Autism diagnoses for children in the United States continue to rise, with the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating that one out of every 31 eight-year-olds have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The findings, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, are a low-key but significant improvement over previous years and come at a time when the disease is facing heightened political scrutiny, including from the administration of President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

While the CDC attributes this steady rise to improved screening, increased awareness, and broader access to diagnostic care, Kennedy has introduced fresh unsubstantiated claims of a connection between autism and exposures to the environment and vaccines—despite decades of contradiction from empirical evidence suggesting no such association. His comments have stoked controversy surrounding the causes of autism even as experts emphasize that the evidence must be reflected in more comprehensive policies and support systems, not fear or misinformation.

Is Autism Really on the Rise Or Early Detection?

In its recent report both pointing to gains in early detection and persistent issues with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that autism rates in the United States have reached an all-time high. Through 2022, approximately 1 in 31 U.S. 8-year-olds had an autism diagnosis—an increase from 1 in 36 two years before. Though some have called this a "public health epidemic," health care providers and scientists credit the trend to a more longer-term shift in diagnostic patterns, increased awareness, and increasing access to services, especially within historically disenfranchised populations.

The CDC's latest biennial surveillance report, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, includes a comprehensive picture of autism prevalence across the country. Using data collected from several Texas, Georgia, and California communities, the findings show significant regional variation. For example, in one San Diego metropolitan community, 1 in 19 children had been diagnosed with autism—the highest rate in the study.

Of note, these rises are not always a reflection of a rise in the prevalence of children with autism, but rather an increase in the ability to identify it, particularly at earlier stages in life. According to the CDC, enhanced screening tools, parent and pediatrician education campaigns, and community-based interventions have all contributed to this diagnostic shift.

The report comes on the heels of autism having received new political attention. President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. placed autism at the center of their healthcare agenda. Kennedy, who has long drawn criticism for linking autism with vaccines—a myth that has been often debunked by the scientific world—called the condition an "epidemic running rampant."

Contrary to Kennedy's assertions, the CDC and senior health leaders maintain that increases in autism diagnosis are primarily due to positive trends in detection and awareness, rather than an explosion of cases with environmental or medical causes.

Kennedy's call for new investigations into vaccines and autism has raised alarm among advocacy groups and scientists. The decades-long, peer-reviewed push against the myth that vaccines cause autism has demolished the trope. According to the CDC, vaccines remain safe and essential to public health.

This rhetoric does more harm than good," stated Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America. "Prevalence data should drive equity and access—not fear, misinformation, or political rhetoric.".

Perhaps most notably, the CDC report highlights the growing trend of autism diagnoses in children of color. Traditionally disproportionately diagnosed in white, affluent communities, ASD increasingly is being diagnosed in Black, Hispanic, and Asian children. The trend, first reported in the 2020 CDC report, continues, a sign of growing outreach and access to care in historically underserved communities.

In fact, autism now happens less frequently in upscale neighborhoods than in socially disadvantaged communities—a reversal of the decades-ago trend. The CDC emphasized that the trend reversal is likely a result of concerted efforts to reduce gaps in early screening and diagnostic services, and not because there is any increased biological risk in some communities.

Autism remains significantly more common in boys than girls. In 2022, autism was diagnosed in boys at a rate 3.4 times higher than girls. While the disparity has lessened in recent years, scientists caution that the disparity is not wholly due to improved diagnostic practices in girls. The nuance and lower disruptive impact of ASD presentation in women—frequently more subtle and less disruptive—can still lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.

Local variation in autism prevalence also tends to correlate with the existence of early intervention services. California, for example, has an excellent program training pediatricians to screen for early signs of autism and providing state-funded regional centers for kids with developmental disorders. These models that are based within communities provide roadmaps for the enhancement of autism identification and treatment systems across the country.

Likewise, Puerto Rico's recent investment in public autism awareness campaigns had a profound influence on diagnostic rates. Children born after the island-wide early detection initiative was initiated had one of the highest rates of diagnosis among their age group, a reflection of the effectiveness of preventive public health initiatives.

While the slight uptick in autism rates may sound alarming, health professionals urge the public to interpret the numbers with caution. “This is not an epidemic,” said one CDC epidemiologist familiar with the report. “What we’re seeing is the fruit of years of advocacy, education, and systemic change.”

Experts and autism advocacy leaders reinforce that message. "This entire generation of children is not damaged," said the Autism Society's Banks. "They are being seen, heard and served more than ever before."

500 girls have received the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in the first five days of launching the cervical cancer prevention drive. A senior officer, as also reported by TOI noted that misinformation and lack of awareness could lead to a lower number of girls showing up. This is why, while the initial response is encouraging, logistics are still need to be figured out, including identification of session sites and to widen coverage and counter doubts that surround the vaccine. "The HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical caner, one of the most common cancers among women in the country. Addressing public concerns is crucial for the program's success," said the official.

Health officials along with public health experts will be conducting interactive sessions on social media across districts on Thursday. In Sikar, a dedicated platform will also allow experts to respond to the questions directly on HPV infections, vaccine safety, eligibility and benefits.

As of now, the program allows a single vaccine dose for girls who have completed 14 years and are yet to turn 15. As per the Health Department, around 8.32 lakh girls in Rajasthan are eligible for the vaccine annually.

Nationwide Free HPV Vaccine Drive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28 launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 years from Rajasthan's Ajmer.

The initiative marks a decisive step towards eliminating cervical cancer through timely HPV vaccination. Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India. Nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths are reported annually in the country.

Read: PM Modi Launches Nationwide Free HPV Vaccination Drive; A Landmark Step, Says WHO

"Today, I have had the opportunity to launch the HPV vaccine campaign from Ajmer. This campaign is an important step towards empowering women and daughters of this country,” PM Modi said.

“For us, this was a sensitive issue tied to the insult of our sisters and daughters, one that made them ill. That is why we resolved it at a crucial turning point in their mission,” he added.

The World Health Organization has also lauded India's mission to launch the HPV vaccine and prevent the risk of cervical cancer.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the daughters of the country are healthy and prosperous. The objective of this initiative is the prevention of cervical cancer," the Prime Minister, earlier wrote in a post on social media platform X.

Who Can Avail The Nationwide Free HPV Vaccination Drive?

The vaccine is most effective when it is administered before exposure to HPV and before becoming sexually active. Young women aged 9 to 14 years show vaccine effectiveness of 74 to 93 per cent and this decreases with age.

Read: India Launches Nationwide Free HPV Vaccine For Adolescent Girls - Why Should Every Woman Consider It?

Girls aged 9 to 14 should get two doses of the vaccine in 6 to 12 months apart

Women aged 15 to 26 years can get three doses in 0, 2, and 6 months apart

Adults aged 27 to 45 must get it after consultation with their healthcare provider

Chile became the first country in the Americas to be verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the elimination of leprosy. WHO with Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), congratulated Chile for becoming the first country in the Americas and second globally to eliminate leprosy.

Leprosy (Hansen disease) was historically recorded in Chile at the end of the 19th century on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The disease was limited in mainland Chile, with sporadic introductions, contained through isolation and treatment measures in the Island, where the last secondary cases were managed by the late 1990s.

Since then, Chile did not report locally acquired case of leprosy in more than 30 years. The last locally acquired case was detected in 1993. However, the disease was never removed from public health agenda and remained a notifiable condition and monitored through mandatory reporting, surveillance and continuous clinical readiness.

Chile Makes History In Health Care

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said, “This landmark public health achievement is a powerful testament to what leadership, science, and solidarity can accomplish. Chile’s elimination of leprosy sends a clear message to the world: with sustained commitment, inclusive health services, integrated public health strategies, early detection and universal access to care, we can consign ancient diseases to history.”

PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa said, "Chile’s achievement demonstrates that eliminating leprosy is achievable and requires building strong systems that can detect, respond to, and provide comprehensive care for people affected by the disease, including those living with chronic disabilities. Being the first country in the Americas to be confirmed as eliminating leprosy sends a powerful message to the Region – that diseases strongly linked to groups living in vulnerable conditions can be eliminated, contributing to interrupt the vicious circle between disease and poverty.”

How Did Chile Achieve Elimination of Leprosy?

As per WHO between 2012 and 2023, Chile reported 47 cases nationwide, none of which were locally acquired.

WHO notes that Chile's integrated model ensures early detection and comprehensive care: primary care centers serve as the entry point for suspected cases, with timely referrals to specialized dermatology services for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Clinicians receive training aligned with WHO's Towards zero leprosy strategy. The system prioritizes early intervention, disability prevention, and holistic care, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, ensuring that anyone affected by leprosy receives continuous support for both acute and long-term health needs to promote full recovery and social inclusion.

What Is Leprosy?

Leprosy is also known as Hansen disease. It is a chronic infectious disease that is caused by bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa and eyes.

If it is not treated timely, it could lead to permanent nerve damage, disabilities and social stigma. However, the condition is fully curable with multidrug therapy and early detection could prevent further complications.

Warning has been issued in Plymouth due to an increase in drug overdose which have been linked to substances like heroin or pregabalin. Naloxone Advocates Plymouth, also known as NAP issued the warning for people to take "extra care". NAP is a community interest company or a CIC, which is made of volunteers who work to reduce drug-related deaths in Plymouth.

Warning On Drug Overdose: What Is It?

On March 2, NAP shared a Facebook post, where the NAP spokesperson said: "A quick heads up for people in Plymouth/ We have recently seen more overdoses than usual linked to substances that slow breathing (such as heroin or pregabalin). We want people to be aware so they can take extra care."

Signs Of Someone Who Is Overdosing

• Being unconscious
• Slow breathing or not breathing
• Loud snoring
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Blue lips

NAP also said if someone becomes unwell, one must immediately call 999, and place the person in the recovery position if they are breathing.

Read: Jannik Sinner Drug Suspension: Why Wimbledon Winner Was Banned – The Clostebol Drug Test Controversy Explained

What To Do If Someone Has Overdosed On Drugs?

NAP also noted emergency antidote, as reported by Plymouth Herald too, in the event of an overdose of heroin or other opiated or opioids. NAP noted that even if you are unaware of what the unwell person has takes, the antidote "will not harm them, and sometimes drugs contain opioids even when they are not sold as such". NAP said one can administer naloxone as an antidote.

NAP also asked the person to stay with the unwell person for 20 minutes or until help arrives as the person could go back into overdose once naloxone wears off.

If the person is not breathing, one should immediately call 999 and start CPR, noted NAP.

What Is Naloxone? The Antidote That Works On Drug Overdose

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, US, naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.

It should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. It could be administered through nasal spray or injected through the muscle, under the skin or into the veins.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that families and loved ones could carry naloxone with them if they know someone in their family struggles with drug abuse. However, they can ask pharmacists or health care provider on how to administer the antidote.

However one must not that it works in the body for only 30 to 90 minutes, whereas some opioids could stay longer than that. This is why it is important to call for help. Furthermore, people given naloxone must be observed and monitored even after the last dose of naloxone to make sure their breathing do not slow down.