Despite strides in expanding access to insecticide-treated nets and medicines that help prevent malaria in children and pregnant women, more people were infected with malaria in 2022, according to a new report published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In 2022, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases globally, exceeding 2019 by 16 million patients.
The WHO's 2023 World Malaria Report, published on November 30, 2023, discloses the changes that influence the behavior and survival of the malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquito.
Malaria Overwhelmed 11 Countries in 2022
Polio Vaccine Misinformation Goes Global
While the end of polio is within reach, immunization efforts can easily be derailed by spreading vaccine misinformation, wrote the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
While it is near impossible to eliminate vaccine misinformation after it has spread, national health systems can actively monitor for and address misinformation as it arises. Digital Community Engagement enables countries to bridge the gap between their on-the-ground work and digital communities while fostering trust in childhood immunization.
U.S. Government Wants Additional RSV Passive Immunization Supply
The U.S. Administration recently confirmed officials met with suppliers to discuss the manufacturing, distribution, and accessibility of Respiratory Syncytia Virus (RSV) immunizations through the private market.
On November 27, 2023, senior administration officials underscored the importance of manufacturers such as Sanofi and AstraZeneca working to meet demand with a sense of urgency.
CDC: 2021 to 2022 Saw Increase in U.S. Life Expectancy
Increase in life expectancy seen for males and females and for American Indian and Alaska Native, Hispanic, Black, Asian, White populations
Prevalence of COVID-19 Variant BA.2.86 Rising in the United States
Preliminary data on the variant suggest it does not trigger more severe illness than previous variants
Fourth COVID-19 Shot Beneficial in Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Fourth dose reduces risk for SARS-CoV-2 for patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases using DMARDs
Fluvoxamine Does Not Shorten Duration of COVID-19 Symptoms
Findings observed among adults with mild or moderate COVID-19
Microarray Skin Patch Successfully Delivers Measles Vaccines
The journal Vaccines recently reported that microarray patches (MAPs) have the potential to be a safer, more acceptable, easier-to-use, and more cost-effective means for the administration of vaccines than injection by needle and syringe.
COVID-19 Vaccination Before Infection Cuts Risk for Long COVID
COVID-19 vaccination with any number of doses before infection linked to reduced risk for post-COVID-19 condition
Mpox Outbreaks Continue in Late 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) today reported that the multi-country mpox outbreak continues at a low transmission level in the European Region and the Americas.
The 30th WHO Situation Report, published on November 25, 2023, offers insights regarding the latest epidemiology and a particular focus on the ongoing and evolving epidemiology of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Enhanced Influenza Vaccine Protects Children Best
New real-world data focused on cell-based quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (QIVc) was recently published in the journal Vaccines.
This CSL Seqirus-funded study evaluated data from 16 studies over four flu seasons and is the latest to underscore the measurable value of QIVc or the relative VE (rVE) for children compared to older egg-based QIV (QIVe) vaccines.
Mammals Consuming Sick Birds Become Infected with Avian Influenza
New research highlights multiple detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus Eurasian lineage H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in wild terrestrial mammals in the United States.
This finding, published by the U.S. CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases Volume 29, Number 12—December 2023, builds on previous reports of natural infections with HPAI virus in red foxes and adds to the global list of species susceptible to H5N1 HPAI virus.
Updated 2024 Children Vaccination Schedule Effective Immediately
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today published updated vaccination recommendations for ages 18 years or younger.
Published on November 17, 2023, the 2024 Immunization Schedule is effective immediately.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has approved these vaccine recommendations by majority vote since October 26, 2023.
The ACIP develops recommendations for U.S. immunizations, including ages when vaccines should be given, number of doses, time between doses, and precautions and contraindications.
Flu Season Remains Mostly Green
The best news concerning the 2023-2024 flu season in the United States is that most people have yet to be impacted by an influenza virus.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six states reported a moderate level of seasonal flu cases as of November 3, 2023, and two areas (Alaska and Puerto Rico) reported more intensive influenza outbreaks.
Can Vaccine Confidence Recover
According to a new poll from the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, vaccine confidence has significantly decreased over the past two years.
This health survey, announced today, found that the number of Americans who think vaccines approved for use are safe dropped to 71% from 77% in April 2021.
Mild Flu Season Reported by the U.S. CDC
Recent reports from various health agencies confirmed the 2023-2024 flu season is off to a slow start in the Northern Hemisphere.
This follows a de minimus flu season in the Southern Hemisphere in countries such as Australia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that seasonal influenza activity remains low nationally.
As of October 27, 2023, outpatient respiratory illness is below baseline, and all 10 HHS regions are below their respective baselines.
Self-Administered Nasal Flu Shot Approval Under FDA Review
For the first time, an influenza vaccine sprayed into the nose that protects people against the seasonal flu has been accepted for review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
If approved by the FDA, FLUMIST® QUADRIVALENT will be the first live nasal influenza vaccine available to be self-administered by eligible patients or administered by caregivers.
Flu Activity 66% Lower Than This Time in 2022
Walgreens Inc. today announced flu activity is 66% lower than this time last year. However, flu activity is 34% higher when looking at pre-pandemic seasons, such as 2018-2019.
Unfortunately, flu activity increased 13% over the past week, according to the 2023-2024 Walgreens Flu Index®.
On October 19, 2023, the leading markets with the highest flu activity were in the south-central U.S., led by Texas.
The WHO Can't Find Flu Outbreaks
As the Southern Hemisphere's flu season ends and migrates to the Northern Hemisphere, new data indicates a lull in influenza outbreaks.
In the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, including the United States, indicators of influenza activity were reported at low levels or below the seasonal threshold in most reporting countries.
Published on October 9, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Influenza Update N° 455 concluded influenza detections remained low.
Cell-Based and Adjuvanted Influenza Vaccines Deliver Measurable Benefits
Various flu shot benefit analyses are being presented during poster sessions in Boston, Massachusetts, this week. These data highlight the effectiveness and value of influenza vaccination across relevant age groups, risk profiles, and flu seasons with different levels of influenza burden.
An expansive analysis was announced today by CSL Seqirus, offering new data from three studies supporting the clinical, public health, and economic value of both cell-based and adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccines.
Over-Touristed Destinations Include U.S. Hot Spots
There are many cities around the world included in people's bucket-list locations to visit during their lifetime.
According to a team at MoneyTransfers.com, they ranked the most visited cities and countries in the world, and some of the rankings might surprise an avid traveler.
This Most "Over-Touristed" Cities in the World list was published on September 7, 2023.
Malaria Arrives in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Health announced a positive case of locally acquired malaria in a person living in the National Capital Region. This new Maryland patient was hospitalized and is reported to be recovering.
This person did not travel recently outside the United States or visit Florida or Texas, where locally acquired malaria outbreaks have been reported.
South Africa's Measles Outbreak Continues
Over the past year, the Republic of South Africa has been confronted with a significant measles outbreak. Even with an aggressive vaccination program, new measles cases continue to be reported.
As of August 16, 2023, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has tested 6,616 serum samples for measles since epidemiological week 40, 2022, of which 1124 (17%) were confirmed positive.
Recently, the percentage of samples testing positive decreased to 9% in week #31.
Airport Dos and Don’ts for Labor Day Travelers
As the summer travel season 2023 approaches the Labor Day holiday, U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are eager to share their top "dos and don'ts" for air travelers.
Since airline travelers have resumed activity levels last seen in 2019, TSA officers have an insider's view of what results in a smooth screening process and what doesn't.
Additionally, the TSA has identified six tips and six things they never do when flying.
Travel tips:
COVID-19 Fatalities Decrease Globally
While many people thought the COVID-19 pandemic had ended, new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates another SARS-CoV-2 variant is impacting more people.
During the past few months, the EG.5 (Eris) variant spiked COVID-19 cases in India but has recently subsided.
And in the U.S., Eris is the fasting-growing COVID-19 subvariant responsible for around 17% of current COVID cases, according to the U.S. CDC.
South Florida's Dengue Outbreak Continues in August 2023
As the summer of 2023 comes to a close in South Florida, various mosquito-borne diseases continue to infect people.
During the period of July 30 to August 5, 2023, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) reported the following arboviral activity:
International Travel-Associated Dengue: Forty-three cases of dengue were reported this week in persons with international travel. In 2023, 190 travel-associated dengue cases have been reported.
Measles Elimination Requires Pre-Trip Vaccinations
The United States has maintained the elimination of measles since 2000, despite several outbreaks in various states such as Ohio.
Most measles outbreaks occur when unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people travel to and from the U.S., says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Measles cases worldwide increased by about 80% during 2022.
For example, India recently reported 57,550 measles cases over the past year.
Cholera Outbreaks Continue in 2023
Over the past month, the multi-country cholera outbreak has reached India, which has reported over 600 cases, says the World Health Organization (WHO).
In total, 25 countries have reported cases since the beginning of 2023, and the WHO assesses the risk at the global level as very high.
For example, the Republic of Haiti has reported over 40,000 cholera cases, including 253 deaths, this year.
Philippines Aviation Backed by the U.S.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently affirmed its commitment to provide additional training and equipment to the Republic of the Philippines’ Office for Transportation Security (OTS).
During a courtesy visit to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, TSA Assistant Administrator for International Operations Gary Renfrow noted on August 1, 2023, the improved aviation security in the Philippines and assured the transport chief of continued support for capacity development efforts for airport authorities.
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Wine Country
France's Agence régionale de santé Nouvelle-Aquitaine (ARS) recenlty confirmed a patient had been infected with West Nile virus (WNV) in New Aquitaine.
This WNV patient is from Bordeaux, and ARS is investigating four suspected cases.
Previously, human infections with WNV were reported in France's Mediterranean (PACA and Occitanie regions).
"Their state of health does not inspire concern, and they are on the way to recovery," said the ARS statement on August 1, 2023.