Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Pennsylvania Logs Sixth Measles-Related Death
The Washington Post: Sixth Person Dies In Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak
Pennsylvania health officials on Wednesday reported a sixth measles-associated death this year, as the state confronts the nation’s largest measles outbreak. (Sun, 11/4)
CIDRAP: Pennsylvania Reports Another Measles-Related Death, The 2nd In Jefferson County
An unvaccinated resident of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, tested positive for measles and has died, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) today. Jefferson County is about 90 miles northeast of Pittsburgh and lost another resident to measles complications back in September. No other information about this most recent death is being released, said the DOH, citing privacy for the deceased and the family. (Boden, 11/4)
Fox 59: Indiana Measles Cases Surpass 100, Concerning Public Health Experts
The total number of confirmed measles cases this year is spiking as we near winter. Indiana has now recorded more than 100 known cases for the first time in the 21st century. (O'Hara, 11/2)
who13.com: Measles Cases Hit 50 In Iowa With New Exposure Sites Identified
Officials have confirmed 50 cases of measles across the state as health officials investigate a potential northern Iowa exposure site. (Kauffman, 11/4)
On covid and cyclospora —
CIDRAP: Metformin Given Within A Week Of COVID-19 Slashes Risk Of Long COVID, Death By 53%, Paper Notes
Long COVID—or new-onset symptoms or worsening health conditions after SARS-CoV-2 infection—can lower quality of life. Finding a way to prevent it would be a welcome relief for those worried about the long-term effects of the viral infection. A study published last week in the Journal of Medical Virology finds that US COVID-19 patients prescribed metformin, a medication that treats prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, within six days of COVID-19 infection were less likely to develop long COVID or die. (Holohan, 11/4)
CIDRAP: Cyclospora Outbreaks In Recent Years Tied To $374 Million In Bagged-Salad Sales Losses
US consumers bought fewer bagged salads during Cyclospora outbreaks from 2018 to 2022, contributing to roughly $374 million in retail losses, according to a new study published in Risk Analysis. Researchers at the University of Florida and The Ohio State University found that weekly bagged-salad purchases declined by an average of 3.9% during the study period. Declines were seen in states with active outbreaks, as well as in spillover areas that shared media markets with affected areas. (Bergeson, 11/4)
On global health threats —
AP: Kenya Releases 5 Ebola Patients As No New Infections Are Reported
Kenya on Tuesday released five Ebola patients after they tested negative for the virus and showed no symptoms, leaving only two patients undergoing supportive care. Health officials expressed optimism over the country’s progress in containing the outbreak, with no new infections reported. The Ministry of Health said the five patients had recovered and were discharged following negative test results. It also announced the release of 46 people who had been identified as contacts of the first Ebola patient and placed under quarantine for 21 days. (Musambi, 11/3)
CIDRAP: WHO Highlights Major Progress As 63 Nations Report Eliminating At Least 1 Neglected Tropical Disease
The World Health Organization (WHO) today reported major progress against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with 63 countries having eliminated at least one NTD by June 2026, up from 42 at the end of 2020. The report is considered a “midterm assessment” of the 2021 to 2030 NTD road map, and, while progress has been made, several diseases will still not meet 2030 targets. “Elimination of neglected tropical diseases is one of the standout success stories of global health," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, in a press release. (Soucheray, 11/4)
