New CDC chief picked without medical credentials as vaccine panel faces shake-up

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/29 1:11A AP via Scripps News Group

The nations top public health agency was left reeling Thursday as the White House worked to expel the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director and replace her with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 's current deputy. The turmoil...

HHS Secretary Kennedy targets causes of autism, report due next month

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/28 5:11A Justin Boggs

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said his department's report investigating an increase in autism rates will be released next month. "We have will announcements as promised in September, finding interventions, certain...

New Mexico health officials report first case of human plague for 2025

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/27 9:14A Scripps News Group

New Mexico health officials said Monday it has identified its first human case of the plague in the state this year. The case was confirmed in a 43-year-old man from Valencia County, who had recently gone camping in Rio Arriba County, according...

FDA approves updated COVID-19 shots but limits access for some kids and adults

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/27 7:49A AP via Scripps News Group

U.S. regulators approved updated COVID-19 shots Wednesday but limited their use for many Americans and removed one of the two vaccines available for young children. The new shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are approved for all seniors. But...

Cases of flesh-eating bacteria are on the rise. Here's why

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/27 7:09A Scripps News Group

Cases of flesh-eating bacteria are increasing across U.S. coastal areas, with infections spreading beyond their traditional Gulf Coast boundaries as climate change warms ocean waters. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and...

Malaria case in New Jersey resident raises concern of local transmission

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/21 5:02A Scripps News Group

A New Jersey resident with no history of international travel has been infected with malaria, state health officials said. The New Jersey Department of Health said the person may have been infected by a mosquito in the state. If confirmed, it...

RFK Jr. alleges big pharma behind AAP’s COVID vaccine guidance for children

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/20 6:04A Justin Boggs

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy has accused the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) of engaging in a "pay-to-play scheme" after the organization released updated guidance on childhood COVID-19 vaccines. For decades, the...

Upcoming White House health report stirs debate over kids’ diets, medicine, and food ads

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/20 4:31A Joe St. George

The White House is expected to release its latest Make America Healthy Again report soon, perhaps within days, with a focus on how to improve children's health. The recommendations are being written in part by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and...

Texas declares end to measles outbreak that killed 2 children

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/19 4:47A Scripps News Group

Texas health officials have declared an end to a measles outbreak that killed two school-aged children. The Texas Department of State Health Services said it has been more than 40 days since a new case was reported in any of the counties that...

AAP's immunization schedule diverges from CDC, emphasizes COVID-19 vaccination for young children

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/19 4:43A Justin Boggs

Months after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised its recommended childhood immunization schedule, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its own immunization schedule on Tuesday. The AAP's recommendations include notable...

Kellogg says it will remove artificial dyes from cereals by the end of 2027

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/18 3:14A AP via Scripps News Group

WK Kellogg Co. plans to remove artificial dyes from its breakfast cereals in the next two and a half years, according to the company and the attorney general of Texas. The maker of Froot Loops and Apple Jacks gave the timeline as U.S. food...

Rabbits with 'horns' in Colorado are being called 'Frankenstein bunnies.' Here's why

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/14 4:10A AP via Scripps News Group

A group of rabbits in Colorado with grotesque, hornlike growths may seem straight out of a low-budget horror film, but scientists say there's no reason to be spooked the furry creatures merely have a relatively common virus. The cottontails...

DermaRite recalls soap products over risk of potentially deadly sepsis infection

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/12 9:27A Scripps News Group

DermaRite Industries has voluntarily recalled a range of soaps and cleaning products due to the presence of contamination that may cause life-threatening sepsis infections. The recall applies to certain antiseptic soaps and analgesics sold as...

Company says its natural kratom products are safe from FDA regulations

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/12 6:26A Justin Boggs

After the Food and Drug Administration announced a crackdown on kratom-based products, at least one company says its items are safe and should remain legal. Botanic Tonics, which makes Feel Free shots that can be added to smoothies, juices, and...

Doctor's office surprise: New fee for asking questions

News 5 Cleveland (Your Health Matters) 8/11 1:10A John Matarese

Seeking medical advice during routine checkups? With some doctors, you may now face unexpected charges if your ask questions beyond the scope of your annual physical. When Whittney Darnell went for her annual physical, she was surprised by a sign...