MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will hold a virtual media availability on Tuesday, July 21, at 2 p.m. with public health leaders to discuss the latest increase of cases in cyclosporiasis and preventative measures the public can take to stay safe.
Press Releases
PRESS RELEASE — As North Carolina continues to see elevated cyclosporiasis cases, NCDHHS, in collaboration with the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and local partners, is continuing work to identify potential sources of cyclospora stemming from specific ingredients used frequently at homes and in restaurants. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians and restaurants to practice proper safety precautions to prevent contracting the parasite.
PRESS RELEASE — North Carolina is among dozens of states across the United States experiencing an increase in cyclosporiasis cases. From May 1 to July 14, 2026, 307 cases of cyclosporiasis and 13 hospitalizations have been reported in North Carolina. Case counts will be updated weekly on Tuesdays. North Carolina has experienced a consistent level of cyclospora cases from 2024 to 2026, with 2024 marking an uptick in cases from years prior. Although a single product has not been identified as the source of the cases in North Carolina, NCDHHS is working with local partners to keep North Carolinians informed.
PRESS RELEASE — A dangerous heat wave is expected in North Carolina this Fourth of July Weekend. High temperatures will likely exceed 100 degrees and, combined with humidity, could feel like 110 degrees. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air conditioned and encourages people to drink plenty of water and be alert for signs of heat-related illness. NCDHHS has already documented more than 1,808 emergency department visits for heat-related illness between May 1 to June 28, 2026, which is above the average of 1,363 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the same time period in 2021 to 2025.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology today announced three new programs to improve the digital infrastructure of rural health care through new digital solutions and tools. This partnership advances statewide implementation of NC’s Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP) digital health and technology initiative, funded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reminds residents to enjoy outdoor activities safely this summer season. As warmer weather arrives, NCDHHS is sharing tips on water safety, heat protection and food safety to help prevent illness, injury and death.
MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will hold a virtual media availability at 12:30 p.m. today with public health leadership who will be available to answer questions as North Carolina closely monitors the hantavirus outbreak on board the M/V Hondius.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is closely monitoring the recent hantavirus outbreak on board the M/V Hondius. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed one person from North Carolina was on board and evacuated with all remaining United States passengers to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s National Quarantine Unit. To protect their privacy, no further details will be shared about this individual. There are no current cases of hantavirus in North Carolina. The risk of infection in North Carolina remains extremely low.
PRESS RELEASE — As temperatures rise, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging North Carolinians to "Fight the Bite" by taking measures to reduce their risk of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. In 2025, more than 1,000 cases of tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses were reported statewide.
PRESS RELEASE — The latest data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows major improvements in the health and well-being of people across the state. The newly released 2024 death data shows North Carolina’s infant mortality rate declined to the lowest rate in state history, and overdose-related deaths decreased by more than a third in the same time frame. During this same year, the state marked major investments in health with Medicaid expansion, historic behavioral health funding from the North Carolina General Assembly, and national opioid settlement funding.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is raising awareness of Legionnaires’ disease as cases have increased statewide and globally in recent years. North Carolina reported 310 cases in 2025 compared to 201 cases in 2024.
PRESS RELEASE — Today Governor Josh Stein joined Senator Natalie Murdock, the Legislative Black Caucus, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to recognize Black Maternal Health Week and raise awareness of ongoing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.
MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to join the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB) for a virtual media availability to introduce the North Carolina Injury Data User Toolkit, a new resource designed to help users better understand, interpret and apply IVPB data in North Carolina. This interactive session on Wednesday, April 15 at 11 a.m. will demonstrate the toolkit’s features and show how IVPB data can be used to improve data literacy and support data-informed decision making.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help prevent the spread of rabies. Starting in April, Wildlife Services will be distributing oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons in western North Carolina. This program was postponed from October 2025 due to the federal government shutdown at that time.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced 22 measles cases in North Carolina since late December 2025. As cases continue to rise across the state, NCDHHS urges vaccination for everyone ages one year and older and recommends health care providers consider early vaccination for infants living in or routinely visiting certain areas in North Carolina.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is sharing resources and urging vaccination as measles cases increase across the state. The latest update to the Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard shows 15 cases in North Carolina since late December 2025, with the first hospitalized case announced last week. As cases persist, NCDHHS is launching new outreach tools to share measles information
PRESS RELEASE — With another winter storm coming to North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to prepare now. A little planning can help prevent injuries and keep families safe in upcoming cold temperatures and potential snow.
MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will host a live Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. in partnership with LATIN-19 and with the Duke Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. During this event, participants will discuss simple steps to protect you and your family from respiratory illness; who should get updated flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines; and how to find testing and treatment. The panel will also provide resources for families and offer a broader perspective on how respiratory illnesses impact Hispanic and Latino communities.
PRESS RELEASE — In recognition of Maternal Health Awareness Day, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching the “I Gave Birth” campaign to support better birth outcomes for mothers in North Carolina in the weeks after childbirth. “I Gave Birth” collaborates with 48 participating hospitals and providers to improve postpartum care during the “fourth trimester,” which is the first 6-8 weeks after childbirth. Each new mother receives a bracelet to serve as a visual reminder for the mother, her family and medical providers for vigilant monitoring of the mother’s physical and mental well-being.
PRESS RELEASE — As North Carolinians prepare for severe winter weather conditions this weekend, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services cautions people not to use gasoline-powered generators or tools, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces. These devices should be used outside only and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter weather.