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Alabama health officials are preparing for a potential Alabama measles outbreak as cases expand across the Southeast and nationwide case counts rise, according to State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris.

Harris said the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is taking steps to ensure medical providers are ready to identify and respond to cases of the highly contagious disease, which has not had sustained transmission in Alabama for decades.

“We’re educating providers and sending out information to health care facilities and individual providers so that they can look for it and recognize it,” Harris said during a recent public health meeting.

He also noted that ADPH now has the ability to conduct measles testing within the state, allowing faster confirmation of cases.

“We’ve got the ability to do our own measles testing now here in-state, which is a much quicker turnaround than having to send it out,” Harris said.

Harris said Alabama health officials expect measles to eventually reach the state due to regional outbreaks and increasing national case counts.

“There are already cases from that cluster that are in Charlotte, North Carolina, in East Tennessee. Georgia has had cases. Florida has a different cluster in the Fort Myers area,” Harris said. “We fully expect that we’re going to see it.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 1,000 confirmed measles cases nationwide through mid-February, with the majority concentrated in South Carolina and additional cases reported in Florida and other nearby states.

Measles is considered one of the most infectious diseases and typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes before progressing to a rash. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling or death, particularly among children.

According to CDC data, the United States recorded 2,280 measles cases in 2025, with nearly 90% linked to outbreaks.

Alabama reported one measles case in 2025 involving an unvaccinated child who contracted the disease while traveling internationally. The child recovered and did not spread the illness to others. It was the state’s first confirmed measles case since 2002.

Public health officials say early recognition and vaccination efforts will be key to limiting potential spread if measles cases emerge in Alabama.

Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s State Health Officer, has been named president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), the group announced Wednesday. Harris will serve as the 82nd president of the national nonprofit, which represents public health agencies across the United States.

ASTHO, which advocates for public health policies and supports the more than 100,000 professionals working in these agencies, said Harris’ leadership comes at a crucial time.

“Dr. Harris has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public health and has been a strong advocate for community health initiatives,” says ASTHO CEO Dr. Joseph Kanter.

“His broad expertise in infectious diseases, substance use, and maternal health will serve ASTHO well in the coming year. As the demands on public health continue to evolve, I am heartened knowing our organization will continue to thrive under such a capable, steady, and experienced leader. I am eager to work alongside Dr. Harris as we chart new territory.”

RELATED: New initiative to offer free genetic testing, expanded access to precision medicine across Alabama

In 2015, Dr. Harris left private practice to join the Alabama Department of Public Health as Area Health Officer for seven North Alabama counties. He was appointed Acting State Health Officer in September 2017 and formally designated as Alabama’s 12th State Health Officer in February 2018.

As SHO, Dr. Harris has worked to improve statewide public health through numerous health policy initiatives and community health improvement campaigns including those focused on infant mortality, opioid mitigation, and emergency preparedness. “I am honored to take on the role of ASTHO president at this critical juncture for public health,” Harris said.

“Our country continues to face many public health challenges, including opioid misuse, the re-emergence of certain vaccine-preventable diseases, and infant and maternal mortality. Now more than ever, state and territorial health departments must work together to achieve our aims of improving health, safety and wellness. Most importantly, we must do so in a way that fosters trust among the populations we serve.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270

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A bill filed by State Rep. Phillip Rigsby aims to help doctors in Alabama find and treat rare diseases in babies as soon as they’re born. 

Named after Zachary Thomas, a young boy born with a rare disease that couldn’t be treated right away because his condition wasn’t found early, the Zachary Thomas Newborn Screening Act will enhance Alabama’s ability to offer early intervention to families affected by rare diseases.

Developed from a multi-year partnership between Alabama Rare and the Alabama Department of Public Health’s newborn screening program, the legislation is backed up by data that lawmakers are gearing up to change the course on. 

Research by the EveryLife Foundation indicates that lack of newborn screening can lead to an average wait of 6.3 years for a rare disease diagnosis, accruing a minimum of $220,000 in avoidable costs. 

For the estimated 1 in 10 Alabamians who have a rare disease, failure to receive a proper diagnosis is a daily reality. Half of those living with rare diseases in America re children and 1 in 3 of them will not live to see their fifth birthday. 

Rep. Phillip Rigsby (R-Huntsville) says it’s an honor to carry the bill. 

“I am honored to sponsor the HB 77, the Zachary Thomas Newborn Screening Act during the 2024 Legislative Session. This legislation will provide expanded screening for more rare diseases and help provide early recognition and treatment for families whose little ones are affected,” Rigsby said. 

“This has been a great collaboration between the Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Rare to foster a better testing environment for those affected by rare genetic diseases. I look forward to working to get this bill passed and signed into law.”

As time passes without an accurate diagnosis, diseases can become significantly more severe. The damage is often irreversible and means lower physical function and quality of life. For Brooke Thomas, Chief Programs Officer of Alabama Rare, and parent of three children with MPS I, improving early diagnostics in the state is a personal mission.

“Without treatment, children with MPS I typically stop developing between the ages of two and three and soon pass away. While the transplant carries a 30 percent mortality rate, it ultimately extends our children’s life expectancy to approximately thirty years” Thomas says.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

On Wednesday, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) confirmed that a young kitten in Autauga County developed rabies and subsequently died.

Dr. Dee W. Jones is the State Public Health Veterinarian.

“This is another reminder to get your pets vaccinated against rabies regardless of where you live,” Dr. Jones said. “We have found rabies positives in both domestic animals and wildlife very close to populated locations.”

The kitten tested positive for rabies on December 22. The kitten was from a residence in south central Autauga County on County Road 46 near the general area between the communities of Booth and Independence.

The kitten was among a litter of very young kittens were taken by the property owner approximately one month ago. The kitten was exhibiting neurological signs and was taken for veterinary care where he/she was tested for rabies. More testing is being done to confirm the rabies strain. The remaining two kittens have been vaccinated and are being quarantined for rabies.

ADPH has identified all the persons at the residence as well as the veterinary clinic who were exposed to the kitten. At this time, all those persons exposed are being advised to seek medical care for prevention.

State state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. The first rabies vaccination is only good for one year, regardless of which vaccine a pet receives. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection if the animal is exposed to rabies. Vaccinations help protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

There are two major strains of rabies: a raccoon strain and a bat strain. Both are endemic in the state of Alabama.

Wild animals, especially raccoons, pose a risk of rabies to other animals and humans. The best protection is to keep your pets current on rabies vaccines.

“Vaccinating your animals against rabies is the best way to keep your pets protected from the deadly virus.” Dr. Jones said. “Animal vaccinations also help protect people. People are often exposed when the animal first becomes sick and before rabies can be confirmed.”

This was not the first case of rabies this year:

The best way to combat rabies is prevention:

For more information about rabies and prevention, please contact ADPH at (334) 206-5969 or visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.html

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the State Committee of Public Health adopted an administrative rule change to the State Health Officer’s emergency powers on Thursday. 

The change, while straightforward, addresses concerns expressed by state legislators in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent prevention measures implemented across the country by local, state and federal governments. 

In a unanimous vote, the committee moved to prevent the State Health Officer from issuing or authorizing any emergency powers during a pandemic without the governor’s direct consent, approval, and signature. 

Dr. Scott Harris, State Health Officer since 2018, served as the top public health official during the pandemic. 

“Today, the State Committee of Public Health ensured the Legislature’s concerns were heard, questions were answered, and that we keep our word when we commit to offering solutions,” Harris said. “After speaking with many legislators and the Governor’s office, the State Committee of Public Health and I wanted to address this issue directly.

“This rule proposal offers added layers of transparency and accountability for the public and provides the Governor and the legislature with additional checks and balances.”  

RELATED: Givhan seeks to limit power of public health chief

Previous drafts of the change would have subjected every emergency order to legislative oversight through the Legislative Council. Given the separation of the executive and legislative powers, that would’ve required lawmakers and the governor to sign off on each and every health order issued by the State Health Officer.

Due to those concerns, ADPH’s legal division said they returned to an original draft that requires the governor’s signature and approval of any statewide emergency orders. 

Dr. Gregory Ayers, the committee’s chairman, said the change is a reflection of heightened awareness and engagement on public health issues since the pandemic – and that state health officials are, “here to work with legislators, listen to their concerns, and land on common-sense solutions to ongoing issues.” 

“Dr. Harris and his team have worked diligently with our elected officials to ensure we can resolve this ongoing issue internally,” Ayers said. “We’re here to offer you factual and transparent information for you and your families, and with Dr. Harris as our State Health Officer, the health and wellbeing of Alabamians is in the best care it can be.”

During the 2023 legislative session, Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) raised concerns about the state health committee’s composition and appointing authority of the State Health Officer. 

Officials say, even if unsatisfactory to lawmakers like Givhan’s intent to strip the appointing powers away from the State Committee of Public Health, the rule change adopted on Thursday provides a new playing field going into the 2024 legislative session. 

“There’s no question that navigating through the pandemic was very challenging, and the measures that ADPH recommended to protect public health were understandably difficult for the public as well,” Harris said. “Still, we’re committed to maintaining the integrity of public health without intrusion and keeping Alabama open for business at all costs.

“Although COVID-19 is something we will have to live with from now on, it’s time we move on from that narrative and return to business as usual,” while also recognizing the immense loss of life and permanent impact the pandemic left on Alabamians. 

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Alabama’s top health officer is facing pushback for his comments in a recent speech calling laws on transgender issues “appalling.”

Dr. Scott Harris, who heads the Alabama Department of Public Health, criticized the laws restricting “gender-affirming care” during his keynote speech at the University of Alabama at Birmingham during a “Substance Use and Social Justice Symposium.”

State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) thinks Harris’ comments have given his bill changing how the State Health Officer is appointed a better chance in the Legislature.

Givhan discussed the issue Thursday on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show.”

“Well, we certainly have no control over him at this point in time,” Givhan said, “or anybody in his department, because it’s all controlled by a small group of doctors that appoints the state health officer with no accountability to the state of Alabama, although we pump millions of dollars into the Department of Public Health for them to manage.”

Givhan’s bill would make the position appointed by the governor and work at the pleasure of the governor’s office.

“Well I got in a ditch with that,” he said, “and got down to the substitute that’s out there now, is limited to the governor signing off on health emergencies.”

Now the senator believes his bill has new life because of Harris’ comments.

“Dr. Harris was kind enough over the past few days to back up a massive four-wheel drive with a couple set of chains and hook up to my bill and drag it out of the ditch,” Givhan said. “So I think we’re going to have a different approach, maybe even today, as we go forward and see what happens in that arena.”

He admitted, though, that his legislation still has a ways to go before it could become law.

“We got to get through the floor of the Senate, then we got to get through committee, and then the floor of the House, and then you have the governor sign it,” he said. “So we’re only at step one with me filing the bill. Step two is getting it through committee. Step three is getting it on the floor, and I think if I can get it on the floor, I believe it passes.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Those who had a loved one in the hospital in recent years know how heartbreaking it can be to not be guaranteed access by their side – especially in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

A law went into effect Tuesday that will allow more visitation freedom in Alabama healthcare facilities. Patients will be able to designate a specific visitor as an essential caregiver, which would allow them to visit for a minimum of two hours every day.

“The ability to visit a cherished loved one, whether in a hospital or nursing home, should be a fundamental right,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “However, all over the country during the pandemic, many family members, caregivers and even clergy were denied access to visit and provide emotional support to patients in healthcare facilities.”

Essential caregiver status can extend to a family member, friend, guardian, pastor, or other person designated a specific day to visit. The law also prohibits a facility from requiring proof of vaccination or stopping physical contact between a visitor and a patient.

During an emotional legislative process between the House and Senate, Sen. Garland Gudger (R-Cullman) brought the bill and saw it through to completion.

“In 2021, we passed a bill to strengthen patient-visitor access, but over the last two years, I’ve continued to receive countless phone calls from Alabamians that weren’t able to be by their loved one’s side during their final days,” Gudger said from the Senate floor.

After Ivey signed the bill Tuesday, Gudger said it was a “great day for Alabama.

The law also offers liability protection for healthcare facilities and employees in carrying out these new procedures.

“I was pleased to sign this legislation to signal that in Alabama, we support our patients having this fundamental right,” Ivey said.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 for coverage of the 2023 legislative session. 

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reports a significant increase in pediatric cases of COVID-19 at this time of year, compared to the same time in 2020. Coupled with this increase in cases, ADPH notes that at least 50 children are hospitalized statewide and as many as nine children have been on ventilators in a single day.

Fueling the surge of COVID-19 cases among Alabama’s children, the delta variant can replicate more quickly and infect earlier than previous SARS-CoV-2 variants. (Getty Images)

“I am very concerned that the children of Alabama are experiencing more illness and hospitalizations as a result of COVID-19,” ADPH pediatrician Dr. Karen Landers said. “Children can and do contract and spread COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 can be a very serious illness in children with at least 6% of children experiencing long-term consequences of this disease.

“Further, at least 113 children in our state have suffered from Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, a severe illness that occurs after COVID disease and affects several organs, including the brain, heart, lungs and kidneys, among other body systems,” she said.

“Delta variant accounts for most of the SARS-CoV-2 cases in Alabama, based upon surveillance. Delta can replicate more quickly and infect earlier than previous SARS-CoV-2 variants. These factors are fueling the surge of COVID-19 among Alabama’s children,” noted Dr. Benjamin Estrada, director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and professor of Pediatrics at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

To combat this surge, ADPH recommends all children ages 12 and older be vaccinated against COVID-19. ADPH recently issued school guidance that any child who has COVID-19 should remain in home isolation for 10 days to prevent spreading the virus to other students, teachers and staff.

ADPH further recommends, as part of its Isolation and Quarantine Guidance, that close contacts home quarantine unless they meet certain exceptions. Exceptions are having had COVID-19 disease within 90 days of exposure, fully vaccinated status and, in the K-12 classroom, correct and appropriate mask use with 3 or more feet of distancing.

These numbers are based on data reported to Alabama’s electronic disease surveillance system.

While urging all parents and guardians to listen to and read factual information from their pediatrician or other health care provider, Landers said, “All Alabamians need to take the threat of this virus more seriously than ever before, and implement all preventive and mitigation measures to protect the children of Alabama.”

(Courtesy of Alabama News Center)

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) announced on Friday that it is holding a TikTok video contest to help increase the state’s vaccination numbers.

The contest is for residents ages 13 through 29 with a goal of getting more people from that age group vaccinated prior to the upcoming school year.

“Getting a COVID-19 vaccination can protect you, your family and community and help end the pandemic,” ADPH outlined in a release promoting the contest.

The department is offering the opportunity for contestants to submit a video showing themselves receiving the vaccination or including a message explaining, “This is why I got vaccinated.”
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In a public service announcement released Wednesday by the Alabama Department of Public Health, University of Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban urges Alabamians to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.

“College football fans and players both want full stadiums this fall,” Saban says. “Let’s make sure we can safely make this happen by getting vaccinated. Please get your COVID-19 vaccine. We want Bryant-Denny Stadium loud again this coming season. Roll Tide!”

WATCH: (more…)

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on Tuesday announced it has received final guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.

After a temporary pause on its use since April 13, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC have recommended resumption of J&J vaccine usage among persons 18 years of age and older, as available data show that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.

In turn, ADPH has echoed this recommendation, green lighting the resumption of the J&J vaccine in Alabama.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reaffirmed its interim recommendation under FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization which includes a new warning for women aged 18-49 years. (more…)

Every citizen of Alabama age 16 and over will be eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccines beginning on Monday, April 5.

Governor Kay Ivey announced the expansion alongside State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris during a tour of a vaccination clinic in Wilcox County on Friday.

“Please take advantage of this great and easy resource,” Ivey said of the coronavirus vaccines.

The decision comes nearly a month ahead of President Joe Biden’s request that all Americans be made eligible for the vaccines by May 1.

“Truly, this vaccine is our ticket back to normal life,” said Ivey.
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MONTGOMERY — If current trends hold, the one-millionth Alabamian to receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose will be reported by the Alabama Department of Public Health in the next two days, and all adults in the state will soon be eligible, according to the Yellowhammer State’s top doctor.

Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris briefed the public on the state’s vaccination process at the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) office in Montgomery.

“We are going to be able to expand eligibility [to all adults] well before May 1,” said Harris on Friday, adding that his department was in “discussions with the governor’s office” on the subject.

President Joe Biden, earlier in 2021, established May 1 as the goal for all American adults to be eligible for the vaccines.
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MONTGOMERY — Dr. Scott Harris announced Friday at a press conference that Alabama’s vaccination efforts are proceeding smoothly, with 877,815  individuals having received at least one dose of a vaccine product, roughly 18% of the population.

Harris, Alabama’s State Health Officer and the head of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), said up to two-thirds of adults in Alabama will be permitted to schedule their shot when eligibility expands on Monday.

Notably, Harris gave a firm commitment on Friday that Alabama would expand eligibility to all adult citizens by May 1, and added, “It could be much earlier.”
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The Alabama National Guard has been commissioned by Governor Kay Ivey to help bring COVID-19 vaccines to rural areas of Alabama that lack medical providers.

Two teams of around 55 Guard members will make up each unit. The units will be tasked with distributing 1,000 vaccine doses per day at a given site, which the unit will occupy from Monday through Thursday.

“As we continue ramping up our vaccine distribution efforts, the guardsmen will play a critical role in reaching folks in rural areas of Alabama. We want to use every tool in our toolkit so that we can get COVID-19 behind us once and for all,” said Ivey in a statement.
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The rate of new coronavirus cases in Alabama is holding steady at a rate far below its previous peak, and hospitalizations from the virus have continued to decrease in recent days as a decision on the state’s mask mandate rapidly approaches.

Alabama averaged 657 new COVID-19 cases each day for the last week. That average has held steady at slightly below 700 since February 20 after falling consistently for around five weeks. At one point in January, the state was averaging 3,087 new cases per day.

Hospitalizations have continued their dramatic decline since peaking in early January. As of Monday, 651 Alabamians were being treated for the virus in state hospitals. That is down 25% from the 862 patients one week ago and down 79% from the all-time high of 3,084 on January 11.
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Federal regulators in recent days approved a third vaccine product for use by the public, a decision that is set to enhance Alabama’s vaccination efforts.

Developed by the pharmaceutical arm of Johnson & Johnson (J&J), the newly approved vaccine is administered in a single dose. The other two approved products, from Pfizer and Moderna, require two doses given weeks apart.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) announced Monday that 40,100 doses of the new vaccine product will be shipped to the Yellowhammer State this week.
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Alabama’s coronavirus vaccination process is set to enter a complicated new phase in the coming days as hundreds of thousands of people who received their first dose return to get their second, and an additional 750,000 citizens become eligible to get their first.

On Monday, February 8, the state’s expansion of eligibility to all citizens age 65 or over and many categories of front-line workers begins. Also next week, the number of people seeking their second dose of the vaccine is set to increase.

“We have spent a month now giving people their first shots. … It is time for all those same exact people to come back and get their second shots,” said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris at a briefing on Friday.
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Alabama’s number of new coronavirus cases and patients requiring hospitalization continued to drop sharply in the last week.

Alabama’s seven-day average of new cases dropped to a rate not experienced since the Thanksgiving holiday, an event believed by experts to have kicked off the massive winter spike in numbers.

Over the past week, an average of 1,471 new COVID-19 cases were reported each day, down 29% from the 2,070 per day the state was averaging on January 28, according to BamaTracker, an independent site that collects and graphs statistics provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).

As of Thursday afternoon, 1,666 patients were in Alabama’s hospitals with a case of the coronavirus, down 19% from the 2,049 in hospitals on January 28. Hospitalizations have been declining steadily since January 11.
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7. Vaccine skepticism impact could be racial 

6. Coronavirus stimulus movement (more…)

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) announced on Monday a website that citizens of the state can use to check if they are eligible for the coronavirus vaccines, and if so, schedule an appointment to receive one.

The site, similar to the preexisting vaccine scheduling hotline, only enables members of the public to schedule an appointment at their local county health department. If no appointments are available, individuals can sign up to be notified when more vaccine product is delivered to their area.

The web portal also links to a map of where drive-in and walk-up clinics that don’t require an appointment will be located.

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7. Wall Street warned that big losses are ahead 

6. New coronavirus stimulus compromise  (more…)

Radio talk show host Dale Jackson and Alabama Democratic Party Executive Committee member Lisa Handback take you through Alabama’s biggest political stories, including:

— Will the Alabama Department of Public Health expand eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine any time soon?

— Why are Montgomery Public Schools so intent on keeping their students at home?

— Why is President Joe Biden focusing on so many executive orders after talking about unity and decrying former President Donald Trump’s use of the orders? (more…)