Maryland Department of Health announces new COVID-19 website, reporting changes as Public Health Emergency ends

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health this week announced changes to how it will continue providing COVID-19 information as the federal Public Health Emergency ends in May. The department has launched a set of new COVID-19 webpages where information on vaccines, testing, treatment, data, and other resources may be found long-term. “These changes reflect the new phase of COVID-19 that […]

DEA warns of sharp increase in trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Administrator […]

Artificial Tears eye drops recalled after numerous reports of eye infections, 1 death

WASHINGTON, DC—Global Pharma Healthcare is voluntarily recalling all lots within expiry of their Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, distributed by EzriCare, LLC- and Delsam Pharma, to the consumer level, due to possible contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerted the FDA to an investigation of a multi-state cluster of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)- producing […]

Maryland Department of Health issues consumer advisory for enoki mushrooms due to Listeria risk

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health is warning consumers not to eat enoki mushrooms produced by Shandong Youhe Biotechnology Co Ltd. in Shandong Province, China, because of potential contamination with Listeria bacteria. Samples collected and tested by MDH in early January were positive for the Listeria bacteria. MDH is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other states […]

Maryland Department of Health launches human monkeypox data dashboard

BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Department of Health on Friday announced the launch of a human monkeypox data dashboard containing demographics on human monkeypox case counts and vaccination numbers in the state. “This tool will further help health care providers deliver the care that is needed to Marylanders affected by human monkeypox,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “The dashboard […]

Governor Hogan issues update on state’s response to monkeypox outbreak

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Health have issued an update on the state’s response to the recent monkeypox outbreak, including efforts to make testing, vaccination, and public health resources widely available for high-risk populations.  To date, there have been no deaths attributed to monkeypox in the U.S. “Since before our first monkeypox case was identified, the […]

Maryland Department of Health receives 1-year, nearly $700,000 HHS grant to enhance telehealth services in family planning sites

BALTIMORE, MD— The Maryland Department of Health has been awarded a one-year, $699,987 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support statewide efforts to improve health equity by expanding telehealth services in family planning and preventive care service sites. MDH will use the funds through May 31, 2023, to provide telehealth capacity-building training and technical […]