Infectious disease news covering outbreaks, vaccines, antimicrobial resistance, and global health surveillance.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attributed the U.S. measles outbreak to pandemic-era vaccination hesitancy, with cases reaching 4,080 by October 8. Pennsylvania reported 1,222 cases and five deaths, while experts warn of a potential 6,500-case total for 2026 due to under-vaccinated communities.
Juanita Carnes argues that rising measles cases demonstrate the critical importance of vaccination, citing statistics showing most deaths occurred in unvaccinated individuals. She counters vaccine critics by comparing the rare side effect risk of vaccines against the high risk of immune amnesia from contracting the disease.
The article explains that Moderna's new mRNA flu vaccine, m-FLUSIVA, may be scarce at local pharmacies despite its FDA approval for adults aged 50 to 64. It notes the vaccine offers higher efficacy but more side effects, advising residents to specifically request it by name due to limited initial supply.
This piece examines the recent death of a lab worker from pneumonic plague in Siberia, addressing public concerns and limited official information. It provides context on the disease's history, infectiousness, and treatment while noting the WHO's call for greater transparency from Russian authorities regarding the quarantine measures.
Emergency rooms in the Kansas City metro are seeing flu cases at twice the rate of last year, with Johnson County reporting a threefold increase. H1N1 is currently the dominant viral strain, replacing last season's H3N2 variant. Federal data shows 3,334 flu admissions in the week ending Oct. 3, up from 2,572 the previous week.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister K. G. Arunraj announced a field study in Kadayanallur to assess the Qdenga dengue vaccine's effectiveness against local virus strains. The region was selected due to historical high infection rates, with officials noting the vaccine provides up to 90% protection after two doses.
Minnesota health officials confirmed 25 measles cases across two unrelated clusters since mid-September, all involving unvaccinated individuals. The state's surge contributes to U.S. measles cases reaching their highest total since 1991 according to CDC data.
The authors suggest that shortening treatment durations for hepatitis C could accelerate global elimination efforts by improving patient adherence. They compare two pan-genotypic regimens, highlighting trade-offs between pill burden, duration, and patent status as key factors influencing accessibility and clinical management strategies.
The article contends that fractional dosing of the yellow fever vaccine is a critical strategy for maximizing limited vaccine stocks during outbreaks. It notes that while efficacy in adults is established, recent trials address previous uncertainties regarding the immunogenicity and effectiveness of fractional doses in infants and young children.
Several Canadian provinces have modified their influenza vaccination schedules after the virus began circulating earlier and more intensely than usual. National surveillance data indicates a rising positivity rate, with British Columbia reporting the highest activity, prompting accelerated rollout dates in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Alberta.