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MEDICAL NEWS

U.S. measles cases surpass 700 with outbreaks in six states. Here's what to know
Texas health officials confirmed 20 more cases of measles in its nearly 3-month-old outbreak Tuesday.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Apr 16 2025

Environmentalist warns against Mosaic’s EPA approved project to build a road with radioactive waste material
A local environmental advocate says the impacts of phosphogypsum could last for generations.

Source: Alexis Jones
Wednesday, Apr 16 2025

Shepherd’s Hope offers free medical aid through volunteers
Physician assistant Andrew Danschisko and others offer consistent care at the nonprofit.

Source: Curtis McCloud
Tuesday, Apr 15 2025

Boil water notice for City of Melbourne Water customers rescinded
Testing found that the water is safe to drink, officials announced.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Apr 14 2025

'He's living on, in my eyes': Tampa woman says her son's gift of life inspired her to advocate for organ donation
LifeLink Florida says 5,500 Floridians are waiting for organ and tissue donations.

Source: Sarah Blazonis
Saturday, Apr 12 2025

Black Maternal Health event highlights disparities while uplifting mothers and educating medical professionals
All week long, advocates, healthcare workers and mothers with work to raise awareness about the disparities.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Saturday, Apr 12 2025

More than 60 Central Florida hospitals to participate in a large mass casualty exercise
Exercises will take place at hospitals in Brevard, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Apr 10 2025

Orange City pharmacy reacts to potential pharmaceutical tariffs
At Accardi Clinical Pharmacy, J. Roger Accardi says the medications people need every day could be hard to come by.

Source: Devin Martin
Wednesday, Apr 09 2025

Statewide ban on fluoride in local water advancing in Florida Capitol
The proposal comes as federal, state and local governments debate fluoride's benefits.

Source: Jason Delgado
Wednesday, Apr 09 2025

Seminole County leaders vote to remove fluoride from drinking water
The decision passed 4 to 1.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Apr 08 2025

Efforts underway to make jobs safer for nail salon workers
Nail salon workers work with chemicals on a daily basis, and some researchers are working to educate them on safer practices.

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Tuesday, Apr 08 2025

Pluris Water and Orange County continue talks over sale price for plant
Negotiations between Orange County Utilities and Pluris water treatment plant still underway for a sale price.

Source: Sasha Teman
Tuesday, Apr 08 2025

Toho Water Authority holds 1st fluoride meeting in Osceola County
Toho Water Authority worked with Carollo Engineering to share the history and facts about fluoride, including fluoride levels locally.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Tuesday, Apr 08 2025

Hundreds run in Longwood race in honor of organ donors
Around 900 runners ran in the 15th annual GR8 to DON8 race in Longwood.

Source: Emma Delamo
Saturday, Apr 05 2025

Volusia County awards over $1.3 million to 3 groups working to combat opioid abuse
The groups awarded are the First Step Shelter, the Hearthstone Fellowship, and the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Apr 03 2025

Wedgefield residents may pay more for Pluris Water Treatment repairs and higher water quality, some say
Pluris Water officials are expected to meet with the mayor and Orange County commissioners regarding the sale and related issues on April 8.

Source: Randy Rauch
Monday, Mar 31 2025

BayCare opens first behavioral health urgent care in Florida
The center provides a bridge, a safe space for those needing mental health or substance use services.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Friday, Mar 28 2025

Researchers say survey tracking kids' digital media use reveals unexpected results
Researchers studying kids’ digital media use and their wellbeing into adulthood say their Life in Media Survey revealed some unexpected results.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Friday, Mar 28 2025

Eatonville partners with nonprofits to hosts free medical services
Eatonville, a historically Black town, is considered a medical desert, meaning it has no permanent medical facilities.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Wednesday, Mar 26 2025

2,000 patients receive free dental care in Daytona Beach
The Florida Mission of Mercy event gave patients in Daytona Beach free treatment for dental pain and infection as part of a statewide initiative.

Source: Sasha Teman
Friday, Mar 21 2025

Many rally to oppose Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital's closing
The hospital system announced in late February it would shut it down its newly-purchased facility and build a new regional hospital in the future.

Source: Greg Pallone
Friday, Mar 21 2025

Long COVID plagues many 5 years after pandemic declaration
Julie Talamo said it took a full year following her COVID diagnosis to discover her lingering symptoms were long COVID.

Source: Erin Murray
Thursday, Mar 13 2025

Doctors suggest seasonal COVID shots as virus changes
Doctors say vaccine should be received seasonally like the flu shot.

Source: Asher Wildman
Wednesday, Mar 12 2025

Five years later: Volusia County man continues to recover from COVID-19
After being on a ventilator, Jim Landsman went through months of physical therapy.

Source: Nicole Griffin
Tuesday, Mar 11 2025

Mental health impacts of starting Daylight Saving Time
The time change can impact more than just your sleep schedule.

Source: Jeff Butera, Nicole Clark, PhD
Saturday, Mar 08 2025

With dementia cases projected to double, advocates warn of possible strain on resources
The study from NYU Langone Health predicts one million Americans will develop dementia in 2060, up from 514,000 in 2020.

Source: Sarah Blazonis
Saturday, Mar 08 2025

Weight loss surgeries help some with infertility
At her heaviest, Karla Grimmett weighed 380 pounds. Following bariatric surgery, her blood pressure, glucose levels, and even fertility improved.

Source: Erin Murray
Thursday, Mar 06 2025

Measles case confirmed in South Florida teen
A student at Palmetto Senior High School in Miami-Dade County is the first confirmed case in Florida.

Source: Massiel Leyva, Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Mar 05 2025

Saint Leo University program doing its part to fill nursing void
Saint Leo University is trying to fill a nursing shortage by expanding its nursing program.

Source: Fallon Silcox
Wednesday, Mar 05 2025

Lakeland commissioners vote unanimously to drop fluoride from drinking water
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has been urging communities to make the move, citing that fluoride can have negative impacts on children.

Source: Sarah Blazonis, Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Mar 03 2025

Lake County to assist Mount Dora in sniffing out odor issue
Residents in Mount Dora have been complaining for years about a "chemical-like" odor.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Tuesday, Feb 25 2025

Leesburg commissioners cancel plans to add fluoride to water supply
In a city commission meeting Monday night, commissioners voted 4-1 to end the fluoride additive project.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Feb 24 2025

Less-invasive GI scope without sedation now available for kids
Muma Children's Hospital at TGH now offers GI scope without sedation.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Sunday, Feb 23 2025

True Health helps underserved Goldsboro community with day of free services
Residents received free wellness check-ups, including cancer screenings, immunizations, and dental exams.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Saturday, Feb 22 2025

Artificial intelligence helping maximize pregnancy odds
The technology predicts which embryos created through IVF are most likely to result in pregnancy.

Source: Erin Murray
Friday, Feb 21 2025

Lake Mary leaders unanimously vote to stop fluoride treatment in city water
Lake Mary joins a growing list of local municipalities that have removed fluoride from their water supplies.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Thursday, Feb 20 2025

Former Orlando fentanyl dealer touts journey to redemption
Tyler Seithel avoided a 30-year sentence through a diversion program and is now pursuing a missionary path.

Source: Asher Wildman
Saturday, Feb 15 2025

Facing terminal heart failure, Dunedin man finds love
Danny Tucker says he knew immediately that Marisa Thompson was going to be the love of his life.

Source: Erin Murray
Friday, Feb 14 2025

Veterinarians concerned for Lakeland swans as bird flu cases rise
Officials recommend avoiding direct contact with the swans.

Source: Alexis Jones
Wednesday, Feb 12 2025

Passengers speak on outbreak onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ship
89 sick guests were reported onboard the ship.

Source: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Saturday, Feb 08 2025

Cruise with nearly 100 sick passengers to return to Port Tampa Saturday
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 89 of the more than 2,100 guests are ill. That is about 4 percent.

Source: Bay News 9
Friday, Feb 07 2025

Cancer death rate down, but more middle-aged women diagnosed
The American Cancer Society has released its Cancer Facts & Figures Report.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Tuesday, Feb 04 2025

HIV numbers for Black women rising, but advocates say there is trouble accessing prevention drug
Advocates said there’s an alarming number of patients and health care providers who don’t know enough about the HIV prevention drug.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Sunday, Feb 02 2025

'Who We Play For' mission encourages youth heart screening to avoid health risks
One Melbourne family decided to do so, and it saved a life.

Source: Greg Pallone
Saturday, Feb 01 2025

'Influenza A H3' cases on rise in Bay area, Central Florida
The main symptoms are fever, chills and body aches, with respiratory symptoms like cough, runny nose and shortness of breath.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Jan 29 2025

FDA upgrades recall severity of salmon sold at Florida Costcos
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has upgraded a recall over smoked salmon sold at Costco locations in Florida.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Jan 28 2025

Service animal confusion: The difference between service dogs and others
People who have or train service dogs say confusion over the law is making things harder for military veterans.

Source: Jeff Butera
Sunday, Jan 26 2025

Advocates push for expanded access to maternal mental health treatments
In recent years, there has been a push for better mental health treatment for new and expecting moms.

Source: Colleen McKown, Brianne Barry, Nicole Clark, PhD
Thursday, Jan 23 2025

'It's becoming part of their psyche': Children greatly affected by hurricane stress, Tampa Bay child psychologist says
Dr. Steve O'Brien says the intensity and frequency of the hurricanes we had last year can stay with children even months later.

Source: Matt Lackritz
Wednesday, Jan 15 2025

FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods
The move comes nearly 35 years after the dye was barred from cosmetics such as lipsticks because of potential cancer risk.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Jan 15 2025

Patients and doctors sound the alarm about the maternal mental health crisis
One in five people struggle with a mental health condition during pregnancy or the postpartum period, but many don't get the help they need.

Source: Colleen McKown, Brianne Barry, Nicole Clark, PhD
Thursday, Jan 09 2025

Florida grand jury finds no criminality in probe of COVID-19 vaccines
Gov. Ron DeSantis sought the investigation in 2022, ahead of his bid for the Republican Party's presidential nomination.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Jan 07 2025

UT professor reveals worst thing you can say to a cancer patient
University of Tampa professor Colter Ray found that people worry about saying the wrong thing to a cancer patient, so they say nothing.

Source: Jeff Butera
Sunday, Jan 05 2025

Palm Bay City Council votes to stop adding fluoride to water supply
More people are now concerned about fluoride in their tap water.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Friday, Jan 03 2025

UCF health professor shares the importance of space health and medicine
Space medicine includes radiation exposure, microgravity’s impact on the muscles and skeleton.

Source: Anthony Leone
Monday, Dec 30 2024

Central Florida counselor advocates for considering mental health when creating New Year's resolutions
According to a Pew Research Center survey in 2024, three in 10 Americans report making at least one New Year's resolution.

Source: Maria Serrano
Friday, Dec 27 2024

Experts say Florida saw 5 times as many whooping cough cases this year
The Florida Department of Health recorded a total of 512 cases as of October of this year, compared with 85 cases for all of 2023.

Source: Sasha Teman
Thursday, Dec 26 2024

Tavares city leaders vote to remove fluoride from drinking water
The motion passed 4-1, with the only opposition being council member Sandy Gamble.

Source: Sasha Teman, Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Dec 18 2024

USF Health study reveals ultra-processed foods may be driving colorectal cancer
Chronic inflammation, fueled by poor dietary choices researchers found, plays a vital role in the growth and progression of colorectal cancer.

Source: Calvin Lewis
Sunday, Dec 15 2024

Signup deadline arrives for Affordable Care Act new year coverage
Sunday is the final day to enroll through the Affordable Care Act marketplace for January 1 coverage.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Sunday, Dec 15 2024

Don’t forget this story: UT professor studies ways to improve memory
University of Tampa psychology professor Sara Festini believes humans have the power to selectively remember or forget information.

Source: Jeff Butera
Saturday, Dec 14 2024

Veterans Treatment Court helps vets in legal trouble in Orange and Osceola counties
Mental health challenges like post-traumatic stress and substance abuse are not uncommon for veterans after combat.

Source: Maria Serrano
Friday, Dec 06 2024

Tavares leaders table discussion on fluoride in drinking water until next meeting
Councilmembers said they want more time to review studies.

Source: Sasha Teman, Jaclyn Harold
Thursday, Dec 05 2024

Rabid bat found in toy bag, Polk County Sheriff's Office says
Authorities said the incident happened last week at a home on Palm Drive West in Lakeland.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Dec 04 2024

Man Up Mentoring pilot program helps Orange County students reduce stress
Man Up Mentoring received a $100,000 grant to help fund its Man Up Grace Project.

Source: Maria Serrano
Tuesday, Dec 03 2024

November marks Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million people in the U.S.are living with the disease.

Source: Cait McVey
Monday, Nov 25 2024

Advocates and schools fight to end suicide on college campuses
In the last decade, rates of depression among college students have spiked. Advocates and officials are working to address the mental health crisis.

Source: Zoe Slemmons, Nicole Clark, PhD
Thursday, Nov 21 2024

UCF professor sees success with post-intensive care syndrome patients using PTSD treatment
Dr. Brian Peach is partnering with UCF Restores to research the post-traumatic stress felt by those who have survived being in a hospital ICU.

Source: Katie Streit
Tuesday, Nov 19 2024

Organic whole and baby carrots sold at Publix, Target and Walmart recalled
Grimmway Farms recalled multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic whole carrots and baby carrots due to E. coli.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Nov 18 2024

TGH surgeon first to use new donor pancreas preservation technology
New technology is changing the approach to preserving and transporting a donor pancreas before transplant surgery.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Saturday, Nov 16 2024

E. coli cases climb to 104 in McDonald’s outbreak tied to slivered onions
At least 34 people have been hospitalized.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Nov 14 2024

After abortion amendment fails in Florida, what's next for both sides?
Advocates on both sides are jumping into action.

Source: Katie Streit
Wednesday, Nov 06 2024

Brevard County Mosquito Control extends overnight aerial spraying
The overnight aerial spraying has been extended through Friday, Nov. 8.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Nov 05 2024

Woman gets life-changing diagnosis at Lake hearing center — and a surprise
A hearing aid company's gift proved to be a "blessing."

Source: Julie Gargotta
Friday, Nov 01 2024

Spraying to battle proliferation of mosquitoes to begin in Marion, Flagler
The Department of Health in Marion County has confirmed the fourth case of West Nile virus, which can be spread by the insects, since July.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Oct 31 2024

UCF works to address statewide nursing shortage with new facility
The University of Central Florida is building a multi-million-dollar nursing facility in Lake Nona to attract more students and expand more programs.

Source: Katie Streit
Tuesday, Oct 29 2024

The impact of active shooter drills on students and families in Tampa Bay
The uncertainty of lockdowns and drills creates extra stress for both parents and students.

Source: Fallon Silcox
Monday, Oct 28 2024

McDonald’s Quarter Pounder back on the menu after testing rules out beef patties as E. coli source
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to believe that slivered onions from a single supplier are the likely source of contamination.

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, Oct 27 2024

DEA participates in second National Drug Take Back Day of the year
In April, more than 4,600 law enforcement agencies, including 160 in Florida, participated.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Saturday, Oct 26 2024

Despite slight decreases, Fentanyl overdoses continue to shatter lives in Central Florida
While statistics show fentanyl overdoses are leveling off some from recent years of increases, the problem is still considered an epidemic.

Source: Jeff Allen
Wednesday, Oct 23 2024

Orange County to begin aerial spraying for mosquitos Wednesday
The Alafaya, Apopka, Bithlo, Dr. Phillips, Fort Christmas, Lake Nona, and Wedgefield areas will receive the treatment.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Oct 23 2024

CDC warns of E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders
The CDC says one person is dead and 10 have been hospitalized due to the outbreak. Forty-nine people have been sickened in 10 states.

Source: Justin Tasolides
Tuesday, Oct 22 2024

8-time cancer survivor shares journey, works at hospital that saved her life
Linda Davey credits self-exams and regular doctors visits as her savior.

Source: Erin Murray
Saturday, Oct 19 2024

Tampa Bay area communities face health risks after back-to-back hurricanes leave behind mold
Experts say people with allergies or respiratory problems face a higher risk of illness from mold.

Source: Fadia Patterson
Thursday, Oct 17 2024

Health officials advising to avoid floodwaters as flesh-eating bacteria cases rise
Pinellas County is leading the state in cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacterial infection also known as flesh-eating bacteria.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Oct 17 2024

Volusia County nonprofit brings health care to the Hispanic community
Hispanic Health Initiatives addresses the unmet health needs of Hispanics and other medically disadvantaged populations in Volusia County.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Monday, Oct 14 2024

AdventHealth: 67 babies born as Milton swept across Florida
AdventHealth's Tampa-area hospitals recorded the most births, with 32 born during the storm.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, Oct 11 2024

When in doubt, throw it out: Food safety during a power outage
If the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Oct 10 2024

Orlando Fire implements new overnight alarm system to try to limit health risks for crews
Now only crews whose units need to respond are awoken, helping them get more sleep.

Source: Katie Streit
Monday, Sep 30 2024

Transgender Floridians pivot with statewide health care changes
A federal appeals court ruling now allows Florida to enforce restrictions on gender transition care for minors.

Source: Katie Streit
Monday, Sep 30 2024

Orlando Fire Department firefighter helps change the mindset of mental health in the fire service
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation says, an increasing number of firefighters die by suicide.

Source: Katie Streit
Wednesday, Sep 25 2024

Orange County approves medical debt relief plan, county residents react
Around 150,000 individuals could be eligible.

Source: Devin Martin
Tuesday, Sep 24 2024

CDC reports overdose deaths on the decline in Florida
According to the CDC, Florida saw a 12.6% drop in overdose deaths during the 12-month period from April 2023 to April 2024.

Source: Cait McVey
Wednesday, Sep 18 2024

Music fest in Bradenton to raise money for suicide awareness and prevention
Beth Vandal says she came up with the idea of a music fest to raise money and awareness after losing someone to suicide.

Source: Jason Lanning
Friday, Sep 13 2024

Deep brain stimulation helping Tampa-area residents with Parkinson's
Wayne MacLaughlin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2011, says he’s benefitting from deep brain stimulation.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Wednesday, Sep 11 2024

USF Alzheimer’s study aims to show if brain exercises can prevent cognitive decline
Researchers are in need of 600 more participants from the Tampa Bay area.

Source: Cait McVey
Monday, Sep 09 2024

HUD awards Orlando nonprofit $1.22M to help low-income seniors
The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida is one of three nonprofits to receive grant funds to help with home repair services for seniors.

Source: Sasha Teman
Saturday, Sep 07 2024

Shipping container farm in Citra feeds University of Florida campus community
A research project in Citra yields hundreds of heads of lettuce weekly.

Source: Julie Gargotta
Friday, Sep 06 2024

Melbourne 'Out of the Darkness' walk to raise suicide prevention awareness
The walk in Melbourne will be held on Nov. 2 at Wickham Park.

Source: Greg Pallone
Wednesday, Sep 04 2024

Male OB nurse breaks gender barries at AdventHealth Ocala
Bobby Bickler, a husband and father of four daughters, has been bringing comfort and care for five years now in the Labor & Delivery Unit.

Source: Erin Murray
Monday, Sep 02 2024