News roundup for Tue, Jun 28, 2022

In a nutshell
  • A deadly meningococcal outbreak is spreading in Florida.
  • The Louisiana insurance market is collapsing, leaving thousands without coverage as hurricane season approaches.
  • The Rio Grande could dry up entirely to Albuquerque this summer due to severe drought conditions.
Meningococcal Outbreak in Florida: What You Need to Know

This outbreak has been primarily affecting:

  • Men who have sex with men, especially those living in or visiting Florida.
  • College students in Leon County, FL.
  • Over 40 confirmed infections and 12 deaths so far.

Meningococcal disease can begin like the flu but quickly escalate into something life-threatening. It can cause meningitis (infection of the brain lining) and septicemia (bloodstream infection), both of which are serious and potentially fatal if not treated promptly.

The CDC is urging at-risk individuals to get vaccinated: MenACWY for men who have sex with men, and MenB for college students.

Common symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include:

  • Fever
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck

Additional symptoms may also appear:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Confusion or altered mental state

For meningococcemia (septicemia), symptoms may include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Vomiting and cold extremities
  • Severe body aches and rapid breathing
  • A dark purple rash in later stages

If you suspect meningococcal disease, seek medical help immediately. Early treatment is critical.

Monkeypox: Spread Through Large Gatherings, But Risk to General Public Is Low

There are over 4,000 confirmed cases across 47 countries, with just one death reported in non-endemic regions. The majority of cases are still among men who have sex with men, but community transmission is increasing. Large events, such as festivals, could be high-risk environments.

Many current cases don’t show the classic symptoms of monkeypox—like fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a widespread rash. Instead, some patients present with only a few lesions, or lesions that develop in the genital area without spreading. Others may have lesions before other symptoms appear.

Two countries have reported possible transmission through semen and vaginal fluids, though more research is needed. Using condoms is recommended for now.

The WHO has not declared a global health emergency for monkeypox, but they’ve emphasized the need for strong public health responses. In a recent statement, WHO Director-General Tedros said the situation is evolving and requires close monitoring.

Cases in the U.S. may be underreported due to low testing rates, and some experts believe the virus might be mutating to become more transmissible.

Covid Variants BA.4/5 Are Dominant Now, and Kids Under 5 Can Finally Get Vaccinated

Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are expected to dominate the U.S. in the coming weeks. These strains are highly contagious and can evade immunity from prior infections or vaccines, even boosting offers only partial protection.

New boosters from Pfizer and Moderna target these variants, but their effectiveness is lower compared to earlier Omicron strains. A recent study showed that neutralizing antibodies were three times less effective against BA.4/5 than BA.1.

Children under 5 are now eligible for vaccination. This is a major shift, but misinformation is already spreading. Parents should rely on trusted sources and consult pediatricians for guidance.

A new study published in The Lancet found that long Covid affects children of all ages, including infants. Symptoms vary by age: younger kids may experience mood swings and stomach issues, while older children face memory and concentration problems. Children under 3 seem to be most affected.

Visually impaired individuals can now order free at-home PCR tests designed for them. These tests require a smartphone with Bluetooth and a specific app, making them accessible for people with visual impairments.

The CDC released a new tool to help schools improve ventilation and reduce virus spread. You can use it to assess airflow and follow DIY tips to build simple air purifiers for classrooms.

If you're still interested in the latest developments, here are a couple of recent articles worth reading:

Reed Diffuser

Reed Diffuser,Reed Diffuser Sticks,Perfume Diffuser,Home Fragrance Diffuser

Jiangsu Raymeel Home Decoration Co., Ltd. , https://www.raymeelhome.com