An outbreak of measles at a Florida elementary school has confirmed six cases

Measles virus. Mother holding tiny baby foot with red rash, closeup – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Prostock-studio A measles epidemic at the Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida, has resulted in six cases of the disease. In a letter sent to nearby medical professionals on Friday, the Florida Department of Health in Broward

CDC map shows flu season gaining traction in Florida

Doctor holding pen card that states “flu season ahead” – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Inna Kot The spread of COVID-19 is decreasing, but the flu season is still in its early stages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed new data on Friday that indicates an increase in influenza activity in numerous U.S.

Three years’ worth of COVID data must be made public by Florida’s health officials

COVID-19 Vaccine Card – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by vovidzha A government watchdog organization declared Monday that the Florida Department of Health was required, as part of a settlement, to reveal three years’ worth of comprehensive COVID-19 data. The Florida Department of Health is required to provide COVID data on its website for the following

Five deaths from ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria have been reported by Florida officials in Tampa Bay since January

Flesh-eating bacteria found on in Tampa Bay (Not pictured); No Swimming Advisory Sign On Beach – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Jean Faucett According to Florida officials, five people have been proven deceased in the Tampa Bay area as a result of a flesh-eating bacteria that is known to lurk near beaches. The vibrio vulnificus

According to the CDC, Leprosy can be endemic in the Sunshine State

Close-up view of bacteria that causes leprosy – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Photo By Kateryna Kon Increasing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that leprosy, commonly known as Hansen’s disease, is spreading endemic in the Southeast United States.   According to a recent research letter from the CDC, 81 percent of cases recorded

Flesh-eating bacteria on Florida beaches? Seaweed-plastic blend raises issues, according to a study

Stinky Seaweed Covering Florida – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by nomis_h According to a professor of coastal science at Florida International University who spoke to Local 10 News in March, this summer may see the biggest bloom of Sargassum, or thick, brown, tangled lumps of seaweed, on South Florida beaches. The seaweed that has washed

5,000-mile-wide blob of seaweed can make beachgoers sick

Sargassum (seaweed) pollution — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Bret Reyes Seaweed blobs that smell terrible are already washing up on Florida’s shores. According to Brian Lapointe, a research professor at Florida Atlantic University, they’ve “already seen some of this arriving in Key West.” It’s not simply smelly, he claimed. As more wash up on the shore,

Deadly fungal infection spreading at alarming rate throughout Florida

Lab tech testing fungal infection in petri dish – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by angellodeco A dangerous fungus that preys on patients with serious medical issues is spreading throughout hospitals and other healthcare institutions, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue an alert. The fungus kills 30–60 percent of those who contract

Oysters sold at Publix and other Florida retailers are associated with a widespread norovirus outbreak

Oysters – Courtesy: Image by Plateresca from Shutterstock A recent norovirus outbreak related to raw oysters sold in Florida and seven other states is being looked into, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Thursday, 211 norovirus cases had been reported in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and

Florida judge will decide whether to block 15-week abortion ban law

Abortion Protest at Supreme Court – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Wild 2 Free The Sunshine State’s new law that prohibits abortions after the 15-week mark is at the center of a hearing on Monday. A judge from Leon County, Florida will decide on granting a temporary injunction, therefore blocking the law from going into