A CDC report finds NDM-carrying CRE infections surged 461% in the U.S. from 2019–2023; the NDM gene is mobile on plasmids and can jump between bacteria, fueling hospital outbreaks across multiple species and complicating treatment. Wastewater data show community spread with regional patterns and links to socioeconomic factors; while aztreonam-avibactam offers a new option, there is no endgame, underscoring the need for better testing, surveillance, and stewardship.
A study conducted in northern Brazil found that infants exposed to COVID-19 in utero may be at an increased risk for developmental delays in their first year of life. At 12 months, 20.3% of COVID-exposed children were diagnosed with neurodevelopmental delay, compared to 5.9% of the control group. Another study conducted in Africa revealed that nearly 50% of COVID survivors experienced lingering symptoms of long COVID, with psychiatric conditions being the most common manifestation. The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections in the United States declined from 2016 to 2020, likely due to national prevention efforts. France has ordered a third dose of avian flu vaccine for farm ducks in high-risk areas based on new scientific evidence. Additionally, the Home Test to Treat program for COVID-19 and flu has been extended, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert for dengue activity, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced a partnership to develop under-the-tongue mRNA vaccine films as a needle-free delivery platform.
