MMWR Weekly COVID-19 Briefing

This episode discusses three MMWR reports. First, a pilot study in Uganda increases screening and treatment for household members affected by tuberculosis, helping to reduce transmission. Second, adolescent girls and young women in Eswatini who have functional disabilities are more likely to experience sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Last, a U.S. traveler returning from Zimbabwe was hospitalized with a rare parasite infection that causes sleeping sickness

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a new study highlights the importance of people following recommended precautions when they have potential job-related exposures to avian influenza (H5N1) viruses that can cause H5N1 bird flu. Second, traffic-related pedestrian death rates in the U.S. increased 50% between 2013 and 2022, while many other high-income countries experienced decreases. Third, a study finds increases in neuro-, ocular, and otic syphilis among some groups in Chicago, following a pattern similar to national syphilis trends. Last, CDC finds sick workers and improper temperature control are the most common causes of food-related viral and bacterial outbreaks, respectively.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. In our first report, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Mortality by Industry and Occupation - United States, 2020-2022, workers in some industries and occupations have higher-than-expected death rates from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease. In our second report, Enhanced Identification of Tobacco Use Among Adult Medicaid Members - King County, Washington, 2016-2023, identifying tobacco product use during Medicaid enrollment provides opportunities for states to help people quit smoking, improve their health, and lower health care spending. In our third report, Tobacco Product Use Among Adults - United States, 2017-2023, exclusive cigarette smoking has decreased, while exclusive e-cigarette use has increased, leading to no overall change in tobacco product use among adults from 2017 to 2023. In our last report, Detection of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 in Wastewater - Five European Countries, September-December 2024, variant poliovirus was detected in wastewater in five European countries last Fall.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination provides additional protection against COVID-19-associated emergency department/urgent care encounters and hospitalizations. Second, this season's flu vaccines protect against flu-related medical visits and hospitalizations. Third, a new CDC report finds that 13% of children who have died from seasonal flu this season had influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis, a potentially severe neurologic complication. Last, as HPV vaccination has increased, a steep decline in cervical precancers has occurred.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a new CDC study explores possible transmission of the virus that causes H5N1 bird flu from dairy workers to two indoor-only cats in Michigan. Second, the dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico continues, with children 10-19 years old being most affected. Third, wastewater testing and viral genetic testing can provide information on the community spread of hepatitis A. Last, scientists recorded a brief 110-fold increase in air lead levels during the 2025 LA fires.

This episode discusses two MMWR reports. First, CDC finds evidence of previous infection with avian influenza A(H5) bird flu in three veterinary practitioners who work with cattle. Next, the public health system responds to the first known case of clade I mpox in the U.S. and prevents its spread.

This episode discusses two MMWR reports. First, the average percentage of emergency department visits potentially associated with fire and smoke inhalation increased eightfold to 0.5% during the first 6 days of the 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires. Next, firefighters had higher concentrations of PFAS - a group of chemicals linked to cancer and other health effects - in their blood 1 month after responding to the 2023 Maui wildfires than other responder groups.

This episode discusses three MMWR reports. First, U.S. health care providers report that concerns about time, cost, and confidentiality interfere with seeking care for mental health. Next, CDC releases the 2025 Child and Adolescent, and Adult Immunization Schedules.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, pneumococcal vaccination is now recommended for all adults aged 50 and older. Second, widespread mercury exposure and health risks at an Ohio lamp recycling facility raise occupational safety concerns. Third, multiple people in Arizona were hospitalized with severe illness after consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand microdosing products. Last, a new CDC report reveals a 56% increase in the rate of tularemia cases in the United States

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems should get 2 doses of a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, spaced 6 months apart. Second, a new CDC report examines homicides related to intimate partner violence of Hispanic and Latino people in the United States. Third, the current dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico has resulted in higher rates of hospitalizations than previous outbreaks, with more than half of patients needing hospital care. Last, polio cases increase in Afghanistan as vaccine campaign restrictions threaten eradication efforts.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a CDC study finds that 1 in 20 women surveyed experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Second, a CDC report on waterborne disease outbreaks linked to splash pads highlights ways to stay healthy while you play. Third, overdose deaths overall and with illegally made fentanyls detected started to decline in late 2023; overdose deaths with carfentanil increased sharply but remain rare. Last, CDC vaccination recommendations for hepatitis B were updated to include an additional vaccine option during pregnancy.

This episode discusses six MMWR reports. First, three reports describe the spread of parvovirus B19 in the United States in 2024; some groups are at increased risk for serious complications from this infection. Second, emergency department visits for firearm injuries declined from 2022 to 2023 yet were still higher than before the pandemic. Third, Rocky Mountain spotted fever continues to emerge in the California-Mexico border region. Last, CDC makes progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat by reaching more than 2 million people in 37 countries with pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, nirsevimab reduces the risk of severe RSV among Alaskan Native children, who have historically experienced high rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations. Second, a concerning decline in the use of antivirals is seen among children and teens hospitalized with flu. Third, measles cases are surging worldwide as vaccination coverage remains below pre-pandemic levels. Last, disease presentation, vaccination status, and recent international travel are important when suspected measles cases occur.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, CDC finds evidence of additional H5 bird flu infections among dairy workers - personal protective equipment can help protect against infection. Second, Guinea worm disease is close to eradication, yet obstacles remain. Last, overdose deaths in the U.S. with ketamine detected are rare but increasing.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, low flu and COVID-19 vaccination among some health care workers in the U.S. Second, a new report shows low flu vaccination rates and flu antiviral treatment among pregnant and postpartum women in Suzhou, China. Third, four cases of new fungal rash spread during sex have been confirmed in New York City. Last, an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Virginia is disproportionately impacting Black adults - an unusual and concerning finding.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a case of locally acquired malaria in Arkansas in 2023 highlights the importance of preventing diseases spread by mosquitoes. Second, public health officials in California responded to the first locally acquired dengue infections, also transmitted by mosquitoes. Third, private balcony hot tubs are previously unidentified sources of Legionella exposure on cruise ships. Last, JN.1 and its descendants have been the most common SARS-CoV-2 virus variants in 2024, and they're still evolving.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, tobacco product use among youth is at a 25-year low, yet disparities persist. Second, a new study shows continued declines in routine childhood vaccination rates as outbreaks of preventable diseases persist. Third, health officials prevent a form of rabies virus from spreading in the Midwest. Last, countries with low polio vaccination rates continue to experience outbreaks.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, an estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults have ADHD. Approximately half have used telehealth for ADHD-related services. Second, undercooked bear meat is linked to 10 parasitic infections in North Carolina. Third, condomless receptive anal sex with a person with clade II mpox is associated with 5x the odds of getting mpox. Last, a cluster of mpox cases resistant to TPOXX occurred among patients who had never taken it before.

This episode discusses five MMWR reports from our October 8th Youth Behavior Risk Surveillance Supplement. First, frequent social media use and experiences of racism in school are linked to poor mental health among high school students. Next, the majority of high school students in the U.S. have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, no new safety concerns have been identified a year after the RSV vaccine was recommended for older adults. Second, in response to New York City's chickenpox outbreak, about 27,000 vaccine doses have been administered to prevent new infections. Third, despite a decrease in reported cases, mosquitoes and ticks continue to spread disease in the U.S. Last, dangerous meningococcal infections after travel to Saudi Arabia highlight the need for vaccination before travel to perform the Umrah or Hajj pilgrimages.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, family members in three states got sick with a parasitic illness after eating previously frozen, undercooked bear meat. Second, the proportion of U.S. adults younger than 65 reporting that they had a stroke increased by 15%. Third, most new cases of mpox in the U.S. occur in people who are unvaccinated. Last, the risk of (H5N1) bird flu to people in the U.S. is currently low, but CDC is preparing for the possibility of increased risk.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a rapid public health response successfully reduced the severity of a measles outbreak in Chicago. Next, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reports the largest number of mpox cases ever. Last, polio cases were down globally in 2023, but 32 countries reported active outbreaks.

This episode discusses three MMWR reports. First, seven children in Utah were hospitalized with E. coli after drinking and playing in untreated water used for watering yards. Second, traveling in malaria-endemic countries can increase travel-associated malaria in the U.S. Prompt identification, diagnosis, and treatment are essential to prevent severe illness. Last, highly drug-resistant infections were identified in U.S. patients who recently traveled to Mexico for stem cell injections.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, emergency department visits for traffic-related pedestrian injuries are more common among racial and ethnic minority groups. Second, opportunities for clinicians to help pregnant and postpartum patients quit smoking. Third, a cluster of HIV cases associated with cosmetic injections emphasizes the importance of proper infection control and licensing at spa facilities. Finally, PCR lab tests are the most reliable tests for diagnosing COVID-19 to ensure appropriate treatment.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, extreme heat caused more emergency department visits in several U.S. regions in 2023 than in previous years. Second, health-related social needs, such as social isolation, dissatisfaction with life, and barriers to health care access, were associated with decreased mammogram use. Third, nursing home residents continued to get COVID-19 infection and be hospitalized during the most recent respiratory virus season. Fewer than half of nursing home residents were up to date with COVID-19 vaccines by February 2024. Finally, original COVID-19 vaccines protected children against hospitalizations, but the protection decreased over time.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, there was a rapid increase in the number of reported measles cases during the first quarter of 2024. Almost all cases occurred in people who were unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. Second, backyard poultry might increase the risk of Salmonella in infants and newborns, even in the absence of direct exposure. Third, new data show COVID-19 vaccines did not cause cardiac death in teens and young adults in Oregon. Finally, a cluster of central nervous infections at the Rhode Island Hospital was associated with a medical device commonly used in neurosurgery.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, most newborns with sickle cell disease are born to mothers living in socially vulnerable counties. Second, CDC encourages providers to "Think. Test. Treat TB" as U.S. tuberculosis cases increase. Third, updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalization by about one-third among adults with weakened immune systems. Finally, lab tests used to diagnose rash may incorrectly indicate a child has measles if the child recently received a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.

This episode discusses three MMWR reports. First, diagnosing chickenpox can be challenging; a lab test can help. Next, more than 13 million people with HIV were given lifesaving tuberculosis preventive treatment through PEPFAR-supported programs. Finally, prompt diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases is needed.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease. It can cause serious complications, particularly in young children. About 1 of every 5 people with measles have to be hospitalized. Thanks to a strong childhood vaccination program, measles stopped being constantly present in the U.S. in 2000. As the number of unvaccinated children increases, however, measles outbreaks are becoming more common. In the first report, the Cook County Department of Public Health in Illinois launched an investigation after five measles cases were reported in the fall of 2023.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a new CDC study shows that nirsevimab, an antibody, protects babies against RSV hospitalization. Second, unsupervised melatonin ingestion by young children resulted in nearly 11,000 emergency department visits in the U.S. during 2019-2022. Third, a new study finds an increase in the use of blood pressure medicine in people diagnosed with high blood pressure. Finally, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest among adults in Chicago is occurring at younger ages.

This episode discusses six MMWR reports. First, deaths from excessive alcohol use are on the rise in the U.S. Next, this season's flu vaccines are effective at reducing flu-related medical visits and hospitalizations. Finally, CDC releases updated guidance for investigating and responding to suicide clusters.

This episode discusses three MMWR reports. First, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children have recently increased but remain below pre-pandemic levels. Next, a quick response by CDC's quarantine program for imported nonhuman primates prevented potential tuberculosis exposures. Finally, measles cases in the World Health Organization's Eastern Mediterranean Region spiked sharply in 2022.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, improved reporting for Lyme disease helps track and monitor cases. Second, smoking overtakes injection as the primary route of drug use in U.S. overdose deaths. Third, a hepatitis A vaccination campaign helps prevent an outbreak at the Los Angeles County jail. Finally, in 2022 the percentage of U.S. adults who experienced Long COVID was higher in some U.S. states.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, teens report that seeking relief from stress, anxiety, and depression are top reasons for substance use. Second, antimicrobial resistance prompts CDC to update guidance on antibiotic selection to prevent meningococcal disease. Third, among workers in the oil and gas extraction industry, well-servicing contractors were found to be at the highest risk of severe injury. Finally, 8 mg naloxone was associated with more withdrawal symptoms when used during an overdose.

This episode discusses five MMWR reports. First, a new CDC study shows that updated COVID-19 vaccines protect against symptomatic illness, including infections caused by the JN.1 variant. Second, Neptune's Fix, a flavored tianeptine elixir sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and online, is associated with serious clinical outcomes in 17 patients in New Jersey. Third, acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, remained low in the U.S. between 2019 and 2022 despite increased circulation of EV-D68, an enterovirus previously connected to an increase in AFM cases. Fourth, Peru reported its largest dengue outbreak in 2023.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, when trying to understand who gets diabetes and heart disease, looking at traditional categories of race and ethnicity doesn't tell the whole story. Second, antivirals, which are known to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19, are underused. Third, deaths among U.S. citizens who had cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic were mostly due to preventable conditions. Finally, poor infection control at a South Florida cosmetic surgery clinic most likely led to infections in nine states.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, cannabis use dropped among students, particularly male students, in King County, Washington. Second, inadequate chlorine levels in a hotel pool likely led to a water-associated Pseudomonas outbreak in Maine. Third, wastewater monitoring detects even low levels of mpox in communities. Finally, mpox transmission in Los Angeles County, California, increased during the summer of 2023 compared with previous months.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, CDC encourages clinicians to confirm fungal diagnoses before prescribing topical antifungals. Next, CDC releases the 2024 immunization schedules for children and adolescents, as well as adults. Finally, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines helps prevent COVID-19-related strokes, blood clots, and heart attacks in adults aged 65 years and older and adults on dialysis.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, an outbreak of tuberculosis caused by contaminated bone product shows that additional interventions are needed to address gaps in transplant tissue safety in the U.S. Next, drug shortages create additional challenges for tuberculosis patients and programs in California. Finally, young adults in Chicago hospitalized after taking counterfeit pills disguised as alprazolam.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, researchers found no increased risk of hospitalizations or deaths due to COVID-19 rebound. Viral rebound rates were similar between COVID-19 patients who had or had not received antiviral treatment. Next, most nursing home residents have not received an updated COVID-19 vaccine or the RSV vaccine. Finally, new research finds low COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccination coverage for eligible adults.

This week, MMWR published reports on unintentional firearm injury deaths among children and teens, suicide rates by industry, occupation, and sex, and more.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, lack of timely testing and inadequate treatment contributed to almost 90% of congenital syphilis cases in the U.S. in 2022. Second, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease trends are stable, but disparities persist by age, sex, education, and rural residence. Third, the first occupational asthma death in a U.S. cannabis production worker has been reported. Finally, invasive pneumococcal disease was identified among people experiencing homelessness in Colorado.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, prenatal care clinicians and fertility specialists should consider tuberculosis evaluations if their patients are from a country where tuberculosis is common. Second, CDC published updated recommendations for the use of inactivated polio vaccine for adults who are known to be unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. Third, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a leading global public health threat. They are spreading in Ukraine and surrounding countries, highlighting the need for rapid action. Finally, coordinated public health response leads to timely identification and interruption of a Legionnaires disease outbreak in California.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a new study finds at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine are effective at reducing emergency department visits and hospitalizations in young children. Second, wastewater monitoring helps experts better prepare for and respond to respiratory virus seasons. Third, the 2022 U.S. firearm suicide rate reached the highest level documented. Finally, a greater percentage of young children with HIV on antiretroviral treatment die compared to older individuals receiving similar treatment.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, vaccination rates among kindergartners are still lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, 1 in 3 U.S. veterans has arthritis. Diagnosed arthritis is much more common among the youngest veterans compared with people of the same age. Finally, health care personnel were less likely to get a flu shot during the pandemic. Most were not up to date with COVID-19 vaccination during the last respiratory virus season.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, vaccination coverage among children remains high. However, disparities persist and are widening for some groups of children. Second, CDC issues new recommendations for testing infants and children born to pregnant people with hepatitis C. Third, e-cigarette use among high school students declined in 2023, yet nearly half of youth who have tried e-cigarettes reported current use. Finally, further efforts are needed to identify and overcome barriers for clinicians implementing the most recent tuberculosis testing and treatment recommendations.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, routine vaccination coverage increased globally in 2022 but has yet to return to 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Second, CDC used early-warning surveillance systems to track the emergence of COVID-19 variant BA.2.86. Third, CDC's Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program identified the BA.2.86 variant in a traveler within days of its first identification globally. Finally, health workers continued to face a mental health crisis in 2022. Resources are available to improve their mental health.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, hepatitis A vaccines prevent deaths, but they are still not reaching adults at highest risk. Second, the U.S. firearm homicide rate decreased in 2022, but remained higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Third, a Mycobacterium abscessus outbreak is linked to contaminated water and improper infection prevention and control practices. Finally, severe cases of Bartonella quintana infection were detected among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in New York City.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, the flu hit children and teens hard last season. Second, CDC recommends the RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect young infants. Third, CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall. Finally, 1 in 5 U.S. adults have arthritis.

First, two CDC studies confirm RSV causes serious illness in older adults and highlight the potential benefit of RSV vaccines in preventing severe illness in this population. Next, adults 65 years and older accounted for 63% of all COVID-19-associated hospitalizations in the first half of 2023, yet more than 75% of those hospitalized had not received the recommended bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. Finally, a CDC study of long-term care facility residents found bivalent COVID-19 vaccine coverage was lowest among residents in the South and Southeast and among Black and Multiracial residents.

This week, MMWR published four reports that add to evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations during pregnancy help protect patients and newborns from serious illness and hospitalization. However, pregnancy vaccination coverage has been low and has varied by vaccine type and patients' race and ethnicity.