Author: Claudinne Miller
Health Departments Struggle to Track Human Cases of Bird Flu
MedPageToday Bird flu cases have more than doubled in the country within a few weeks, but researchers can’t determine why the spike is happening because surveillance for human infections has been patchy for 7 months. Just this week, California reported its 15th infection in dairy workers and Washington state reported seven probable cases in poultry workers. Hundreds […]
Oct 30, 2024
Japan’s Shionogi says Phase 3 study showed COVID pill reduces transmission
Reuters Japan’s Shionogi & Co said on Tuesday a global, late-stage study showed its pill-based treatment for COVID-19 was effective in reducing transmission of the disease. Ensitrelvir, known commercially as Xocova, showed a statistically significant reduction in participants with symptomatic infection after exposure to household contacts with COVID, Shionogi said in a statement. The Phase 3 […]
Oct 30, 2024
WHO and partners activate Global Health Emergency Corps for the first time in response to mpox outbreak
WHO In October 2024, WHO and partners, in collaboration with Member States, activated the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) for the first time to provide support to countries facing mpox outbreaks. GHEC is a grouping of professionals with the objective of strengthening the response to health emergencies, and a collaboration platform for countries and health emergency networks. […]
Oct 30, 2024
Why protective antibodies fade after COVID-19 vaccines
NIH Some vaccines offer long-lasting protection. For instance, the tetanus vaccine provides protection for at least 10 years. With other vaccines, protection may begin to decline within a few months. To provide enduring immunity, a vaccine must elicit production of long-lived plasma cells, a type of immune cell that matures over time in the bone […]
Oct 30, 2024
Walking pneumonia cases are spiking, especially in kids. Here’s what to know
NPR (Podcast) Respiratory infections caused by the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae are on the rise across the US. People of all ages are being affected — including an unusual surge in young children. The good news: It’s usually mild. The bad news: It can take weeks for an infection to burn through a classroom or family.
Oct 30, 2024
Tuberculosis returns as top infectious disease killer, WHO says
Reuters Tuberculosis replaced COVID-19 to become the top cause for infectious disease-related deaths in 2023, according to a World Health Organization report published on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges in the global effort in eradicating the disease. Last year about 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed, meaning they could access suitable treatment – the highest number […]
Oct 30, 2024
25 Jump Scares
NYT The floor creaks, the music turns ominous and an uneasy quiet sets in. Then BAM! It’s the classic jump scare. This staple of horror movies, when done well, is instantly memorable. With Times film writers, filmmakers and stars weighing in, we ranked the 25 jump scares that still get us every time. Continue Reading
Oct 29, 2024
How Long Should Kids Stay Out of School After They’ve Had COVID?
MedPageToday When the daughter of MedPage Today‘s editor-in-chief Jeremy Faust, MD, got COVID in September, he strategized how best to prevent spread of the virus while causing the least disruption to her school schedule. He debated whether the CDC’s most recent isolation guidelines — which recommend resuming activities when symptoms are resolving and you’ve been fever-free for […]
Oct 29, 2024
U.S. death from Lassa fever, an Ebola-like virus, is reported in Iowa
STAT A person from Iowa who recently returned to the United States from West Africa has died after contracting Lassa fever, a virus that can cause Ebola-like illness in some patients. State health officials reported the case on Monday. “I want to assure Iowans that the risk of transmission is incredibly low in our state. […]
Oct 29, 2024
Rwanda: Exact Origin of Marburg Virus Identified, Says Minister Nsanzimana
All Africa The Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, has said the Marburg virus that led to an outbreak on September 27 came from a cave where mining activities had been ongoing. Initial findings of genomic sequencing indicated that the virus, which is transmitted by fruit bats, had come from animal to human, without passing through multiple hosts. “We […]
Oct 29, 2024