Nov 29

Risk Factors for Methicillin-Susceptible S aureus Colonization, Infection Among Infants

Results of a surveillance study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection showed that the overall rate of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) colonization and subsequent infection is high among infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with extremely low gestational age, extremely low birth weight, and vaginal delivery identified as risk factors for colonization. Researchers examined findings of a retrospective study on the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of MSSA colonization and infection among infants. Data were captured from infants who were admitted to the NICU at Antwerp University Hospital in Belgium between November 2020 and June 2022. Eligible patients included infants who were hospitalized for at least 7 days within 72 hours of birth and had at least 1 MSSA surveillance swab. The researchers evaluated the prevalence of S aureus colonization, the incidence of S aureus infection, as well as associated risk factors. Forward stepwise multivariable nominal logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for MSSA colonization and infection, with adjustment for potential confounders. Among 383 infants included in the analysis, the median gestational age was 32 (IQR, 29-35) weeks, approximately half were boys (52.0%), the median birth weight was 1700 (IQR, 1280-2365) g, and 61.4% were delivered via cesarean section. A total of 164 (42.8%) of infants were colonized with MSSA during hospitalization, of whom 49 (29.3%) developed subsequent infection. Eleven (22.4%) of the infected infants had invasive infections, including 7 with ventilator-associated pneumonia and 4 with bloodstream infections. Neonates who become colonized with MSSA early in their hospitalization have the highest risk of developing invasive infections, indicating the importance of implementing infection prevention measures during this critical period. The median time between MSSA colonization and subsequent infection was 8 (IQR 4-19) days, with colonization and infection occurring after a median of 11 (IQR, 7-17) and 21 (IQR, 10.75-31.2) days of hospitalization, respectively. Overall, mortality occurred among 2 (18.0%) infants with invasive infection and no infants with mild infection. Related Content In the adjusted analysis, extremely low gestational age was the most significant risk factor for MSSA colonization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 17.5; 95% CI, 4.34-102.0; P <.001). Other risk factors independently associated with MSSA colonization were as follows: Vaginal delivery (aOR, 5.41; 95% CI, 1.75-21.8; P <.01); Extremely low birth weight (aOR, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.21-10.7; P <.01); and Length of Hospitalization (aOR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92-0.96; P <.0001). In regard to the development of MSSA infection following colonization, significant independent risk factors were as follows: Prior MSSA colonization (aOR, 27.49; 95% CI, 9.96-100.2; P <.001); Extremely low birth weight (aOR, 8.32; 95% CI, 3.19-23.25; P <.0001); Intubation (aOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.033-5.84; P <.0001); and Length of hospitalization (aOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98; P <.001). Significant independent risk factors for invasive MSSA infection were as follows: Intubation (aOR, 135.0; 95% CI, 7.8-2373.0; P <.001); Prior MSSA Colonization (aOR, 20.78; 95% CI, 1.92-224.0; P <.05); Extremely low gestational age (aOR, 15.59; 95% CI, 1.39-174.0; P <.05); and Length of hospitalization (aOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98; P <.05). Limitations of the study include the single-center setting, the retrospective design, and the lack of molecular microbial analysis. According to the researchers, “Neonates who become colonized with MSSA early in their hospitalization have the highest risk of developing invasive infections, indicating the importance of implementing infection prevention measures during this critical period.” References: Mahieu L, Engelen A, Hensels E, Van Damme K, Matheeussen V. Surveillance on methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus colonization and infection in a neonatal intensive care unit. J Hosp Infect. Published online October 17, 2023. doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2023.10.003

Nov 29

Burlington man celebrates blood donation milestone

John Oldfield is no stranger to donating platelets, but he was in for a surprise when he arrived at the ImpactLife Blood Center, 3407 E. Agency Street on Tuesday, Nov. 21, to find a box of frosted cookies and small cake sitting at his donor lounge chair. Atop the cake was a plastic hula girl wearing a grass skirt. “Whenever (Oldfield) reaches the next milestone, he says, ‘Where are the dancing girls?’” explained Trish Weiland, the donor center recruiter. Tuesday’s milestone was a big one that staff also celebrated with a “thank you” sign and balloons. Officials of the blood center said Oldfield, a Navy veteran who lives in Burlington, has donated 65 gallons of blood, totaling 385 total lifetime blood donations. Oldfield was as usual cheerful and good-natured about the process, announcing he was about to be stuck with a needle. For platelet donations, “a machine collects only the platelets and returns the remaining components to the donors,” explained Kirby Winn, marketing director for ImpactLife Blood Center. Oldfield made his first blood donation when he was in the Navy. Married with a family, his main motivation to start was to be sure his family had blood available if disaster or illness were to strike. His concern for others also has kept him donating. “I just kept donating and donating. I donated whole blood until I got to six gallons and decided to get into the pheresis program. I’ve been there ever since,” he said. “Because platelets are replenished in the body more quickly than red blood cells, donors can give platelets up to 24 times a year. We are fortunate that John has remained in good health over many years and that he has been such a faithful and consistent donor for a long time,” said Winn. “His donations are used at hospitals across our service region, which includes Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington,” Winn said. Platelets, said Becky Parker, a registered nurse who is the center’s supervisor, mostly go to help cancer patients. A steady donor base is critical, Parker explained, because platelets have a shelf life of seven days. “Burlington does really well but we can always use new donors,” said Parker. Competition among donors exists, but is the friendly sort. “(Oldfield) is our highest one here. We have some in the 50s (gallons). Some are competitive; they like to have the highest. The ones who have been giving so often, they get to know each other. It’s really good-natured. They’re all just here to help people,” explained Parker. During the holiday season, people get busy and donations drop, while accidents and mishaps requiring blood products tend to rise. Both Parker and Weiland said the center is providing incentives for people to donate. One donor made a lovely T-shirt quilt and gave it to the center for a drawing. Donating blood, rescheduling to donate blood, and bringing a friend also to donate each earns a chance in the drawing to be held Dec. 1. ImpactLife also has an online rewards store with T-shirts, mugs, drinking glasses and other items donors can purchase through its rewards program. For example, platelet apheresis earns 150 points. A whole blood donation garners 100 points. Oldfield is retired from Industrial Services. Besides donating blood he also volunteers for the Red Cross, responding to disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, anywhere his help is required. The emergency response vehicle he drives can be dispatched to any part of the country that’s in need. He is more frequently, however, called in the middle of the night for a local emergency. The Des Moines County Chapter of the Red Cross does most of its work in Southeast Iowa, providing shelter and aid to those who just lost their home to a fire. Oldfield is a universal donor with type O-positive blood. On Sept. 21, ImpactLife put out an urgent notice announcing it had less than a one-day supply of both O-negative and O-positive red blood cells, and that other blood products as well were in critically short supply. “We greatly appreciate his regular visits to our Burlington Donor Center and his dedicated support of our region’s blood supply,” said Winn. The primary difference between a whole blood and platelet donation is the length of time for the donation, as well as the use of a cell separator. Pheresis donors are committed to giving at least two hours of their time to complete the process. Platelets are an important part of the blood clotting process that prevent bleeding and help white cells fight infection. Patients with cancer, aplastic anemia, leukemia and bleeding disorders often require platelet transfusions because their own are not functioning or not being produced. With a pheresis donation, the donor can give almost 10 times as many platelets as is possible during a whole blood donation. This means fewer reactions for patients, because the platelets come from one donor rather than 10 different donors. Because the human body is constantly replacing platelets, individuals may donate apheresis once a week, up to 24 times a year. The donors may also donate multiple products if they have a high enough platelet count, thereby helping two or three patients with one donation. Formerly known as Mississippi Regional Valley Blood Center, which is headquartered in Davenport, the non-profit, independent community blood center has extended into Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin, and united under one name, ImpactLife, in 2021. To make an appointment to donate, visit bloodcenter.org.

Nov 29

Fallen Officers Food and Blood Drive happening Wednesday

…AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PST THURSDAY… * WHAT…Poor air quality. * WHERE…Portions of central, north central and northeast Oregon and central, south central and southeast Washington. * WHEN…Until 11 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS…Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… People with respiratory illness should follow their physician’s advice for dealing with high levels of air pollution during periods of stagnant air. State air quality agencies highly recommend that no outdoor burning occur and that residential wood burning devices be limited as much as possible. According to state air quality agencies, prolonged periods of stagnant air can hold pollutants close to the ground where people live and breathe. Check with your local burn agency for any current restrictions in your area. &&

Nov 29

Cruise Staff Begs for Blood Donations at 3 a.m. After Teen Falls From Balcony

A 16-year-old reportedly died on the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise ship early Saturday morning. According to multiple passengers, the teenage boy climbed and fell numerous stories from an internal balcony in the vessel’s Central Park area. Allure of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most family-friendly ships, with activities and excursions for all ages. First launched in 2009, the Oasis-class vessel is one of the largest in the industry. It regularly sails to the Bahamas from Miami and Port Canaveral in Florida. Around 2:30 to 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, passengers awoke to an urgent intercom request for blood donations. One guest immediately posted on Reddit about the unsettling message. Credit: Royal Caribbean “I’m currently on the Allure of the seas,” u/Justman1020 wrote. “It’s 3:30 am. About 30 minutes ago there was an announcement that they were looking for Type O Pos or O Neg. Blood for a donation. Had me wondering what kind of emergency on the ship would lead to a blood transfusion onboard? Wild announcement at 3 am.” On Monday, multiple other Royal Caribbean cruise passengers confirmed that despite attempted blood transfusions, the 16-year-old passed away. According to some passengers, the boy tried to climb from one balcony to another before he fell. “I just got off the Allure, where on Saturday early morning… an announcement was made over the intercom asking for universal blood donors to donate blood to a fellow passenger,” u/Dipo4prez said. “A day later I see on a FB group where a mother of a 16 year old boy was thanking passengers for donating, but her son had passed. He fell from a balcony onto the Central Park area of the ship.” Credit: Royal Caribbean Another passenger and their husband witnessed the aftermath of the boy’s fall and struggled to cope with what they saw. “We were also on this cruise and my husband and I actually walked onto the seen by accident after he fell,” u/Due_Comedian1289 recalled. “Seeing his body after the fall has been traumatic for my husband and he’s cried everyday of the cruise for this young man. I was so hopeful after he made it through the night but heartbroken after hearing he passed…His parents wasn’t there when he fell so my heart goes out to them.” Credit: Royal Caribbean TMZ reached out to a Royal Caribbean representative who issued the following statement: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of a guest, and our hearts go out to the family. Out of respect for them, we won’t provide any further comment.” Tragic events on vacation can be traumatic for all passengers and witnesses. Reach out to a licensed mental health professional if a tragedy impacts you—you can find therapists near you here. Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on personal Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas guest experiences. No two guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with Inside the Magic’s personal views on Royal Caribbean International operations.

Nov 29

Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. For those who use it as an invective, “Luddite” is particularly handy: it casts opposition to technology as not just futile but cult-like. Luddites aren’t merely irrational; they’re weird and obsessive. This is partly a side-effect of the inventive mythmaking deployed by the original machine-wrecking Luddites of the early 19th century. This involved secret handshakes, gruesome animal-skin masks and much else besides. In some ways, these rituals were very much in keeping with the temper of the times (the period was chock-full of secret societies). Yet as Brian Merchant explains in Blood in the Machine, the Luddites’ leaderless spontaneity was actually more thought-through — and much more significant — than their reputation would suggest. A technology columnist for The Los Angeles Times, Merchant’s first book was 2017’s The One Device, an alternative look at the development of the iPhone. In this book he goes further, with a provocative rehabilitation of the Luddites as a well-organised labour movement who nearly incited a civil war. Above all, though, Merchant seeks to draw links between the spirit of the Luddites and the recent backlash against Silicon Valley. The Luddite unrest began in 1811, when factory owners in Nottingham began using new labour-saving devices such as the gig mill — used in the production of fabric — as a means of cutting jobs and wages. Merchant notes that textile workers had already embraced some forms of mechanisation, but soon found themselves on the sharp end of the Industrial Revolution. Lacking political recourse, the textile workers responded in the only way they felt would get their point across: by waiting until dark, breaking into the factories and destroying the machines. Although sabotage was confined to the burgeoning industrial heartlands of northern England, it operated in tandem with political lobbying, including strong support from poet Lord Byron. The Luddites also published foreboding letters under the name of “General Ludd” — a fictional figurehead for their movement. And in one of the many archival gems recounted by Merchant, male Luddites were known to dress up in drag and march through town, declaring themselves to be “General Ludd’s wives” in an act of solidarity with female cloth workers who had been put out of work by automation decades earlier. The then prime minister Spencer Perceval responded by sending troops to northern mill towns. The Luddites, meanwhile, stockpiled arms and melted down machine metal for bullets. As a way of getting employers to the bargaining table, their approach was surprisingly successful, bolstering wages and working conditions for textile workers. More notably, the Luddites’ activities paved the way for the creation of the first trade unions. They also influenced the development of English Romantic thought, changing the conversation around technological progress and very probably providing one inspiration for Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking novel Frankenstein, published in 1818. At times, Blood in the Machine suffers from the author’s decision to split the historical narrative into truncated, rapid-fire chapters that rotate through a large cast of characters. Reading the book can sometimes feel like getting jerked through a power loom. Luckily, Merchant’s longer chapters present a more nuanced argument — making parallels between the Luddites to contemporary worker movements at tech companies such as Uber and Amazon. With smart historical digging, he shows how 19th-century entrepreneurs used insecure, casualised employment arrangements, and recreates early debates between factory owners who were dealing with the pressure to automate their operations. If Merchant occasionally overstates the historical role of the Luddites, he makes up for it by showing that the struggle against technology that dominates our lives is also inherited. Calls to slow the development of human-level artificial intelligence are perhaps the most unexpected modern manifestation of the old Luddite sensibility. Merchant also uncovers some interesting policy demands by textile workers that are clear precedents for the proposals being put forward in the modern tech industry, including automation phase-ins, retraining and a tax on automated goods. The Luddites didn’t “hate” technology, writes Merchant, but “the way it was used against them” — and they understood its power all too well. Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech, by Brian Merchant, Little, Brown £25/$30, 496 pages Join our online book group on Facebook at FT Books Café

Nov 29

New HIV infections pose a big threat

Ruth Awori, Dr. Nelson Musooba, Jacqueline Mukokha and Dr Steven Watiti during the press briefing. PHOTO URN Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | As Uganda prepares to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1st, the country faces a significant challenge due to the high number of new infections, posing a threat to the goal of ending the epidemic by 2030. Dr. Nelson Musooba, the Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission, addressed journalists at the government-owned media center, highlighting the country’s substantial progress. He mentioned that the epidemic has been reduced from 18 percent in the 1980s to the current HIV prevalence of 5.2 percent. Additionally, there has been a decrease in AIDS-related deaths from 94,000 to 17,000. However, Musooba expressed concern over the persistently high rate of new infections, averaging 1,000 people per week, predominantly affecting young individuals. Musooba emphasized that girls are disproportionately affected, with infection rates 3 to 4 times higher than those among boys, primarily due to trans-generational and transactional sex. He urged Ugandans to take a proactive role in combating the spread of the disease by knowing their HIV status and accessing accurate information about HIV and AIDS. Musooba also highlighted an increase in enrollment in Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) among people living with AIDS. He stated that as of June this year, out of the estimated 1.433 million people living with HIV in December 2022, 1.4 million had enrolled in ART. He emphasized that increasing the enrollment in HIV treatment is crucial to suppressing the virus. Undetectable virus levels prevent transmission and new infections. Jacqueline Makokha, the UNAIDS Country Director, underscored the importance of community leadership in the fight against HIV. She called upon the government and stakeholders to fund community-led programs aimed at scaling up the fight against AIDS. Makokha emphasized the need to remove barriers to community leadership and create a regulatory environment that facilitates the community’s role in providing HIV services. She urged governments to ensure civil society has the space to protect the human rights of all, including marginalized communities, to effectively respond to the global HIV epidemic. Dr. Steven Watiti, the former chairman of People Living with HIV, cautioned against complacency despite lower prevalence rates. He called for collective action to fight the disease if Uganda aims to end AIDS by 2030. Watiti highlighted the persistent stigma associated with people living with HIV, impacting their adherence to treatment. He noted instances of self-stigma where individuals diagnosed with the virus refrain from disclosing their status to family members, resulting in non-adherence to medication. Furthermore, due to stigma, some individuals travel long distances to obtain ART to avoid being recognized, leading to poor adherence to treatment. Ruth Awori, the Executive Director of Young People Living with HIV, pointed out the low levels of treatment literacy within communities, hindering their ability to lead in the fight against HIV. She highlighted the limited funding for the HIV response at the country level and the violation of human rights among those living with the disease. “We know that through stigma and discrimination, many rights are violated, people living with HIV cannot access quality education because of discrimination in the school’s settings where they go and lack of supportive structures for adherence,” Awori stated. This year’s theme, “Let the Communities Lead,” will be observed with main events in Rakai district. *** URN

Nov 29

China’s respiratory outbreak is ‘expected’ and not caused by new virus

Although the ongoing outbreak may have raised fears that a new pandemic like COVID-19 is emerging, it has not been caused by a new pathogen, and experts say we shouldn’t be concerned. (Image credit: d3sign via Getty Images) In mid-November, news broke of an outbreak of respiratory illness in China, raising concerns that another pandemic like COVID-19 might emerge. Now, scientists say the pathogens behind the surge are actually quite common. The worries of another pandemic started Nov. 13, when China’s National Health Commission announced a nationwide increase in respiratory infections, mainly in children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Then, on Nov. 21, various media outlets reported clusters of cases of “undiagnosed pneumonia” in children in northern China, notably in Beijing and Liaoning province. The Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED), an international network for disease surveillance, also amplified similar news reports. This prompted the WHO to investigate, and on Thursday (Nov. 23), the organization confirmed that the reported increase in infections and hospitalizations among children is actually being caused by several known pathogens. These pathogens include the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenoviruses and influenza. M. pneumoniae can cause bacterial pneumonia, while RSV, adenoviruses and influenza can cause viral pneumonia in severe cases. Chinese health authorities also told the WHO that they haven’t detected any “unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations, including in Beijing and Liaoning.” In other words, this rise in infection is being caused by multiple known culprits, not a mysterious monster bug. Related: Who should get the new COVID vaccines? What to know about the 2023-2024 shots “This is not an indication of a novel pathogen; This is expected,” Maria Van Kerkhove, acting director of the WHO’s department of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, told STAT News. “This is what most countries dealt with a year or two ago,” when they began to lift restrictions enacted in the early pandemic, she said. China only loosened its quarantining and testing policies in December 2022. Now that pandemic restrictions have been eased, children are more likely to catch bugs this winter that they were sheltered from before. This also means that their immune systems have not been exposed to many common viruses, and as a result, they have not yet acquired protective immunity against them — something known as an “immune deficit,” Dr. Ben Marais, director of the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute at the University of Sydney, told the Australian Science Media Centre (SMC). Children are also more likely to develop severe RSV infection and to be infected by M. pneumoniae than adults. Experts say that the current outbreak may be a knock-on effect of China easing its strict COVID-19 isolation and testing policies. (Image credit: d3sign via Getty Images) In addition, respiratory infections normally surge in winter. “This is a typical ‘winter surge” in acute respiratory infections,” Benjamin Cowling, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong, told Nature. “It is happening slightly earlier this year, perhaps because of increased population susceptibility to respiratory infections resulting from three years of COVID measures,” he said. China also recently enhanced its disease surveillance systems, Paul Arbon, a professor at Flinders University in Australia who researches health emergencies and health system strengthening, told the Australian SMC. “There has been an uptick in the rates but it is that time of year and China has implemented a new national reporting system that has, as it should, picked up cases that were not reported under the old system,” he said. The WHO also noted that these enhancements “may have contributed to the observed increase in detection and reporting of respiratory illness in children.” Other countries saw similar waves of respiratory infections in children during the first winter after lifting lockdown restrictions, Francois Balloux, a professor of computational systems biology at University College London, told the U.K. SMC. In the U.S., for example, more people were hospitalized with flu in November 2022 than at any point since 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The WHO is still closely monitoring the outbreak in China and remains in contact with local health authorities, according to the Nov. 23 statement. The WHO recommends that people in China follow standard measures to reduce the risk of infection, such as getting vaccinated as appropriate, wearing face masks and maintaining a safe distance from people who are ill. As for the rest of the world, the WHO currently advises against travel or trade restrictions, and it hasn’t introduced any specific measures for people traveling to China. However, anyone who develops symptoms of respiratory illness while traveling should seek medical attention, the WHO recommends. This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice. Ever wonder why some people build muscle more easily than others or why freckles come out in the sun? Send us your questions about how the human body works to [email protected] with the subject line “Health Desk Q,” and you may see your question answered on the website!

Nov 29

2022-2023 Influenza Season Classified as High Severity by CDC

For children and adolescents aged younger than 18 years, the 2022-2023 influenza season was classified as a “high severity” season compared to previous data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the agency noted in a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.1 The influenza season for 2022-2023 began in October, earlier than most previous seasons, returning to pre-COVID-19 levels. In addition to high pediatric influenza hospitalization rates, co-circulation occurred with SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), sometimes referred to as the “triple-demic.” The CDC, using 3 indicators, classifies each influenza season’s severity. The indicators are the percentage of all outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI), rates of laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalization, and the percentage of all deaths because of influenza. ILI was defined as fever plus cough or sore throat and was obtained from the US Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet). The Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET) estimated the laboratory-confirmed hospitalization rates. Percentage of all deaths because of influenza was calculated from the National Vital Statistics System death registry. In each severity indicator, 50th, 90th, and 98th percentile intensity thresholds (Its) are, “calculated from a distribution based on the geometric mean of peak weekly values in previous seasons,” the report stated. The seasonal severity of influenza was classified as “low” if at least 2 of 3 indicators peak below IT50. Moderate, high, or very high was the classification if at least 2 of 3 indicators peaked above IT50, IT90, or IT98, respectively. The preliminary data in the CDC report, as of September 21, 2023, classified the 2022-2023 influenza season as high severity. The weekly percentage of outpatient visits for ILI, influenza-associated hospitalization rate, and percentage of deaths because of influenza all peaked between IT90 and IT98, respectively. In children aged younger than 5 years, estimated influenza-associated medical visits, hospitalization, and deaths were higher than children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years. In the 5-to-17-year age group, influenza medical visit and hospitalization rates were higher during 2022-2023 than any other season since 2016-2017. Those younger than 5 years of age had the second highest rates of influenza-associated medical visits and hospitalization in 2022 to 2023, since 2016 to 2017. There were 11,443 medical visits per 100,000 and 119 hospitalizations per 100,000 in this age indication. Compared to previous seasons, influenza-associated deaths were low and consistent with 1.2 deaths per 100,000 children aged younger than 5 years, and 0.5 deaths per 100,000 children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years. FluSurv-NET identified 2762 influenza-associated hospitalizations for those aged younger than 18 years from October 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. The median age of these children was 5 years and 57.4% were male (IQR = 2-9 years). Of these individuals, 50.5% had an underlying condition, which was similar to recent influenza seasons. Asthma, neurologic disorders, and obesity were the most common underlying conditions. Most individuals were infected with influenza A (95.4%). Of this group, 80.2% were subtyped A(H3N2) and 19.6% were A(H1N1)pdm09. Over half of the 2022-2023 season’s total pediatric hospitalizations (57.1%) occurred during October and November 2022. Of those hospitalized, 18.3% received an influenza vaccine, dropping from 35.8%-41.8% in 2016-2017 through 2021-2022. The 2022-2023 influenza season was the fourth highest severity season among children and adolescents since the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, according to the CDC. Health care systems, in particular those that had co-circulating SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, were strained because of the high incidence of influenza. Estimated by the National Immunization Survey at the peak influenza-associated hospitalization rates during the week ending November 26, 2022, 41.9% of children and teenagers aged 6 months to 17 years received the annual influenza vaccine. The report highlights the “importance of children and adolescents receiving a seasonal influenza vaccination, ideally by the end of October and prompt influenza antiviral treatment for those who are hospitalized.” The federal agency recommends all persons aged 6 months or older to receive the annual seasonal influenza vaccine. This article originally appeared in Contemporary Pediatrics. Reference 1. White EB, O’Halloran A, Sundaresan D, et al. High influenza incidence and disease severity among children and adolescents aged <18 years – United States, 2022-23 Season. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023;72(41):1108-1114. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7241a2

Nov 29

Grant Aims to Strengthen Vaccine Production in Africa

The recent announcement of a US$40 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support production of new messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines in Africa presents opportunities to boost clinical trials and strengthen a potential foundation of the continent’s health care landscape. An mRNA vaccine uses a copy of a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) to produce an immune response.1 Image credit: Media Lens King | stock.adobe.com Closing the Gap in Vaccine Equity Africa has long grappled with concerns over clinical trials, particularly in the context of vaccine development. The perception that Africans are exploited as subjects in drug testing has persisted, despite the fact that less than 3% of global clinical trials take place in Africa.2 This underrepresentation is largely due to a lack of capacity, infrastructure and access for such trials. With a rapidly growing population of almost 1.5 billion people, opportunities abound. Clinical trials are essential for modern medicine, allowing scientists to rigorously assess the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.3 The global clinical trials market is valued at over $48.2 billion in 2023 and expected to grow to $73.2 billion within the next 5 years.4 The vast majority of trials are conducted in Western countries. The $40 million grant Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support mRNA vaccine development will contribute to addressing these issues, with a primary focus on improving vaccine equity in Africa.5 This commitment acknowledges the need for Africa to take an active role in vaccine development, production, and distribution, thus ensuring timely access to life-saving vaccines. A Catalyst for Health Care Innovation The grant allocates $5 million each to Institut Pasteur in Dakar and Biovac in South Africa, which will employ an mRNA research and manufacturing platform developed by Belgium-based Quantoom Biosciences.5 An additional $20 million will be provided to Quantoom “to further advance the technology and lower costs” and the remaining $10 million is earmarked for companies yet to be named.5 Unlike previous COVID-19 mRNA vaccines that received expedited emergency approval, future vaccines developed in Africa are likely to follow a more extended timeline of 3 to 7 years. This approach aims to ensure the safety and effectiveness of vaccines tailored to the health care needs of the African population. By investing in an ecosystem for pharmaceutical research and vaccine production, the grant sets the stage to strengthen back and forward linkages for Africa to address future health care challenges with increased self-reliance. Empowering Local Vaccine Production Africa has long relied on foreign sources for vaccines, often experiencing delays and difficulties in accessing immunizations.6 The grant signifies a shift toward local vaccine production and a reduction in dependence on external sources. This transition aligns with the African Union’s Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa, which seeks to promote domestic pharmaceutical production.7 Promoting Collaborations The grant also provides a bridge for collaborations between African institutions and global health care leaders. These partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity building. Established institutions such as the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the Pasteur Institute, and the University of California, San Francisco, have already developed productive collaborations with African counterparts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s grant is poised to strengthen connections of this nature and create a network of healthcare experts working together to improve healthcare in Africa. Visionary Future for African Health Care The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s $40 million grant is a substantial step forward for African health care. It underscores a commitment to vaccine equity, health care innovation, and self-reliance. The grant offers Africa an opportunity to strengthen vaccine development and production, fostering an ecosystem for health care innovations that meet local needs. Investments of this nature can prove transformative and represent more than just financial support—they provide beacons of hope for a healthier Africa. By strengthening the continent’s health care infrastructure, promoting local vaccine production, and facilitating global collaborations, the grant represents an important milestone toward better health care for all Africans. References 1. Schlake T, Thess A, Fotin-Mleczek M, Kallen KJ. Developing mRNA-vaccine technologies. RNA Biol. 2012;9(11):1319-1330. doi:10.4161/rna.22269 2. FHI Clinical. Increasing Clinical Research in Africa Presents An Opportunity to Address Global Health Challenges. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://www.fhiclinical.com/increasing-clinical-research-in-africa-presents-an-opportunity-to-address-global-health-challenges/ 3. Jager W. The importance of clinical trials in advancing medical research. Annals of Clinical Trials and Vaccines Research. 2023;13(3). 4. Markets and Markets. Clinical Trials Market by Phase (Phase I, II, III), Service Type (Laboratory, Analytical Testing, Patient Recruitment, Protocol Designing), Therapeutic Area (Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology), and Application (Vaccine, mAbs, CGT) – Global Forecast to 2028. September 2023. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/clinical-trials-market-405.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4bipBhCyARIsAFsieCyely7rdTVx0I35EsURLb3ljVBsoG4tehKqnI5oDmYgCscG9BR8y64aAlaWEALw_wcB 5. Candid. Gates Foundation commits $40 million for mRNA vaccines in Africa. October 14, 2023. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/gates-foundation-commits-40-million-for-mrna-vaccines-in-africa 6. Sidibé M. Vaccine inequity: Ensuring Africa is not left out. Brookings. January 24, 2022. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/vaccine-inequity-ensuring-africa-is-not-left-out/ 7. Byaruhanga J. The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa. AUDA-NEPAD. August 24, 2020. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://www.nepad.org/news/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-plan-africa#:~:text=The%20PMPA%20is%20designed%20to,benefits%20through%20sustainability%2C%20competitiveness%2C%20and About the Author Christopher Burke is the Managing Director of WMC Africa, a public relations and marketing agency based in Kampala, Uganda. Christopher has a strong background in communications, public health, governance and development with 30 years’ experience based in Africa and East Asia.

Nov 29

Vitalant calls for community support as Borderland blood donations see holiday slump

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Given that travel and family plans disrupt regular routines during the holidays, blood donations tend to be at their lowest around this time. However, that doesn’t mean the demand for blood is any different. According to David Veloz, senior director of recruitment at Vitalant, on average roughly 130 blood donations are needed every day to meet the needs of local patients. It’s very, very important that people do donate, especially around this time,” said Veloz. “This is about the well-being of our community, this is about having a healthy blood supply. RECOMMENDED: Marathon Petroleum Corp. supports El Paso nonprofits with matching funds on Giving Day The Food and Drug Administration recently updated eligible donor criteria, so Veloz said that those who were once considered ineligible should visit vitalant.org and that they would be “pleasantly surprised.” Some of those changes are now focused on donor behavior, and as a result, it’s opened up the possibility of more people donating blood,” said Veloz. Additionally, Veloz said that while there’s always an urgent and ongoing need for every blood type, type O blood is particularly critical as it is most frequently used to help patients. For instance, type O is vital for treating infants and in emergencies. Likewise, O-negative can be used universally to help patients of any blood type while O-positive can be used for any patient with a positive blood type. To incentivize people to make blood donations a lifestyle staple, Vitalant offers a rewards program that offers donors points for every donation visit, which can be redeemed for e-gift cards and other items. Vitalant operates three donation clinics in the Borderland, including both east and west El Paso, as well as in Las Cruces. To make an appointment visit vitalant.org, use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (84825). Come out and donate blood. Again, we really do need your support,” said Veloz RECOMMENDED: El Paso Animal Services to participate in national ‘Empty the Shelters’ adoption event Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.