A new mpox variant, known as clade Ib, is spreading in communities in the US and Europe, with California reporting cases that suggest undetected local transmission. While the overall risk remains low, public health officials are concerned about the potential for wider spread, especially as vaccination efforts continue and surveillance methods evolve. The outbreak highlights challenges in monitoring and controlling mpox, particularly amid reduced public health resources and the importance of community-led initiatives.
Three Beaumont hospitals in Metro Detroit are implementing visitor restrictions for pediatric units due to a rise in respiratory illnesses in the hospital and community. Starting December 13, only two people will be allowed to visit a pediatric patient during the day, and one person overnight. The restrictions are specific to pediatric and emergency patients aged 21 and younger. Beaumont Health advises people to get vaccinated and stay home if sick, as flu cases rise and RSV infections may be peaking.
Doctors in Pennsylvania are warning of an expected uptick in COVID-19 cases this fall, as the state saw over 500 hospital admissions for the virus during the last week of August. While overall hospitalizations and deaths remain lower than during the peak of the pandemic, the late-summer figure is more than double the low point recorded in July. The numbers reflect community spread and the impact of recent variants. Doctors emphasize the importance of vaccination, noting that it reduces the likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like the flu. They urge people to get vaccinated early and continue practicing precautions to prevent the spread of viruses.
The CDC will stop reporting its color-coded Covid-19 Community Levels as a way to track the spread of the infection, instead focusing on tracking hospitalizations and monitoring wastewater in some areas. The change in metrics is due to the expiration of the nation's public health emergency on May 11, which means health departments are no longer required to submit Covid-19 case numbers to the CDC. The new approach is similar to how the agency tracks other respiratory infections, such as the flu.
