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Centers For Disease Control And Prevention

All articles tagged with #centers for disease control and prevention

health11 days ago•21 min saved

RFK Jr.’s flu-shot stance sparks policy shift in public health

The Washington Post reports that RFK Jr., depicted as health secretary, has long campaigned against vaccines and has tied his own voice-change to the flu vaccine—an assertion medical experts say lacks scientific support. Amid a severe flu season, federal guidance was revised to no longer routinely recommend flu vaccines for children and adolescents, and Kennedy ordered an end to a government flu-vaccine ad campaign, signaling a notable shift in public health policy.

via The Washington Post|

#centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #childhood-immunizations #flu

politics14 days ago•23 min saved

White House taps Great Barrington co-author to lead the CDC (acting)

The White House named Jay Bhattacharya, a critic of the CDC’s pandemic response and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, to lead the CDC on an acting basis.

via The Washington Post|

#centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #covid-19 #great-barrington-declaration

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Measles Outbreaks: Understanding the Threat to Herd Immunity

Measles outbreaks are on the rise in the U.S. due to declining vaccination rates, which are compromising herd immunity. Experts warn that vaccination levels for the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, have dropped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, leading to an increase in measles cases. Additionally, a record number of kindergarten students have received exemptions from key vaccines, with nonmedical exemptions on the rise. This trend poses a significant risk of further measles outbreaks across the country.

via CBS News|

#centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #health #herd-immunity

health2 years ago•2 min saved

CDC Warns of Rising Cases of Deadly Mpox Strain

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a map showing the provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, are increasing. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel health notice, warning of the possibility of mpox transmission in travelers who have visited the DRC. The WHO reports that the number of mpox cases and provinces reporting mpox in the DRC have been rising. The most heavily impacted province is Tshuapa, followed by Tshopo, South-Ubangi, Équateur, and Mai-Ndombe. The DRC has reported a significant increase in suspected mpox cases and deaths compared to previous years. Mpox is typically transmitted through contact with infected animals or humans, and person-to-person transmission has occurred through sexual contact and household contact. Symptoms include rash, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. A vaccine is available for those at risk.

via Newsweek|

#centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #democratic-republic-of-the-congo #health

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"High Opioid Usage in 27 Ohio Counties Surpasses National Average"

More than two dozen counties in Ohio, including larger ones like Cuyahoga and Franklin, have opioid usage rates higher than the national average, despite the overall decrease in opioid prescriptions in the country. Opioid usage tends to be prevalent in predominantly white areas with more physicians per capita but also more uninsured individuals with chronic conditions. While prescription drug monitoring programs have been implemented in all 50 states, their effectiveness in reducing opioid abuse is mixed. Some studies suggest that decreasing prescriptions may have contributed to the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

via cleveland.com|

#centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #health #ohio

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Rising Congenital Syphilis Crisis in the U.S.: Understanding the Antibiotic Shortage

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about the alarming rise in congenital syphilis cases in the United States, reaching "dire levels." The number of cases has more than tripled since 2017, with over 2,000 cases documented in 2021, the highest in 27 years. Congenital syphilis can lead to severe health problems and even death for newborns. The infection is preventable and treatable through testing and antibiotic treatment during pregnancy. However, the shortage of crucial antibiotics used to treat syphilis is exacerbating the situation. Health experts are urging the Biden Administration to declare congenital syphilis a public health emergency.

via Forbes|

#antibiotic-shortage #centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #congenital-syphilis

health2 years ago•0 min saved

Infant Mortality Rate in the US Surges for the First Time in 20 Years

The infant-mortality rate in the United States has increased by 3% for the first time in two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This rise raises concerns about maternal-infant health in the country, as the rate of infant deaths per 1,000 births increased from 5.44 to 5.6 in 2022. The higher rate highlights the need for further attention and improvement in this area.

via The Wall Street Journal|

#centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #health #infant-mortality

health2 years ago•3 min saved

CDC Recommends Post-Sex Pill to Combat Rising STI Rates

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to recommend the use of doxycycline, an antibiotic, after unprotected sexual encounters to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The recommendation would initially apply to gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have had an STI within the previous year or who may be at risk for one. Rates of STIs have been increasing, with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases reaching alarming levels in the United States. Doxycycline has shown promising results in reducing the risk of STIs when taken within 72 hours of exposure. However, concerns about antibiotic resistance and ensuring access to those who need it most remain. The CDC will finalize the guidelines after a public comment period.

via The New York Times|

#antibiotic #centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #doxycycline

health2 years ago•1 min saved

Alabama's Ranking Among States with Highest STD Rates Revealed

Alabama ranks sixth among U.S. states with the highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to data from 2021. The state's total STD rate is 989.6 per 100,000 residents, with chlamydia and gonorrhea being the most prevalent. Mississippi tops the list, followed by Louisiana, Alaska, South Carolina, and South Dakota. Nationally, STD cases have been increasing, with over 2.5 million reported in 2021, and the national rate experiencing a 6% increase from the previous year.

via AL.com|

#alabama #centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #health

health2 years ago•0 min saved

"Alarming Rise: CDC Reports Nearly 9 Million Americans Suffering from Long COVID"

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 9 million Americans currently have long COVID, a condition where symptoms persist for at least four weeks after clearing the infection, with a total of 18 million Americans experiencing these symptoms in 2022. Long COVID can last for months or even years.

via CBS News|

#americans #centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #health

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Emerging Threat: Parasitic Brain Worm Spreading in Southeastern US"

Scientists are warning that a parasitic brain worm called rat lungworm, typically found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, has been identified in states around the Southeast US, including Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. The parasite can infect humans through contaminated produce, but cannot reproduce in the human body. While most people recover fully without treatment, severe symptoms can occur. To prevent infection, individuals are advised to avoid eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, frogs, or shrimp, and to thoroughly wash fresh produce.

via WSB Atlanta|

#centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #contaminated-produce #health

health2 years ago•2 min saved

COVID-19 Vaccine: Free, Timely, and Essential for Maximum Protection

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that the latest COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available to everyone and will be largely free of cost. Insurance companies, as well as government-run programs like Medicaid and Medicare, are expected to cover the cost of the vaccines. The estimated 25-30 million adults without insurance or with limited insurance plans will have access to free vaccines through the CDC's Bridge Access Program. Uninsured children can also access vaccinations through the Vaccines for Children program. CVS and Walgreens will administer COVID-19 vaccine doses at select store locations, with appointments available starting next week. The goal is to ensure widespread availability of vaccines to protect the public from severe outcomes of COVID-19.

via Yahoo! Voices|

#access-to-vaccines #centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #covid-19-vaccines

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"New Office Established by Biden Administration to Tackle Long COVID Crisis"

The Biden administration has established an Office of Long COVID Research and Practice to coordinate the government's response to the long-term impacts of COVID-19. Long COVID refers to symptoms and conditions that persist or develop after initial infection, affecting up to 23 million Americans. The office will work to improve the lives of those experiencing long-term effects and will oversee clinical trials to assess potential treatments. As COVID-19 cases rise again in the US, the move solidifies long COVID as an ongoing priority for the administration.

via HuffPost|

#biden-administration #centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #department-of-health-and-human-services

health2 years ago•0 min saved

National Guardsman Tests Positive for Malaria

A National Guardsman stationed in Cameron County has been identified as the individual who tested positive for malaria after being heavily bitten by bugs, including mosquitoes, during a border security assignment. The Guardsman experienced symptoms within two weeks and it took two trips to the hospital to receive a malaria diagnosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring four other cases of malaria in Florida, while health officials in Cameron County are testing mosquitoes to determine if they are carrying the virus.

via KRGV|

#cameron-county #centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #health

health2 years ago•5 min saved

Malaria Resurgence in the US Raises Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified five cases of locally transmitted malaria in the United States, the first in 20 years. Four cases were reported in Florida and one in Texas. The transmission occurred when individuals who had acquired malaria abroad were bitten by mosquitoes in the U.S., which then spread the infection to others. While public health officials are monitoring the situation, they are not overly concerned as the U.S. has successfully controlled malaria in the past through measures such as insecticides, sanitation, and public awareness. However, this serves as a reminder for healthcare providers to be vigilant in recognizing and treating malaria symptoms. Climate change could potentially impact the spread of malaria, but the U.S. has prevention mechanisms in place to mitigate widespread transmission.

via PBS NewsHour|

#centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention #health #infectious-diseases