CDC Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Washington And Oregon Among States With Longest Life Expectancy, But Pandemic Hurt

By Tom Banse September 2, 2022

Many of the best states for life expectancy of a child born in 2020 were in the American West

Washington and Oregon rank in the top ten states for the longest life expectancy, according to new numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The high rankings come with the caveat that the pandemic has thrown lengthening human lifespans into reverse across the U.S. Read More

Vaccines For Kids Ages 5 To 11

By NWPB News November 4, 2021

Emergency authorization for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 was given last week by the CDC. Parents of kids that age have lots of questions. Continue Reading Vaccines For Kids Ages 5 To 11Read More

The U.S. Bans Importing Dogs From 113 Countries After Rise In False Rabies Records

By NPR News June 14, 2021

The infectious and contagious rabies virus, shown here in a colorized micrograph, can be transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Thanks to protective vaccination of pets, rabies was eliminated from the U.S. dog population in 2007, though a bite from infected bats, skunks and raccoons can still transmit the virus. CREDIT: Biophoto Associates/Science Source

The U.S. is banning the importation of dogs from more than 100 countries for at least a year because of a sharp increase in the number of puppies imported into the country with fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates. Continue Read More

Half Of All U.S. Adults Are Now Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

By NPR News May 25, 2021

Maryland National Guard Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead greets soldiers last week at a mobile vaccine clinic in Wheaton, Md.

The U.S. COVID-19 vaccination program has gone from zero to 50% in less than six months. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Biden administration said, half of the country's adults are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Continue Reading Read More

Early CDC Coronavirus Test Came With Inconsistent Instructions, Cost U.S. Weeks

By NPR News May 21, 2021

The CDC's early coronavirus test was poorly designed and it also came with problematic instructions, NPR has learned. CREDIT: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images

A flawed coronavirus test distributed by government scientists early in the pandemic was poorly designed and came with erroneous instructions that made it doubly difficult for labs to rely on the test's results, new records show. The shortcomings of the test kits cost the nation precious weeks as officials sought to detect virus hotspots and manage the outbreak. Read More

Even With No-Mask Guidance, Some Places Like Washington’s King County Aren’t Ready To Let Go

By NPR News May 20, 2021

Darren Ford (left) reacts to the new mask guideline while presenting his vaccine card at Liberty Theatre on May 14 in Camas, Wash. Gov. Jay Inslee announced last Thursday that the statewide mask mandate would no longer apply to fully vaccinated adults. Nathan Howard/Getty Images

As more states shed their universal mask mandates for those who are vaccinated, many Americans are weighing how much faith to put in the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in the integrity of their unvaccinated peers, who are supposed to follow the rules and keep wearing masks. Read More

Confused By CDC’s Latest Mask Guidance? Here’s What We’ve Learned

By NWPB News May 15, 2021

A discarded disposable face mask on a storm sewer grate along with other detritus on Penn Ave in West Reading September 14, 2020. (Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)

The shift in guidance was a dramatic reversal from the country's top public health agency, which has been criticized for being too conservative (and convoluted) in its earlier guidelines for those who are vaccinated. The latest changes have left a lot of people with a lot of questions, which NPR's science, health and education reporters are here to answer. Read More

CDC: Fully Vaccinated People Can Stop Wearing Masks Indoors And Outdoors, With Some Exceptions

By NPR News May 13, 2021

President Biden arrives with Vice President Harris to discuss the CDC's new mask guidance in the Rose Garden of the White House on Thursday. CREDIT: Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that fully vaccinated adults can safely resume activities indoors or outdoors without masks or distancing, in gatherings large or small. The announcement marks a major milestone in the effort to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. Read More

Judge Strikes Down Federal Eviction Moratorium, Setting Up High-Stakes Appeal

By NPR News May 5, 2021

Protesters call for stronger eviction protections in January in Sacramento, Calif. A federal appeals court will now decide whether to scrap a federal eviction moratorium from the CDC. Housing groups say renters need more time to qualify for and get rental assistance money. CREDIT: Rich Pedroncelli/AP

A federal judge has issued a sweeping ruling that would revoke a pandemic eviction moratorium put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Continue Reading Judge Strikes Down Federal Eviction Moratorium, Setting Read More

TSA Extends Mask Mandate Aboard Flights Through Summer As Travel Increases

By NPR News May 1, 2021

Travelers wear face masks in the main terminal of Denver International Airport on Dec. 31, 2020. Starting Feb. 1, travelers will be required to wear face masks on nearly all forms of public transportation. CREDIT: David Zalubowski/AP

The federal mask mandate, which was set to expire on May 11, will remain in effect through Sept. 13, according to updated guidance issued by the Transportation Security Administration on Friday. Continue Reading TSA Extends Mask Read More

CDC Says If You’re Fully Vaccinated, You Don’t Need To Mask Outdoors (Unless You’re In A Crowd)

By NPR News April 27, 2021

People walking in a park some wearing masks

The CDC says people who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask when they're outdoors, unless they're in a crowd, such as attending a live performance, sporting event or parade. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after the single dose Johnson & Johnson shot. Read More

U.S. Lifts Pause In Use Of J&J Vaccine After Vote By Expert Panel

By NPR News April 23, 2021

Bottles of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine await transfer into syringes for administering last month in Los Angeles. CREDIT: Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday after the panel voted that the vaccine is safe and effective at preventing COVID-19, and its benefits outweigh the known risks. Continue Reading Read More

More Than Half Of U.S. Adults Have Gotten At Least One COVID-19 Vaccine Dose

By NPR News April 19, 2021

Dr. Preetma Kooner, left, and registered nurse Emily Beedle, right, talk on March 13, 2021 as the first patients arrive at the mass vaccination site at Lumen Field Event Center in Seattle. More people will be eligible for the vaccine as of March 31. CREDIT: Megan Farmer/KUOW

After a year of grim milestones, Sunday marked a hopeful statistic in America's fight against the coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of all American adults have now gotten at least one vaccine dose. Read More

What You Need To Know: 6 Reported Blood Clot Cases In 7 Million From Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

By NPR News April 14, 2021

syringe going into a vial of COVID-19 vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the blood clots are extremely rare but that it is reviewing the cases. The agency says it expects this pause to last for "a matter of days." Continue Reading What Read More

U.S. Recommends Pausing Use Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Over Blood Clot Concerns

By NPR News April 13, 2021

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, shown here in a hospital in Denver. CREDIT: David Zalubowski/AP

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday they are recommending a "pause" in the use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine out of an "abundance of caution" while a review of reports of rare, potentially dangerous blood clots is conducted. Read More

Poll Finds Republicans Particularly Opposed To ‘Vaccine Passport’ Messaging

By NPR News April 12, 2021

A healthcare worker displays a COVID-19 vaccine record card at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center in December. CREDIT: Nathan Howard/Getty Images

A poll shows the idea of a document, sometimes called a "passport," showing proof of vaccination is unpopular with that group as well. Forty-seven percent of Trump voters oppose this type of document, compared with 10% of Biden voters, the survey shows. Read More

CDC Director Declares Racism A ‘Serious Public Health Threat’

By NPR News April 8, 2021

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, seen last week at FEMA mass vaccination site in Boston, said Thursday that the CDC is taking steps to address the impact of racism on public health. CREDIT: Erin Clark/Getty Images

In a statement released Thursday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky pointed to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, as seen in case numbers, deaths and social consequence. Continue Reading CDC Director Declares Racism A Read More

A 4th COVID-19 Surge May Be Starting. How Bad Could It Get?

By NPR News April 5, 2021

A sign requiring face masks and COVID-19 protocols is displayed at a restaurant in Plymouth, Mich., on March 21. Coronavirus cases in Michigan are skyrocketing after months of steep declines, one sign that a new surge may be starting. CREDIT: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In the past seven days, the U.S. reported slightly more than 65,000 new cases per day on average, a jump of 20% from two weeks earlier. Many states have seen even more dramatic growth, as high as 125% in Michigan, according to an NPR analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. Read More

New CDC Guidance Lifts Most Domestic Travel Restrictions For Fully Vaccinated People

By NPR News April 2, 2021

A traveler walks on a moving walkway in Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, U.S., on Friday, March 26, 2021. The TSA screened more than 1.3 million people both Friday and Sunday, setting a new high since the coronavirus outbreak devastated travel a year ago. Airlines say they believe the numbers are heading up, with more people booking flights for spring and summer, reports the Associated Press. Photographer: Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated people, lifting certain testing and self-quarantine requirements but continuing to recommend precautions like wearing a mask and avoiding crowds. Read More

Federal Eviction Moratorium Extended Just 2 Days Before Expiration

By NPR News March 29, 2021

Constable placing eviction notice on door in Texas

With many Americans behind on their rent during the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is extending an order aimed at preventing evictions through June. Continue Reading Federal Eviction Moratorium Extended Just 2 Days Read More

Some Washington School Districts Are Depending On Federal Relief Money To Pay For Reopening

By NWPB News March 19, 2021

Without emergency hires, the Moses Lake School District would not have the staffing necessary to comply with the Washington State Department of Health’s reopening guidelines, according to district Superintendent Dr. Joshua Meek. They are essential to the district's reopening, he said. Read More

If Schools Follow CDC Guidance, President Biden’s Reopening Goals Could Be Hard To Reach

By NPR News February 21, 2021

A first-grade student sits on the bus after a day of classes in Woodland, Wash., on Thursday. Nathan Howard/Getty Images

President Biden has said many times that he wants most schools to be open by his 100th day in office, April 30. And on Friday, Feb. 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines intended to help schools operate in person safely. But some argue these guidelines will do little to promote school openings. Read More

Extreme Winter Weather Creates Backlog Of 6 Million Vaccine Doses, Closing Sites

By NPR News February 19, 2021

A sign at a vaccination site in Los Angeles reflects the holdup in vaccine distribution as a result of this week's storms. White House officials said Friday that the extreme weather delayed the shipment of some 6 million doses across the country. CREDIT: Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

White House officials on Friday confirmed the extent of the weather's chilling effect on COVID-19 vaccine distribution, saying this week's storms created a backlog of some 6 million doses affecting all 50 states. Continue Reading Extreme Read More

CDC Says Double-Masking Offers More Protection Against COVID-19

By NPR News February 10, 2021

As new, more This illustration shows a woman wearing two facemasks, a cloth mask over a surgical mask, in Arlington, Virginia, on February 8, 2021. - As new, more transmissible variants of the coronavirus spread, experts say it's time to consider using a medical-grade respirator, or wearing a surgical and cloth mask together. Scientists have agreed for some time the main way the virus is spread is through the air, rather than surfaces, and there's growing evidence that small droplets from ordinary breathing and speech that can travel many meters (yards) are a common mode of transmission. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)transmissible variants of the coronavirus spread, the CDC says wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask offers increased protection against the virus. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new research on Wednesday that found wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask offers more protection against the coronavirus, as does tying knots on the ear loops of surgical masks. Those findings prompted new guidance on how to improve mask fit at a time of concern over fast-spreading variants of the virus. Read More

CDC Issues Sweeping New Mask Mandate For U.S. Travelers; Extends Eviction Moratorium

By NPR News January 30, 2021

The order, issued late Friday, will require masks to be worn by "all passengers on public conveyances" traveling into or within the United States, including airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-shares. Coverings will also be required at transportation hubs like airports, bus terminals and train or subway stations. The new guidelines take effect Read More

Across The Northwest, Teachers, Grocery Workers, Older Adults May Be Next For COVID Vaccine

By Tom Banse December 22, 2020

The first shipment of COVID vaccines arriving at the UW Medical Center in Seattle on December 14, 2020. CREDIT: Pool/Courtesy UW Medicine

Western state governors and state health officials are now reviewing a finalized recommendation from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for how to prioritize future vaccination phases. The initial deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines to Oregon, Washington state and Idaho are spoken for — at least well into next month. High-risk health care workers, Read More

Declaring He’s ‘Joyous,’ Jay Inslee Says Vaccine Distribution Begins This Week In Washington

By Austin Jenkins December 13, 2020

On Sunday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced the last hurdle has been cleared for the distribution of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The first shipments should arrive Monday and the first doses could be administered starting Tuesday, Dec. 15.

The first doses of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine should start arriving in Washington on Monday, with the first vaccinations of front line health care workers beginning as early as Tuesday. An upbeat Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced that timeline at a rare Sunday news conference. Read More

‘Biggest Stress Test Of American Health Care In History’: Takeaways From The Pandemic This Week

By NPR News December 6, 2020

Health care workers in Houston, Texas, perform a procedure on a patient in the COVID-19 intensive care unit on Thanksgiving. This past week has seen continued steep growth in cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19. Go Nakamura/Getty Images

Deaths from COVID-19 have jumped nearly 40% this week, and hospitals around the country are straining under their patient load. Here's what happened in the first week after Thanksgiving. Continue Reading Read More

States Are Preparing To Distribute A Coming COVID Vaccine. Here’s How Washington Is Preparing

By NWPB News November 29, 2020

Many people might not be aware of what types of vaccines they need as they get older. Here, an adult gets a flu shot in Jacksonville, Fla. CREDIT: RICK WILSON/AP IMAGES

Washington’s plan, devised by the state Department of Health, will be implemented by a 25-person Vaccine Planning and Coordination Team consisting of employees from within the department, sourcing from the Offices of Immunization and Child Profile, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Health Promotion and Education and others. Read More

Further Proof That 2020 Stinks: More People Are Dying During The Pandemic, Not Just From COVID

By Tom Banse November 25, 2020

Graph showing excess deaths during the pandemic for Oregon and Washington

As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, it's now increasingly apparent that 2020 will be remembered for an unusually high death toll -- not just from COVID-19. In the medical field, deaths above what you would normally expect are called "excess deaths." Read More

U.S. Passes 12 Million Confirmed Coronavirus Cases, Adding 2 Million In Under 2 Weeks

By NPR News November 22, 2020

Farmworkers in Yakima’s fruit-packing industry walked off production lines in May and went on strike, demanding more protections against the coronavirus pandemic. Above, Emmanuel Anguiano-Mendoza (left) and Agustin López hold posters featuring David Cruz, a worker who died on May 30. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB

On Friday alone, there were 195,000 new confirmed cases of the virus and 1,878 deaths. The U.S. has been adding 1 million cases every six days. Continue Reading U.S. Passes 12 Million Confirmed Coronavirus Cases, Adding 2 Read More

CDC Strongly Recommends Against Traveling For Thanksgiving

By NPR News November 20, 2020

An airport employee walks through Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va., earlier this year. On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that Americans should refrain from traveling for the upcoming holiday. CREDIT: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its recommendations one week before the holiday, advising that Americans be careful amid an explosion in the spread of the coronavirus. Continue Reading CDC Strongly Recommends Against Traveling Read More

U.S. Reaches 250,000 COVID-19 Deaths: A Long Winter Is Coming As Pandemic Fatigue Sets In

By NPR News November 19, 2020

Dr. Joseph Varon puts on his face shield before entering the COVID-19 intensive care unit at United Memorial Medical Center on Monday in Houston. Texas has recorded more than 1.1 million cases of the virus, with more than 20,000 deaths. Go Nakamura/Getty Images

Medical advances have reduced the infection fatality rate in the U.S. But experts warn that indoor gatherings, cold temperatures and pandemic fatigue augur dark months ahead. Continue Reading U.S. Reaches 250,000 COVID-19 Read More

Cities And States Are Imposing New COVID-19 Restrictions. Experts Say It’s Not Enough

By NPR News November 14, 2020

Medical workers wearing personal protective equipment register people in vehicles at a drive-through coronavirus testing site Monday in El Paso, Texas. Joel Angel Juarez/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Areas across the country are implementing preventive measures such as curfews. Some experts are questioning whether these minor changes will be enough to control the virus. Continue Reading Cities And States Are Imposing New Read More

CDC Report: Officials Knew Coronavirus Test Was Flawed But Released It Anyway

By NPR News November 8, 2020

The flawed coronavirus test kits went out to public laboratories in February. An internal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention review obtained by NPR says the wrong quality control protocols were used. CREDIT: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP

An unreleased CDC review obtained by NPR shows that lab officials knew an early coronavirus test kit had a high failure rate. They decided not to recall it and sent it to the nation's labs anyway. Continue Reading CDC Report: Read More

‘We Can’t Give Up’: U.S. Can Still Control The Spread Of COVID-19, Experts Say

By PBS Newshour November 3, 2020

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and CDC Director Robert Redfield

Public health experts and officials don’t agree that giving up control is a foregone conclusion, instead warning that steps can and must be taken now to avoid the unnecessary loss of life. And no credible experts have suggested the pandemic will end the day after voting stops, despite suggestions from Trump, who himself has tested positive for the virus, that the media is Read More

Internal Documents Reveal COVID-19 Hospitalization Data The Government Keeps Hidden

By NPR News October 30, 2020

The ICU at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla., was 99% full this week, according to an internal report produced by the federal government. It's among numerous hospitals the report highlighted with ICUs filled to over 90% capacity. CREDIT: Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Where are hospitals reaching capacity? Which metro areas are running out of beds? NPR has learned federal agencies collect and analyze this information in detail but don't share it with the public. Continue Reading Internal Read More

Brought To Its Knees By A Pandemic And President: Inside The Fall Of The CDC

By NWPB News October 22, 2020

How the world’s greatest public health organization was brought to its knees by a virus, the president and the capitulation of its own leaders, causing damage that could last much longer than the coronavirus. Continue Reading Brought To Its Knees By A Pandemic Read More

President’s Case Highlights Importance Of Masks. Here’s How To Maker Safer DIY Face Coverings

By NPR News October 2, 2020

Face masks aren't a panacea that will prevent all transmission of the coronavirus or end any pandemic. But combined with social distancing, testing and good hand hygiene, they can be very effective in driving down transmission rates. CREDIT: NPR video

Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in July, "Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting." Read More

CDC’s Halloween Guidelines Warn Against Typical Trick-Or-Treating

By NPR News September 22, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for a safe Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic include new methods of doing classic spooky activities. CREDIT: ArtMarie/Getty Images

Door-to-door trick-or-treating and crowded costume parties are out, and haunted forests and outdoor movie nights are in. "If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised," the CDC says. Continue Reading CDC’s Halloween Read More

A COVID-19 Vaccine May Be Only 50% Effective. Is That Good Enough?

By NPR News September 14, 2020

As we get closer to a COVID-19 vaccine, it's exciting to imagine a day when the virus is gone. But a vaccine will not be a magic bullet. In fact, it may be only about 50% effective.

Scientists are racing to develop a vaccine that proves "safe and effective." It may not prevent infection in everyone who gets it, but it still could eventually stop the pandemic. Here's how. Continue Reading A COVID-19 Vaccine May Be Only 50% Read More

CDC Asks States To Plan For Potential Vaccine Distribution Starting In Late October

By NPR News September 3, 2020

With development and testing underway, health officials are asking states to prepare for limited distribution of a potential vaccine as soon as this fall — though some experts say that's too early. CREDIT: Hans Pennink/AP

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has asked states to prepare to distribute a potential coronavirus vaccine as soon as late October, according to a series of planning documents sent to public health officials last week. Continue Reading CDC Asks States To Plan For Potential Vaccine Read More

CDC Issues Sweeping Temporary Halt On Evictions Nationwide Through December

By NPR News September 1, 2020

Demonstrators hold up signs as they gather at Brooklyn Housing court during a 'No Evictions, No Police' national day of action in New York City. CREDIT: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The new eviction ban is being enacted through the Centers for Disease Control. The goal is to stem the spread of the COVID outbreak, which the agency says in it's order, "presents a historic threat to public health." Continue Reading Read More

6 Million Coronavirus Infections Now Confirmed In U.S., With Actual Count Likely Much Higher

By NPR News August 31, 2020

People stand in line for free COVID-19 testing at Bellevue Hospital in New York earlier this month. The daily number of new coronavirus cases reported in the U.S. has remained stubbornly high. CREDIT: Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

Although daily COVID-19 deaths have fallen somewhat in recent days, the number of infections has continued to rise in many places with no end in sight. Continue Reading 6 Million Coronavirus Infections Now Confirmed In Read More

FDA Removes Top Spokesperson After Blood Plasma Blunder

By NPR News August 29, 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration headquarters in White Oak, Md. The agency this week has removed a top communications official in the wake of misleading claims it made about a treatment for COVID-19. CREDIT: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Emily Miller was central in defending the FDA commissioner, Dr. Stephen Hahn, after he falsely said that blood plasma could lower the death rate from COVID-19 by more than a third. Continue Reading FDA Removes Top Spokesperson After Blood Plasma Read More