The CDC reports roadblocks investigating a human case of bird flu on a Texas dairy farm, emphasizing the need for transparency and protective measures. [ more ]
Organic walnuts E. Coli alert: 7 hospitalized by recalled bulk nuts that may have been sold in over 300 stores
CDC and FDA warn of E. Coli contamination in organic bulk walnuts from Gibson Farms affecting multiple states and leading to hospitalizations. [ more ]
Florida Surgeon General Cites Debunked Claims In Calling For Halt Of COVID Shots
Florida's top health official, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, is facing scrutiny for urging a halt to the use of mRNA vaccines based on debunked claims of DNA contamination.
Ladapo has been a vocal critic of coronavirus mandates and vaccines since his controversial appointment in late 2021. [ more ]
First state-level look at long COVID reveals the seven hardest-hit states
The prevalence of long COVID varies widely across different states in the US, with some states experiencing higher rates than others.
The CDC's estimates are based on survey responses and define long COVID as any self-reported symptoms lasting 3 or more months after a COVID-19 infection. [ more ]
We need to do more to ensure older adultsincluding those living in long-term care facilitiesare up to date on recommended vaccines
Older adults in long-term care facilities need to be better informed and facilitated to get recommended vaccines for respiratory viral diseases like influenza, COVID, and RSV. [ more ]
How hot is too hot? New weather forecasting tool can help figure that out
The HeatRisk tool, developed by CDC and NOAA, helps forecast dangerous heat by considering factors beyond temperature, like humidity and historical data. [ more ]
Second reported case of bird flu in a person in the US confirmed
A person who had direct contact with dairy cattle tested positive for avian flu in Texas, the first case linked to dairy cattle in the US.
The risk for the general public remains low, and health authorities are monitoring the situation with continued surveillance and preparedness efforts. [ more ]
Got COVID? CDC says stay home while you're sick, but drops its 5-day isolation rule
CDC drops 5-day isolation guidance for COVID-19 patients, emphasizing staying home when sick. New guidance focuses on symptoms improvement and precautions for five days post-illness. [ more ]
Forty-one million Americans live alone, report suggests
The number of people living alone in America has reached a record high, with 37.9 million Americans living alone in 2022.
Living alone is associated with an increased risk of adverse mental health, with those living alone being 64% more likely to have symptoms of depression. [ more ]
How Long Should You Isolate With COVID-19? Experts Are Split
The CDC is considering a new, symptom-based approach to isolation for COVID-19, where people can leave home when their symptoms are mild and improving and they've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
The potential shift in isolation recommendations would bring the CDC's guidelines for COVID-19 in closer alignment with its recommendations for the flu, which advises people to stay home until their fever has broken naturally or until other symptoms clear. [ more ]
CDC may drop COVID guidelines to mimic California: 'I think it's reasonable to move on'
The CDC is considering loosening its COVID-19 guidelines, potentially changing isolation recommendations for those who test positive.
The planned guidelines would no longer require isolation if a person has been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and their symptoms are improving. [ more ]
Should the CDC cut the 5-day COVID-19 isolation guidelines? Experts weigh in.
The CDC is considering revising its guidance on COVID-19 isolation, potentially allowing people to stop isolating once their symptoms are mild and improving.
The current five-day isolation guidance from the CDC has been a compromise, and the agency may be aligning its guidance with what people are willing and able to do. [ more ]
C.D.C. Considers Ending 5-Day Isolation Period for Covid
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering loosening its recommendations on how long people should isolate after testing positive for COVID-19.
The proposed guidelines would allow individuals to return to work or school if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication, aligning with the standards for other respiratory infections like the flu. [ more ]
CDC's Labs Are Making a Comeback. Now They Need Support
The challenges faced by the CDC in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for improvements in public health agencies.
The CDC's labs play a crucial role in developing and deploying tests for new diseases, but the flaws in their initial COVID-19 test led to delays in diagnosis and containment. [ more ]
Some tianeptine products also called 'gas station heroin' recalled by CDC
The US CDC is linking severe illness to products with the unapproved drug tianeptine, also known as 'gas station heroin,' that could also contain synthetic cannabis.
Neptune Resources, a manufacturer of tianeptine products, has issued a nationwide recall due to the presence of tianeptine, which is not FDA-approved. [ more ]
Rift over when to use N95s puts health workers at risk again
By Amy Maxmen, KFF Health News Three years after more than 3,600 health workers died of COVID-19, occupational safety experts warn that those on the front lines may once again be at risk if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention takes its committee's advice on infection control guidelines in health care settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and jails.
Rift over N95 Use Puts Health Workers at Risk Again
Three years after more than 3,600 health workers died of covid-19, occupational safety experts warn that those on the front lines may once again be at risk if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention takes its committee's advice on infection control guidelines in health care settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and jails.
Three dead in outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, CDC warns
There has been an outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Southern California, resulting in five cases and three deaths.
The CDC is advising healthcare providers to start treatment immediately with the antibiotic doxycycline if patients show symptoms of the disease and have recently traveled to northern Mexico. [ more ]