Category: Featured Headlines
DC-area pediatrician on CDC urging summer camp operators to screen for measles immunity
WTOP As measles cases near record levels in isolated areas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging summer camps to check for documentation of immunity through vaccination or prior infection for all children. “I think there has been increased concerns about potential for additional outbreaks and spread, especially in the setting of waning or lowering […]
Jun 17, 2025
New ‘razor blade throat’ COVID subvariant quickly gains ground in California
SF Gate A new COVID-19 variant, nicknamed Nimbus, is rising around the world — including in California — and known for giving “razor blade throat” symptoms. Officially called NB.1.8.1, the variant was labeled a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organization on May 23, according to a recent report. That means it’s not currently a major threat; […]
Jun 17, 2025
Former CDC director reacts to RFK Jr.’s firing of entire vaccine advisory panel
PBS Newshour The abrupt removal of all of the members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has sparked outrage and worry among many public health experts. That includes the American Medical Association, which called for a Senate investigation into Kennedy today. Geoff Bennett has reaction from Dr. Tom […]
Jun 11, 2025
A huge outbreak has made Ontario the measles centre of the western hemisphere
Guardian Outside the emergency room of the St Thomas Elgin general hospital, about 200km (125 miles) south-west of Toronto, a large sign with bright yellow block letters issues an urgent warning: “NO MEASLES VAX & FEVER COUGH RASH – STOP – DO NOT ENTER!” To see such an imperative in the 21st century might have […]
Jun 11, 2025
Sierra Leone Is Battling an Mpox Outbreak. What Happens Next Affects Us All
Time Magazine A dangerous mpox outbreak is unfolding in Sierra Leone. In just the first week of May, cases rose by 61%, and suspected cases surged by 71%. Roughly half of all confirmed mpox cases in Africa now come from this small West African nation. The virus is moving widely, across geographies, genders, and age […]
Jun 11, 2025
HHS justifies decision to stop recommending Covid shots during pregnancy with studies supporting the shots’ safety
Politico The Department of Health and Human Services is circulating a document on Capitol Hill to explain its decision to remove the Covid-19 vaccine recommendation for pregnant women — citing studies that largely found the shot is safe. The document, which HHS sent to lawmakers days before Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his plan […]
Jun 11, 2025
New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads in the U.S., Foreshadowing a Likely Summer Surge
Discover A new COVID variant known as NB.1.8.1 is on the rise in the U.S. and beyond, landing on the radar of health officials. The variant, first identified in January 2025, is now being closely monitored, with cases already popping up across several states. A report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Advisory […]
Jun 10, 2025
Here’s What to Know About NB.1.8.1, the COVID Variant Surging in Asia
MedPageToday It will probably become dominant in the U.S. this summer, experts say. A new COVID variant driving a surge of infections in China and other parts of Asia has been detected by U.S. airport screening programsopens in a new tab or window, and experts say it may drive a summer wave in the U.S. NB.1.8.1 […]
Jun 4, 2025
Thailand’s Covid-19 cases surpass 250,000 as new variant spreads
VN News Thailand warns of rising Covid-19 cases driven by new variant NB.1.8.1, urging the public to stay cautious and follow health measures. Data from May 30 showed 41,283 new cases, bringing the total so far this year to 257,280 cases, with two new deaths, raising the total fatalities to 52. The Bangkok metropolitan area […]
Jun 4, 2025
Public Health Preparedness:HHS Needs a Coordinated National Approach for Diagnostic Testing for Pandemic Threats
GAO During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health and Human Services struggled to lead the nation’s testing efforts, which required close coordination with public and private stakeholders. This was one reason we added HHS’s leadership of public health emergencies to our High Risk List. We convened a roundtable of 19 experts to discuss ways HHS […]
Jun 4, 2025