New Insight into Genetic Diversity of Deadly Malaria Parasite
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the genetic diversity of the deadly malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. This insight is crucial for developing effective vaccines against malaria, a life-threatening infectious disease that claims millions of lives globally. The study sheds light on non-allelic gene conversion, revealing a previously underestimated evolutionary mechanism that could inform innovative strategies for tackling the disease.
Measles Outbreak at Chicago Shelter Under Scrutiny
Chicago shelter in Pilsen under scrutiny after child diagnosed with measles. New safety orders implemented for residents. Health officials working to identify those exposed. Measles investigation underway. Vaccine hesitancy linked to resurgence of measles.
UKHSA Launches Campaign Urging Parents to Catch Up on Missed Vaccinations
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is launching a new multi-media marketing campaign across England to remind parents and carers of the risk of their children missing out on protection against serious diseases. The campaign aims to catch up on missed vaccinations and raise awareness about the rising risk of illnesses like measles and whooping cough. With measles cases on the rise in England, the campaign emphasizes the urgent need to reverse the decline in childhood vaccination uptake to protect communities.
860 Students in Windsor-Essex County Face School Suspension Due to Incomplete Immunization Records
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit takes action against 860 students for incomplete immunization records, enforcing school suspension. 98% of students are compliant, while 2% face exclusion until records are updated. Health unit offers support and services for affected families.
Pfizer’s RSV vaccine shows promising results in older adults
Pfizer’s Abrysvo vaccine has shown durable protection for older adults against respiratory syncytial virus, with consistent efficacy across two full seasons. Initial data on more than 37,000 participants indicates 77.8% effectiveness against severe illness after the second season, down from 88.9% after one season. The vaccine also demonstrated consistent efficacy against RSV A and RSV B, with no new adverse events reported after the two seasons.
Brazil Faces Biggest-Ever Dengue Outbreak
Brazil is facing its biggest-ever outbreak of dengue fever, with nearly 600,000 cases reported in the first few weeks of 2024 alone. The surge in cases is attributed to the combined impact of global warming and El Niño, creating favorable conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads the dengue virus. Scientists had previously predicted that climate change would lead to a significant increase in dengue cases worldwide, and this is now becoming a reality. Latin America is witnessing an unprecedented level of dengue cases, with Brazil being particularly hard hit.
CDC Recommends Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Shot for Older Adults
Health officials in the United States recommend older adults receive an additional COVID-19 vaccine shot, even if they had a booster in the fall. The CDC advises individuals aged 65 and above to get an updated vaccine if at least four months have passed since their last shot. The decision comes after a discussion among experts about the necessity of the additional shot, with the CDC emphasizing the ongoing threat of COVID-19, especially among vulnerable populations.
Measles Outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Florida
Parents of students at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida, have the option to keep their children at home due to confirmed cases of measles. Broward Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata announced that Thursday is the deadline for parents to decide whether their vaccinated or unvaccinated children will stay home for the next 21 days and engage in online continuing education with individualized assignments, emphasizing that it will not be a virtual experience. The school reported 6 confirmed cases of measles and a total of 33 unvaccinated students. As district officials await further directives, they continue to focus on cleaning and sanitizing the school, with no indication of broader county-wide issues at present.
New Malaria Vaccine Shows High Efficacy in African Trials
Oxford University and Serum Institute of India’s new malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M™, has shown high efficacy in trials in Africa, with over three-fourths of children in the 5–36 months age group protected from the disease during the first year of follow-up. The vaccine, administered in three doses with a booster after 12 months, maintained good efficacy over the following six to 12 months. This marks the second malaria vaccine to achieve WHO pre-qualification, offering hope in the fight against malaria.
New Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Receives WHO Prequalification
The recent prequalification of the new typhoid conjugate vaccine, SKYTyphoid™, by the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a pivotal moment in global health, opening the doors for public procurement of the vaccine by UN organizations. Developed through collaboration and with funding support, SKYTyphoid™ represents a significant advancement in typhoid prevention, offering a safe and effective solution for infants and young children. The achievement of WHO prequalification for SKYTyphoid™ marks a significant step forward in global health, offering a promising solution for the prevention of typhoid and contributing to the accessibility of life-saving vaccines for vulnerable populations worldwide.