COVID-19 epidemiological update – 17 September 2024 Edition 171

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Globally, during the 28-day period (22 July to 18 August 2024), the number of new cases and deaths increased by 23% and 44% compared to the previous 28-day period (24 June to 18 August 2024), with 238 000 new cases reported across 91 (39%) countries and about 4400 new fatalities reported across 35 (15%) countries, respectively. As of 22 July to 18 August 2024, over 776 million confirmed cases and more than seven million deaths have been reported globally since the beginning of pandemic.

Rep. Bucshon calls vaccine access for children, elderly ‘critically important’ 

Vaccine access of Americans, especially for children and the elderly, is “critically important,” Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) said Tuesday.  

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The congressman said his biggest concern about the surviving vaccine hesitancy from the pandemic is how it has spilled over into childhood vaccinations for diseases like the measles and mumps.

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Machine-learning monoclonal antibody allocation in pandemic could cut hospital cases by a third If drugs and medical treatments are in short supply during a pandemic, a new model shows how machine learning can help decide how to distribute medicines and reduce hospitalizations by up to 27%. CIDRAP

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Bird flu outbreaks die down, but Colorado keeps monitoring cows and poultry Colorado's outbreak of avian flu in poultry and dairy cattle seems to have died down, though the state continues to monitor farms for signs of the virus. Medical Xpress

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That doesn't include regularly testing farms' workers though—unless they have symptoms and their employers have a known outbreak.

Tracking measles cases in the United States | CNN There have already been more reported measles cases in 2024 than there were in all of 2023, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Matt Stiles, Deidre McPhillips, Christopher Hickey, Curt Merrill, Byron Manley CNN

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At least 27 states and Washington, DC, have reported cases in 2024.

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Virus that causes paralyzing illness is spiking in the U.S., wastewater data shows The enterovirus D68 that sometimes paralyzes children is spreading in the U.S., raising worries about a possible rise in polio-like illnesses. Yahoo News

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Study reveals how COVID-19 infection can cause or worsen diabetes Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine have used a cutting-edge model system to uncover the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, induces new cases of diabetes, and worsens complications ...

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine have used a cutting-edge model system to uncover the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, induces new cases of diabetes, and worsens complications in people who already have it. The team found that viral exposure activates immune cells that in turn destroy beta cells, the pancreatic cells that produce insulin.

Climate change will escalate child health crisis due to malnutrition, says Gates

Extreme heat due to climate crisis puts people at greater risk of kidney disease Researchers are finding heat-related illnesses can also contribute to heart disease and cognitive impairment The Guardian

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Florida health director discourages use of mRNA Covid vaccines in older adults

Even as the Covid wave in Florida continues, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is once again advising against the mRNA vaccines: this time in the most vulnerable residents.

In updated guidance for health care providers released Thursday, the Florida Health Department and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo questioned the safety and effectiveness of the mRNA Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, including for older adults and people with underlying health problems. “Any provider concerned about the health risks associated with Covid-19 for patients over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions should prioritize patient access to non-mRNA Covid-19 vaccines and treatment,” according to the state guidance.high rates of immunity from prior infections and “currently available data.”

Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said the Florida surgeon general's guidance is unnecessarily alarming people about the Covid vaccines.

National Academies: Wastewater surveillance could be even better for detecting pathogens A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report recommends five actions to transition the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS)—developed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic—to a forward-looking version for both endemic and emerging pathogens. CIDRAP

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The Academies recommended five steps to more robust NWSS that could better support public health, including better readiness for future pandemics:

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