The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today reported that during 2022, the estimated 2022 U.S. age-adjusted death rate decreased by 5.3% compared to 2021.
Furthermore, the CDC announced on May 4, 2023, the three leading causes of death in 2022 were heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injury.
The number of deaths caused by unintentional injury was primarily driven by a high number of drug overdose deaths.
COVID-19 Related Fatalities Fall
West Nile Virus is Endemic in Phoenix
Since the West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected during 2003 in Maricopa County, Arizona, it has become endemic.
According to recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the recent fifth WNV outbreak was the largest and generated the most significant number of related fatalities.
In 2021, Maricopa County, which includes the city of Phoenix, reported 1,487 WNV cases, 1,014 hospitalizations, and 101 (7%) deaths.
This unfortunate data compared with only 3 WNV cases in 2020.
Network Reorganization Compensates for Post-COVID Neural Deficits
Patients with post-COVID condition have greater brain activation across the network, lesser deactivation in default mode regions
New Disease Biomarkers Uncovered in MIS-C, COVID-19
Signatures associated with cellular injury and death differentiate MIS-C and COVID-19 in pediatric patients
2021 to 2022 Saw Decrease in Age-Adjusted Death Rate in U.S.
Decrease also seen in estimated age-adjusted COVID-19 death rate, from 115.6 to 63.1 per 100,000 persons
Initial RSV Vaccine Approved in the U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Arexvy™, the first single-dose, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine approved for use in the United States.
GSK plc's Arexvy is approved for preventing lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in individuals 60 and older.
The U.S. launch is planned before the start of the 2023/24 RSV season.
Changes in Cancer Risk Factors, Screening Reported During Pandemic
Declines seen in current smoking, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol consumption; increase seen in uptake of HPV vaccine, stool testing for CRC
Bird Flu Continues Culling America's Largest Bird
Health officials fear America’s largest birds may become extinct because the highly contagious influenza A H5N1 virus (bird flu) continues to spread.
Recently, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) confirmed 20 California condors have died.
With a total world population of just 561 birds, these 20 deaths represent a significant loss.
As of May 2, 2023, the good news is that four condors are being treated at Liberty Wildlife in Phoenix, Arizona, and are showing signs of improvement.
U.S. to Drop Most COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Next Week as Emergency Ends
White House COVID-19 coordinator Ashish Jha said the goal now is to continue to encourage vaccinations
Bell Palsy Incidence Higher With SARS-CoV-2 Infection Than Vaccine
However, review showed significantly increased incidence of Bell palsy in vaccine recipients versus those receiving placebo