"It seems we've lost an understanding of the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic."
Florida health officials yesterday reported the first sexually transmitted case of Zika virus this year. There is still no evidence, however, of locally transmitted Zika virus by mosquitoes in the state.
One recommendations is for all nations to assess preparedness and animal health capacities by 2019.
The plan includes a $2.8 billion boost to HHS but cuts to global health.
The annual index found worrying discrepancies among states that create widening gaps, especially in low-income areas and those vulnerable to public health emergencies.
TFAH rated 26 states and Washington, D.C., as 6 or lower on a 10-point scale.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health (MOH) reported two new cases of MERS-CoV today in men from Buraydah, a city in the central part of the country.
Both men are Saudi nationals and described as having primary exposure to MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus), meaning they did not contract the virus from someone else. One man is 94 years old, and the other 61. Both remain in critical condition.
The non-profit highlights policies that could save billions in avoidable healthcare costs, it says.
The report showed some weak spots, including a persistent and varied gap in readiness among states.
The use of antimicrobial drugs in farm animals raised for food increased 4% from 2013 to 2014 and a dramatic 22% from 2009 to 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said yesterday in its annual report on such drug use.
