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Centers For Disease Control And Prevention

All articles tagged with #centers for disease control and prevention

CDC delays key COVID vaccine-benefits report, prompting questions about its methods
health2 days ago

CDC delays key COVID vaccine-benefits report, prompting questions about its methods

The acting CDC director delayed publication of a report showing the COVID-19 vaccine reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations for healthy adults last winter by about half, citing concerns with the methodology. The move, while the design has long been used to test vaccine effectiveness, has drawn criticism that vaccine benefits may be downplayed and was reported by scientists who spoke on condition of anonymity.

RFK Jr.’s flu-shot stance sparks policy shift in public health
health1 month ago

RFK Jr.’s flu-shot stance sparks policy shift in public health

The Washington Post reports that RFK Jr., depicted as health secretary, has long campaigned against vaccines and has tied his own voice-change to the flu vaccine—an assertion medical experts say lacks scientific support. Amid a severe flu season, federal guidance was revised to no longer routinely recommend flu vaccines for children and adolescents, and Kennedy ordered an end to a government flu-vaccine ad campaign, signaling a notable shift in public health policy.

Measles Outbreaks: Understanding the Threat to Herd Immunity
health2 years ago

Measles Outbreaks: Understanding the Threat to Herd Immunity

Measles outbreaks are on the rise in the U.S. due to declining vaccination rates, which are compromising herd immunity. Experts warn that vaccination levels for the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, have dropped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, leading to an increase in measles cases. Additionally, a record number of kindergarten students have received exemptions from key vaccines, with nonmedical exemptions on the rise. This trend poses a significant risk of further measles outbreaks across the country.

CDC Warns of Rising Cases of Deadly Mpox Strain
health2 years ago

CDC Warns of Rising Cases of Deadly Mpox Strain

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a map showing the provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, are increasing. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel health notice, warning of the possibility of mpox transmission in travelers who have visited the DRC. The WHO reports that the number of mpox cases and provinces reporting mpox in the DRC have been rising. The most heavily impacted province is Tshuapa, followed by Tshopo, South-Ubangi, Équateur, and Mai-Ndombe. The DRC has reported a significant increase in suspected mpox cases and deaths compared to previous years. Mpox is typically transmitted through contact with infected animals or humans, and person-to-person transmission has occurred through sexual contact and household contact. Symptoms include rash, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. A vaccine is available for those at risk.

"High Opioid Usage in 27 Ohio Counties Surpasses National Average"
health2 years ago

"High Opioid Usage in 27 Ohio Counties Surpasses National Average"

More than two dozen counties in Ohio, including larger ones like Cuyahoga and Franklin, have opioid usage rates higher than the national average, despite the overall decrease in opioid prescriptions in the country. Opioid usage tends to be prevalent in predominantly white areas with more physicians per capita but also more uninsured individuals with chronic conditions. While prescription drug monitoring programs have been implemented in all 50 states, their effectiveness in reducing opioid abuse is mixed. Some studies suggest that decreasing prescriptions may have contributed to the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Rising Congenital Syphilis Crisis in the U.S.: Understanding the Antibiotic Shortage
health2 years ago

Rising Congenital Syphilis Crisis in the U.S.: Understanding the Antibiotic Shortage

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about the alarming rise in congenital syphilis cases in the United States, reaching "dire levels." The number of cases has more than tripled since 2017, with over 2,000 cases documented in 2021, the highest in 27 years. Congenital syphilis can lead to severe health problems and even death for newborns. The infection is preventable and treatable through testing and antibiotic treatment during pregnancy. However, the shortage of crucial antibiotics used to treat syphilis is exacerbating the situation. Health experts are urging the Biden Administration to declare congenital syphilis a public health emergency.

Infant Mortality Rate in the US Surges for the First Time in 20 Years
health2 years ago

Infant Mortality Rate in the US Surges for the First Time in 20 Years

The infant-mortality rate in the United States has increased by 3% for the first time in two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This rise raises concerns about maternal-infant health in the country, as the rate of infant deaths per 1,000 births increased from 5.44 to 5.6 in 2022. The higher rate highlights the need for further attention and improvement in this area.

CDC Recommends Post-Sex Pill to Combat Rising STI Rates
health2 years ago

CDC Recommends Post-Sex Pill to Combat Rising STI Rates

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to recommend the use of doxycycline, an antibiotic, after unprotected sexual encounters to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The recommendation would initially apply to gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have had an STI within the previous year or who may be at risk for one. Rates of STIs have been increasing, with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases reaching alarming levels in the United States. Doxycycline has shown promising results in reducing the risk of STIs when taken within 72 hours of exposure. However, concerns about antibiotic resistance and ensuring access to those who need it most remain. The CDC will finalize the guidelines after a public comment period.

Alabama's Ranking Among States with Highest STD Rates Revealed
health2 years ago

Alabama's Ranking Among States with Highest STD Rates Revealed

Alabama ranks sixth among U.S. states with the highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to data from 2021. The state's total STD rate is 989.6 per 100,000 residents, with chlamydia and gonorrhea being the most prevalent. Mississippi tops the list, followed by Louisiana, Alaska, South Carolina, and South Dakota. Nationally, STD cases have been increasing, with over 2.5 million reported in 2021, and the national rate experiencing a 6% increase from the previous year.

"Alarming Rise: CDC Reports Nearly 9 Million Americans Suffering from Long COVID"
health2 years ago

"Alarming Rise: CDC Reports Nearly 9 Million Americans Suffering from Long COVID"

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 9 million Americans currently have long COVID, a condition where symptoms persist for at least four weeks after clearing the infection, with a total of 18 million Americans experiencing these symptoms in 2022. Long COVID can last for months or even years.

"Emerging Threat: Parasitic Brain Worm Spreading in Southeastern US"
health2 years ago

"Emerging Threat: Parasitic Brain Worm Spreading in Southeastern US"

Scientists are warning that a parasitic brain worm called rat lungworm, typically found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, has been identified in states around the Southeast US, including Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. The parasite can infect humans through contaminated produce, but cannot reproduce in the human body. While most people recover fully without treatment, severe symptoms can occur. To prevent infection, individuals are advised to avoid eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, frogs, or shrimp, and to thoroughly wash fresh produce.