UMass Boston Warns Community Of Active Tuberculosis Case
The person with the illness may have been infected many years before the infection was active, the warning notes. Around 39 people have been identified as having been in close proximity to the patient. Among other news, researchers found that many mpox patients had other STIs, making the mpox more severe.
The Boston Globe:
Tuberculosis Case Confirmed At UMass Boston
An active case of tuberculosis has been confirmed at the University of Massachusetts Boston, officials said Monday. In a message to the campus community, Robert Pomales, executive director of the university’s health services, said the person diagnosed with the illness was receiving treatment and “may have been infected with TB many years before developing [the] active TB infection.” (Sweeney, 11/8)
On mpox —
CIDRAP:
Many Mpox Patients Have Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Study Shows
A large proportion of mpox patients in Chicago last year and early this year also had other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, predisposing them to severe mpox and potentially contributing to spread of the virus, finds a study led by Chicago Department of Public Health researchers. (Van Beusekom, 11/8)
On covid —
CIDRAP:
Long COVID Linked To Allergies In New Study
In an analysis of 13 published prospective studies of people of all ages with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were followed up for at least 12 months, pre-existing allergic conditions were linked to higher risks of experiencing long COVID, according to a study today in Clinical & Experimental Allergy. This is one of the first studies to assess the relationship between long COVID and allergies. (Soucheray, 11/8)
Fox News:
COVID Lockdowns Increased ADHD Risk Among 10-Year-Old Children, New Study Finds
The COVID-19 lockdowns had a widespread impact on children's mental health, many studies have shown — and now new research highlights how those lockdowns impacted ADHD diagnoses in 10-year-old children. A study by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark determined that kids in this age group who already had a genetic risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder saw a "significant increase" in diagnoses after the pandemic. (Rudy, 11/9)
USA Today:
Fact-Check: COVID-19 Vaccines Have Saved, Not Killed, Millions
The claim: A video from The People's Voice posted to Facebook on Oct. 26 (direct link, archive link) claims the human population has declined significantly over the last few years. On-screen text included in the video reads, "Global population reduced by 1 billion since 2021 − Media Blackout." Our rating: False. Fewer than 260 million people have died globally from all causes since the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in late 2020, according to United Nations data and mortality projections. (Petersen, 11/8)
Reuters:
US Court May Revive EEOC Case Over Worker Harassed For Wearing Face Mask
A U.S. appeals court panel on Wednesday seemed likely to revive claims that an asthmatic pharmacy clerk in Texas was forced to quit after a pharmacist called him a "stupid little kid" for insisting that he be able to wear a face mask in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. A three-judge 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel in New Orleans heard arguments in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) appeal of a lower court's ruling that said the incident was not severe enough to create a hostile work environment and dismissed the agency's lawsuit against U.S. Drug Mart. (Wiessner, 11/8)
On flu and RSV —
CBS News:
Not Vaccinated For COVID Or Flu Yet? Now's The Time Ahead Of Thanksgiving, CDC Director Says
With Thanksgiving only two weeks away, now's the time to get protected against potentially deadly fall viruses. In an interview with CBS News, Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said this is the best window to get vaccinated to protect yourself and your family for the holiday. "We know we're going to see more flu starting to circulate, and more COVID, so right now is a great time for you to get vaccinated. That way, your body can build up its protection ahead of the holiday season," she said. (George and Moniuszko, 11/8)
KFF Health News:
A New RSV Shot Could Help Protect Babies This Winter — If They Can Get It In Time
Emily Bendt was in her third trimester of pregnancy when she first heard the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had approved a new shot for infants to protect them from the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. By Oct. 5, Bendt was cuddling with her new baby, Willow, on the couch at home in Vancouver, Washington. She was excited to get Willow the new therapy for infants, called nirsevimab, which had started shipping in September — but Bendt, a pediatric home health nurse, couldn’t find it anywhere. (Templeton, 11/9)
