Walter Dowdle, Public Health Leader in Times of Crises, Dies at 94
Dr. Walter Dowdle, a highly respected CDC leader and microbiologist, passed away on November 17 at age 94. Over his 34-year career, he helped guide the nation through major public health challenges, including early AIDS response, the identification of Legionnaires’ disease, and global efforts to eradicate polio.
Dowdle oversaw critical laboratory research, strengthened immunization programs…
Blaming Some Child Deaths on Covid Shots, FDA Vows Stricter Vaccine Rules
The FDA plans a stricter framework for vaccine approvals after internal review suggested a potential link between coronavirus vaccines and a small number of child deaths, though details remain limited. FDA official Vinay Prasad proposed requiring vaccine makers to provide broader safety and efficacy data, including post-market outcomes, and to reconsider co-administration of multiple vaccines…
HHS Officially Rescinds Shutdown Layoffs
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has officially rescinded layoffs issued during the recent government shutdown, restoring 954 employees, including many at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Staff were notified to return to work and will receive retroactive pay covering the shutdown period from October 1 to November 12.
The moves follow a federal court ruling that…
Global Measles Cases Drop 71% in 24 Years on Improved Vaccination Coverage, WHO Says
Global measles cases have declined 71% between 2000 and 2024, falling to 11 million, thanks to expanded vaccination efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Over this period, immunization prevented nearly 59 million deaths, with fatalities dropping 88% to 95,000. Despite these gains, 2024 saw an 8% rise in cases compared with pre-pandemic levels, highlighting vulnerabilities in hea…
Measles Outbreak in Arizona and Utah Could Spell the End for U.S. Elimination Status
A growing measles outbreak in Arizona and Utah is pushing the United States close to losing its long-held measles elimination status, with sustained transmission possible into early 2026. Low vaccination rates in several communities along the Arizona–Utah border have contributed to rapid spread, and cases are also rising in parts of South Carolina.
Public health experts note that most infecti…
Washington Man Thought to be First to Die from Rare Strain of Bird Flu
Washington state health officials report the first known human death from the H5N5 bird flu, involving an older adult with pre-existing conditions who kept backyard poultry. The infection likely originated from exposure to wild birds.
Authorities emphasize that the risk to the public remains low, noting no evidence of human-to-human transmission and that close contacts are being monit…
MMWR: Nirsevimab Effectiveness Against Intensive Care Unit Admission for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants
Nirsevimab continues to show strong protection against severe RSV disease in infants, according to new data from 24 states. CDC analysis found the antibody was 80% effective against RSV-related ICU admission and 83% effective against acute respiratory failure among infants under one, most of whom were previously healthy and born at term.
These findings reinforce the growing evidence that RSV…