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A new American Cancer Society report showed the rate of new breast cancer cases increased by 1% each year from 2012-2021. A larger increase was observed among women younger than 50 years than those 50 or older (1.4% vs 0.7) and Asian American/Pacific Islander women in both age groups (2.7% and 2.5%). Women aged 40 to 74 at average risk for breast cancer are recommended to get a mammogram every 2 years.
WHAT WE KNOW
The increased trends observed in recent years may be due to post-pandemic “catch-up” mammography and diagnoses in 2021. The steeper increases among Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) women may be influenced by variations in risk factors between immigrant and U.S.-born Asian women, with some studies suggesting different risk profiles for each group. In contrast, breast cancer death rates declined by 44% from 1989 to 2022, resulting in 517,900 fewer deaths during this period.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the US. Breast cancer typically occurs in middle-aged or older women, with the median age at time of breast cancer diagnosis being 62 overall but younger for Hispanic (57 years), AAPI (57 years), Black (60 years), and AIAN (60 years) women compared to White women (64 years).
A painless lump in the breast or underarm lymph nodes is the most common sign of breast cancer. Other signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness; dimpling, swelling, thickening or redness; and nipple changes or discharge.
Lifestyle-related breast cancer risk factors include alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, not having children, not breastfeeding, taking birth control or menopausal hormone therapy, and breast implants. Some unchangeable risk factors for breast cancer include being born female, aging, inheriting certain gene changes, dense breasts, family history of breast cancer, and personal history of breast cancer.
Breast cancer screenings cannot prevent breast cancer, instead they help find breast cancer at its early stages when it is easier to treat. Along with routine screenings, monthly breast self-exams can also help in noticing changes in breasts or detect when something feels different.
Mammograms are the most common type of breast cancer screening, used for women above 40 with or without symptoms. For symptomatic women younger than 40, a breast ultrasound test is recommended. Breast ultrasounds are especially useful for women with dense breast tissue. Both breast MRI and a yearly mammogram are recommended for certain women at high risk of breast cancer.
Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy. Choice of treatment option is dependent on the type of cancer and the extent of its spread. Consultations with cancer doctors are recommended when deciding on treatment options available according to type and stage of cancer, as well as risks/benefits and side effects.
UNKNOWNS
Further research is needed to identify why women who are younger than 50 and are Asian American/Pacific Islander experience increased rates of new breast cancer cases.
Breast cancer researchers are still learning how certain risk factors play a role in breast cancer development.
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A new American Cancer Society report showed the rate of new breast cancer cases increased by 1% each year from 2012-2021. A larger increase was observed among women younger than 50 years than those 50 or older (1.4% vs 0.7) and Asian American/Pacific Islander women in both age groups (2.7% and 2.5%). Women aged 40 to 74 at average risk for breast cancer are recommended to get a mammogram every 2 years.
WHAT WE KNOW
The increased trends observed in recent years may be due to post-pandemic “catch-up” mammography and diagnoses in 2021. The steeper increases among Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) women may be influenced by variations in risk factors between immigrant and U.S.-born Asian women, with some studies suggesting different risk profiles for each group. In contrast, breast cancer death rates declined by 44% from 1989 to 2022, resulting in 517,900 fewer deaths during this period.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the US. Breast cancer typically occurs in middle-aged or older women, with the median age at time of breast cancer diagnosis being 62 overall but younger for Hispanic (57 years), AAPI (57 years), Black (60 years), and AIAN (60 years) women compared to White women (64 years).
A painless lump in the breast or underarm lymph nodes is the most common sign of breast cancer. Other signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness; dimpling, swelling, thickening or redness; and nipple changes or discharge.
Lifestyle-related breast cancer risk factors include alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, not having children, not breastfeeding, taking birth control or menopausal hormone therapy, and breast implants. Some unchangeable risk factors for breast cancer include being born female, aging, inheriting certain gene changes, dense breasts, family history of breast cancer, and personal history of breast cancer.
Breast cancer screenings cannot prevent breast cancer, instead they help find breast cancer at its early stages when it is easier to treat. Along with routine screenings, monthly breast self-exams can also help in noticing changes in breasts or detect when something feels different.
Mammograms are the most common type of breast cancer screening, used for women above 40 with or without symptoms. For symptomatic women younger than 40, a breast ultrasound test is recommended. Breast ultrasounds are especially useful for women with dense breast tissue. Both breast MRI and a yearly mammogram are recommended for certain women at high risk of breast cancer.
Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy. Choice of treatment option is dependent on the type of cancer and the extent of its spread. Consultations with cancer doctors are recommended when deciding on treatment options available according to type and stage of cancer, as well as risks/benefits and side effects.
UNKNOWNS
Further research is needed to identify why women who are younger than 50 and are Asian American/Pacific Islander experience increased rates of new breast cancer cases.
Breast cancer researchers are still learning how certain risk factors play a role in breast cancer development.
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On September 6th, the CDC confirmed a human case of bird flu in Missouri. This is the 14th human case of bird flu in the U.S. this year, and the first case where there is no known contact with a sick or infected animal. The person had underlying medical conditions and was hospitalized but has since recovered. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission associated with this case, and risk to the general public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
The week of August 24th, a person with significant underlying health conditions was hospitalized for chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. The person was not in the intensive care unit. The patient tested positive for flu, and further testing found that it was a H5 bird flu strain. The patient has since fully recovered.
A person who lives with the patient got sick with similar symptoms on the same day as the case. This close contact was not tested and fully recovered. The timing of both people getting sick does not suggest transmission between them, but could suggest a shared source of exposure. It is also possible that the close contact was sick with something different than bird flu.
There is no known source of direct or indirect exposure for this patient. That includes contact with wild birds, domestic poultry, cattle (including raw milk and raw meat), or other wildlife prior to symptoms. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission at this time, and the CDC reports that the risk to the public remains low.
UNKNOWNS
The Missouri Department of Health in partnership with CDC is still investigating potential sources of exposure for this case.
Information on if the close contact will be given an antibody test for bird-flu has not yet been released.
When the patient who tested positive for bird flu was tested, they had a low viral load which made it difficult to fully sequence the virus’s genome. Partial results show that the strain is similar to those found in cattle. Additional tests are being run.
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On September 6th, the CDC confirmed a human case of bird flu in Missouri. This is the 14th human case of bird flu in the U.S. this year, and the first case where there is no known contact with a sick or infected animal. The person had underlying medical conditions and was hospitalized but has since recovered. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission associated with this case, and risk to the general public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
The week of August 24th, a person with significant underlying health conditions was hospitalized for chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. The person was not in the intensive care unit. The patient tested positive for flu, and further testing found that it was a H5 bird flu strain. The patient has since fully recovered.
A person who lives with the patient got sick with similar symptoms on the same day as the case. This close contact was not tested and fully recovered. The timing of both people getting sick does not suggest transmission between them, but could suggest a shared source of exposure. It is also possible that the close contact was sick with something different than bird flu.
There is no known source of direct or indirect exposure for this patient. That includes contact with wild birds, domestic poultry, cattle (including raw milk and raw meat), or other wildlife prior to symptoms. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission at this time, and the CDC reports that the risk to the public remains low.
UNKNOWNS
The Missouri Department of Health in partnership with CDC is still investigating potential sources of exposure for this case.
Information on if the close contact will be given an antibody test for bird-flu has not yet been released.
When the patient who tested positive for bird flu was tested, they had a low viral load which made it difficult to fully sequence the virus’s genome. Partial results show that the strain is similar to those found in cattle. Additional tests are being run.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. These vaccines target more recent COVID strains (KP.2) and are recommended for everyone over 6 months. The updated vaccines are available in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the United States. For information on where to get vaccinated, visit www.Vaccines.gov.
WHAT WE KNOW
Vaccine protection decreases over time, so staying up to date on COVID vaccinations is important. Both people who have been vaccinated before and people who have had COVID should get the vaccine.
If you’ve had COVID this summer, you will have some immunity to the virus that lasts about three months. If you’ve had COVID, you may wait up to three months after infection to get vaccinated but can get vaccinated any time after you feel better. For most people, the minimum interval between their last 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose and their 2024–2025 vaccine dose is 2 months. Contact your healthcare provider for more specifics.
The updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines and target the KP.2 strain of the Omicron variant. The Novavax vaccine is based on an older vaccine technology and was also approved for use. Lab experiments have shown that all updated COVID vaccines are effective against the current strains.
Anyone 6 months or older can get the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine, and anyone older than 12 can get the Novavax vaccine.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance cover adult COVID vaccines. Children can get vaccinated for free through the Vaccines for Children program. Community health clinics may offer free or low-cost vaccines to those without insurance or with limited coverage.
UNKNOWNS
The COVID-19 virus is constantly evolving. Scientists are monitoring for new strains that may emerge this winter.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. These vaccines target more recent COVID strains (KP.2) and are recommended for everyone over 6 months. The updated vaccines are available in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the United States. For information on where to get vaccinated, visit www.Vaccines.gov.
WHAT WE KNOW
Vaccine protection decreases over time, so staying up to date on COVID vaccinations is important. Both people who have been vaccinated before and people who have had COVID should get the vaccine.
If you’ve had COVID this summer, you will have some immunity to the virus that lasts about three months. If you’ve had COVID, you may wait up to three months after infection to get vaccinated but can get vaccinated any time after you feel better. For most people, the minimum interval between their last 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose and their 2024–2025 vaccine dose is 2 months. Contact your healthcare provider for more specifics.
The updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines and target the KP.2 strain of the Omicron variant. The Novavax vaccine is based on an older vaccine technology and was also approved for use. Lab experiments have shown that all updated COVID vaccines are effective against the current strains.
Anyone 6 months or older can get the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine, and anyone older than 12 can get the Novavax vaccine.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance cover adult COVID vaccines. Children can get vaccinated for free through the Vaccines for Children program. Community health clinics may offer free or low-cost vaccines to those without insurance or with limited coverage.
UNKNOWNS
The COVID-19 virus is constantly evolving. Scientists are monitoring for new strains that may emerge this winter.
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The flu vaccine is updated every year because the flu virus changes constantly. This is why sometimes you can get the flu shot but still get sick with a different flu variant. If this does happen, you are still more likely to have a mild case of the flu and not need medical care. It also takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, so you could get the flu before your full immunity has built up. Science shows that the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu is to get the flu shot. Everyone aged 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine this fall.
WHAT WE KNOW
Fewer people are getting vaccinated for the flu now than they did before the pandemic. This decline is especially notable in White children and adults. Last year, about 50% of people got the flu vaccine.
The flu can be deadly, and is especially dangerous for young children (under 5), pregnant individuals and adults over the age of 65. However, complications can still arise for people of all ages. Getting vaccinated not only protects yourself, but also protects those around you who may be more at risk.
Everyone ages 6 months and older can get the flu vaccine, and it is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. In the 2023-2024 flu season, getting vaccinated for flu reduced a child’s chance of a flu-related medical visit by 65%.
The flu vaccine this year is trivalent which means that it is meant to protect against three different strains of the flu. While there is a new “combo” flu and COVID-19 vaccine in clinical trials right now, it has not yet been approved and is not currently being distributed, and might not be available by the end of 2024.
UNKNOWNS
The flu virus is always changing, and we are still monitoring how the flu will behave this year.
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The flu vaccine is updated every year because the flu virus changes constantly. This is why sometimes you can get the flu shot but still get sick with a different flu variant. If this does happen, you are still more likely to have a mild case of the flu and not need medical care. It also takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, so you could get the flu before your full immunity has built up. Science shows that the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu is to get the flu shot. Everyone aged 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine this fall.
WHAT WE KNOW
Fewer people are getting vaccinated for the flu now than they did before the pandemic. This decline is especially notable in White children and adults. Last year, about 50% of people got the flu vaccine.
The flu can be deadly, and is especially dangerous for young children (under 5), pregnant individuals and adults over the age of 65. However, complications can still arise for people of all ages. Getting vaccinated not only protects yourself, but also protects those around you who may be more at risk.
Everyone ages 6 months and older can get the flu vaccine, and it is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. In the 2023-2024 flu season, getting vaccinated for flu reduced a child’s chance of a flu-related medical visit by 65%.
The flu vaccine this year is trivalent which means that it is meant to protect against three different strains of the flu. While there is a new “combo” flu and COVID-19 vaccine in clinical trials right now, it has not yet been approved and is not currently being distributed, and might not be available by the end of 2024.
UNKNOWNS
The flu virus is always changing, and we are still monitoring how the flu will behave this year.
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On August 14, the WHO made this declaration after confirming the first clade Ib cases of Mpox outside Africa (in Sweden and Pakistan). This clade is different and more serious than the one that caused a public health emergency in 2022. Clade I Mpox is not in the U.S., and the vaccine JYNNEOS is effective against severe disease in both clade I and clade II. Mpox usually requires skin-to-skin contact with an infected person who has an active rash. Consider getting vaccinated if travelling to an Mpox-affected region.
WHAT WE KNOW
The main symptoms of Mpox include a spotted rash that may be painful or itchy with flu-like symptoms. The virus spreads through close contact between two people and can be spread up to four days before symptoms appear. Most people recover fully from infection with clade II of Mpox, which has a survival rate of 99.9%. Those most at risk of severe illness include those with severely weakened immune systems, children younger than 1, pregnant people and people with a history of eczema.
The clade Ib of Mpox that caused the current public health emergency has higher rates of severe illness and death than clade II. Global health authorities are working to get the JYNNEOS Mpox vaccine to people in countries with the highest cases of clade Ib Mpox like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Countries that currently need the vaccine most are having challenges getting it.
In the United States, only Mpox clade II is present. While Mpox can infect anybody, people most at risk of getting Mpox are those with multiple sexual partners. The two-shot JYNNEOS vaccine is approved and available in the U.S. CDC recommends people with multiple sexual partners consider vaccination, and a complete list of guidelines can be found on the CDC’s website.
UNKNOWNS
Vaccination distribution efforts are still underway, and it is still not clear when countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo will be able to administer JYNNEOS vaccines.
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On August 14, the WHO made this declaration after confirming the first clade Ib cases of Mpox outside Africa (in Sweden and Pakistan). This clade is different and more serious than the one that caused a public health emergency in 2022. Clade I Mpox is not in the U.S., and the vaccine JYNNEOS is effective against severe disease in both clade I and clade II. Mpox usually requires skin-to-skin contact with an infected person who has an active rash. Consider getting vaccinated if travelling to an Mpox-affected region.
WHAT WE KNOW
The main symptoms of Mpox include a spotted rash that may be painful or itchy with flu-like symptoms. The virus spreads through close contact between two people and can be spread up to four days before symptoms appear. Most people recover fully from infection with clade II of Mpox, which has a survival rate of 99.9%. Those most at risk of severe illness include those with severely weakened immune systems, children younger than 1, pregnant people and people with a history of eczema.
The clade Ib of Mpox that caused the current public health emergency has higher rates of severe illness and death than clade II. Global health authorities are working to get the JYNNEOS Mpox vaccine to people in countries with the highest cases of clade Ib Mpox like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Countries that currently need the vaccine most are having challenges getting it.
In the United States, only Mpox clade II is present. While Mpox can infect anybody, people most at risk of getting Mpox are those with multiple sexual partners. The two-shot JYNNEOS vaccine is approved and available in the U.S. CDC recommends people with multiple sexual partners consider vaccination, and a complete list of guidelines can be found on the CDC’s website.
UNKNOWNS
Vaccination distribution efforts are still underway, and it is still not clear when countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo will be able to administer JYNNEOS vaccines.
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The number of whooping cough cases this year is 14,569 as of September 25th. This is up from 3,475 cases recorded in all of 2023. Before COVID, the U.S. averaged over 10,000 cases per year. Vaccination rates for whooping cough dropped during the pandemic, and children are still catching up on their vaccines. This means that whooping cough cases are returning to pre-pandemic levels, and they may be slightly higher due to fewer vaccinated people. Whooping cough cases were also rising before the pandemic, and researchers are still learning what factors are contributing to this trend.
WHAT WE KNOW
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial respiratory disease that can be deadly, especially to young children and babies. Early symptoms (1-2 weeks) usually look like the common cold. The next stage of the illness (2-10 weeks) is more severe and includes violent coughing fits that can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and fractured ribs. After recovery (2-3 weeks), people are more susceptible to respiratory viruses for months.
Antibiotics are only effective within the early stages of this disease; once a severe cough develops, treatment is not effective. This is because the bacteria that antibiotics target are gone after 2-3 weeks, and the severe cough is a result of the damage the bacteria already did to the airways. At this point, antibiotics won’t improve the coughing.
Many babies with whooping cough don’t cough, and instead struggle to breathe or have life-threatening pauses in their breathing. For other babies, the illness looks like a common cold throughout its duration. In general, whooping cough is more likely to be severe in children than in adults. Babies under one year old are especially at risk.
The recent spike in whooping cough cases is particularly affecting unvaccinated children. Everyone should ensure they are up to date on their whooping cough vaccine, either DTaP or Tdap depending on age.
DTaP is given to children in five doses, typically at 2, 4, and 6 months, then at 15-18 months, and again between 4-6 years. The letter "P" in DTaP and Tdap represents protection against pertussis or whooping cough. The letter "T" shows they also help protect against tetanus. The letter "D/d" shows they also help protect against diphtheria.
Tdap is also recommended for preteens around age 11-12 and for adults every 10 years as a booster. Pregnant women should also get a dose during weeks 27-36 of to protect newborns.
Vaccinations for whooping cough are effective but protection wanes over time. Even if someone gets the vaccine and still gets sick, the vaccine reduces the severity of the illness and reduces the chance of hospitalization.
UNKNOWNS
In 1997, public health officials began recommending Tdap or DTaP vaccines over the DTP vaccine, which was an older whooping cough vaccine that had rare cases of dangerous vaccine reactions. Today, only Tdap and DTaP vaccines are used. We are still learning about the long-term effectiveness of these vaccines.
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The number of whooping cough cases this year is 14,569 as of September 25th. This is up from 3,475 cases recorded in all of 2023. Before COVID, the U.S. averaged over 10,000 cases per year. Vaccination rates for whooping cough dropped during the pandemic, and children are still catching up on their vaccines. This means that whooping cough cases are returning to pre-pandemic levels, and they may be slightly higher due to fewer vaccinated people. Whooping cough cases were also rising before the pandemic, and researchers are still learning what factors are contributing to this trend.
WHAT WE KNOW
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial respiratory disease that can be deadly, especially to young children and babies. Early symptoms (1-2 weeks) usually look like the common cold. The next stage of the illness (2-10 weeks) is more severe and includes violent coughing fits that can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and fractured ribs. After recovery (2-3 weeks), people are more susceptible to respiratory viruses for months.
Antibiotics are only effective within the early stages of this disease; once a severe cough develops, treatment is not effective. This is because the bacteria that antibiotics target are gone after 2-3 weeks, and the severe cough is a result of the damage the bacteria already did to the airways. At this point, antibiotics won’t improve the coughing.
Many babies with whooping cough don’t cough, and instead struggle to breathe or have life-threatening pauses in their breathing. For other babies, the illness looks like a common cold throughout its duration. In general, whooping cough is more likely to be severe in children than in adults. Babies under one year old are especially at risk.
The recent spike in whooping cough cases is particularly affecting unvaccinated children. Everyone should ensure they are up to date on their whooping cough vaccine, either DTaP or Tdap depending on age.
DTaP is given to children in five doses, typically at 2, 4, and 6 months, then at 15-18 months, and again between 4-6 years. The letter "P" in DTaP and Tdap represents protection against pertussis or whooping cough. The letter "T" shows they also help protect against tetanus. The letter "D/d" shows they also help protect against diphtheria.
Tdap is also recommended for preteens around age 11-12 and for adults every 10 years as a booster. Pregnant women should also get a dose during weeks 27-36 of to protect newborns.
Vaccinations for whooping cough are effective but protection wanes over time. Even if someone gets the vaccine and still gets sick, the vaccine reduces the severity of the illness and reduces the chance of hospitalization.
UNKNOWNS
In 1997, public health officials began recommending Tdap or DTaP vaccines over the DTP vaccine, which was an older whooping cough vaccine that had rare cases of dangerous vaccine reactions. Today, only Tdap and DTaP vaccines are used. We are still learning about the long-term effectiveness of these vaccines.
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A new American Cancer Society report showed the rate of new breast cancer cases increased by 1% each year from 2012-2021. A larger increase was observed among women younger than 50 years than those 50 or older (1.4% vs 0.7) and Asian American/Pacific Islander women in both age groups (2.7% and 2.5%). Women aged 40 to 74 at average risk for breast cancer are recommended to get a mammogram every 2 years.
WHAT WE KNOW
The increased trends observed in recent years may be due to post-pandemic “catch-up” mammography and diagnoses in 2021. The steeper increases among Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) women may be influenced by variations in risk factors between immigrant and U.S.-born Asian women, with some studies suggesting different risk profiles for each group. In contrast, breast cancer death rates declined by 44% from 1989 to 2022, resulting in 517,900 fewer deaths during this period.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the US. Breast cancer typically occurs in middle-aged or older women, with the median age at time of breast cancer diagnosis being 62 overall but younger for Hispanic (57 years), AAPI (57 years), Black (60 years), and AIAN (60 years) women compared to White women (64 years).
A painless lump in the breast or underarm lymph nodes is the most common sign of breast cancer. Other signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness; dimpling, swelling, thickening or redness; and nipple changes or discharge.
Lifestyle-related breast cancer risk factors include alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, not having children, not breastfeeding, taking birth control or menopausal hormone therapy, and breast implants. Some unchangeable risk factors for breast cancer include being born female, aging, inheriting certain gene changes, dense breasts, family history of breast cancer, and personal history of breast cancer.
Breast cancer screenings cannot prevent breast cancer, instead they help find breast cancer at its early stages when it is easier to treat. Along with routine screenings, monthly breast self-exams can also help in noticing changes in breasts or detect when something feels different.
Mammograms are the most common type of breast cancer screening, used for women above 40 with or without symptoms. For symptomatic women younger than 40, a breast ultrasound test is recommended. Breast ultrasounds are especially useful for women with dense breast tissue. Both breast MRI and a yearly mammogram are recommended for certain women at high risk of breast cancer.
Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy. Choice of treatment option is dependent on the type of cancer and the extent of its spread. Consultations with cancer doctors are recommended when deciding on treatment options available according to type and stage of cancer, as well as risks/benefits and side effects.
UNKNOWNS
Further research is needed to identify why women who are younger than 50 and are Asian American/Pacific Islander experience increased rates of new breast cancer cases.
Breast cancer researchers are still learning how certain risk factors play a role in breast cancer development.
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On September 6th, the CDC confirmed a human case of bird flu in Missouri. This is the 14th human case of bird flu in the U.S. this year, and the first case where there is no known contact with a sick or infected animal. The person had underlying medical conditions and was hospitalized but has since recovered. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission associated with this case, and risk to the general public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
The week of August 24th, a person with significant underlying health conditions was hospitalized for chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. The person was not in the intensive care unit. The patient tested positive for flu, and further testing found that it was a H5 bird flu strain. The patient has since fully recovered.
A person who lives with the patient got sick with similar symptoms on the same day as the case. This close contact was not tested and fully recovered. The timing of both people getting sick does not suggest transmission between them, but could suggest a shared source of exposure. It is also possible that the close contact was sick with something different than bird flu.
There is no known source of direct or indirect exposure for this patient. That includes contact with wild birds, domestic poultry, cattle (including raw milk and raw meat), or other wildlife prior to symptoms. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission at this time, and the CDC reports that the risk to the public remains low.
UNKNOWNS
The Missouri Department of Health in partnership with CDC is still investigating potential sources of exposure for this case.
Information on if the close contact will be given an antibody test for bird-flu has not yet been released.
When the patient who tested positive for bird flu was tested, they had a low viral load which made it difficult to fully sequence the virus’s genome. Partial results show that the strain is similar to those found in cattle. Additional tests are being run.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. These vaccines target more recent COVID strains (KP.2) and are recommended for everyone over 6 months. The updated vaccines are available in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the United States. For information on where to get vaccinated, visit www.Vaccines.gov.
WHAT WE KNOW
Vaccine protection decreases over time, so staying up to date on COVID vaccinations is important. Both people who have been vaccinated before and people who have had COVID should get the vaccine.
If you’ve had COVID this summer, you will have some immunity to the virus that lasts about three months. If you’ve had COVID, you may wait up to three months after infection to get vaccinated but can get vaccinated any time after you feel better. For most people, the minimum interval between their last 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose and their 2024–2025 vaccine dose is 2 months. Contact your healthcare provider for more specifics.
The updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines and target the KP.2 strain of the Omicron variant. The Novavax vaccine is based on an older vaccine technology and was also approved for use. Lab experiments have shown that all updated COVID vaccines are effective against the current strains.
Anyone 6 months or older can get the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine, and anyone older than 12 can get the Novavax vaccine.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance cover adult COVID vaccines. Children can get vaccinated for free through the Vaccines for Children program. Community health clinics may offer free or low-cost vaccines to those without insurance or with limited coverage.
UNKNOWNS
The COVID-19 virus is constantly evolving. Scientists are monitoring for new strains that may emerge this winter.
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heard this concern.
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The flu vaccine is updated every year because the flu virus changes constantly. This is why sometimes you can get the flu shot but still get sick with a different flu variant. If this does happen, you are still more likely to have a mild case of the flu and not need medical care. It also takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, so you could get the flu before your full immunity has built up. Science shows that the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu is to get the flu shot. Everyone aged 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine this fall.
WHAT WE KNOW
Fewer people are getting vaccinated for the flu now than they did before the pandemic. This decline is especially notable in White children and adults. Last year, about 50% of people got the flu vaccine.
The flu can be deadly, and is especially dangerous for young children (under 5), pregnant individuals and adults over the age of 65. However, complications can still arise for people of all ages. Getting vaccinated not only protects yourself, but also protects those around you who may be more at risk.
Everyone ages 6 months and older can get the flu vaccine, and it is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. In the 2023-2024 flu season, getting vaccinated for flu reduced a child’s chance of a flu-related medical visit by 65%.
The flu vaccine this year is trivalent which means that it is meant to protect against three different strains of the flu. While there is a new “combo” flu and COVID-19 vaccine in clinical trials right now, it has not yet been approved and is not currently being distributed, and might not be available by the end of 2024.
UNKNOWNS
The flu virus is always changing, and we are still monitoring how the flu will behave this year.
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On August 14, the WHO made this declaration after confirming the first clade Ib cases of Mpox outside Africa (in Sweden and Pakistan). This clade is different and more serious than the one that caused a public health emergency in 2022. Clade I Mpox is not in the U.S., and the vaccine JYNNEOS is effective against severe disease in both clade I and clade II. Mpox usually requires skin-to-skin contact with an infected person who has an active rash. Consider getting vaccinated if travelling to an Mpox-affected region.
WHAT WE KNOW
The main symptoms of Mpox include a spotted rash that may be painful or itchy with flu-like symptoms. The virus spreads through close contact between two people and can be spread up to four days before symptoms appear. Most people recover fully from infection with clade II of Mpox, which has a survival rate of 99.9%. Those most at risk of severe illness include those with severely weakened immune systems, children younger than 1, pregnant people and people with a history of eczema.
The clade Ib of Mpox that caused the current public health emergency has higher rates of severe illness and death than clade II. Global health authorities are working to get the JYNNEOS Mpox vaccine to people in countries with the highest cases of clade Ib Mpox like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Countries that currently need the vaccine most are having challenges getting it.
In the United States, only Mpox clade II is present. While Mpox can infect anybody, people most at risk of getting Mpox are those with multiple sexual partners. The two-shot JYNNEOS vaccine is approved and available in the U.S. CDC recommends people with multiple sexual partners consider vaccination, and a complete list of guidelines can be found on the CDC’s website.
UNKNOWNS
Vaccination distribution efforts are still underway, and it is still not clear when countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo will be able to administer JYNNEOS vaccines.
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The number of whooping cough cases this year is 14,569 as of September 25th. This is up from 3,475 cases recorded in all of 2023. Before COVID, the U.S. averaged over 10,000 cases per year. Vaccination rates for whooping cough dropped during the pandemic, and children are still catching up on their vaccines. This means that whooping cough cases are returning to pre-pandemic levels, and they may be slightly higher due to fewer vaccinated people. Whooping cough cases were also rising before the pandemic, and researchers are still learning what factors are contributing to this trend.
WHAT WE KNOW
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial respiratory disease that can be deadly, especially to young children and babies. Early symptoms (1-2 weeks) usually look like the common cold. The next stage of the illness (2-10 weeks) is more severe and includes violent coughing fits that can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and fractured ribs. After recovery (2-3 weeks), people are more susceptible to respiratory viruses for months.
Antibiotics are only effective within the early stages of this disease; once a severe cough develops, treatment is not effective. This is because the bacteria that antibiotics target are gone after 2-3 weeks, and the severe cough is a result of the damage the bacteria already did to the airways. At this point, antibiotics won’t improve the coughing.
Many babies with whooping cough don’t cough, and instead struggle to breathe or have life-threatening pauses in their breathing. For other babies, the illness looks like a common cold throughout its duration. In general, whooping cough is more likely to be severe in children than in adults. Babies under one year old are especially at risk.
The recent spike in whooping cough cases is particularly affecting unvaccinated children. Everyone should ensure they are up to date on their whooping cough vaccine, either DTaP or Tdap depending on age.
DTaP is given to children in five doses, typically at 2, 4, and 6 months, then at 15-18 months, and again between 4-6 years. The letter "P" in DTaP and Tdap represents protection against pertussis or whooping cough. The letter "T" shows they also help protect against tetanus. The letter "D/d" shows they also help protect against diphtheria.
Tdap is also recommended for preteens around age 11-12 and for adults every 10 years as a booster. Pregnant women should also get a dose during weeks 27-36 of to protect newborns.
Vaccinations for whooping cough are effective but protection wanes over time. Even if someone gets the vaccine and still gets sick, the vaccine reduces the severity of the illness and reduces the chance of hospitalization.
UNKNOWNS
In 1997, public health officials began recommending Tdap or DTaP vaccines over the DTP vaccine, which was an older whooping cough vaccine that had rare cases of dangerous vaccine reactions. Today, only Tdap and DTaP vaccines are used. We are still learning about the long-term effectiveness of these vaccines.
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