Kracalik I, Annambhotla P, McCormick DW
… +15 more, Geller AI, McDavid K, Griffin I, Lynch R, Doby B, Natori Y, Tokman S, Durand CM, Kotton CN, Blumberg E, La Hoz RM, Hicks LA, Pouch SM, Basavaraju SV, Donor-Derived KSHV Investigation Group
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41785153
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Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection is the cause of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), certain lymphoproliferative disorders, and the inflammatory condition Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus inflammatory cytokin...Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection is the cause of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), certain lymphoproliferative disorders, and the inflammatory condition Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). In solid organ transplant recipients, KSHV-related complications can result from reactivation of latent infection, new posttransplant infection, or transmission of virus from the transplanted organ. However, testing of donors and recipients is not routinely performed. During January 2021-September 2025, after transplantation of 185 organs into 153 recipients, 46 deceased donors were identified whose transplanted organs were suspected of having transmitted KSHV, approximately five times the number of such donors (nine) reported during 2016-2020. As of February 2026, a posttransplantation KSHV infection has been identified among 74 (48%) of these 153 transplant recipients. Among the 74 recipients with KSHV infection, 45 (61%) developed KS; 10 (14%) of these recipients with KS also developed a lymphoproliferative disorder (multicentric Castleman disease [eight], posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder [one], and primary effusion lymphoma [one]) and six (8%) developed KICS; four (5%) recipients developed a lymphoproliferative disorder alone (primary effusion lymphoma [one] and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder [three]); and one (1%) developed KICS alone. To date, 25 (16%) of the 153 transplant recipients have died. Most donors and recipients were HIV-negative, and nonmedical drug use was common among donors. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for KSHV in transplant recipients, particularly when donors have risk factors including nonmedical drug use, or when another recipient from the same donor is found to be infected. Development and implementation of effective testing strategies and timely reporting could guide clinical management, reduce risk for KSHV-related complications, and improve transplant safety.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41747166
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On August 5, 2024, the Brown County (Illinois) Health Department (BCHD) was informed by the county sheriff that numerous potential jurors being screened for an upcoming trial had reported recently experiencing a gastroin...On August 5, 2024, the Brown County (Illinois) Health Department (BCHD) was informed by the county sheriff that numerous potential jurors being screened for an upcoming trial had reported recently experiencing a gastrointestinal illness. One week later, on August 12, a laboratory-confirmed case of Salmonella enterica serotype Agbeni infection was reported to BCHD by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Investigation by BCHD identified seven laboratory-confirmed and six probable cases of S. enterica serotype Agbeni illness across five Illinois counties. All persons who became ill had attended the Brown County fair in rural Illinois during July 30-August 4 and reported drinking beer served from a cooler in the fair's beer tent. No other common food or environmental exposures were identified. The cooler containing the beer was reused for multiple days and not cleaned. A generative artificial intelligence tool (ChatGPT 4.0, OpenAI; 2024) was used to assist with hypothesis generation during the investigation, supplementing traditional epidemiologic methods and contributing to identification of a shared, nonfood vehicle of transmission. This outbreak highlights the role of standardized hygiene protocols for cooler sanitation and beverage storage and handling at public events.
Silk BJ, Prill MM, Winn AK
… +15 more, Patton ME, Moline HL, Melgar M, Ma KC, Paden CR, Atherton LJ, Khan D, Taylor CA, Tannis A, Patel K, Goldstein LA, Kniss K, Merced-Morales A, Thornburg N, Dawood FS
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41712508
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Respiratory viruses are common causes of upper and lower respiratory tract illness and can also result in hospitalization and death. CDC conducts national surveillance using multiple systems to monitor ongoing and season...Respiratory viruses are common causes of upper and lower respiratory tract illness and can also result in hospitalization and death. CDC conducts national surveillance using multiple systems to monitor ongoing and seasonal changes in the activity of selected respiratory viruses. This report summarizes U.S. trends in endemic respiratory virus activity during July 2024-June 2025. For SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), national and regional trends; population-based hospitalization rates; vital records death counts; and preliminary estimates of associated illnesses, outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and deaths are described, as well as genetic characterization of circulating SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Some viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, showed bimodal peaks in positive laboratory test results, whereas others, including RSV and influenza viruses, were characterized by a single peak. The highest COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates were reported among adults aged ≥75 years (932.6 per 100,000 persons), infants aged <6 months (285.6), and adults aged 65-74 years (274.4). RSV-associated hospitalization rates were highest among infants aged <12 months (1,116.7 per 100,000; 95% CI = 1,078.4-1,157.9), children aged 12-23 months (770.6; 95% CI = 743.1-800.3), and adults aged ≥75 years (426.9; 95% CI = 366.6-510.8). COVID-19 was associated with an estimated 290,000-450,000 hospitalizations and 34,000-53,000 deaths; RSV was associated with 190,000-350,000 hospitalizations and 10,000-23,000 deaths. All circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages were Omicron JN.1 descendants. Staying up to date with recommended COVID-19, RSV, and influenza vaccinations remains important to reducing the risk for severe disease caused by these viruses.
Kruger SE, Ruberto I, Williamson T
… +3 more, Remais JV, Heaney AK, Head JR
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41712479
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Incidence of coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever), a fungal infection caused by inhalation of Coccidioides species spores, has increased substantially across the southwestern United States in association with increasing ari...Incidence of coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever), a fungal infection caused by inhalation of Coccidioides species spores, has increased substantially across the southwestern United States in association with increasing aridity, warming temperatures, and precipitation volatility. Arizona and California report >95% of U.S. coccidioidomycosis cases, and incidence in Arizona has increased statewide. Patterns within Arizona's distinct climatological regions have not been characterized, especially in regions outside the known zone of persistently high levels of disease occurrence (hyperendemicity) in the southwest Sonoran Desert region. In this study, surveillance data reported to the Arizona Department of Health Services since 2005 were used to calculate coccidioidomycosis incidence within six ecological regions. During 2005-2022, annual incidence approximately doubled in Arizona, with >95% of cases reported from the Sonoran Desert region. Although the Plateaus and Mojave Desert regions (in the northern parts of the state) reported <1.5% of Arizona cases during this period, these regions experienced the highest relative increases in incidence from the 2005-2007 period to the 2020-2022 period. During 2020-2022, coccidioidomycosis incidence in the Plateaus region was 6.61 times the incidence during 2005-2007 (95% CI = 4.22-10.30), and in the Mojave Desert region, incidence was 4.50 times that during 2005-2007 (95% CI = 3.45-5.89). The Plateau and Mojave regions also reported the highest relative increases in incidence from the 2014-2016 period to the 2020-2022 period. Large relative incidence increases in northern regions, including cooler and wetter regions generally considered less suitable for Coccidioides species establishment and transmission, necessitate targeted public health messaging in these areas and support ongoing investigation into the causes of these increases.
Raykin J, Rochin I, Wiegand R
… +6 more, Soto V, Nyame-Mireku A, Chung A, Mak J, Boehmer T, Patel P
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41712466
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Adults aged ≥65 years have the highest rates of COVID-19-related hospitalization. Despite the proven benefit of COVID-19 antivirals in preventing severe outcomes, data suggest that their use is low among older adults. To...Adults aged ≥65 years have the highest rates of COVID-19-related hospitalization. Despite the proven benefit of COVID-19 antivirals in preventing severe outcomes, data suggest that their use is low among older adults. To assess factors associated with receipt of an antiviral prescription among adults aged ≥65 years examined in outpatient settings who received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result or COVID-19 diagnosis during June 1, 2023-September 30, 2025, multivariate logistic regression analysis of Truveta real-time deidentified electronic health record data was performed. The percentage of COVID-19 outpatients aged ≥65 years who received an antiviral prescription was lower in spring 2024 (21%), fall-winter 2024-25 (23%), spring 2025 (16%), and summer 2025 (19%) than during other seasons (range = 37%-38%). Among those persons who received a prescription, 99% received it within 7 days of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result or COVID-19 diagnosis, and 80% were prescribed nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Among adults aged ≥65 years, the odds of receiving an antiviral prescription were higher among those aged 75-84 and ≥85 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.09 and 1.11, respectively), Asian (aOR = 1.42) or Hispanic or Latino persons (aOR = 1.24), and those who had received ≥1 COVID-19 vaccine dose (aOR = 1.73) than among adults in other age, racial, ethnic, and vaccination status groups. Persons with at least one comorbidity and rural residents had lower odds of receiving an antiviral prescription. Persons with COVID-19 had higher odds of receiving a COVID-19 antiviral prescription in summer 2024 (aOR = 1.05) compared with other analytic periods. Odds of prescribing were lower during periods of lower COVID-19 incidence. Antivirals might be underprescribed among adults aged ≥65 years, and prescribing rates vary temporally. Encouraging annual COVID-19 vaccination and increased prescribing of antivirals among adults aged ≥65 years with COVID-19 could reduce the risk for severe illness and hospitalization in this population.
Yomogida KS, Laskowski E, Hannah L
… +14 more, Sajewski E, Gable P, Moulton-Meissner H, Clancy K, Howard M, Toda M, Litvintseva AP, Parnell LA, Schwem B, McKinney KL, Valderrama AL, Perkins KM, Naccache SN, Smith DJ
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41678379
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In April 2024, a Washington dermatology clinic reported multiple cases of atypical fungal skin infections caused by the environmental mold Purpureocillium lilacinum to Clallam County Public Health. P. lilacinum most freq...In April 2024, a Washington dermatology clinic reported multiple cases of atypical fungal skin infections caused by the environmental mold Purpureocillium lilacinum to Clallam County Public Health. P. lilacinum most frequently causes skin infections among immunocompromised persons but can occasionally infect immunocompetent persons. The diagnoses were made on the basis of swab specimens collected from patients' skin to diagnose a fungal skin infection, rather than from a biopsy or skin scraping, as is recommended. An investigation by the Washington State Department of Health and CDC revealed this to be a pseudo-outbreak caused by contaminated saline, ultimately affecting 22 patients during January-October 2024. The investigation found that the clinic had refilled and reused saline squeeze bottles during skin swab collection. This resulted in contamination of the saline with P. lilacinum, which was transferred to the skin when swab specimens were obtained. Whole genome sequencing confirmed that P. lilacinum isolates from patient swab specimens were closely related to environmental isolates from the contaminated bottles. The clinic discontinued use of refillable squeeze bottles in January 2025 and transitioned to single-use saline packets, after which no further cases were reported. This investigation underscores the importance of proper diagnostic specimen collection procedures and infection prevention and control practices in clinical settings.
Chang ME, Mantell E, Greendyke WG
… +9 more, Schwem B, Mudge Z, López LF, Smith DJ, Litvintseva AP, Rowh A, Moulton-Meissner H, Gable P, McPherson TD
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41678370
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In December 2024, a clinical laboratory notified the New York City Health Department of three patients with fungal keratitis caused by an unidentified mold following laser eye surgery at an ophthalmology clinic. All thre...In December 2024, a clinical laboratory notified the New York City Health Department of three patients with fungal keratitis caused by an unidentified mold following laser eye surgery at an ophthalmology clinic. All three patients experienced vision loss, and one patient required corneal transplantation. Corneal cultures from two of the patients grew Purpureocillium lilacinum, an environmental mold that can cause a range of infections in humans; eye infections have been reported. The clinic paused surgeries. The health department assessed the clinic's infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and identified multiple deficiencies, including incomplete instrument sterilization logs, absence of disinfectants approved for use on work surfaces, use of expired topical ocular medications, and opportunities for exposure to nonsterile water from cool-mist humidifiers in the procedure room. CDC environmental infection control guidelines recommend avoidance of cool-mist humidifiers in health care facilities. All environmental cultures were negative for P. lilacinum, but fungal amplicon sequencing detected P. lilacinum DNA in the tubing of a surgical device. No further cases were identified after implementation of recommended IPC measures and resumption of surgeries during January 2025. Adherence to published IPC guidance during all procedures in ambulatory settings can reduce the risk for health care-associated infections.
Zun A, Meyer N, Flores D
… +13 more, Mohr T, Aguirre P, Rios T, Mathew S, Bates M, Ocampo G, Brady P, Corn P, Young E, Kingshott B, Zamor S, Kritz L, Ahmed SS
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41610066
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Metz AR, Barnes M, Andresen K
… +12 more, Stringer G, Comstock N, Burakoff A, Matzinger SR, Warren L, Klaber M, Orozco M, Chan SN, Fowler JJ, Gearhart SL, Nicholson MB, Herlihy R
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41610047
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Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable viral disease. Successful vaccination programs resulted in limited measles transmission in the United States in 2000, but U.S. cases have been increasing since early 202...Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable viral disease. Successful vaccination programs resulted in limited measles transmission in the United States in 2000, but U.S. cases have been increasing since early 2025. On May 20, 2025, CDC notified the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment of a measles case in an unvaccinated, non-Colorado resident who had arrived in Denver, Colorado, on an international flight and traveled through the Denver International Airport while infectious. The patient acquired measles in the United States before travelling internationally. Nine secondary measles cases and one tertiary case associated with this traveler were confirmed among Colorado residents; seven additional cases were reported by other jurisdictions. Four of the nine secondary Colorado cases occurred among persons who had received 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine before exposure. Two of these vaccinated persons received negative measles reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results from nasopharyngeal swab specimens and positive results from urine specimens. A third patient, with unknown measles vaccination status, received a positive urine RT-PCR test result 24 days after rash onset. Three unvaccinated patients and one with unknown vaccination status were hospitalized, and all recovered. All patients reported having a rash, but vaccinated patients reported fewer and milder symptoms overall. This outbreak highlights the importance of staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, especially before traveling. Routinely collecting urine specimens for measles testing could improve identification of cases and increase detection sensitivity, especially among previously vaccinated persons.
Patients who have received a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) disease face barriers to continuing and completing TB treatment when they relocate between countries, potentially resulting in lower treatment completion rates....Patients who have received a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) disease face barriers to continuing and completing TB treatment when they relocate between countries, potentially resulting in lower treatment completion rates. Treatment for TB disease can range from 6 months to more than 2 years in duration; failure to complete treatment increases the risk for TB transmission and emergence of drug resistance. CDC's CureTB program makes follow-up TB care referrals for persons relocating to or from the United States, either as temporary visitors or when returning to their home countries, by providing information directly to public health authorities at patients' destinations. To evaluate program performance, public health officials examined 2016-2023 CureTB referral outcomes and treatment completion rates. Among 6,944 referral requests received from U.S. or foreign authorities during 2016-2023, approximately one half (3,912; 56%) were for patients with suspected TB, and approximately one third (2,404; 35%) were for patients with confirmed TB. Among patients who had received a diagnosis of TB for whom a request for a referral was made, CureTB made referrals for 1,741 (72%), including 1,622 (93%) persons relocating to other countries and 119 (7%) relocating to U.S. destinations. Referrals were not required for 522 (22%) persons, and referrals could not be completed for 141 (6%) because information needed to contact the patient was insufficient. Overall, within 12 months of referral, 1,379 (79%) of 1,741 referred patients completed treatment. Among 1,287 (74%) referred patients for whom data on timing of initiation of care were available, treatment completion rates were highest (91%) for 637 patients linked to treatment ≤30 days after departure, followed by 89% for 505 patients linked within 1-3 months, and 85% for 145 linked within 3-12 months. Timely initiation of care can facilitate continuity of care and support completion of TB treatment. CureTB supports the global goals of reducing TB transmission, improving treatment completion rates, and enhancing progress toward TB elimination in the United States; the program can serve as a model for other countries.
Miedema SS, Matthews SA, Annor FB
… +17 more, Villaveces A, Mndzebele P, Adler MR, Li M, Gordon Johnson KA, McFarlane D, Young PR, Edwards SA, Coy D, Kambona C, Washika E, Candeiro A, Cossa de Pinho R, Forster N, Minchella PA, Kamuingona R, Chiang LF
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41569938
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Violence is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among young adults in low- and middle-income countries. Men aged 18-24 years (young men) account for the majority of victims and perpetrators of many types of interper...Violence is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among young adults in low- and middle-income countries. Men aged 18-24 years (young men) account for the majority of victims and perpetrators of many types of interpersonal violence. Childhood experiences, such as exposure to emotional, physical, or sexual violence or witnessing violence in their homes or communities, might increase risk for perpetration of violence in adulthood. Data from eight Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys conducted in low- and middle-income countries during 2018-2023 were analyzed to assess prevalence of physical and sexual violence perpetration by young men and associations of these events with their exposure to violence during childhood. Lifetime prevalence of physical or sexual violence perpetration among young men was common in all countries and ranged from 12.4% in Eswatini to 44.9% in Côte d'Ivoire. Physical violence victimization or witnessing violence in the household or community before age 18 years was associated with increased odds of violence perpetration among young men in all eight countries after adjusting for demographic covariates and childhood adversity indicators. Efforts to prevent exposure to violence during childhood, a pivotal developmental period, might reduce perpetration of violence by young men and create safer and more secure homes and communities.
Ireland M, Fritz CL, Holzbauer S
… +38 more, Klumb C, Bye M, Bauck L, Bakken A, Dethloff M, Campagna R, Deldari M, Hepp S, Lopez R, Messenger S, Preas C, Rendon A, Koch-Kumar S, Rangel M, Bains K, Bulawit J, Al Saghbini S, Solis T, Prado J, Zweifler J, Berber L, Vohra R, Santana IA, Sandoval S, Sahota P, Hendrickson M, Black M, Chavez G, Schwab A, Yager PA, Niezgoda M, Wicker VV, Gigante CM, Orciari LA, Blanton JD, Bonaparte SC, Earnest R, Wallace RM
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41538369
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Rabies is an enzootic viral disease in the continental United States and is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected mammal. Infection is almost always fatal if rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is not r...Rabies is an enzootic viral disease in the continental United States and is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected mammal. Infection is almost always fatal if rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is not received before the onset of symptoms. Bats are the leading source of U.S. human rabies cases. In 2024, CDC identified two U.S. human rabies deaths in September (Minnesota) and November (California) in persons who had a recognized bat encounter but might not have been aware of the potential rabies risk. Neither patient reported the bat encounter to public health officials nor sought medical attention, including PEP, before symptom onset. Health officials conducted risk assessments among 384 persons in Minnesota, North Dakota, and California who had possible contact with either the bats that were presumed to have rabies or the patients while they were infectious; 45 (12%) of these persons were recommended to receive PEP. Bat bites often result in trivialized or inapparent wounds. Anyone with a possible bat exposure, even in the absence of a recognized bite, should immediately report the encounter to a health care provider or to public health officials for risk assessment, consideration of options for bat testing, and PEP administration, if indicated. Increased awareness of the potential risk for rabies after any bat interaction, even without a visible bite wound, might help prevent deaths.
Barger A, Margrey SF, Siu AW
… +17 more, Wallace R, Earnest R, Frankel M, Eshete H, Swisshelm C, Shiltz E, Wright K, Allen A, Orciari LA, Gigante CM, Condori R, Yager P, Niezgoda M, Satheshkumar PS, Thoroughman D, Winter K, Giesbrecht K
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41538367
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Human rabies cases are rare in the United States; most result from domestic wildlife exposure. U.S. residents can acquire rabies abroad, typically through contact with dogs in areas where dog-maintained rabies is endemic...Human rabies cases are rare in the United States; most result from domestic wildlife exposure. U.S. residents can acquire rabies abroad, typically through contact with dogs in areas where dog-maintained rabies is endemic. In November 2024, a man from Haiti was admitted to a Kentucky hospital with an 8-day history of progressive lower extremity pain and weakness. Soon after admission, he experienced hypersalivation, dysphagia, agitation, and eventually, respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Ten days after admission, he was transferred to a referral hospital in Ohio, where his condition further deteriorated. Despite early consideration of rabies in the differential diagnosis, testing was delayed until late in the clinical course while other diagnostic possibilities were pursued. Rabies testing was initiated on the 29th hospital day and was confirmed 5 days later; the patient died that day. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleoprotein gene supported acquisition of a dog-maintained rabies virus variant in Haiti. In total, 709 possible contacts during the patient's infectious period underwent risk assessment; 60 (8%) were recommended to receive rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) because of exposure to saliva. Before the patient's rabies diagnosis, standard precautions were used inconsistently during his care; among 60 persons recommended to receive PEP, 52 (88%) were health care workers. Earlier rabies diagnosis and regular adherence to standard infection control precautions, recommended for all patient care, might have reduced health care-associated exposures. This case underscores the importance of early public health consultation upon clinical suspicion of rabies and universal adherence to standard precautions.
Amin AB, Collins JP, Dong X
… +4 more, Leidner AJ, Loehr J, Moser CA, McNamara LA
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41505372
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Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Serogroups B, C, W, and Y cause the majority of cases of this disease in the United States. These serogroups are targeted by differ...Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Serogroups B, C, W, and Y cause the majority of cases of this disease in the United States. These serogroups are targeted by different meningococcal vaccines available in the United States. Two quadrivalent (serogroups A, C, W, and Y) meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) (MenACWY-CRM [Menveo, GSK] and MenACWY-TT [MenQuadfi, Sanofi Pasteur]) and two serogroup B meningococcal vaccines (MenB) (MenB-4C [Bexsero, GSK] and MenB-FHbp [Trumenba, Pfizer]) are licensed for use in the United States and recommended by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Indications for MenACWY and MenB vaccination have not changed since indications for their use were published in 2020. A pentavalent (serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y) meningococcal vaccine (MenABCWY) (MenACWY-TT/MenB-FHbp [Penbraya, Pfizer]) has been licensed and recommended for use since October 2023. On February 14, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration licensed a second pentavalent MenABCWY vaccine (MenACWY-CRM/MenB-4C [Penmenvy, GSK]) for prevention of invasive disease caused by N. meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y in persons aged 10-25 years, the same indication for which MenACWY-TT/MenB-FHbp is licensed. On April 16, 2025, ACIP recommended that MenACWY-CRM/MenB-4C may be used when both MenACWY and MenB are indicated at the same visit for 1) healthy persons aged 16-23 years (routine schedule) when shared clinical decision-making favors administration of MenB vaccine and 2) persons aged ≥10 years who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease (e.g., because of persistent complement deficiencies, complement inhibitor use, or functional or anatomic asplenia). Different manufacturers' serogroup B-targeting vaccines are not interchangeable; therefore, when MenACWY-CRM/MenB-4C is used, MenB-4C should be used for the other MenB doses. This report summarizes evidence considered for these recommendations and provides clinical guidance for the use of MenACWY-CRM/MenB-4C.
Ferdous J, Nasif MAO, Cowman G
… +10 more, Muntasir I, Hassan MR, Qayum MO, Prince KTP, Alam AN, Jony MHK, Malek FM, Afroz R, Rahman M, Shirin T
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41505349
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Zika virus infection is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes. Although most Zika virus disease cases are mild or asymptomatic, severe neurologic complications can occur. I...Zika virus infection is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes. Although most Zika virus disease cases are mild or asymptomatic, severe neurologic complications can occur. Infection during pregnancy can result in severe congenital anomalies. In Bangladesh, Zika virus was first detected in an archived specimen from 2014; subsequently, five cases of Zika virus disease were identified in 2023. In September 2024, in response to identification of a confirmed Zika virus disease case in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, in a woman aged 29 years who was initially thought to have dengue, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) launched an outbreak investigation. After IEDCR notification to hospitals, five additional Zika virus disease cases were identified in four patients evaluated at three Dhaka hospitals and in a household contact of one of these patients. Another four Zika virus disease cases were identified through Zika virus testing of patients referred to IEDCR during a concurrent chikungunya outbreak. In total, 10 confirmed cases of Zika virus disease were detected in and around Dhaka during September-December 2024 in patients with no history of international travel. None of the patients was pregnant, and all recovered without hospitalization or complications. An entomological investigation detected Zika virus RNA in Aedes species mosquitoes in Dhaka. This investigation suggests sporadic Zika virus transmission occurs in Dhaka. Integrated testing and surveillance for arboviral diseases might improve detection of Zika virus disease and support clinical management in areas where transmission of multiple arboviral diseases occurs. Prevention of these infections through vector control and use of personal protective measures should also be emphasized.
Hopkins DR, Weiss AJ, Yerian S
… +4 more, Ortega YR, Zhao Y, Eneanya OA, Cama VA
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41468347
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Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis, is acquired by drinking water containing small water fleas infected with D. medinensis larvae or eating inadequately cooked aquatic ani...Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis, is acquired by drinking water containing small water fleas infected with D. medinensis larvae or eating inadequately cooked aquatic animals. Efforts to eradicate D. medinensis, including the Guinea Worm Eradication Program (GWEP), began at CDC in 1980. In 1986, with an estimated 3.5 million cases in 20 African and Asian countries, the World Health Assembly called for dracunculiasis elimination in specific geographic areas; this goal was later expanded to global eradication. GWEP has been led by The Carter Center since 1986 and is supported by countries with endemic dracunculiasis, CDC, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other partners. During 1986-2023, human dracunculiasis cases decreased by >99%, from an estimated 3.5 million to 14 worldwide. Since 2012, environmental contamination from infected animals has posed a new challenge to eradication, as have ongoing civil unrest and insecurity in some areas. As of June 2025, indigenous dracunculiasis transmission was occurring in six countries (Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan). Fifteen human cases and 664 animal infections were reported in 2024, including 299 canine infections in Cameroon and 234 in Chad; during January-June 2025, one human case and 550 animal infections were reported. Animal infections and public health personnel's impeded access to the population due to civil unrest and insecurity in Mali, South Sudan, and Sudan threaten the near-term possibility of disease eradication. Nevertheless, countries and partners appear poised to reach zero human cases soon.