US Health News This Week: Flu Season Starts, Measles Passes 4,800 Cases, New Ebola Travel Rule and What to Do (November 2026)
Last updated: November 1, 2026. This roundup summarizes the main US health news of the past week and gives practical steps for each. The figures come from the sources linked at the end of the post and change quickly, so check the CDC and your state health department for the latest numbers before making decisions.
This Week at a Glance
Story | Latest reported figure | Source and timing |
Flu | First pediatric flu death of the 2026-27 season reported; forecasts point to rising hospital admissions and emergency visits through the week ending Nov 14 | CDC FluView, week ending Oct 24 |
Measles | More than 4,800 confirmed cases in 2026; 12th straight week of triple-digit increases | CIDRAP, this week |
Ebola travel rule | Health attestation required for US-bound international flights from Nov 3; scheduled to run to Dec 18 | CDC order as reported by Time News, Oct 30 |
Antibiotic resistance | Drug-resistant bacteria and fungi cause 9.7 million infections and 50,800 US deaths a year | CDC report highlighted by CIDRAP this week |
Foodborne outbreaks | New Salmonella investigation with 59 cases and no source identified yet | FDA investigation added Oct 28, via a weekly public health roundup |
Hospital glucose meters | Manufacturer updated use instructions for a hospital glucose meter system | FDA device news, Oct 30 |
Flu Season 2026-27 Has Begun
The CDC's weekly flu report for the week ending October 24 says the first influenza-associated pediatric death of the 2026-27 season has been reported. The death occurred in early October and was associated with influenza A(H1N1). The CDC also said it is too early to know which flu viruses will dominate this season or what that means for vaccine effectiveness. Its forecasts predict a likely national rise in flu hospital admissions and emergency department visits for the week ending November 14.
What to do:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this season's flu vaccine. The CDC recommends yearly flu vaccination for most people aged 6 months and older, and protection takes about two weeks to build.
Wash hands often, cover coughs, and stay home when you have a fever.
If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue), contact a clinician early if you are at higher risk. Prescription flu antiviral medicines work best when started within about 48 hours of symptoms.
People at higher risk of complications include young children, adults over 65, pregnant people, and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems.
If you have asthma or COPD, see our rescue inhaler guide: [Albuterol (Ventolin/ProAir): Complete 2026 Guide]
If you are on chemotherapy or immunotherapy, infections can become serious quickly. See: [Cancer Treatment Side Effects: Complete 2026 Management Guide]
CDC weekly flu report: https://cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-42.html
Measles Keeps Climbing
CIDRAP reports that US measles cases have topped 4,800 in 2026, the 12th straight week of triple-digit increases. Pennsylvania is described as the current hot spot, with 88 new cases in the latest week, followed closely by Wisconsin, which has 392 total cases. Minnesota has reached its highest total in 36 years, and Kentucky and Indiana also have large case counts.
Earlier CDC data put the national count at 4,588 as of October 22, already about double the 2,289 cases recorded in all of 2025. The CDC says 96% of cases are outbreak-associated, and CIDRAP reports that 96% of confirmed cases are in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. The Pan American Health Organization's review of the US measles elimination status is scheduled for November.
What to do:
Check that you and your children are up to date on the MMR vaccine. Two doses are about 97% effective against measles; one dose is about 93%.
Measles starts with fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, followed by a rash a few days later. It spreads easily through the air and can be contagious before the rash appears.
If you suspect measles, call your clinic or emergency department before going in, so staff can protect other patients.
Infants too young for vaccination, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems are at particular risk. Ask your doctor what applies to you.
CIDRAP measles update: https://cidrap.umn.edu/measles/us-measles-cases-top-4800-disease-surges-multiple-states
New CDC Rule for International Flights to the US
Beginning November 3, 2026, every passenger boarding an international flight to the United States must sign a health attestation confirming no recent presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in response to a Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak that Time News reports has passed 10,000 confirmed cases. The requirement is scheduled to run until December 18, 2026. US citizens who visited Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days, without visiting the DRC, are directed to enter through designated screening hubs at Washington Dulles, Atlanta, or New York JFK. Domestic-only travel is not covered. Airline industry groups have asked the CDC to delay the start date, so confirm the current status before you travel.
What to do:
If you are flying to the US, expect to answer the attestation at check-in and answer it accurately.
If you have traveled to an affected area and develop fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding within 21 days, call a healthcare provider before arriving and tell them your travel history.
For most travelers and residents, the risk of Ebola in the US is very low, but the CDC rules are worth following.
Details of the order: https://time.news/cdc-issues-new-health-rule-for-us-bound-flights/
Drug-Resistant Infections: Why Antibiotics Are Not for Viruses
A CDC report highlighted by CIDRAP this week says drug-resistant bacteria and fungi cause 9.7 million infections and 50,800 US deaths a year. Resistance grows when antibiotics are used when they are not needed, or when courses are not completed as prescribed.
What to do:
Antibiotics do not work against viruses such as flu, colds, and measles. Do not ask for them, or take leftover tablets, for a viral illness.
Take antibiotics only when prescribed, at the prescribed dose and for the full course unless your clinician tells you otherwise.
Never share antibiotics.
See our antibiotic guide: [Azithromycin (Z-Pak): Uses, Dosage and Complete Antibiotic Guide]
Foodborne Outbreaks to Watch
A weekly public health roundup citing FDA and CDC lists several ongoing investigations, including a new Salmonella Javiana outbreak added on October 28 with 59 reported cases and no identified food source yet, Salmonella linked to raw oysters harvested in Virginia (28 cases in 12 states), E. coli and Salmonella linked to alfalfa sprouts (76 cases in 16 states as of October 1), and E. coli O26 linked to raw milk cheese (13 cases in nine states as of September 25).
What to do:
Wash hands, cook meat and eggs thoroughly, and keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate.
Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems are generally advised to avoid raw sprouts, raw shellfish, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Check FDA and CDC recall notices for products you have bought, and follow recall instructions.
Quick Action Checklist
Situation | Practical step |
You have not had a flu shot this season | Ask a doctor or pharmacist about vaccination this month |
You or your child have missed MMR doses | Check vaccination records and ask your clinician about catching up |
You have fever, cough and a new rash | Call your clinic before visiting so staff can limit exposure |
You are flying to the US from abroad | Be ready to complete the CDC health attestation; check for changes first |
You are tempted to take leftover antibiotics for a cold or flu | Do not; antibiotics do not treat viruses and misuse drives resistance |
You are in a high-risk group for flu | Contact your clinician early if you develop flu symptoms |
You bought a recalled food product | Stop using it and follow the recall instructions |
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, seizures, a very high fever that does not come down, signs of dehydration, or any worrying symptom in an infant or young child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flu season starting in the US in 2026?
Yes. The CDC's report for the week ending October 24, 2026 noted the first influenza-associated pediatric death of the 2026-27 season, and CDC forecasts predict a likely national increase in flu hospital admissions and emergency department visits for the week ending November 14. The CDC says it is too early to know which flu viruses will dominate this season.
How many measles cases are there in the US in 2026?
CIDRAP reports more than 4,800 confirmed cases, with 12 straight weeks of triple-digit increases. The CDC reported 4,588 cases as of October 22, about double the 2,289 cases recorded in all of 2025. About 96% of cases are in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin currently have the largest outbreaks.
What is the new CDC rule for international flights to the US?
From November 3, 2026, passengers boarding international flights to the US must sign a health attestation confirming no recent presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in response to an Ebola outbreak. The order is scheduled to run until December 18, 2026. Some US citizens who visited Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days are directed to enter through screening hubs at Dulles, Atlanta, or New York JFK. Airline groups have asked for a delay, so check for updates.
How can I protect myself from flu and measles?
Get this season's flu vaccine, make sure you and your children are up to date on MMR (two doses are about 97% effective against measles), wash hands often, stay home when ill, and call ahead before visiting a clinic if you suspect measles. People at higher risk should contact a clinician early if they develop symptoms.
Do antibiotics help with flu or measles?
No. Flu and measles are viral infections, and antibiotics do not treat viruses. Using antibiotics when they are not needed contributes to drug resistance, which the CDC links to 9.7 million infections and 50,800 US deaths a year. Take antibiotics only when prescribed for a bacterial infection.
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