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LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Flu Cases Rise Again, While COVID Takes a Back Seat

This winter’s COVID-19 surge has been the mildest since the pandemic began, with hospitalizations peaking at half the rate of last season. Experts suggest a strong summer COVID wave provided lingering immunity, while "viral interference" from the flu may also be suppressing COVID transmission.

However, flu activity is taking an unusual turn, with a second peak emerging after an early-season surge. This could signal a longer, more severe flu season, increasing the risk of co-infections that might facilitate viral mutations. Public health professionals should continue emphasizing vaccination, mitigation strategies, and surveillance to monitor evolving viral patterns and protect communities. Read more from NPR here.

CDC Resumes Public Health Updates Amid Communication Challenges

The CDC has resumed publishing its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) after a brief hiatus, signaling renewed public health communication efforts. The latest report, while limited to two field notes on wildfires in Maui and L.A., marks a step toward restoring the agency’s critical role in disseminating timely health information.

Additionally, the CDC issued a health alert on Uganda’s Ebola outbreak, caused by the Sudan virus, with potential vaccination efforts on the horizon. These developments highlight the agency’s ongoing work in monitoring and responding to global and domestic health threats, reinforcing the importance of transparent and consistent public health updates. Read more from STAT News here.

How Communicators Can Safeguard DE&I With a Rebrand

As DE&I efforts face reputational challenges, communicators must adapt strategies to safeguard their impact. Despite misconceptions, research shows that DE&I enhances decision-making, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Companies can strengthen DE&I messaging by renaming teams for broader appeal, creating a DE&I communications task force for inclusive feedback, and developing brand guidelines based on employee insights.
 
Thoughtful messaging, strategic announcements, and engagement with diverse viewpoints help navigate evolving public discourse. Regularly tracking employee sentiment ensures messaging remains effective. While DE&I debates persist, its business value remains clear—ensuring inclusivity benefits both organizations and the communities they serve. Read more from PR News here.

FEATURED TOPICS

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As wildfires ravage Southern California, thousands are at risk of exposure to toxic asbestos. Older buildings, particularly those built before 1980, often contain asbestos, which can be released into the air as fires destroy structures. The dry conditions and high winds exacerbate the spread of these dangerous fibers, potentially affecting people far from the flames.
 
Asbestos exposure can lead to severe respiratory issues and cancers, including mesothelioma. Public health experts stress the importance of protective measures like wearing respirators and using air purifiers to reduce exposure. Cleaning up fire-damaged areas also requires caution to prevent inhalation of asbestos-contaminated debris. Read more from Asbestos.com here.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring rising cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China, though U.S. cases remain stable at pre-pandemic levels. HMPV, a respiratory virus first discovered in 2001, typically circulates during flu season, causing symptoms similar to the common cold, such as coughing, wheezing, and congestion. It can lead to severe illness in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
 
While no vaccines or treatments exist, the CDC emphasizes preventive measures, including handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. The CDC continues to monitor U.S. HMPV trends and will update the public if necessary. Read more from The Hill here.
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Louisiana's Department of Health has implemented a policy prohibiting public health workers from promoting COVID-19, flu, and mpox vaccines. Staff were instructed to stop advertising vaccines, hosting events, or sharing information about them, even within clinics. The policy, not put in writing, contradicts the core mission of public health: preventing illness and saving lives through evidence-based interventions.

Experts warn this decision could erode trust in public health and increase preventable illnesses and deaths. With Louisiana already experiencing high flu rates and significant COVID-19 fatalities, this shift highlights the critical importance of advocacy and clear communication in protecting public health outcomes. Read more from NPR here.
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U.S. life expectancy rose to 78.4 years in 2023, the highest since the pandemic, with nearly a full year of recovery from 2022. However, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. Men’s life expectancy increased to 76, while women’s rose to just over 81. Death rates also dropped, with 189,000 fewer deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year.

The top causes of death—heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, stroke, and chronic respiratory diseases—saw reduced mortality rates, with significant decreases among Hispanic and Native American populations. COVID-19 deaths fell dramatically, dropping from the fourth leading cause in 2022 to the tenth in 2023. Read more from The Hill here.

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