As the African country of Nigeria confronts an active outbreak of diphtheria, several countries are alerting international travelers of this health risk.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions Travel Health Advisory on July 21, 2023, regarding the expanding diphtheria outbreak in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As of June 30, 2023, Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed diphtheria cases from 33 Local Government Areas in eight States.
80 Diphtheria Deaths Confirmed in Nigeria
Peru's Guillain-Barre Syndrome Outbreak Reaches 237 Cases
Peru's health authorities recently reaffirmed the ongoing Health Emergency regarding the number of Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS) patients.
As of July 20, 2023, media sources reported the Republic of Peru's national health emergency remains active, with 237 GBS cases reported. Weekly, an average of 25 GBS cases are being reported.
Lima remains the outbreak epicenter, with 25% of GBS cases confirmed.
Long COVID Seen in 16.2 Percent of Pediatric COVID-19 Patients
Review also shows developing certain long COVID symptoms may be associated with female gender
Avoidable Hospital Admissions Increased With Health Care Disruption
Those whose access to health care was disrupted during COVID-19 have an increased risk for preventable admission
Europe's Mosquito Concerns May Last Decades
Europe is experiencing a warming trend where flooding is becoming more frequent and severe, and summers are getting longer and warmer.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), this trend creates more favorable conditions for invasive mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.
Ten years ago, the Aedes albopictus mosquito was established in 8 EU/EEA countries, with 114 regions affected.
In 2023, the disease-carrying mosquito could be established in 13 countries and 337 regions.
How Should Malaria Be Treated in the U.S.
In response to the first locally-acquired malaria cases in the United States since 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity Call.
On July 2023, the CDC team offered insights on preventing, diagnosing, and treating malaria and how the pathogen's biology contributes to the disease's clinical management.
When Will RSV Arrive in 2023
In the United States, annual Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV outbreaks typically occur during late fall, winter, and early spring. However, there have been variations in the timing of RSV outbreaks between regions in recent years.
Across both prepandemic and pandemic years, RSV circulation in the U.S. began in Florida, then the southeast, and later in the north and west regions.
Did Pharma Promote Vaccine Disinformation
The Chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman today announced he sent letters to the Chief Executive Officers of Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck & Co., Inc. regarding vaccine information during the recent pandemic.
And reporting indicates that the pharmaceutical industry pressured social media platforms to delete posts related to producing low-cost generic vaccines.
This investigation may also examine grants, contracts, and other funding the companies received from the U.S. government.
Seasonal Patterns Identified for Suicidality in Children, Teens
Peaks seen in April and October, nadir in July; seasonal patterns were disrupted coincident with school closures in spring 2020
Pediatric Mental Health ED Visits Increased in Second Year of Pandemic
6.7 percent increase seen in youth with any mental health emergency department visit, and larger increase (22.1 percent) seen for female teens