CDC Reports Low Respiratory Illness Nationwide While Measles Outbreak Spreads in Oregon April 2026

Listeners, as of April 17, 2026, the CDC reports that acute respiratory illness levels are very low nationwide, with COVID-19 activity low in most areas and seasonal influenza continuing to decrease across regions. RSV activity started later than expected in most parts of the United States but remains no more severe than recent seasons, potentially extending into April, especially impacting infants and children under 4 years old with higher emergency visits and hospitalizations. Whooping cough cases are circulating but lower than their peak in November 2024, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are low based on emergency data. A growing measles outbreak in Oregon has reached 20 known cases this year, according to the Oregon Health Authority, with officials believing many more go unreported and community transmission increasing in Multnomah and Clackamas counties. The state's first measles hospitalization occurred recently, with the patient now recovering, and exposures noted at a middle school, community college, and urgent care site. Unvaccinated pregnant people, those with weakened immune systems, and infants under 12 months face higher risks; health leaders urge vaccination discussions with providers to curb spread, as no specific antiviral treatment exists beyond supportive care. Nationally, U.S. measles cases exceeded 2,000 in 2025 and are on track to surpass that this year. The CDC recommends simple protections like good hygiene, masking if symptomatic, and tailored advice for older adults or high-risk individuals to stay safe. Fire weather advisories from the National Interagency Fire Center note light national fire activity with 144 new fires on April 17, but persistent dry conditions and drought have triggered a new Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory for the Southeastern U.S., from southern Appalachians to coastal areas, plus ongoing alerts in the Great Plains. Stay vigilant, listeners—protect yourselves and loved ones. Thank you for tuning in, and please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta