South Carolina Measles Outbreak Slows as Cases Approach 1,000

• Combination therapy of ixekizumab and tirzepatide yields better results in psoriatic arthritis patients compared to ixekizumab alone, per recent medical research. • This finding advances treatment options for the chronic inflammatory condition affecting joints and skin. • Updated clinical approaches could enhance patient quality of life and disease management.

• Family caregivers in Florida deliver an estimated $81 billion worth of unpaid care each year, according to a new AARP survey. • This substantial economic contribution underscores the vital role informal caregivers play in the state's health system. • Policymakers may consider support measures to address caregiver burden and sustain this workforce.

• US measles cases climbed to 1,671 as of April 6, 2026, with 96 new infections reported in the past week, the vast majority in Utah according to the CDC weekly update. • All but 10 cases are linked to 32 states and New York City, with 94% associated with 17 outbreaks including one new outbreak of three or more related cases. • The number of affected states increased by one this week, highlighting ongoing transmission risks amid declining vaccination rates.

• Oklahoma reports 1,218 heart-related deaths per 100,000 residents annually, substantially higher than the U.S. national rate of 920 deaths per 100,000, according to research from Compare the Market. • Heart and vascular diseases rank as Oklahoma's leading cause of death, followed by cancer, accidents and injuries, and respiratory diseases. • America's Health Rankings data shows 11.4% of Oklahoma adults have been told by health professionals they are at risk for cardiovascular disease, placing the state at 43rd out of 50 in cardiovascular risk awareness.

• America's Health Rankings places Tennessee among the bottom ten states for multiple key cardiovascular health indicators, ranking 43rd in high blood pressure prevalence and 45th in high cholesterol rates. • The state's poor cardiovascular health rankings reflect broader public health challenges affecting disease prevention and chronic disease management. • These metrics indicate Tennessee residents face elevated risk for heart disease and related complications compared to national benchmarks.

• CDC reports released in February 2026 show U.S. childhood and teen obesity rates have reached record levels, marking a significant public health concern for younger populations. • The same reports indicate adult obesity rates appear to be plateauing or slowing their growth trajectory, suggesting different demographic trends across age groups. • The findings underscore ongoing disparities in metabolic health across generations and highlight the need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

• Calls to U.S. poison control centers involving kratom use have increased 1,231% over the past decade, according to a new weekly report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • The dramatic rise reflects growing kratom consumption among Americans and emerging safety concerns related to the botanical substance. • The trend highlights the need for increased public awareness and clinical guidance regarding kratom's potential health risks and interactions.

• The American Heart Association released a warning that 60% of US women are projected to develop cardiovascular disease by 2050, reflecting trends in aging populations and risk factor prevalence. • The projection underscores disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes between men and women and highlights the growing public health burden of heart disease. • This forecast emphasizes the need for enhanced prevention strategies, early intervention programs, and targeted health policy initiatives focused on women's cardiovascular health.

• Jefferson Abington hospital closed its behavioral health unit to accommodate overflow from the emergency department, citing capacity pressures. • The facility will continue providing crisis services and outpatient behavioral health through alternative arrangements, ensuring continuity of care for patients. • The closure reflects broader challenges in the healthcare system regarding bed capacity, mental health service demand, and emergency department overcrowding.

• A Philadelphia cancer patient who had exhausted conventional treatment options was kept alive using a novel T-cell therapy developed and administered at Rutgers Health. • The case represents a breakthrough application of immunotherapy, offering hope to patients facing terminal cancer diagnoses with limited options. • The success demonstrates the therapeutic potential of advanced cellular therapies and highlights Rutgers Health's role in pioneering cutting-edge cancer treatment innovations.

• American Medical Association research reveals that over 80% of physicians are integrating AI tools into their clinical practices, reflecting widespread adoption across the medical profession. • Doctors express both optimism about AI's potential benefits and concerns about implementation, emphasizing the importance of physician involvement in AI development and deployment. • The survey highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence in modern medicine while underscoring the need for continued physician oversight and ethical governance.

• The US measles caseload climbed to 1,671 infections with nearly 100 new cases reported in the past week, according to the CDC's weekly update, with the vast majority occurring in Utah. • Utah recorded 73 new measles cases this week and 142 new cases over the past three weeks, bringing the state's 2026 total to 362 cases compared with 197 for all of 2025. • The outbreak spans 32 states and New York City, with 94% of confirmed cases linked to one of 17 outbreaks; Arizona has 71 total cases, Florida has 129, and Texas has 175 cases.