travelers from DRC (Ebola) or Brazil (avian flu risk).
