As the global outbreak of the dengue virus continues to impact over 100 countries in late 2023, the Region of the Americas was recently issued an updated Travel Health Advisory.
On November 27, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reissued its Level 1- Practice Usual Precautions, confirming dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, with some countries reporting increased numbers of cases of the mosquito-transmitted disease.
U.S. Reissued Dengue Outbreak Travel Health Notice
RSV and Flu Vaccine Coadministration Found Safe
With the 2023-2024 influenza season accelerating in late 2023, a recent study reported good news for seniors also concerned about Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease.
Herpes Labialis Curtailed by 100 Year Old Vaccine
While the world awaits the approval of a herpes vaccine, a very old vaccine was recently found to offer some protection against this sexually transmitted disease (STD).
As of December 1, 2023, various studies have found the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine offers beneficial off-target effects that might impact the recurrence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in certain people.
Malaria Overwhelmed 11 Countries in 2022
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.
High Levels of Anxiety, Depression Seen in Younger Adults During Pandemic
Levels declined throughout pandemic period for those aged 40 years and older, but remained elevated for younger adults
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
Fluvoxamine Does Not Shorten Duration of COVID-19 Symptoms
Findings observed among adults with mild or moderate COVID-19
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