CDC

The deadline to send Alabama officials your best selfie is coming up. Kids in the state are being asked to show off their best grins through the “Share Your Smile with Alabama” photo contest. The campaign is put on by the Alabama Department of Public Health with entries accepted through Friday, Nov. 8.

October is Emotional Wellness Month. This is a great time to take stock of the stress in our lives, to figure out how that stress is affecting us, and to seek ways to not only lower our stress level, but to more effectively manage it.

Avian influenza, or bird flu, refers to the disease caused by infection with Type A viruses. The Alabama Department of Public Health reports these viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species, including in the Yellowhammer State.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say Alabama is among the U.S. States with “high” levels of COVID-19 as of July 25th. The test period included an examination of wastewater nationally to see where the virus is spreading.

Alabama is facing the most active period for mosquitoes in the state. The insects aren’t just annoying pests and can cause more than just an irritating bite. To help keep safe, the Alabama Department of Public Health is offering mosquito awareness and prevention tips.

TBD

The U.S. government is taking steps to repair of the damage done by the Tuskegee Experiment, where Black men in Alabama were infected with syphilis and withheld treatment by federal officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation is pledging $5 million in scholarships for descendants.

Research from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is listing Alabama as having the heaviest caseload of the lingering problem known as :long COVID.” The study ranked U.S. States for the greatest number of cases of this post-Coronavirus illness.

The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say. This includes Alabama.

U.S. health officials say least 22 toddlers in 14 states, including Alabama, have sickened by lead that's linked to tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce. The illnesses are linked to recalled WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.