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New standard on cutting risk of infectious aerosol spread sets high bar for building ventilation but is work in progress

Rather than indoor-outdoor air exchanges per hour, the document describes an "equivalent clean air flow" target per occupant of pathogen-free air.

Mary Van Beusekom
Building HVAC system

Quick takes: Vibrio deaths in North Carolina, Georgia reports Naegleria fowleri death, Jamestown Canyon virus cases in Michigan

States are keeping residents posted on warm-weather infectious disease threats, some water-borne and others spread by mosquitos.

Lisa Schnirring

Newly approved antiviral is promising alternative against cytomegalovirus illness in kidney transplants

Letermovir was noninferior to valganciclovir in preventing CMV illness through 1 year after transplant (10.4% vs 11.8%).

Mary Van Beusekom
Two kidneys

Tuberculosis drug shows protective effect against leprosy

A randomized controlled trial reveals that rifapentine, an antibiotic used for TB treatment, can protect household contacts from leprosy.

Chris Dall
Orange pills spilling from white bottle

CDC issues building ventilation guidance to guard against respiratory infections

The goal is at least 5 air changes per hour and an upgrade to MERV-13 filters.

Lisa Schnirring

Gene-edited calf shows resistance to common cattle virus

The gene-edited calf has reduced susceptibility to bovine viral diarrhea virus and was produced by an innovation that one day could reduce antimicrobial use in cattle.

Chris Dall

CDC investigators tracking reports of brain abscesses in kids

In Nevada, 18 cases were reported in 2022, and 15 patients required surgery.

Lisa Schnirring

Florida reports fatal Naegleria fowleri case

The patient may have contracted the waterborne amoebic disease from sinus rinse practices using tap water.

Lisa Schnirring

Study links acid suppressants to colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria

Data show that use of proton-pump inhibitors increased hospital patients' risk of acquiring multidrug-resistant organisms by nearly 50%.

Chris Dall
Woman eating sandwich

WHO: Only 25% of countries on track with water sanitation goals

The WHO says urgent action is needed if countries around the globe want to reach their water and sanitation goals.

Stephanie Soucheray