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Africa CDC launches trial of smallpox drug for mpox

The trial will be conducted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in partnership with Emergent BioSolutions.

Stephanie Soucheray

Last patient discharged from treatment in Rwanda’s Marburg outbreak

The 42-day countdown period covers two virus incubation periods.

Lisa Schnirring

News Scan for Feb 11, 2019

DRC sees no let-up in Ebola cases in Katwa

Over the weekend and through today the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) health ministry reported 16 more lab-confirmed Ebola cases, 13 of them from Katwa, the outbreak's current hot spot. Also, in a Feb 9 update, health officials reported 7 more probable cases, all from Katwa involving people who became ill in November and December and died between November and January.

News Scan for Jun 15, 2015

Saudi Arabia reports 4 new MERS cases, 3 in Hofuf
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health (MOH) reported four more MERS-CoV cases over the weekend and today—three in the hot spot city of Hofuf—in an outbreak that still simmers even as it gets overshadowed by MERS events in South Korea. The agency also reported three deaths in previously reported cases.

Avian Flu Scan for Jun 15, 2015

WHO profiles latest H7N9 cases in China

The World Health Organization (WHO) today released a snapshot of 15 H7N9 avian influenza cases, 3 of them fatal, that it received from China on Jun 12.

Today's report didn't include individual details about each patient, but rather a broad epidemiologic view of the most recent infections. The WHO said illness-onset dates range from Apr 19 to May 22 and all of the cases involved exposure to poultry environments.

New AI tool ferrets out long-COVID cases from patient records, estimates 23% prevalence

The algorithm was roughly 3% more accurate than the relevant diagnostic code and less biased toward certain populations, the authors say.

Mary Van Beusekom

Study highlights high rate of multidrug-resistant strains of E coli, Klebsiella in 3 countries

A genomic surveillance study identified several multidrug-resistant, high-risk clones of E Coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan.

Chris Dall

Quick takes: Long-COVID research office, US global health agency, more avian flu

HHS launches the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice, and the State Department launches the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy.

Lisa Schnirring

Cardiac inflammation markers show role of long-COVID symptoms

People reporting long-COVID symptoms had elevated levels of cytokines, which are proteins the body makes to fight inflammation.

Stephanie Soucheray

Hawaii reports first H5 avian flu detection in wastewater

Hawaii is the only US state that hasn't reported H5N1 avian flu in birds or animals.

Lisa Schnirring

Nirsevimab 89% effective against RSV hospitalization for babies, CDC estimates

The drug was 88% effective against the need for medical attention among those in their second respiratory virus season.

Mary Van Beusekom

Avian flu confirmed in more US poultry, cattle; more than 500 herds now affected

In other developments, Alveo Technologies announced an agreement with the CDC to develop a rapid multiplex test for point-of-need use.

Lisa Schnirring

UK surveillance data show rise in antibiotic-resistant infections

UK health officials say the increase is largely due to an uptick in antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli infections. 

Chris Dall

Survey of Pakistani pediatricians finds limited education, training in antibiotic stewardship

Only 15% of responding pediatricians reported obtaining training on antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance, and only 25% said they were aware of antimicrobial stewardship.

Chris Dall

Most COVID vaccine–hesitant Dutch adults later changed their mind, report suggests

In total, 86% of those reluctant to receive a vaccine and 34% of those who were unwilling said they either were vaccinated or intended to be. 

Mary Van Beusekom

Nevada reports its first avian flu detection in dairy cattle as virus hits Iowa layer farm

Nevada is the 16th state to report avian flu in dairy cattle. Iowa's poultry outbreak is its first since June. 

Lisa Schnirring

Study shows global decline in antimicrobial use during COVID pandemic was short-lived

Researchers suggest the decline was linked to countries implementing movement restrictions, which resulted in fewer medical consultations.

Chris Dall

Review finds audit and feedback improves antibiotic prescribing in primary care

A review and meta-analysis of 56 randomized controlled trials found reductions of 11% to 23% across four antibiotic prescribing outcomes.

Chris Dall

FDA temporarily allows import of French firm's penicillin for syphilis during US drug shortage

It's unknown when supplies of the Pfizer's penicillin G drug will be replenished.

Mary Van Beusekom

Poultry industry data show steep decline in antibiotic use in chickens, turkeys

Use of antibiotics in broiler chickens in the hatchery dropped from 90% in 2013 to less than 1% in 2023.

Chris Dall

HHS secretary extends duration for COVID PREP Act declaration

The declaration provides immunity for certain claims, including loss caused by or related to administration or use of countermeasures to diseases, threats, or conditions.

Lisa Schnirring

C difficile vaccine candidate fails to meet primary end point in phase 3 trial

The vaccine didn't reduce C difficile infections in at-risk adults, but it did show the potential to reduce infection severity and limit need for medical attention.

Chris Dall

Massachusetts to start spraying for Eastern equine encephalitis

The announcement follows detection of the state's first EEE case since 2020.

Chris Dall

Avian flu virus confirmed in Michigan dairy herd

The detection brings the number of affected dairy herds in Michigan to 28.

Stephanie Soucheray

Southern Hemisphere flu season similar to past years, with high levels in some countries

Dominant flu strain varied by subregion, and a few countries, such as Chile and Zambia, reported very high activity.

Lisa Schnirring

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