Top 5 Infectious Disease News Stories Week of July 13-July 19

Wyoming's Report on First Human Case of Leptospirosis in Over 40 Years

Epidemiologist Courtney Tillman, MPH, emphasizes the critical role of routine vaccinations and awareness of occupational risks in preventing human infections. In August 2023, Wyoming reported its first human case of leptospirosis since 1983, likely stemming from a spillover event where the infection was transmitted from animals to humans. This unusual case was covered by the CDC's Emerging Infectious Diseases, prompting an investigation in a low-risk area and underscoring the need for increased canine vaccinations. In response to the outbreak, veterinary clinics significantly raised their recommendations for the leptospirosis vaccine, leading to higher compliance among pet owners.

Severe First Infection of COVID-19 Means a More Severe Reinfection

Emily Hadley highlights study findings indicating a higher incidence of Long COVID following initial infections than reinfections, particularly during the Omicron period among 3 million patients. Researchers discovered that the severity of COVID-19 reinfections is linked to the severity of initial infections, with Long COVID diagnoses occurring more frequently after initial infections than after reinfections. Future research may expand on these findings to enhance our understanding of COVID-19 reinfections.

Five More Cases of Avian Influenza are Confirmed in the US

Workers at an egg layer facility in Colorado have been confirmed to have H5N1, though they are experiencing mild symptoms without the need for hospitalization. As of this past Sunday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) reported five new cases of avian influenza among workers at a commercial egg layer operation in northeast Colorado. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed four of these cases, while one additional case is considered presumptive positive and is pending confirmation.

The Chasm Between the Scientific Method and How Medical Information is Understood

The gap between advancing scientific understanding and effective medical communication has led to widespread confusion regarding the interpretation of public health information, creating an opportunity for vaccine skeptics and politicians to propagate misinformation about COVID-19. Anthony Fauci, MD, emphasized in a recent NPR interview the iterative nature of scientific inquiry, stating, "Science is a self-correcting process." He aimed to clarify that as new data emerges, interpretations and communications must evolve accordingly. However, public expectations often demand static, definitive answers, resistant to change even in light of updated findings.

FDA Recalls: July 2024 Mid-Month Check In

This July, the FDA has overseen multiple product recalls due to various concerns, including mystery infections linked to 58 illnesses, listeria, salmonella, and plastic contamination. These issues have led to the recall of several products.