Whooping cough cases are soaring. Can infecting people help test a better vaccine? | CNN Whooping cough is surging in the United States, with cases now five times higher than they were at the same point last year, according to preliminary data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that was reported Friday. Brenda Goodman, Deidre McPhillips CNN

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US COVID markers show more declines Wastewater levels are still high, but like other markers are showing a downward trend. CIDRAP

US COVID activity continued to decline in many areas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its latest updates. ...

Common diabetes drug linked to lower rate of long COVID Metformin is the most common type 2 diabetes drug prescribed to millions of American each year, and a new study from researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published in Diabetes Care suggests the drug can lower the risk of developing long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), in diabetics. CIDRAP

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Metformin lowers blood sugar and is most commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. The drug also is prescribed off-label for weight loss and other metabolic conditions.

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Mpox is not under control in Africa, warns Africa CDC

Gavi to buy 500,000 mpox vaccine doses from Bavarian Nordic

The US is entering a riskier season for spread of H5N1 bird flu. Here’s why experts are worried | CNN With the approach of fall and cooler weather across the United States, officials say the risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus could rise — and they’re taking steps to prevent the creation of a hybrid flu virus that could more easily infect humans. Brenda Goodman CNN

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US ranks last on key health care measures compared with other high-income nations, despite spending the most, report says | CNN The US spends more on health care than any other high-income country, but a new report suggests that “Americans are sicker, die younger and struggle to afford essential health care.” Jacqueline Howard CNN

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Global health fund says health, climate, conflict 'triple whammy' hits world's poorest

COVID-19 epidemiological update – 17 September 2024 Edition 171

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Globally, during the 28-day period (22 July to 18 August 2024), the number of new cases and deaths increased by 23% and 44% compared to the previous 28-day period (24 June to 18 August 2024), with 238 000 new cases reported across 91 (39%) countries and about 4400 new fatalities reported across 35 (15%) countries, respectively. As of 22 July to 18 August 2024, over 776 million confirmed cases and more than seven million deaths have been reported globally since the beginning of pandemic.

Rep. Bucshon calls vaccine access for children, elderly ‘critically important’ 

Vaccine access of Americans, especially for children and the elderly, is “critically important,” Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) said Tuesday.  

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The congressman said his biggest concern about the surviving vaccine hesitancy from the pandemic is how it has spilled over into childhood vaccinations for diseases like the measles and mumps.

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