Health
CDC Advisers Vote to Limit Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) vaccine advisory committee has voted to narrow the agency's hepatitis B immunization guidance for newborns. The vote, which was 8-3, recommends hepatitis B vaccination at birth only for infants born to women who test positive for the virus or whose status is unknown. This change reverses a decades-long policy of universal immunization at birth, which has been credited with dramatically lowering liver diseases caused by the virus. The decision has been met with strong objections from medical professionals, who argue that the universal birth dose policy has been highly effective in reducing cases of hepatitis B in U.S. children. The committee also voted 6-4 to recommend testing children's antibody levels after each hepatitis B shot to determine whether additional shots are needed, which may result in some children receiving fewer than the standard three shots. The changes have sparked concerns among medical experts, who warn that delaying or skipping the vaccine could put children at risk of infection and potentially revive a deadly threat. The CDC's acting director must approve the changes before they take effect. The vote reflects a sharp divide among committee members, with some arguing that the universal vaccination policy is unnecessary and may pose safety risks, while others contend that the evidence supports the continued use of the vaccine to protect newborns from the virus. The decision marks a significant shift in federal vaccine policy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long questioned the safety of vaccines. Public health experts are urging individuals to consult with their medical providers and follow science-based recommendations from professional medical groups for advice on preventing disease and staying healthy.
American Cancer Society Endorses Self-Collected Vaginal Samples for Cervical Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its guidelines to include self-collected vaginal samples as an acceptable option for cervical cancer screening. This change is expected to expand access and improve detection of the disease. The ACS recommends self-collection to test for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancer cases, but notes that clinician-collected cervical samples are still preferred. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year, resulting in around 4,000 deaths. While cervical cancer screening programs have been successful in reducing cancer incidence, screening rates have declined over the past 20 years. The updated guidelines aim to address this issue by providing more accessible screening options. Self-collection could be particularly beneficial for individuals who are uncomfortable with pelvic exams or lack access to them. Most insurance plans are expected to cover HPV testing, including self-collected tests. The ACS guidelines recommend that average-risk individuals start screening at 25 years old, with repeat screening every five years for those with negative clinician-collected tests, and every three years for self-collected tests. The updated guidelines also provide new guidance on when individuals can stop being screened for cervical cancer, with many women able to stop testing at age 65 after a history of consecutively negative tests. The ACS hopes that these changes will make cancer screening less complex and more accessible, ultimately leading to increased screening participation and improved detection rates.
Northern Ireland Experiences Severe Flu Outbreak, Affecting Thousands
A severe flu outbreak is currently affecting Northern Ireland, with confirmed cases more than tripling in the last two weeks, rising from 273 to 954. The outbreak is particularly impacting young people, with under-fives having the highest number of confirmed flu cases and five to 14-year-olds having the highest positivity rate. According to Dr. Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA), the current number of flu cases constitutes an "epidemic." The outbreak has led to significant absences in schools, with Ebrington Primary School in County Londonderry reporting 170 pupils off sick in one day. The school's principal, Brian Guthrie, described the situation as "worse than Covid" and noted that the high levels of absence have hindered teachers' ability to deliver new learning. Vaccination rates among children remain below 50%, with only about one in four preschool children and one in three post-primary children having received the flu vaccine. The PHA is working to increase vaccination rates, with about 1,200 schools participating in the vaccination program. However, around 40 schools have not yet been visited by the program, with most expected to receive visits by next week.
CDC Advisers Vote to Abandon Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has voted to abandon universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns in the US. The panel recommended individual-based decision-making for parents, in consultation with a healthcare provider, for infants born to women who test negative for the hepatitis B virus. The vote was 8-3 in favor of the change. The committee also discussed the vaccine schedule for children and teens, with some members expressing concerns about the lack of transparency and the presentation of one-sided data. The Hepatitis B Foundation expressed disappointment and concern about the discussion, stating that the meeting lacked transparency and that several points made by committee members showed a specific agenda. The vote is a significant change to the childhood vaccine schedule, and it is expected to have implications for public health. The CDC advisers will reconvene for further discussions on the vaccine schedule. The hepatitis B virus is a liver infection that can be spread through blood, semen, or other body fluids, and it can be passed from mother to child during birth. The virus can cause chronic disease, liver cancer, and organ failure, and it is estimated that 640,000 adults in the US have chronic hepatitis B. The best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is through vaccination, and currently, it is recommended that all infants get vaccinated shortly after birth. However, the new vote suggests that this recommendation may change. The committee's decision has been met with criticism from some experts, who argue that the vote is not based on scientific evidence and that it may put children's health at risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics has declined to participate in ACIP meetings this year, citing concerns about the committee's shift away from science and evidence-based medicine. The vote is a significant development in the ongoing debate about vaccine policy and public health, and it is likely to have implications for children's health and wellbeing.
Malaria Progress Threatened by Rising Drug Resistance
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that new tools against malaria, including dual-ingredient nets and WHO-recommended vaccines, helped prevent an estimated 170 million cases and 1 million deaths in 2024. Despite this progress, there were an estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024, with 95% of these deaths occurring in the WHO African Region. The growing threat of antimalarial drug resistance is a significant challenge, with resistance confirmed or suspected in at least 8 countries in Africa. The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized that while new tools are giving hope, challenges such as increasing cases and deaths, drug resistance, and funding cuts threaten to roll back progress. The report highlights the need for targeted investment and leadership from affected countries to achieve a malaria-free world. Additionally, the report notes that malaria parasites with gene deletions are undermining the reliability of rapid diagnostic tests, and Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes resistant to commonly used insecticides are posing a challenge to urban malaria control efforts. Extreme weather events and conflict are also contributing to increased outbreaks of malaria. The global funding for malaria response has plateaued, with $3.9 billion invested in 2024, less than half of the 2025 funding target of $9.3 billion. The WHO urges malaria-endemic countries to maintain their political commitments to ending malaria deaths and calls for a unified global response to mitigate current and future threats to achieve a malaria-free future.
CDC Advisers Delay Vote on Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation for Infants
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has delayed a planned vote on changes to the recommendation for universally immunizing newborns against hepatitis B. The vote, which was initially scheduled for Thursday, was postponed to Friday due to confusion and disagreement over the language of the proposed changes. The current recommendation, which has been in place for decades, advises vaccinating all healthy newborns against hepatitis B, regardless of whether the mother tests positive or negative for the virus. The proposal to change this recommendation has sparked controversy, with some members arguing that it is unnecessary for babies born without high-risk factors. Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, a representative for the Food and Drug Administration, questioned the need for the current universal policy, citing the low potential benefit for babies without high-risk factors. However, others, such as Dr. Cody Meissner, a professor of pediatrics, defended the current policy, citing its effectiveness in reducing the incidence of hepatitis B in the United States. The postponement of the vote has led to a packed agenda for Friday, which will also include discussions on the comparison of the US vaccine schedule to that of other countries and the links between aluminum, an ingredient used in many vaccines, and asthma. The CDC's advisory committee has faced criticism and lost the trust of mainstream medical groups since its membership was replaced in June. Many public health experts are concerned that the moves are part of a concerted effort to undermine vaccine access in the US.
Experts Recommend Delaying Smartphone Use for Children to Protect Their Health
Experts suggest that waiting to give children a smartphone could help protect their health. A study by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that kids who receive smartphones by age 12 are more likely to struggle with depression, poor sleep, and weight issues. Dr. Anisha Abraham, chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Children's National Hospital, recommends delaying smartphone use until after middle school. She advises starting with phones that don't have all the apps and creating rules, such as no phones in bedrooms. Setting clear limits and guidelines for phone use is also crucial, including dinner table use and homework time. Parents can use privacy and content settings on phones to prevent children from accessing inappropriate material. Regular check-ins and encouraging physical activity can help protect mental health and prevent obesity. Abraham also emphasizes the importance of parents leading by example and putting their own phones down, especially during mealtimes. By modeling healthy phone behavior, parents can help their children develop good habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics website offers more tips on responsible smartphone use for children. Delaying smartphone use can reduce the risk of depression, poor sleep, and weight issues in children. By setting limits and encouraging physical activity, parents can help protect their children's health. It's essential for parents to be mindful of their own phone use and model healthy behavior for their kids.
Volcanic Eruption May Have Triggered Europe's Black Death Plague
A volcanic eruption around 1345 may have triggered a chain reaction that led to Europe's deadliest pandemic, the Black Death. Scientists believe that the eruption caused a climate shock, leading to poor harvests and extreme drops in temperature. To avoid famine, Italian city states imported grain from areas around the Black Sea, unknowingly bringing plague-carrying fleas to Europe. This "perfect storm" of climate shock, famine, and trade may have contributed to the spread of the disease, which killed up to half of Europe's population in 1348-49. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe used tree rings and ice cores to examine climatic conditions at the time of the Black Death. Their evidence suggests that volcanic activity caused temperatures to drop sharply, leading to crop failures across the Mediterranean region. The findings, reported in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, highlight the potential for diseases to emerge and spread in a globalized and warmer world. According to Dr. Ulf Büntgen of the University of Cambridge, the probability of zoonotic diseases emerging under climate change and translating into pandemics is likely to increase in a globalized world. This is especially relevant given recent experiences with Covid-19. The Black Death was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread by wild rodents and fleas, and is believed to have started in Central Asia before moving to Europe through trade.
New Study Rewrites Origin Story of the Black Death
The traditional narrative of the Black Death entering medieval Europe via biological warfare has been challenged by a new study. Researchers Martin Bauch and Ulf Büntgen found that a combination of volcanic eruptions, crop failure, famine, and medieval globalization contributed to the pandemic's spread. Their study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, analyzed data from ice cores, tree rings, and historical records to reconstruct the events leading up to the outbreak. A volcanic eruption around 1345 triggered a climate downturn, resulting in cool summers and rainy growing seasons, which led to crop failures and famine across Europe. The Italian maritime republics of Genoa and Venice lifted their embargo on grain imports, unknowingly bringing the plague pathogen to Europe on ships carrying grain. The study suggests that the plague was a stowaway on these ships, rather than being introduced through biological warfare. This new understanding of the Black Death's origins highlights the complex interplay between environmental and societal factors in the emergence of pandemics. The research also warns that climate change and globalization could contribute to the spread of future pandemics. The study is part of a growing body of evidence that is rewriting the history of the Black Death, which killed over half of the people it infected in medieval Europe.
American Cancer Society Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines to Include Self-Testing
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released updated guidelines for cervical cancer screening, allowing individuals to test themselves for human papillomavirus (HPV) using self-collected vaginal specimens. While clinician-collected cervical specimens are still preferred, self-collection is now an acceptable option. The updated guidelines follow the FDA's approval of HPV self-collection testing in May. According to Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president of early cancer detection science at ACS, these changes aim to improve compliance with screening and reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Research has shown that long-lasting infections with certain strains of HPV cause virtually all cervical cancers. The ACS recommends that average-risk women and individuals with a cervix start cervical cancer screening at age 25 and undergo primary HPV testing every five years through age 65. The new guidelines also provide recommendations on when individuals can safely stop screening for the disease. Self-screening can help alleviate geographic disparities in cervical cancer, particularly in rural areas where individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer. The ACS hopes that self-collection options will increase access to healthcare for underserved populations. With these updated guidelines, the ACS aims to take a significant step towards ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.
CDC Panel Considers Ending Routine Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) vaccine advisory panel is expected to vote on whether to rescind the universal recommendation for hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns in the US. Hepatitis B is a liver disease with no cure, and chronic infection can lead to serious outcomes such as liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, semen, and tears, and can live on surfaces for up to seven days. Since the US began universally vaccinating newborns in 1991, case rates have plummeted 99% among people age 19 and younger. Pediatricians warn that delaying the vaccine could result in thousands of preventable cases of hepatitis B each year. According to a new analysis, delaying the birth dose by just two months could result in at least 1,400 additional preventable cases of hepatitis B per year, while delaying the vaccine until age 12 could result in at least 2,700 preventable infections per year. Some argue that the vaccine is not necessary for newborns because hepatitis B is often sexually transmitted, but experts say that the risks for kids are everywhere, including in daycare, on sports teams, and through shared items like toothbrushes and razors. The CDC reports that about half of people infected with hepatitis B don't know they have the virus, but can still pass it on unwittingly. Experts emphasize the importance of giving the shot at birth to prevent the virus from taking hold. If the advisory committee votes to rescind the universal recommendation, pediatricians say the health consequences could be dire, with increased risk of liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death. The vote is expected to take place on Thursday, and experts are urging the committee to consider the potential consequences of changing the current vaccination policy.
New York Declares Flu Prevalent, Mandates Masks for Unvaccinated Healthcare Workers
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has declared that influenza is prevalent in the state, triggering a requirement for unvaccinated healthcare personnel to wear masks in patient areas. This mandate applies to healthcare facilities and agencies regulated by the State Health Department, aiming to protect patients and residents from exposure to the flu virus. According to Dr. McDonald, the flu vaccine is the best protection against infection and can lessen symptoms if contracted. He encourages everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot, emphasizing it's not too late to protect themselves and their loved ones. State data shows a significant increase in flu cases, with 17,783 positive cases reported across all 62 counties as of November 22. Lab-confirmed flu cases outside of New York City rose by 114% week over week, while cases in New York City climbed by 119%. Hospitalizations due to influenza also increased by 99% statewide. Health officials are urging New Yorkers to get the seasonal flu vaccine to prevent influenza-associated deaths, particularly after 27 deaths in children under 18 were reported during the 2024-2025 season. Under the new regulations, unvaccinated healthcare personnel must wear surgical or procedure masks while influenza is prevalent in New York, although there are exceptions for certain situations such as accompanying patients in the community or providing speech therapy services. The goal of this measure is to minimize the risk of flu transmission and ensure a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers alike.
Lack of Awareness About Menopause Poses Health Risks for Women Worldwide
Menopause, a natural part of life for women, is often shrouded in mystery and misinformation, posing significant health risks for those affected. Rosy Devi, a 38-year-old woman from India, experienced premature menopause after a hysterectomy, leading to a range of debilitating symptoms, including hot flashes, chest pain, and breathlessness. Her story highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of menopause, which affects half the world's population at some stage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can occur earlier, even in women as young as their 20s. The symptoms of menopause vary widely, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes, and can last for around seven years on average. Despite its prevalence, many women are unaware of the extent of the changes they will experience during menopause, and healthcare professionals often lack adequate knowledge to provide support. The lack of awareness about menopause can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and mental health issues. Women who experience premature menopause are particularly vulnerable, as they may face a longer period of symptoms and related health risks. To mitigate these risks, women need access to comprehensive information, public awareness campaigns, and evidence-based training for healthcare professionals. Hormone therapy is a commonly prescribed treatment for menopause symptoms, but it is not always accessible, particularly in low-income countries. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and regular exercise, can also help manage symptoms. However, more research is needed to understand the individualized nature of menopause and to develop effective strategies for supporting women throughout this transition. Ultimately, addressing the lack of awareness about menopause requires a shift in societal perceptions and priorities. As the global population ages, it is essential to recognize the importance of gender-specific healthcare needs and to build stronger social support systems to mitigate potential caregiving burdens. By promoting awareness and understanding of menopause, we can empower women to take control of their health and wellbeing, reducing the risks associated with this significant life transition.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome Cases Rise Nationwide, Causing Severe Vomiting and Stomach Pain
A condition known as Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), also referred to as "scromiting," is increasingly affecting habitual marijuana users across the United States. This syndrome causes severe vomiting and stomach pain, leading many patients, including teenagers, to visit emergency rooms. In an attempt to alleviate their symptoms, some patients take scalding hot showers. Between 2016 and 2023, emergency room visits for teens with CHS increased more than tenfold, indicating a significant rise in the condition's prevalence. Experts suggest that the higher potency of modern marijuana products, which contain greater concentrations of active compounds than earlier versions, may be connected to the development of CHS. However, it remains unclear why some heavy marijuana users develop the condition while others do not. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the factors that predispose individuals to CHS, the increase in cases highlights the need for further research into the effects of marijuana use. The condition's severity and the growing number of cases among teenagers underscore the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with marijuana consumption. Medical experts continue to study CHS to determine its causes and risk factors, aiming to provide better care and guidance for those affected. As the landscape of marijuana use continues to evolve, ongoing research into its effects will be crucial for public health.