Public Health Alerts
Published by NEJM Evidence in collaboration with CIDRAP, Public Health Alerts are brief reports that inform public health officials, clinicians, policymakers, and the public of important and emerging health issues. Freely available on both the NEJM Evidence site and here, these reports are published on a rapid review track in support of efforts to make timely decisions for the medical community and public health.
For more information, read the news release and NEJM Evidence editorial on the launch.
Latest Reports
Andes hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, 2026
Three of the 10 patients described in the report died, and 2 of the other 7 remain hospitalized after infection with the Andes strain of the virus.
(May 20, 2026; related CIDRAP News story)
Intramuscular immunoglobulin for measles postexposure prophylaxis
Since the successful administration of immunoglobulin to prevent infection in these 11 babies, local officials have reported at least 60 additional infants who were similarly treated.
(May 13, 2026; related CIDRAP News story)
Detection of a single measles infection using untargeted ultra-deep metagenomic sequencing of wastewater in Cook County, Illinois
The detection of measles RNA appeared to capture a single case within a population of more than 1 million people and high wastewater flow.
(Apr 30, 2026; related CIDRAP News story)
Emergence of medetomidine in New York's illicit drug supply
From mid-2024 through 2025, the sedative was identified in 25.1% of opioid samples analyzed, with a monthly peak of 44.1% in May 2025.
(Apr 10, 2026; related CIDRAP News story)
Tobacco product use among US adults, 2023-2024
Cigarette smoking declined from 10.8% to 9.9%, while the use of other tobacco products remained unchanged; 18.8% used at least one product.
(Mar 10, 2026; related CIDRAP News story)
Antibodies elicited by the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine
Findings show that the current flu vaccine produces antibodies that efficiently recognize subclade K in 39% of recipients.
(Feb 25, 2026; related CIDRAP News story)
Multistate infant botulism outbreak associated with powdered infant formula
Investigators detail a clear link between illness in dozens of infants and exposure to ByHeart powdered infant formula.
(Feb 25, 2026; related CIDRAP News story)
Paenibacillus dendritiformis as a cause of destructive meningitis in infants
Two US infants developed severe neurologic symptoms after infection with Paenibacillus dendritiformis, raising awareness of an emerging infectious disease threat.
(Feb 3, 2026; related CIDRAP News story)
Seasonal influenza activity, vaccination rates, and pediatric influenza mortality, Massachusetts, 2024-2025
The percentage of visits for influenza-like illness peaked at almost 12% in early February, a record high, and deaths totaled 441 for the season, including 10 deaths in children.
(Jan 16, 2026; related CIDRAP News story)
Detection of community transmission of clade Ib mpox virus in the United States
In October 2025, clade Ib mpox virus infection was confirmed in 3 unvaccinated hospitalized men in California who had not traveled internationally.
(Dec 17, 2025; related CIDRAP News story)
Influenza virus characteristics in the Department of Defense populations, 2024-2025
Report describes the influenza viruses circulating during the 2024-25 flu season in the US.
(Dec 17, 2025; related CIDRAP News story)
