Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

COVID pandemic worsened all-cause death inequities for non-White races

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically worsened disparities in all-cause death rates for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN), Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander (NHOPI), and Black Americans and eroded mortality advantages for Asian and Hispanic groups, finds a study published yesterday in PNAS.

CDC reports H1N2v flu case in Wisconsin

In its weekly flu update on Sep 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported two more variant H1N2 (H1N2v) infections, in Michigan and Wisconsin.

E coli outbreak linked to ground beef in Hello Fresh meal kits

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday reported an Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak tied to Hello Fresh meal kits that contained contaminated ground beef.

COVID boosters restored antibody levels in nursing home residents, staff

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies fell over time after vaccination or COVID-19 infection but were restored with booster doses in West Virginia nursing home residents and staff, and antibody levels were significantly lower during the Delta than the Omicron variant surges in those with breakthrough infections, finds a study published yesterday in JAMA Network Open.

Michigan reports H1N2v flu in fairgoer

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) yesterday reported a variant H1N2 (H1N2v) infection in a person who had contact with pigs at the Berrien County Youth Fair.

Officials said the case was confirmed on Sep 9 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The fair was held Aug 15 through 20. The MDHHS said county health officials are working with fair officials on the follow-up investigation.

New Omicron subvariant mutation tied to kids' neurologic complications

Researchers in Taiwan have discovered a new mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.3.7 subvariant that they suggest may be responsible for severe neurologic complications observed in young children on the island. Their study was published yesterday in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Vaccinated medical conference attendees had low rates of COVID-19

Today JAMA Network Open published a study showing a 1.8% COVID-19 infection rate among in-person attendees at a February 2022 Academic Surgical Congress conference in Florida in which 100% of participants were vaccinated and 92% were boosted.

CDC director endorses updated COVID booster recommendation

Soon after vaccine advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday voted to recommend updated COVID boosters that target the original virus plus the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation, paving the way for immunization to begin.

CDC urges providers to watch for variant flu infections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday urged health providers to ask patients with suspected flu infections outside of the regular flu season to ask about any recent exposure to pigs.

Algorithm may aid appropriate antibiotic prescribing for kids with diarrhea

A randomized trial of children with diarrhea in two low-income countries found that use of an algorithm to predict the likelihood of viral etiology resulted in reduced antibiotic use in children who had a higher likelihood of viral illness, researchers reported today in JAMA Pediatrics.