The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued only six Health Alert Network (HAN) notices in 2025, a sharp decline from the dozens of alerts the agency typically releases each year.
Why the decline matters
Public‑health leaders say the drop leaves doctors, hospitals and health departments “flying blind.” Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, warned that clinicians are “blind to a whole range of health risks that are entering our community or re‑emerging in our community.”
Health‑alert messages have historically warned of threats such as Ebola, bird flu and the coronavirus pandemic. Without them, clinicians lose a key tool for spotting unexpected diseases, stocking appropriate supplies and preparing staff, according to Lauren Sauer, associate director of the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska.
Recent disease activity underscores the risk. The CDC has not issued a HAN about the current flu season’s mutated strain, nor has it released a measles alert since March despite a severe outbreak in South Carolina that could jeopardize the nation’s measles‑elimination status. The agency as well never sent a HAN for recent whooping‑cough spikes.
Potential next steps
Critics argue that the dwindling alerts reflect broader communication cuts at the CDC, including fewer MMWR reports, the cancellation of a flu‑vaccination campaign, paused database updates and limited press briefings. Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry says the agency has been “hollowed out” by mass firings and is now run by political appointees rather than scientists.
Outside groups are trying to bridge the gap. Johns Hopkins epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers notes a rise in regional public‑health consortiums and new communication models such as her FOI Clinical newsletter, which aim to deliver higher‑volume, relevant alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Health Alert Network notices did the CDC issue in 2025?
The CDC issued six HAN alerts in 2025, far fewer than the dozens it typically releases in other years.
What diseases have not received a HAN this year despite outbreaks?
Both the current flu season’s mutated strain and the measles outbreak in South Carolina have not triggered a HAN, and recent whooping‑cough spikes were also omitted.
What are public‑health officials doing to compensate for fewer CDC alerts?
Groups such as regional public‑health consortiums and newsletters like FOI Clinical are stepping in to share timely information, while experts emphasize the need for renewed federal communication channels.
How might the landscape of public‑health alerts evolve if the CDC continues to issue fewer warnings?
