Infants Exposed to COVID in Utero Face Developmental Delays, Study Finds
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.