The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) recently confirmed that Canada joined the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom in detecting vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) in wastewater samples in 2022.
The Canadian National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) retrospectively tested wastewater samples and found 3 of 26 samples tested positive for poliovirus by real-time PCR.
Poliovirus Detected in Canadian Wastewater
Canada Confirms Poliovirus Detected in Wastewater
The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) recently confirmed Canada joined the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom in detecting vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) in wastewater samples in 2022.
The Canadian National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) retrospectively tested wastewater samples and found 3 of 26 samples tested positive for poliovirus by real-time PCR.
Yellow Fever Less Risky in Certain African Countries
The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region recently published some good and less than positive news regarding yellow fever.
On January 3, 2022, the WHO African Region published updated data that indicates the number of new yellow fever cases has steadily decreased.
From January 2021 to early December 2022, a total of 203 confirmed and 252 probable cases with 40 deaths (Case Fatality Ratio 9%) were reported, with a decline in new case reports throughout this period.
Single-Dose RSV Protection for Infants Under Review in U.S.
AstraZeneca today announced its Biologics License Application (BLA) for nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) had been accepted for review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease (LRTI) in newborns and infants entering or during their first RSV season.
And the BLA is for children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.
Increasing Staff Vaccination at Nursing Homes Cuts COVID-19 Infections
Increase in vaccination rate linked to fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths among residents, cases among staff
BMI Up in 3-, 4-Year-Olds in Sweden During COVID-19 Pandemic
Risk for obesity higher for children in areas of low socioeconomic status
Faces Become Airline Boarding Passes in 2023
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently testing facial identification scanners at sixteen U.S. airports.
PBS reported on December 24, 2022, airline passengers insert their ID into a Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) unit at the kiosk and look at a camera for a few seconds.
Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant Interview Waivers Extended in 2023
The U.S. Department of State recently recognized the positive impact of travel to the United States by international students and temporary work visa holders and committed to reducing visa wait times.
For example, the Department issued over three million nonimmigrant visas in Fiscal Year 2022 that were adjudicated without an in-person interview.
Certain Un-Vaxxed Travelers Banned Until April 2023
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that United States (U.S.) bound flights would continue to be required to verify their non-U.S. national passengers are 'fully vaccinated' against COVID-19.
The U.S. government's current air travel policy relies on vaccinations to advance safe air travel to the U.S.
Previously, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order on October 25, 2021, and amendments, providing instructions on implementing the U.S. travel policy.
Certain Un-Vaxx'ed Travelers Banned Until April 2023
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that United States (U.S.) bound flights would continue to be required to verify their non-U.S. national passengers are 'fully vaccinated' against COVID-19.
The U.S. government's current air travel policy relies on vaccinations to advance safe air travel to the U.S.
Previously, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order on October 25, 2021, and amendments, providing instructions on implementing the U.S. travel policy.