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T
oday's Headlines: December 17, 2018
Biological Agents & Infectious Diseases
US Flu Still Low, but CDC Sees Rise in Some Regions (CIDRAP) Flu levels are rising in some parts of the country, but nationally activity is still low, the CDC said today in its latest weekly flu update. The CDC typically declares the start of flu season after key flu markers stay elevated over a number of weeks, according its weekly situation update. "Based on flu surveillance data, it's too early to say the 2018-19 flu season has started nationally," it said. Go to article
Government Affairs & National Security
Russia, the Skripal Poisoning, and US Sanctions (Congressional Research Service) On August 6, 2018, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo determined that in March 2018 the government of Russia had used a chemical weapon in the UK in contravention of international law. When such a determination is made, US law requires the President to impose economic and diplomatic measures that initially cut off foreign aid, arms sales, and export licenses for controlled goods, services, and technology, and ratchet up in intensity if certain conditions are not met within 90 days. Go to article
Global Health Security
China Introduces 'Social' Punishments for Scientific Misconduct (Nature) Researchers in China who commit scientific misconduct could soon be prevented from getting a bank loan, running a company or applying for a public-service job. The government has announced an extensive punishment system that could have significant consequences for offenders - far beyond their academic careers. Go to article
Medicine & Public Health
Flu Vaccinations Rise Sharply in Both Children and Adults (STAT) Last winter's dreadful flu season may have had a silver lining: Flu vaccine uptake rose sharply this fall in both children and adults, according to newly released data. The CDC reported Friday that the number of children and teens vaccinated as of mid-November was up nearly 7 percentage points over last year at that time and coverage among adults was up 6.4 percentage points. Go to article
Studies on Transmission, Vaccine Bring Focus Back to Zika (CIDRAP) Two studies published yesterday in The Journal of Infectious Diseases looked at the risk of sexual and other transmission within households in Zika-endemic areas and the value of Zika vaccination strategies. In an accompanying commentary, Hannah Clapham, PhD, of Oxford University and the Wellcome Trust, writes that although Zika cases have dropped precipitously since the 2015 and 2016 epidemic that swept from Brazil to Miami, the disease is still a public health threat and warrants further research. Go to article
International Travelers and Genomics Uncover a 'Hidden' Zika Outbreak (bioRxiv) The ongoing Zika epidemic in the Americas has challenged public health surveillance, response, and control systems. Even as the epidemic appears to be near its end in the Americas, it is unclear whether substantial Zika virus transmission may still be ongoing. This issue is exacerbated by large discrepancies in local case reporting and significant delays in detecting outbreaks due to surveillance gaps. Go to article
Potential Range for New Invasive Tick Covers Much of Eastern US (Science Daily) Since the arrival of the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in North America was first reported in New Jersey in early 2018, it has been found in eight other states in the US and, by the looks of a new study comparing North American habitat with the invasive tick's native territory, it shouldn't be a surprise if it shows up in many more. Go to article
Science & Technology
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