Hawaii health officials are warning of a rise in COVID-19 cases, with increased test positivity rates and hospitalizations, driven by new variants Nimbus and Stratus. They recommend vaccinations, staying home when sick, and wearing masks, especially for high-risk groups, amid a broader summer wave across the U.S.
The rise in prostate cancer cases has led to calls for an overhaul of testing procedures, as experts warn that current methods may be missing aggressive forms of the disease. With a significant increase in diagnoses, there is a growing concern about the effectiveness of existing screening techniques and the need for more accurate and personalized approaches to detecting and treating prostate cancer.
Health officials in St. Joseph County, Indiana, are warning residents about a rise in COVID-19 cases ahead of the holiday season. They advise people to be cautious not only of COVID-19 but also other easily transmissible illnesses like the flu and RSV. Officials recommend frequent handwashing, staying home if feeling unwell, and getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu, as both vaccines are available for individuals over the age of 6 months.
A study by University of Mississippi Medical Center researchers reveals that cases of congenital syphilis in Mississippi have increased by 1,100% between 2016 and 2022, with 367 infants hospitalized during this period. The rise in cases highlights the connection between health, poverty, and institutional racism. The study also shows that babies born with syphilis are more likely to be born prematurely or have low birth weight, and six infants died from the condition. Other states, including Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Texas, have also seen a rise in congenital syphilis cases.
Health officials in Kentucky are monitoring a rise in COVID-19 cases, along with an increase in other respiratory illnesses, leading to school closures and concerns about preventing further outbreaks. The CDC advises knowing the hospital admission levels in your area and wearing a high-quality mask in high-admission areas. The Woodford County Health Department reports a 70% increase in hospitalizations at the beginning of August. While a mask mandate is not expected, masks are likely to remain in use due to their effectiveness. Local health departments are recommended as a resource for staying informed about COVID-19 and other illnesses.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has reported a significant increase in syphilis cases, both locally and statewide. In Lancaster County, the case rate has risen by 333% from 2017 to 2022, with the majority of cases occurring among individuals aged 20 to 39. Nebraska has seen a 373% overall increase in syphilis cases since 2017. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, and pregnant individuals with syphilis can pass the infection to their babies. Health officials emphasize the importance of prevention through condom use, testing, and timely treatment.