MMWR Weekly Briefing

This episode discusses three MMWR reports. First, a pilot study in Uganda increases screening and treatment for household members affected by tuberculosis, helping to reduce transmission. Second, adolescent girls and young women in Eswatini who have functional disabilities are more likely to experience sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Last, a U.S. traveler returning from Zimbabwe was hospitalized with a rare parasite infection that causes sleeping sickness

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a new study highlights the importance of people following recommended precautions when they have potential job-related exposures to avian influenza (H5N1) viruses that can cause H5N1 bird flu. Second, traffic-related pedestrian death rates in the U.S. increased 50% between 2013 and 2022, while many other high-income countries experienced decreases. Third, a study finds increases in neuro-, ocular, and otic syphilis among some groups in Chicago, following a pattern similar to national syphilis trends. Last, CDC finds sick workers and improper temperature control are the most common causes of food-related viral and bacterial outbreaks, respectively.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. In our first report, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Mortality by Industry and Occupation - United States, 2020-2022, workers in some industries and occupations have higher-than-expected death rates from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease. In our second report, Enhanced Identification of Tobacco Use Among Adult Medicaid Members - King County, Washington, 2016-2023, identifying tobacco product use during Medicaid enrollment provides opportunities for states to help people quit smoking, improve their health, and lower health care spending. In our third report, Tobacco Product Use Among Adults - United States, 2017-2023, exclusive cigarette smoking has decreased, while exclusive e-cigarette use has increased, leading to no overall change in tobacco product use among adults from 2017 to 2023. In our last report, Detection of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 in Wastewater - Five European Countries, September-December 2024, variant poliovirus was detected in wastewater in five European countries last Fall.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination provides additional protection against COVID-19-associated emergency department/urgent care encounters and hospitalizations. Second, this season's flu vaccines protect against flu-related medical visits and hospitalizations. Third, a new CDC report finds that 13% of children who have died from seasonal flu this season had influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis, a potentially severe neurologic complication. Last, as HPV vaccination has increased, a steep decline in cervical precancers has occurred.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a new CDC study explores possible transmission of the virus that causes H5N1 bird flu from dairy workers to two indoor-only cats in Michigan. Second, the dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico continues, with children 10-19 years old being most affected. Third, wastewater testing and viral genetic testing can provide information on the community spread of hepatitis A. Last, scientists recorded a brief 110-fold increase in air lead levels during the 2025 LA fires.

This episode discusses two MMWR reports. First, CDC finds evidence of previous infection with avian influenza A(H5) bird flu in three veterinary practitioners who work with cattle. Next, the public health system responds to the first known case of clade I mpox in the U.S. and prevents its spread.

This episode discusses two MMWR reports. First, the average percentage of emergency department visits potentially associated with fire and smoke inhalation increased eightfold to 0.5% during the first 6 days of the 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires. Next, firefighters had higher concentrations of PFAS - a group of chemicals linked to cancer and other health effects - in their blood 1 month after responding to the 2023 Maui wildfires than other responder groups.

This episode discusses three MMWR reports. First, U.S. health care providers report that concerns about time, cost, and confidentiality interfere with seeking care for mental health. Next, CDC releases the 2025 Child and Adolescent, and Adult Immunization Schedules.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, pneumococcal vaccination is now recommended for all adults aged 50 and older. Second, widespread mercury exposure and health risks at an Ohio lamp recycling facility raise occupational safety concerns. Third, multiple people in Arizona were hospitalized with severe illness after consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand microdosing products. Last, a new CDC report reveals a 56% increase in the rate of tularemia cases in the United States

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems should get 2 doses of a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, spaced 6 months apart. Second, a new CDC report examines homicides related to intimate partner violence of Hispanic and Latino people in the United States. Third, the current dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico has resulted in higher rates of hospitalizations than previous outbreaks, with more than half of patients needing hospital care. Last, polio cases increase in Afghanistan as vaccine campaign restrictions threaten eradication efforts.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a CDC study finds that 1 in 20 women surveyed experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Second, a CDC report on waterborne disease outbreaks linked to splash pads highlights ways to stay healthy while you play. Third, overdose deaths overall and with illegally made fentanyls detected started to decline in late 2023; overdose deaths with carfentanil increased sharply but remain rare. Last, CDC vaccination recommendations for hepatitis B were updated to include an additional vaccine option during pregnancy.

This episode discusses six MMWR reports. First, three reports describe the spread of parvovirus B19 in the United States in 2024; some groups are at increased risk for serious complications from this infection. Second, emergency department visits for firearm injuries declined from 2022 to 2023 yet were still higher than before the pandemic. Third, Rocky Mountain spotted fever continues to emerge in the California-Mexico border region. Last, CDC makes progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat by reaching more than 2 million people in 37 countries with pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, nirsevimab reduces the risk of severe RSV among Alaskan Native children, who have historically experienced high rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations. Second, a concerning decline in the use of antivirals is seen among children and teens hospitalized with flu. Third, measles cases are surging worldwide as vaccination coverage remains below pre-pandemic levels. Last, disease presentation, vaccination status, and recent international travel are important when suspected measles cases occur.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, CDC finds evidence of additional H5 bird flu infections among dairy workers - personal protective equipment can help protect against infection. Second, Guinea worm disease is close to eradication, yet obstacles remain. Last, overdose deaths in the U.S. with ketamine detected are rare but increasing.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, low flu and COVID-19 vaccination among some health care workers in the U.S. Second, a new report shows low flu vaccination rates and flu antiviral treatment among pregnant and postpartum women in Suzhou, China. Third, four cases of new fungal rash spread during sex have been confirmed in New York City. Last, an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Virginia is disproportionately impacting Black adults - an unusual and concerning finding.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a case of locally acquired malaria in Arkansas in 2023 highlights the importance of preventing diseases spread by mosquitoes. Second, public health officials in California responded to the first locally acquired dengue infections, also transmitted by mosquitoes. Third, private balcony hot tubs are previously unidentified sources of Legionella exposure on cruise ships. Last, JN.1 and its descendants have been the most common SARS-CoV-2 virus variants in 2024, and they're still evolving.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, tobacco product use among youth is at a 25-year low, yet disparities persist. Second, a new study shows continued declines in routine childhood vaccination rates as outbreaks of preventable diseases persist. Third, health officials prevent a form of rabies virus from spreading in the Midwest. Last, countries with low polio vaccination rates continue to experience outbreaks.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, an estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults have ADHD. Approximately half have used telehealth for ADHD-related services. Second, undercooked bear meat is linked to 10 parasitic infections in North Carolina. Third, condomless receptive anal sex with a person with clade II mpox is associated with 5x the odds of getting mpox. Last, a cluster of mpox cases resistant to TPOXX occurred among patients who had never taken it before.

This episode discusses five MMWR reports from our October 8th Youth Behavior Risk Surveillance Supplement. First, frequent social media use and experiences of racism in school are linked to poor mental health among high school students. Next, the majority of high school students in the U.S. have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, no new safety concerns have been identified a year after the RSV vaccine was recommended for older adults. Second, in response to New York City's chickenpox outbreak, about 27,000 vaccine doses have been administered to prevent new infections. Third, despite a decrease in reported cases, mosquitoes and ticks continue to spread disease in the U.S. Last, dangerous meningococcal infections after travel to Saudi Arabia highlight the need for vaccination before travel to perform the Umrah or Hajj pilgrimages.