Health Highlights: Dec. 21, 2009

Dec. 22 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Ex-CDC Chief to Head Merck's Vaccines Business

The former head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will soon head Merck & Co.'s $5 billion vaccines business.

Julie Gerberding, CDC director from 2002 until earlier this year, will take over as president of Merck's vaccines operations, overseeing sales of its existing vaccines, development of vaccines currently in the works, and continuation of plans to expand vacccinations in developing countries, Dow Jones Newswires reported.

She assumes her new position Jan. 25, replacing Margaret McGlynn, Merck's recently retired head of vaccines.

Richard Clark, Merck chairman and chief executive, described Gerberding as a "preeminent authority in public health, infectious diseases and vaccines," Dow Jones reported.

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Brittany Murphy Likely Died From Natural Causes: Coroner

Actress Brittany Murphy likely died of natural causes, but an autopsy will be performed as part of the coroner's investigation into the sudden death of the 32-year-old star, authorities said Monday.

"Foul play is not suspected at this time because there were no outward signs of trauma or other injuries," said Capt. John Kades of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, according to People.

Murphy, known for her roles in "Clueless" and "Girl, Interrupted," reportedly collapsed in the shower and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Initial reports cited cardiac arrest.

According to the web site TMZ, Murphy's mother, Sharon, told paramedics who arrived after the 911 call that her daughter had diabetes.

Rail-thin recently, the actress was fighting flu-like symptoms in the last days of her life and became seriously ill hours before her collapse, according to TMZ.