In early 2024, clusters of measles outbreaks have appeared in at least six states. Here is a quick timeline of events:
Category: Public Health
CDC to loosen COVID isolation guidance for 1st time since 2021
The CDC plans to do away with its five-day COVID isolation guidance, aiming to put the recommendations more in line with those for flu and respiratory syncytial virus, officials familiar with the matter told The Washington Post.
CDC tracking new SARS-CoV-2 variant: 5 notes
The U.S. is now monitoring BA.2.87.1, a new SARS-CoV-2 variant with more than 30 changes in the coronavirus spike protein.
2 regions where flu is rising
The CDC’s latest update shows flu activity increased in Central and Midwestern states in the week ending Feb. 3.
The challenge with drugs to treat fungal infections
The quantity and risk of fungal infections continues to grow worldwide, particularly as global temperatures warm, creating new environments for fungus to thrive, but drugs to treat these new and emerging infections haven’t kept the same pace.
Rhinovirus spurs more children's hospitalizations
Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading pathogen for infant hospitalizations, but a second contender is close behind in prevalence: human rhinovirus.
Michigan man dies from rare fungal infection
A 29-year-old Michigan man died Feb. 3 after a severe blastomycosis infection, according to CBS News. The infections are caused by the fungus called Blastomyces.
Deadly meningitis outbreak linked to aggressive fungus
After 12 patients died from a meningitis outbreak in 2023, researchers discovered the cause was an epidural contaminated with the fungus Fusarium solani, according to findings published Feb. 8 in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Do We Simply Not Care About Old People?
Recently, thousands of older Americans have been dying weekly of covid. But most Americans aren’t wearing masks in public, a move that could prevent infections. Many at-risk seniors aren’t getting antiviral therapies, and older adults in nursing homes aren’t getting vaccines. Why?
CDC releases syphilis testing recommendations
Amid a yearslong increase in syphilis cases, the CDC published new recommendations for syphilis testing in labs Feb. 8.
