Rural Health
News by Topic: Infectious diseases
HHS: Termination of Declaration Authorizing Emergency Use of Drug and Biological Products During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Federal Register
Jul 2, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) terminating the March 27, 2020, declaration authorizing the emergency use of drugs and biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 29, 2026, the HHS Secretary determined that the circumstances no longer exist justifying this authorization of emergency use of drugs and biological products. The termination of the declaration is effective June 29, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
HHS: Termination of Three Declarations Authorizing Emergency Use of Medical Devices During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Federal Register
Jul 2, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) terminating three declarations that authorized the emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2; personal respiratory protective devices during the COVID-19 outbreak; and medical devices, including alternative products used as medical devices. On June 29, 2026, the HHS Secretary determined that the circumstances no longer exist justifying the emergency use of these medical devices. These declarations are terminated effective December 26, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 12, 2026 - Announces that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have activated a level 3 emergency response for the recently detected New World Screwworm infections in Texas and New Mexico. Notes that humans working with livestock are at risk, though the current risk to the public remains low. Offers guidance to healthcare providers who suspect a potential human infestation.
Source: CDC Newsroom
HHS: Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS
Federal Register
Jun 11, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking nominations for membership on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). PACHA was established to provide advice, information, and recommendations to the Secretary regarding programs, policies, and research to promote effective treatment, prevention and cure of HIV and AIDS, including considering common comorbidities, as needed to promote effective HIV diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and quality care services. Nominations are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 9, 2026 - A new bill has been proposed aiming to expand veterinary care in rural and tribal communities. Describes the increase in animal-related injury and zoonotic diseases for communities with limited access to veterinary care.
Source: Brownfield Ag News
May 22, 2026 - Discusses the current H5N1 risks in the U.S. for farmworkers and others. Discusses use of personal protective equipment and the role of public health departments in building community trust for improved reporting and prevention efforts.
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine News
May 12, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection project titled "National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Respiratory Data." The NHSN Respiratory Data collection provides situational awareness of the impact of respiratory diseases including information about COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Proposed revisions include the addition, modification, or removal of certain questions and the adjustment of burden to more accurately reflect the time needed to respond to the NHSN modules. Comments are due by July 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register