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The U.S. CDC published today the Emerging Infectious Diseases, Early Release, Volume 30, Number 4—April 2024, that concluded where feasible, vaccination against hepatitis A, meningococcal disease (IMD), and mpox should be encouraged among at-risk groups and offered along with program services that target those groups.
On March 18, 2024, these CDC researchers wrote, 'We provide a descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of the concurrent outbreaks of hepatitis A and IMD in Florida in the context of an ongoing global mpox epidemic that also is disproportionally affecting MSM.'
'Through this analysis, we attempted to identify common and distinct features of each outbreak and synergistic factors that might have affected disease progression and control.'
'We observed a high percentage of concurrent HIV infection among hepatitis A, IMD, and most notably, mpox case-patients.'
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved vaccines that can prevent certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Various STD vaccines are available at health clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization say the increased number of measles outbreaks is a global threat in 2024.
As of March 14, 2024, a total of 58 measles cases were reported by 17 U.S. jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.
In 2023, a total of 58 measles cases were reported by 20 U.S. jurisdictions.
In 2024, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed twelve measles cases, including an active outbreak at a local shelter in Pilsen. CDPH is coordinating a comprehensive, city-wide response to the first measles cases in Chicago in five years.
CDPH is encouraging all new arrivals to Chicago and every Chicagoan to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine if they haven't already done so.
The vast majority of Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore not at high risk," said CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo 'Simbo' Ige, MD, MPH, in a press release on March 12, 2024.
"But those who are unvaccinated need to take precautions. If they're exposed, quarantine immediately and connect with their healthcare provider. Above all else, get vaccinated so you, too, can be protected from this virus."
In the U.S., MMR vaccines are available at most community pharmacies as of March 18, 2024.
During March 2024, many college students will enjoy the warm and friendly South Florida beaches.
However, various diseases also impact those Florida communities.
For week #10, Florida Health's Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance reported new dengue and malaria cases.
In 2024, 59 travel-associated dengue cases were reported, mainly by visitors from Cuba.
And four cases of locally acquired dengue have been reported from two counties this year. In 2023, positive samples from 186 humans were reported from five counties.
Also, in 2024, twelve cases of malaria have been reported in individuals with a travel history to a malaria-endemic area, such as Africa.
In 2023, seven locally acquired malaria cases were reported in the Sarasota area.
On the bright side, the agency also communicated that the recent measles outbreak in Broward County has been contained.
No additional measles cases have occurred at Manatee Bay Elementary since Friday, February 16, 2024; thus, the 21-day infection period has ended.
However, due to the contagiousness of measles and the rate of international travel, there is a possibility for more sporadic cases throughout Florida and the United States.
"It's important that public health leaders consider all available data and make decisions that promote health while respecting the rights of individuals," said Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo in a press release on March 8, 2024.
The State Surgeon General communicated that unprotected people should speak with their healthcare provider about receiving approved vaccines.
As of March 12, 2024, the state of Florida, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Canada, and the United Kingdom have not issued any vaccination requirements for visitors to Florida.
Since the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season began in the United States in Florida last year and peaked over the winter months, pregnant women have had two immunization options available to protect their future infants.
In August 2023, the CDC recommended Beyfortus™ (Nirsevimab-alip), a single-dose, long-acting monoclonal antibody offering passive immunization, to protect infants aged <8 months against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection in their first RSV season.
The other option is maternal vaccination.
On March 7, 2023, the U.S. CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report offered encouraging news.
The CDC confirmed that Beyfortus was 90% (95% CI = 75%–96%) effective against RSV-associated hospitalization in infants in their first RSV season.
However, Beyfortus's effectiveness is expected to decrease after receipt because of antibody decay.
In clinical trials, nirsevimab remained highly efficacious against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection in infants through 150 days, consistent with an extended half-life of 63–73 days.
This early estimate supports the current CDC recommendation for the prevention of severe RSV disease in infants.
As of January 2024, among females with an infant <8 months, 40.5% reported that their infant received nirsevimab. An additional 21.7% said that they plan to get nirsevimab for their infant.
The year 2024 has already witnessed a resurgence of measles outbreaks in cities across the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed that 45 cases of measles have been reported by 17 jurisdictions, including the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.
After a brief pause, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed another case of measles in a resident at a new arrivals shelter in Pilsen, Illinois, on March 8, 2024.
The initial measles case was reported yesterday.
Illinois had five measles cases in 2023. Those cases were the first in the state since 2019.
As of today, CDPH is asking all shelter residents at 2241 S. Halsted St. to remain in place until it can be determined whether they are vaccinated against measles and, therefore, immune to the infectious disease.
Those who are vaccinated can do their regular business, while those who have not been vaccinated must remain indoors to watch for symptoms.
However, all unvaccinated residents (number not disclosed) will be screened for symptoms and offered the measles vaccine.
While most Chicagoans were vaccinated in childhood and, therefore, are not at high risk, anyone who is unvaccinated against measles should do so as soon as possible.
Under Illinois law, the MMR vaccine is available at most doctor’s offices and pharmacies, and children as young as ten can get vaccinated at community pharmacies.
For more information on measles please visit the CDPH web site.
As the northern hemisphere prepares for Spring Break 2024, government officials alert travelers to protect themselves from measles outbreaks.
As of March 3, 2024, both Canada and the United States have confirmed measles outbreaks this year, generally related to unvaccinated travelers.
Canada's Chief Public Health Officer recently commented measles cases can still occur here when an individual who is not fully vaccinated has traveled to or from a country where measles is circulating.
There are about eight measles cases in Canada in 2024, in cities such as Montreal and Toronto.
In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its report indicating 41 measles cases in sixteen jurisdictions this year. Broward County, Florida; Detroit, Michigan; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have recently reported measles cases.
At this pace, the U.S. may exceed 2023, when 20 jurisdictions reported 58 measles cases.
Last year, the CDC published a global Watch-Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions, Travel Health Notice identifying measles outbreaks in 47 countries.
Additionally, since measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, the CDC offers people access to a digital app to help travelers determine whether or not they need MMR vaccination before departure.
The CDC says MMR vaccines are offered at health clinics and community pharmacies in 2024.
Takeda and Biological E. Limited today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate access to QDENGA® (Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine [Live, Attenuated]) multi-dose vials (MDVs).
MDVs offer economic and logistical advantages for National Immunization Programs by minimizing packaging and storage expenses and reducing medical and environmental waste.
These doses will ultimately be made available for government procurement in dengue-endemic countries by 2030 to support National Immunization Programs.
"Takeda's long-term goal for our dengue program has been to make QDENGA broadly available to those at risk who may benefit from immunization. Within the last year, we've successfully launched in private markets, are now launching in some public programs, and working with partners to support a broader public health impact," said Gary Dubin, M.D., president of the Global Vaccine Business Unit at Takeda.
According to the press release on February 27, 2024, BE will ramp up to a manufacturing capacity of up to 50 million doses a year, accelerating Takeda's efforts to manufacture 100 million doses annually within the decade.
The partnership will build upon existing manufacturing capacity for the vaccine at Takeda's facility in Singen, Germany, and Takeda's long-term collaboration with IDT Biologika GmbH.
Dengue fever is among the most common mosquito-borne viral diseases worldwide. Dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries and causes an estimated 390 million infections yearly.
The Americas, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific regions are the most seriously affected, with Asia alone representing ~70% of the global disease burden.
In 2024, the state of Florida reported two cases of locally acquired dengue from two counties. In 2023, positive samples from 186 humans were reported from five counties.
QDENGA is currently available in the private market in countries in Europe, Indonesia, and Thailand and in private and some public programs in Argentina and Brazil.
As of late February 2024, QDENGA is not approved by the U.S. FDA.
In 2024, an unusual number of measles outbreaks have already been confirmed in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 35 measles cases recently. Recent measles cases have been reported in Indiana and New Orleans.
In 2024, there has been an alarming increase in the number of measles cases in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently reported 35 confirmed measles cases.
And in Florida, a media statement issued by the Florida Department of Health on February 23, 2024, confirmed six measles cases in Broward County and a travel-related case in Central Florida (Polk County).
This area of Florida is home to about 2 million people and is adjacent to various entertainment parks and convention centers.
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County confirmed on February 20, 2024, that students at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston were infected, and about 200 classmates did not attend class last week.
Suspected measles cases are required to be reported immediately to county health departments or the Department's Bureau of Epidemiology to ensure prompt response and public health efforts. If a measles infection is suspected, please call your local county health department or the Department's Bureau of Epidemiology at 850-245-4401.
These cases relate to the global measles outbreak, generally impacting unvaccinated children and international travelers.
Last year, the CDC published a global Watch-Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions, Travel Health Notice identifying measles outbreaks in 47 countries.
In 2023, over 500,000 suspected measles cases were reported in 169 destinations.
