Measles News:
- South Carolina’s measles outbreak is officially over after 997 confirmed cases and 21 hospitalizations, the largest outbreak in decades. No new cases have been reported in 42 days. (CNN)
- …But other measles outbreaks are just picking up – especially in Texas, Florida, and Utah, which each have 100+ cases. (NPR)
Health News:
- A stomach virus tore through the players at the Madrid Open this weekend. Coco Gauff reached the fourth round despite vomiting on court. (Guardian)
- Norovirus remains high in the South (14.1% test positivity) and rotavirus is higher than it’s been in 2 years. (Outbreak Outlook)
- A new Salmonella outbreak with 34 cases in 13 states is linked to backyard poultry. (CIDRAP)
- Tick season is off to a fast start, with an unusually high number of bites already reported nationwide. (AP)
- The U.S. government will stop paying for test strips to identify deadly drugs like fentanyl. It’s supplied states with tests since 2021, but now says they encourage use. (NY Times)
- Research shows the CDC’s move to stop recommending Hep B vaccines within 24 hours after birth could lead to hundreds of infections and millions of dollars in higher costs. (The Hill)
- CT has a new law this week that separates the state’s vaccine standards from federal guidelines, aimed at protecting vaccine access. (CT12)
- While England and Australia are on track to eliminate Hep C by 2030, the U.S. is lagging behind. (Roll Call)
- Nearly half of babies born infected with chikungunya from their mothers develop serious neurological disorders. (CIDRAP)
- A new survey estimates that 8 million Americans used psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) in 2024. (HealthDay)
- The 988 line specifically for LGBTQ+ youth will be reinstated. (Medpage Today)
Best Question:
What should I know about measles, polio, and other diseases before traveling?
You’re not wrong to be a bit concerned about exposure to previously unthinkable diseases while doing routine travel.
Whereas before we only worried about polio if you were going to parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, now it’s a real concern in places like the U.K. and Germany. Measles is a huge concern in the U.S., and there have been dozens of exposures in airports and other tourist destinations this year alone (think Disney, concerts, and travel plazas). Other previously rare diseases are making a comeback as vaccination rates decline: rubella, whooping cough, meningococcal meningitis, and more.
Your best and first defense before traveling is proper vaccination. Make sure you have your routine vaccinations up to date, especially MMR, polio, and Tdap. If you’re traveling somewhere far flung, check to see if additional coverage is needed - like the Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, or chikungunya vaccines or even malaria meds.
If you’re traveling with an infant, consider early measles vaccination. Normally, the first dose of the MMR vaccine is given at one year, but if your baby is 6 months or older, they can get an extra, early dose to protect them before travel.
If you or someone you’re with is unvaccinated or immunocompromised, wear a mask and do your best to avoid indoor crowds. Wash your hands early and often, with soap and water when you can find it, and hand sanitizer when you can’t. It really does make a difference in protecting you.
Sources: NY Times, CDC Traveler’s Health, CNN
Best Listen:
Scientists estimate somewhere between 5-35% of people don’t get sick from the flu, despite being exposed to the virus that causes it. Now, researchers may have figured out why.