Active Public Health Outbreaks in Arkansas: Late 2025 Report
Executive Summary (November 2025)
As of late November 2025, Arkansas is navigating a complex public health landscape characterized by the convergence of seasonal respiratory viruses and specific, high-impact outbreaks. While the state's respiratory virus activity is currently classified as moderate, distinct alerts have been issued for Avian Influenza (H5N1) in poultry and a critical Infant Botulism outbreak linked to formula. Concurrently, the state continues to battle long-term surges in Syphilis and Tuberculosis, with new data highlighting severe demographic disparities.
Critical & Acute Outbreaks
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Resurgence
Status: Active & Monitoring (Oct-Nov 2025)
Following a quiet summer, H5N1 "Bird Flu" has re-emerged in Arkansas. In October 2025, a backyard flock in Mississippi County tested positive, marking the first confirmed case since early in the year. State agricultural officials have issued urgent warnings to poultry producers as the fall waterfowl migration peaks in November, significantly increasing the risk of transmission from wild birds to domestic flocks.
Infant Botulism Alert
Date: November 21, 2025
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) issued a specific health alert regarding an outbreak of infant botulism. The cases have been epidemiologically linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. This is a critical, acute situation requiring immediate attention from pediatricians and parents using this specific product.
Persistent Disease Surges
Syphilis & Congenital Syphilis
Arkansas remains in a "state-wide outbreak" status for syphilis. The most alarming trend is the rise in congenital syphilis (transmission from mother to child), which has surged by approximately 500% over the last decade. Health officials attribute this to gaps in prenatal care and delayed testing.
Tuberculosis (TB)
After hitting a 15-year high in late 2024 with over 100 cases, TB remains a priority concern in 2025. A pivotal study released in July 2025 by the University of Michigan and ADH revealed stark disparities: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Arkansans are disproportionately affected, facing a risk of recent transmission that is significantly higher than other demographic groups.
Respiratory Season (Nov 2025)
Source: CDC & ADH Weekly Reports
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Surge
Note: 2025 data reflects cases reported through July. The surge marks a significant departure from post-pandemic lows.
| Disease / Issue | 2025 Status |
|---|---|
| Measles | Outbreak (April) |
| West Nile Virus | Local Activity (Aug) |
| E. coli | Beach Closures (Summer) |
Contrasting Perspectives
Public Health Data
Official reports emphasize that while overall respiratory illness levels are "moderate" compared to national averages, specific pockets of the population (infants, unvaccinated communities) are experiencing "high" severity outcomes, particularly with Pertussis and RSV.
Socio-Economic Context
Community health advocates highlight that the "outbreak" narrative often misses the underlying drivers. For instance, the TB and Syphilis surges are strongly correlated with barriers to healthcare access in rural counties and specific ethnic communities, rather than just pathogen spread.