Ching SJ, Jung GO, Osuna A
… +8 more, Casey T, Xia H, Bostwick K, Patadia AH, Sweet LM, Gallardo-Huizar O, Gibbons TF, Marcus JE
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40906586
·
Full text
Viral and allergic conjunctivitis are more common than bacterial conjunctivitis in healthy immunocompetent adults. Neisseria meningitidis is an uncommon cause of bacterial conjunctivitis. During February-May 2025, an out...Viral and allergic conjunctivitis are more common than bacterial conjunctivitis in healthy immunocompetent adults. Neisseria meningitidis is an uncommon cause of bacterial conjunctivitis. During February-May 2025, an outbreak of 41 meningococcal conjunctivitis cases occurred among healthy, communally housed, military trainees at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas; all had received the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine. One patient was hospitalized with periorbital cellulitis and received intravenous antibiotics; all other patients were treated successfully with topical antibiotics. Whole genome sequencing of isolates from the first two cases suggested that the organism was unencapsulated (nongroupable) and that the cases were related. After the identification of two cases of N. meningitidis conjunctivitis among military trainees within a 3-week period in February 2025, an investigation was initiated by the base health surveillance team. Investigation of basic trainee hygiene and cleaning practices found that all protocols were followed; no source for the outbreak was found. When outbreaks of mucopurulent conjunctivitis occur in congregate living settings, culturing exudate can identify outbreak etiology, and whole genome sequencing can help guide treatment and response. Previous studies indicated that systemic antimicrobial therapy might be needed to prevent invasive infections of N. meningitidis cases; findings from this investigation suggest that nongroupable N. meningitidis conjunctivitis in otherwise healthy persons might be successfully treated with topical antimicrobials.
Moulia DL, Link-Gelles R, Chu HY
… +12 more, Jamieson D, Brooks O, Meyer S, Weintraub ES, Shay DK, Prill MM, Thomas ES, Hutton D, Ortega-Sanchez IR, MacNeil A, McMorrow ML, Jones JM
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40880502
·
Full text
Before the introduction of universal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization recommendations for infants, RSV was the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States. Since 2023, CDC's Advisory...Before the introduction of universal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization recommendations for infants, RSV was the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States. Since 2023, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that all infants be protected against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) through either 1) maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy (Abrysvo, Pfizer) or 2) administration of nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi and AstraZeneca), a long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody, to the infant. In June 2025, the Food and Drug Administration licensed clesrovimab (Enflonsia, Merck), a second long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody, for prevention of RSV-associated LRTI in infants. Since September 2024, the ACIP Maternal/Pediatric RSV Work Group has reviewed evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of clesrovimab use in infants. On June 26, 2025, ACIP recommended clesrovimab as a second long-acting monoclonal antibody product that could be used as an alternative to nirsevimab for prevention of RSV-associated LRTI among infants aged <8 months who are born during or entering their first RSV season and who are not protected through maternal RSV vaccination. All infants should be protected against RSV-associated LRTI through use of one of these three products (i.e., maternal RSV vaccination or administration of nirsevimab or clesrovimab to the infant). No one product is preferred; the choice should be guided by parent preference, product availability, and timing of the infant's birth relative to the RSV season.
Grohskopf LA, Blanton LH, Ferdinands JM
… +3 more, Reed C, Dugan VG, Daskalakis DC
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40879559
·
Full text
This report updates the 2024-25 recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) concerning the use of seasonal influenza vaccines in the United States. Routine annual influenza vaccination is r...This report updates the 2024-25 recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) concerning the use of seasonal influenza vaccines in the United States. Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have a contraindication to vaccination. Multiple formulations of the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV3s), trivalent recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV3), and trivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV3) are expected to be available for the 2025-26 influenza season. Updates for the 2025-26 season include 1) antigenic composition of 2025-26 U.S. seasonal influenza vaccines, 2) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of FluMist (LAIV3) for self-administration or caregiver administration, 3) FDA approval of a change in age indication for Flublok (RIV3) from ≥18 years to ≥9 years, and 4) a new ACIP recommendation that children aged ≤18 years, pregnant women, and all adults receive seasonal influenza vaccines only in single-dose formulations that are free of thimerosal as a preservative. A comprehensive summary of recommendations, including those discussed in this report, as well as previous recommendations concerning topics not addressed in this report and that remain unchanged for the 2025-26 season, is available at Influenza | ACIP Recommendations for Vaccination. Additional background information also is available at Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines.
Tanz LJ, Miller KD, Dinwiddie AT
… +5 more, Gladden RM, Asher A, Baldwin G, Nesbit B, O'Donnell J
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40875496
·
Full text
Drug overdose deaths involving stimulants have increased in the United States since 2011. This report describes characteristics of stimulant-involved overdose deaths during January 2021-June 2024 using CDC's State Uninte...Drug overdose deaths involving stimulants have increased in the United States since 2011. This report describes characteristics of stimulant-involved overdose deaths during January 2021-June 2024 using CDC's State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System data and trends by drug and race and ethnicity during 2018-2023 using CDC's National Vital Statistics System data. Overall, 59.0% of overdose deaths involved stimulants, 43.1% co-involved stimulants and opioids, and 15.9% involved stimulants and no opioids during January 2021-June 2024. Persons who died of overdoses involving stimulants and no opioids were older (aged ≥45 years; 66.5% versus 44.2%) and more frequently had a history of cardiovascular disease (38.7% versus 21.2%) than those who died of overdoses involving stimulants and opioids. Stimulant-involved overdose death rates increased from 2018 to 2023 (cocaine: 4.5 per 100,000 population to 8.6; psychostimulants with abuse potential, primarily methamphetamine: 3.9 to 10.4). Increases were largest for psychostimulants among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native persons (11.0 in 2018 to 32.9 in 2023) and cocaine among non-Hispanic Black or African American persons (9.1 to 24.3), driven by deaths co-involving stimulants and opioids. Increases in stimulant-involved deaths suggest the need for expanded access to evidence-based stimulant use disorder treatments, evaluation of medication-based treatments for stimulant use disorder and treatments for co-occurring substance use disorders, and engagement of persons who use stimulants and who might be missed by opioid-focused prevention efforts.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40839535
·
Full text
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. A new RSV monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) for infants and an RSV vaccine for pregnant women were recommended by the...Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. A new RSV monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) for infants and an RSV vaccine for pregnant women were recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in August and September 2023, respectively, to protect infants against RSV infection. Sufficient data have become available to allow estimates of infant RSV immunization coverage through administration of these products. Among infants born during October 2023-March 2024, infant RSV immunization coverage was estimated by summing the total number of infants who received nirsevimab and the number of women of childbearing age who received RSV vaccine, as reported to immunization information systems (IISs) in 33 U.S. states and the District of Columbia (DC), and dividing by the total number of live births, obtained from CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) natality data. Across 33 states and DC, an estimated 29% of infants born during October 2023-March 2024 were immunized against RSV during the 2023-24 respiratory virus season, including 19% through infant receipt of nirsevimab and 10% through maternal RSV vaccination. Infant RSV immunization coverage through nirsevimab or maternal vaccination ranged from an estimated 11% to 53% by state. Among infants who received nirsevimab, 38% received it within the first week of life (0-6 days after birth). Continued efforts are needed to increase RSV immunization coverage among infants and pregnant women.
Xiaoli L, Huth P, Sherman C
… +12 more, Wroblewski D, Anderson S, Ferraro L, Jones D, Slaughter M, Morningstar B, Mackie T, Bowen N, Leeper M, Werner K, Benedict K, Varela K
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40839529
·
Full text
In April 2024, CDC's PulseNet identified a cluster of seven Salmonella Cotham cases from five states. Isolates were highly related by whole genome sequencing (WGS), and one patient reported contact with a pet bearded dra...In April 2024, CDC's PulseNet identified a cluster of seven Salmonella Cotham cases from five states. Isolates were highly related by whole genome sequencing (WGS), and one patient reported contact with a pet bearded dragon. CDC initiated a multistate investigation and as of December 10, 2024, an additional 19 cases had been identified, for a total of 26 confirmed cases from 13 states; state public health partners identified one probable case in an additional state for a total of 27 cases. Eighteen of 25 cases (72%) were among persons who reported contact with a bearded dragon or lizard. Children aged <5 years, especially infants, were disproportionately affected, accounting for 17 (65%) of the 26 confirmed cases; most had bearded dragons in the home without direct animal contact. WGS of two bearded dragon specimens collected in 2024 and three bearded dragon specimens collected during 2012-2014 confirmed genetic relatedness of this rare Salmonella strain and continued circulation among commercially sold bearded dragons. CDC implemented a One Health approach in response, working with pet industry representatives to disseminate information about biosecurity best practices to bearded dragon suppliers and retailers. Investigators contacted a common bearded dragon supplier identified in the traceback investigation to share biosecurity and prevention recommendations. CDC used social media and a website investigation notice to inform the public, recommending that caregivers prevent young children from indirect reptile contact by restricting reptiles from roaming freely, separating reptiles and supplies from food preparation areas, and washing hands and changing clothes after handling reptiles and before holding infants.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40839527
·
Full text
Exposure to a rabid animal is a life-threatening emergency because infection is almost always fatal if rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is not initiated promptly. In August 2024, the Maryland Department of Health wa...Exposure to a rabid animal is a life-threatening emergency because infection is almost always fatal if rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is not initiated promptly. In August 2024, the Maryland Department of Health was notified that an aggressive feral cat had been captured and euthanized and had subsequently received a positive test result for rabies. The cat was part of a group of approximately 20 local feral cats and kittens that was receiving no, or little, human care (i.e., an unmanaged cat colony). Cecil County (Maryland) Health Department and the Maryland Department of Health coordinated with Cecil County Animal Services, Cecil County Emergency Services, and CDC to identify and interview persons potentially exposed to the rabid cat, which included a novel use of reverse 911 messaging. Three persons were identified who had been exposed, and all received PEP. No human rabies cases occurred. Three additional cats from the colony were captured and euthanized; their rabies test results were negative. Unmanaged cat colonies pose public health risks, and extensive resources might be required to prevent negative health outcomes. Cat colony management, including activities to maintain high rabies vaccination coverage within colonies, can help to mitigate these risks. A better understanding of urban cat ecology and its role in rabies transmission and human exposure is needed.
Pingali C, Yankey D, Elam-Evans LD
… +7 more, Trahan A, Markowitz LE, DeSisto CL, Hughes M, Valier MR, Stokley S, Singleton JA
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40811113
·
Full text
Three vaccines are recommended for routine administration to adolescents by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices: tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap); quadrivalen...Three vaccines are recommended for routine administration to adolescents by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices: tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap); quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY); and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Data from the 2024 National Immunization Survey-Teen were analyzed to determine national, state, and selected local area vaccination coverage in 2024. Household response rate (21.0%) and receipt of adequate provider data for adolescents with completed interviews (42.8%) were comparable to prior survey years. Among 16,325 adolescents aged 13-17 years with adequate provider data included in the survey, coverage with ≥1 Tdap dose increased from 89.0% in 2023 to 91.3% in 2024; coverage with ≥1 MenACWY dose increased from 88.4% to 90.1%. HPV vaccination coverage remained stable for the third consecutive year; 78.2% of adolescents had received ≥1 dose, and 62.9% were up to date with the HPV vaccination series. Coverage with ≥1 Tdap dose was ≥90% in 39 states, with ≥1 MenACWY dose was ≥90% in 30 states, and with ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine was ≥80% in 26 states and the District of Columbia. Since 2016, lower HPV vaccination coverage in nonmetropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) compared with that in MSA principal cities has persisted, with an 11 percentage point difference in coverage with ≥1 HPV vaccine dose and percentage of adolescents up to date with HPV vaccination in 2024. Health care providers can support adolescent health by discussing and recommending vaccines, as well as reviewing patient records to ascertain whether adolescents are up to date with recommended vaccines.
Rodriguez RM, Torres JR, Chinnock B
… +13 more, Kean E, Rising KL, Conn C, Gottlieb M, Sekar S, Gomez P, Olivera L, Eucker SA, DiFulvio S, Alvarez C, Molina MF, Ge S, Kumar VA
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40773379
·
Full text
Current models of vaccination coverage screening and surveillance might miss underserved populations whose only health care access occurs in emergency departments (EDs). During April-December 2024, a survey of non-critic...Current models of vaccination coverage screening and surveillance might miss underserved populations whose only health care access occurs in emergency departments (EDs). During April-December 2024, a survey of non-critically ill adult patients evaluated in 10 EDs in eight U.S. cities across five states was conducted to ascertain patients' vaccination knowledge, self-reported vaccination coverage, and willingness to receive vaccines in an ED. Among 4,326 patients approached by the research team, 3,285 (75.9%) agreed to participate. Non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black), non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) persons each accounted for approximately 30% of participants; 17.9% spoke Spanish as their primary language; 7.8% had unstable or marginal housing; and 21.0% lacked a source of primary health care. Approximately one half (49.4%) had not heard of one or more CDC-recommended vaccines for their age group, and 85.9% had not received one or more of the recommended vaccines. Factors associated with not being up to date with recommended vaccinations included non-Hispanic Black race and ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.32-2.85), lack of primary health care (aOR = 2.91; 95% CI = 1.74-5.13), and lack of health insurance (aOR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.27-8.82). Among 2,821 participants who were not up to date with recommended vaccines, 46.4% said that they would accept one or more missing vaccines if they could be provided during their ED visit, and 86.7% of these persons said they would accept all missing vaccines. The primary reasons for missed vaccine doses were that the participant was unaware of or had not been offered the vaccines. EDs could be explored as additional sites to offer vaccination screening, recommendations, counseling, and referrals to increase vaccination coverage among underserved populations.
Vaughan AM, Kamel D, Chang M
… +12 more, Saucier L, Montgomery SP, Wendt E, Chang AH, Islam S, Nagiel A, Situ B, Middleton J, Terashita D, Balter S, Gibson JE, Alarcón J
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40742893
·
Full text
Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm), a parasite commonly found in raccoons (Procyon lotor), can cause severe disease in humans when it invades visceral organs or the ocular and central nervous systems. Without pr...Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm), a parasite commonly found in raccoons (Procyon lotor), can cause severe disease in humans when it invades visceral organs or the ocular and central nervous systems. Without prompt treatment, B. procyonis infection can lead to serious complications and death. During September 2024, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health was notified of two unrelated pediatric patients with neurologic signs and symptoms consistent with baylisascariasis, including behavioral change, lethargy, and gait instability. The first case occurred in an adolescent aged 14 years who had received a previous diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and had a history of pica (i.e., ingestion of nonfood items); the second case occurred in a previously healthy child aged 15 months. Both were treated with albendazole and corticosteroids. The first patient returned to baseline neurologic status, but delays in diagnosis and treatment of the second patient resulted in severe neurologic sequelae. Epidemiologic investigations identified raccoon feces that had fallen from a rooftop latrine (i.e., a communal raccoon defecation site) as the possible source of exposure for the adolescent. No source of exposure was identified for the younger child. B. procyonis infection should be suspected and prompt treatment considered in patients with neurologic symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid or peripheral blood eosinophilia (>1,000 eosinophils/mL of blood), especially young children or persons with developmental disabilities or pica. In addition, the public should be aware of exposure prevention strategies, including preventing raccoon activity around properties, avoiding exposure to raccoon feces, and safely removing raccoon latrines.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40742888
·
Full text
Persons who work near farmland are at risk for exposure to pesticides applied on adjoining agricultural areas. Michigan regulations allow solar panel placement on farmland and open areas near farmland. Nonagricultural wo...Persons who work near farmland are at risk for exposure to pesticides applied on adjoining agricultural areas. Michigan regulations allow solar panel placement on farmland and open areas near farmland. Nonagricultural workers, including construction workers installing or maintaining solar panels, working in open areas on or adjacent to farmland might be exposed to pesticides yet have little knowledge of the possible health effects. Reports to Michigan's state pesticide surveillance program from hospitals, emergency departments, the state's poison center, and emergency service companies identified two separate events, the first in August 2023 and the second in May 2024, when workers installing solar panels experienced illness after pesticide exposures. In these two events, a total of 10 solar panel installation workers reported symptoms temporally related to nearby agriculture pesticide applications. Pesticide applicator adherence to product label instructions is critical to preventing bystander exposure. Increasing awareness of the potential for pesticide exposure among nonagricultural workers near farmland might reduce risk. Employers of nonagricultural workers who are working in rural areas should be aware of agricultural activity surrounding their worksites and should consider contacting farmers to determine pesticide application schedules so that nonagricultural workers can be advised to avoid the area or wear protective equipment during application times. Local poison control centers can provide guidance on management of acute exposures.
Kita-Yarbro A, Moccero S, Brobston K
… +7 more, Goebel J, Banks JB, Vogt C, Schumann C, Grande KM, Olsen J, Armstrong B
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40705679
·
Full text
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive substance found in Cannabis sativa plants, including varieties such as hemp, is increasingly being used in consumer products. On October 24, 2024, local emergency medical servic...Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive substance found in Cannabis sativa plants, including varieties such as hemp, is increasingly being used in consumer products. On October 24, 2024, local emergency medical services reported to Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) in Wisconsin that since October 22, they had transported seven persons to a local hospital for various symptoms, including dizziness, sleepiness, and anxiety. All seven persons reported having recently eaten food from the same local restaurant. Investigation by PHMDC determined that on October 22, the restaurant had run out of cooking oil and used oil from a cooperative (i.e., shared) kitchen located in the same building. One of the vendors who used the kitchen made edible products using hemp-derived Δ-THC. On October 24, PHMDC posted a food and symptom history questionnaire on its website and shared the link via press release and social media. Among 107 responses that were considered valid, 85 persons met the following case definition of THC intoxication: 1) ate pizza, garlic bread, cheese bread, or a grinder (submarine sandwich) purchased from the restaurant during October 22-24 and 2) reported at least one symptom of THC intoxication that began within 5 hours after eating the restaurant's food, defined as dizziness, sleepiness, anxiety, short term memory impact or time distortion, increased heart rate, nausea, paranoia, panic attack, increased blood pressure, vomiting, or hallucinations. Clinicians and public health practitioners should be alert to the possibility of mass THC intoxication events via food. Health care providers, public health professionals, and emergency responders should consider THC intoxication in persons with sudden onset of symptoms such as dizziness, sleepiness, anxiety, altered reality perception, increased heart rate, nausea, or other symptoms of THC ingestion. Regulations regarding practices such as standard, clear labeling and locked storage for ingredients containing THC, might decrease the risk for unintentional THC exposure at licensed food businesses.
Weinstein E, Lamba K, Bond C
… +10 more, Peralta V, Needham M, Beam S, Arroyo F, Kiang D, Chen Y, Shah S, Beatty ME, Klish S, Kimura A
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40705671
·
Full text
Unpasteurized (raw) milk has been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks caused by Escherichia coli bacteria and certain species of Brucella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and Salmonella. In October 2023, the County of...Unpasteurized (raw) milk has been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks caused by Escherichia coli bacteria and certain species of Brucella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and Salmonella. In October 2023, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency notified the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of eight cases of salmonellosis in persons who reported consuming brand A raw milk, produced exclusively by dairy farm A. A total of 171 outbreak-associated Salmonella Typhimurium cases were identified through review of standardized salmonellosis case report forms and a search of PulseNet, CDC's national molecular subtyping network for enteric disease surveillance, followed by administration of a dairy-focused supplementary questionnaire. Most cases (98%) were identified in California; one case each was identified in four other states. Among the 171 cases, 120 (70%) cases and 18 (82%) of the cases requiring hospitalization were among children and adolescents aged <18 years. Among 159 patients confirmed to be infected with the outbreak strain, 55 (70%) of those with exposure data consumed brand A raw milk or heavy cream. Four of 40 samples collected from dairy farm A, retail stores, and patients' homes, including raw milk and raw milk cheese aged for 60 days, tested positive for the outbreak strain of S. Typhimurium by whole-genome sequencing. Dairy farm A voluntarily recalled raw milk and raw heavy cream 1 week after the initial outbreak identification. Commercially distributed raw dairy products have the potential to cause large and widespread infectious disease outbreaks. Public health authorities should continue to raise awareness of the risks associated with consuming raw dairy products, especially by persons at increased risk for severe disease from enteric pathogens, including children.
Hewitson I, Tran A, Younger A
… +1 more, Jervis RH
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40674338
·
Full text
Rapid completion of routine patient interviews by public health practitioners is critical for disease control and prevention efforts; however, increasing numbers of cases of certain diseases, competing priorities, and li...Rapid completion of routine patient interviews by public health practitioners is critical for disease control and prevention efforts; however, increasing numbers of cases of certain diseases, competing priorities, and limited public health resources have made interviewing patients increasingly challenging. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment implemented and evaluated a combined text messaging and online survey protocol, with no telephone communication, to collect information from persons with Giardia infections. During September 2023-May 2024, English and Spanish text messages were sent to Colorado residents with laboratory-confirmed Giardia infections reported to the Colorado EpiTrax surveillance system, inviting them to opt in to an online survey. Persons who opted in received a unique survey link via text message. Opt-in and survey completion rates were evaluated by demographic characteristics, data quality, timeliness, and time saved by staff members. Among 305 persons with Giardia who received text messages, 131 (43%) opted in, 95 (73%) of whom completed the survey, for an overall survey completion rate of 31%. The highest survey completion rates were among adults aged 35-54 years (43%), White (34%) and non-Hispanic (33%) respondents, and those who lived in urban areas (32%). The majority (69%) of respondents completed the online survey within 1 day of receipt of the initial text message. In addition, the majority (93%-100%) of respondents answered 11 selected universal questions, and 90%-96% answered potentially sensitive questions (i.e., those on sexual history). The combined text messaging and online survey protocol facilitated more rapid contact with patients and required fewer resources than telephone interviews, saving public health staff members approximately 25 minutes per case and 40 hours overall. The protocol is flexible enough to accommodate shifting priorities and could be used to collect a wide variety of public health information (e.g., for symptom monitoring, contact tracing, and collecting vaccination or health information). Efforts to increase participation might result in higher response rates and improved efficiency and could facilitate an even quicker response.
Kurutz A, Innes GK, Sherman A
… +7 more, Kelley L, Stephens K, Kopp P, Cohen B, Haynes E, Wilson C, Godwin S
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40638529
·
Full text
Candida auris, a frequently multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, poses an urgent public health threat due to its potential to spread within and between health care facilities. Facilities that offer dialysis services migh...Candida auris, a frequently multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, poses an urgent public health threat due to its potential to spread within and between health care facilities. Facilities that offer dialysis services might face particular challenges in preventing and containing C. auris and other multidrug-resistant pathogens, given the frequent use of invasive treatments in an immune-compromised patient population. During 2020-2023, in five separate facilities providing dialysis care across four states (New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee), six patients infected or colonized with C. auris received dialysis treatment for up to 4 months; five patients' C. auris status was unknown to the facilities treating them. A review of public health response efforts carried out in these facilities was conducted. Before the facilities became aware of these patients' C. auris status, they implemented recommended standard but not C. auris-specific infection prevention and control (IPC) measures for the dialysis setting. Colonization testing of 174 potentially exposed patient contacts identified one additional patient whose previously detected C. auris colonization was not known to the dialysis facility, but no additional positive test results. Lapses in communication among health care facilities (e.g., acute care, long-term care, and dialysis) and public health jurisdictions posed a significant impediment to containment response efforts by most participating states. Adherence to standard dialysis IPC practices appeared to enable safe provision of dialysis to patients with C. auris colonization or infection without transmission to other dialysis patients. However, improved interfacility communication regarding patients' infection or colonization status with multidrug-resistant organisms is needed to ensure prompt implementation of all recommended IPC practices. More evidence is needed to understand the prevalence of and risk factors associated with C. auris transmission in the dialysis setting.
Vohra R, Barash JR, Karmarkar EN
… +21 more, Koch-Kumar S, Sanchez N, Gore M, Michel K, Rangel M, Armstrong E, Pimentel L, Kraushaar V, Kimura A, Stainken C, Nat A, Nat RS, Cherukupalli S, Schneider D, Vugia DJ, Solis T, Zweifler J, Huntington S, Prado J, Luchini D, Al Saghbini S
Foodborne botulism is a rare and potentially fatal illness caused by ingestion of food containing botulinum neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum or other neurotoxigenic Clostridium species. C. botul...Foodborne botulism is a rare and potentially fatal illness caused by ingestion of food containing botulinum neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum or other neurotoxigenic Clostridium species. C. botulinum can grow in improperly prepared or stored food items such as home-canned or home-preserved vegetables. On June 25, 2024, the Fresno County Department of Public Health and California Department of Public Health, in collaboration with CDC and two local hospitals, initiated an investigation of a foodborne botulism outbreak linked to two related family gatherings in Fresno County, California. A total of 31 persons attended one or both gatherings. Eight attendees had symptoms compatible with botulism and received botulism antitoxin; five of eight had botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) detected in serum. Patients had hospital stays ranging from 2 to 42 days, six patients were admitted to an intensive care unit, and two required invasive mechanical ventilation; all survived. Epidemiologic investigation identified home-preserved prickly pear cactus pads (nopales) included in a homemade salad and served at both events as a food item of interest; laboratory testing confirmed the nopales salad as the source of BoNT/A. This foodborne botulism outbreak is the first reported to be linked to home canning of nopales, a popular vegetable used in traditional Mexican cuisine. Rapid public health coordination is essential for responses to foodborne botulism outbreaks. Enhancing community and clinician awareness of foodborne botulism by increasing access to culturally and linguistically accessible home food preservation and canning guidelines might help prevent future outbreaks.