Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/09/news-scan-sep-22-2020
News Scan for Sep 22, 2020
Eastern equine encephalitis in Massachusetts; Flu vaccine priority during COVID-19
Filed Under:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis; Influenza Vaccines
Massachusetts reports fifth EEE case of the year
Health officials in Massachusetts recently reported the state's fifth eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) case of the year, involving a woman in her 60s who was exposed in Plymouth County, where a similar was detected earlier this month in an area known to be at higher risk.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) said most of the state's cases since 2000 have occurred before the middle of September, and though mosquito populations are dropping, the risk of contracting EEE remains until after the first hard frost. Wisconsin and Indiana have also reported sporadic cases this year.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the infections are rare but can be fatal and that the nation averages about 11 EEE cases a year, but 38 were reported in 2019, with Massachusetts the hardest-hit state. Transmission is most common in and around freshwater hardwood swamps in Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and in the Great Lakes region.
Sep 17 MDPH press release
CDC background information
WHO advisors urge flu vaccination to prioritize health workers, seniors
Vaccine advisors to the World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday released new interim guidance for flu vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, which slightly changes the order of the priority risk groups to put health workers at the top of the list, followed by older adults.
The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) said flu transmission might have been altered by COVID-19 measures and limited travel due to travel restrictions, but noted the steps vary by country and flu transmission could rise and circulate alongside SARS-CoV-2 as steps are relaxed.
It emphasized that the interim recommendations should be considered alongside its 2012 guidance, knowing that demand for flu vaccine this year might be higher. Modifications this year were made to optimize control of flu during the COVID-19 pandemic and should not interfere with targeting existing risk groups based on national policies.
The expert's interim guidance also covers program considerations for those planning flu vaccine campaigns, research considerations, and knowledge gaps.
Sep 21 WHO SAGE interim flu vaccination recommendations
News Scan for Sep 22, 2020
Eastern equine encephalitis in Massachusetts; Flu vaccine priority during COVID-19
Filed Under:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis; Influenza Vaccines
Massachusetts reports fifth EEE case of the year
Health officials in Massachusetts recently reported the state's fifth eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) case of the year, involving a woman in her 60s who was exposed in Plymouth County, where a similar was detected earlier this month in an area known to be at higher risk.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) said most of the state's cases since 2000 have occurred before the middle of September, and though mosquito populations are dropping, the risk of contracting EEE remains until after the first hard frost. Wisconsin and Indiana have also reported sporadic cases this year.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the infections are rare but can be fatal and that the nation averages about 11 EEE cases a year, but 38 were reported in 2019, with Massachusetts the hardest-hit state. Transmission is most common in and around freshwater hardwood swamps in Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and in the Great Lakes region.
Sep 17 MDPH press release
CDC background information
WHO advisors urge flu vaccination to prioritize health workers, seniors
Vaccine advisors to the World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday released new interim guidance for flu vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, which slightly changes the order of the priority risk groups to put health workers at the top of the list, followed by older adults.
The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) said flu transmission might have been altered by COVID-19 measures and limited travel due to travel restrictions, but noted the steps vary by country and flu transmission could rise and circulate alongside SARS-CoV-2 as steps are relaxed.
It emphasized that the interim recommendations should be considered alongside its 2012 guidance, knowing that demand for flu vaccine this year might be higher. Modifications this year were made to optimize control of flu during the COVID-19 pandemic and should not interfere with targeting existing risk groups based on national policies.
The expert's interim guidance also covers program considerations for those planning flu vaccine campaigns, research considerations, and knowledge gaps.
Sep 21 WHO SAGE interim flu vaccination recommendations