Today’s key public health alerts for the United States include updates on infectious disease activity, the ongoing impact of the federal government shutdown on health services, important changes in food safety and animal health, as well as practical advice for flu season preparedness.

ProMED reports that norovirus outbreaks are persisting, including a recent large outbreak on a cruise ship off Florida, highlighting continued risk for gastrointestinal illness, particularly in group environments like travel and childcare facilities. The CDC continues to urge handwashing, surface disinfection, and prompt isolation of symptomatic individuals to prevent spread.

An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in patients at a rehabilitation center in Illinois has been linked to contamination in a cooling tower, according to ProMED. Listeners in high-risk groups such as older adults or those with chronic lung conditions should be aware that Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, standing water. Prompt reporting of respiratory symptoms after staying in such facilities is advised.

With the annual fall migration, avian influenza H5N1 activity is again rising in US commercial poultry, according to DLA Piper. More than 585,000 turkeys were culled in the last month in the Midwest, with South Dakota being described as the epicenter for this autumn’s bird flu wave. South Dakota State Veterinarian Beth Thompson noted that wild birds are confirmed as carriers this year, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture confirmed H5N1 affecting a commercial egg facility with over three million hens. Health authorities remind listeners to avoid handling dead or sick birds and not to consume undercooked eggs or poultry.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health recently issued an alert after two indoor cats died from eating commercially available raw pet food, according to DLA Piper. The FDA is currently investigating the implicated product. Pet owners are advised to avoid feeding raw meat diets and watch for sudden illness in pets, especially cats.

According to the University at Buffalo, the ongoing federal government shutdown is beginning to affect key public health services. Community health centers, outreach programs for Medicaid and special diabetes initiatives, and funding for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are all at risk. By the end of October, millions of WIC recipients could face benefit disruptions if Congress does not act. Health insurance premiums for marketplace plans are expected to rise steeply, with the Congressional Budget Office projecting that up to 4 million Americans could lose coverage if increases take effect. Notices of rising premiums will be sent out in the coming days, with open enrollment for 2026 beginning November 1.

The 2025-2026 US flu season is off to a quiet start, but experts such as William Schaffner, MD, at Vanderbilt University warn that this quiet period may be deceptive, as flu activity is expected to rise rapidly. High-risk listeners include adults over 65, children under 2, pregnant people, and anyone with chronic conditions. Nearly everyone aged 6 months and older should get a flu shot this month, preferably before the end of October, according to the CDC and the American Academy of Family Physicians. New this season, listeners in many states can use the FluMist Home service to receive intranasal vaccines shipped directly to their home for self-administration or caregiver administration for children. Over-the-counter COVID-19 and flu combo rapid tests are also now widely available. However, the CDC recommends repeat testing if you get negative results but have symptoms.

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