Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Post

COVID-19 illnesses peak during winter, but also surge at other times of the year. Read CDC’s advice on which patients may benefits from vaccination this summer. Updates: https://bit.ly/4cLWQc1

CDC confirmed a fourth human infection with H5 bird flu in the U.S. tied to an outbreak in dairy cows. The person is a dairy worker who reported eye symptoms only. CDC continues to watch flu surveillance systems, but no signs of unusual flu activity in people have been identified. Based on available information, the risk to the general public remains low, but people with exposure to infected animals are at higher risk. Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/4eScUuv

Clinicians: A new MMWR found that early death from the five leading causes of death are more common among people living in rural areas than people who live in urban areas. Clinicians and public health professionals can work together to support population-based strategies to reduce these deadly health risks. Watch the video to learn more about the report’s findings.

A new MMWR highlights xylazine use among people who use illegally made fentanyl or heroin. People who reported xylazine use also reported more polysubstance use and past nonfatal overdoses. Providing nonjudgmental care and harm-reduction services, such as naloxone and wound care, can save lives. Read the full report: https://bit.ly/mm7326a

Passionate about improving early identification of young children with developmental delays and disabilities? Join CDC’s cohort of 2024-26 Act Early Ambassadors! This opportunity is open to all who meet the listed criteria and are committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of an Act Early Ambassador. Apply by August 5th: https://lnkd.in/eM6Uy_yW

Hospitalists: Extended hospital stays and antibiotic exposure put your patients at risk for C. diff infection. Optimize antibiotic therapy to minimize their risk. Prescribe the most effective antibiotic for the shortest recommended duration: https://bit.ly/4b1yrh8

Bacterial infections cause most cases of sepsis. Sepsis can also be a result of other infections, including viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza, or fungal infections. Protect your patients today: https://bit.ly/3xr5td4

Healthcare providers: think dengue for patients with fever who have been in areas with frequent or continuous dengue transmission. The global incidence of dengue in 2024 has been the highest on record for this time of year. Public health authorities in the United States have declared a dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico and reported a higher-than-expected number of dengue cases among U.S. travelers. Read more: https://bit.ly/3ziWbjM

Researchers found possible health inequities among people who have gotten Salmonella from ground beef. Certain factors, such as socioeconomic factors of the community a person lives in, may impact who gets sick. Continued analysis of community-level outbreak information might help inform prevention efforts. Review the findings: https://bit.ly/3XpG2TU

Healthcare providers: Vaccination is a team effort. As a healthcare provider, you play an important role on this team by relaying clear and consistent messaging about the importance of vaccination. Share available patient education resources on the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy: https://bit.ly/4bO2Dgx