broadlyepi

[broadlyepi]

BroadlyEpi Newsletter

Hello! This newsletter will have both last weeks content and some less recent articles as well (excluding archived MMWR Boosters as otherwise that’d be way too many links). I hope you’re all doing great!

MMWR Boosters (Current Edition):

MMWR Booster for: Outbreak Linked to Morel Mushroom Exposure — Montana, 2023, Weekly / March 14, 2024 / 73(10);219–224

MMWR Booster for: Notes from the Field: Surveillance for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children — United States, 2023 , Weekly / March 14, 2024 / 73(10);225–228

MMWR Booster for: Surveillance of Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water — United States, 2015–2020 , Surveillance Summaries / March 14, 2024 / 73(1);1–23

MMWR Booster for: Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreak — Cook County, Illinois, October–November 2023, Weekly / March 14, 2024 / 73(10);229–230

MMWR Booster for: Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, and Blastomycosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, 2019–2021 / Weekly / March 21, 2024 / 73(11);239–244

MMWR Booster for: Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment Update — U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 36 Countries, 2016–2023 / Weekly / March 21, 2024 / 73(11);233–238

MMWR Booster for: Notes from the Field: Expanded Laboratory Testing for Varicella — Minnesota, 2016–2023 / Weekly / March 21, 2024 / 73(11);245–246

Epi Explained, ThuRsday and PyFriday Tutorials:

Epi Explained: Understanding T-Tests, Relative Risk and SIR Models

ThuRsday Tutorial: How to Calculate T-Tests, Relative Risk and SIR Models in R

PyFriday Tutorial: How to Calculate T-Tests, Relative Risk, and SIR Models in Python

As a final general announcement, we’re happy to report that BroadlyEpi is now a major sponsor of the Twin Strangers Production network of Audio Drama Podcasts. If you haven’t checked out any of their great work, you absolutely should.

#epidemiology #public health #science #cdc #R #python #covid

[broadlyepi]

MMWR Booster for: Federal Retail Pharmacy Program Contributions to Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccinations Across Sociodemographic Characteristics — United States, September 1, 2022–September 30, 2023 / Weekly / April 4, 2024 / 73(13);286–290

Top 5 Takeaways

Significant Contribution by FRPP: The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program (FRPP) partners administered 67.7% of the 59.8 million COVID-19 bivalent vaccine doses in the U.S. during the study period.

Variation Across Age Groups: The highest uptake of bivalent vaccine doses administered by FRPP partners was observed among adults aged 18–49 years (70.6%), while the lowest was among children aged 6 months–4 years (5.9%).

Equitable Access Across Racial and Ethnic Groups: FRPP partners administered a significant portion of bivalent doses to racial and ethnic minority groups, demonstrating a key role in ensuring equitable vaccine access.

Urban vs. Rural Distribution: FRPP partners administered a higher proportion of bivalent doses in urban areas (81.6%) compared to rural areas (60.0%), highlighting differences in pharmacy accessibility.

Potential Model for Future Public Health Responses: The success of the FRPP in administering bivalent COVID-19 vaccine doses suggests it could serve as a model for future vaccine-preventable disease responses.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Roua El Kalach, PharmD, [email protected]

Suggested Citation

El Kalach R, Jones-Jack N, Elam MA, et al. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program Contributions to Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccinations Across Sociodemographic Characteristics — United States, September 1, 2022–September 30, 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:286–290. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7313a2.

Summary

This study evaluates the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program's contribution to administering COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccine doses across various sociodemographic groups in the U.S. from September 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. It found that 67.7% of the total 59.8 million doses were administered by FRPP partners, with significant variations across age groups, and equitable access across racial and ethnic groups.

Methods

The analysis utilized two data sources: FRPP bivalent dose administration data reported directly to CDC and all-provider data on bivalent vaccine dose administration reported to CDC by each jurisdiction. It examined the proportion of doses administered by FRPP partners across different age cohorts, sexes, racial and ethnic groups, and urban-rural classifications.

Discussion

The FRPP's substantial role in administering bivalent doses indicates its effectiveness in making COVID-19 vaccines accessible across the U.S. Differences in vaccine uptake among different demographic groups highlight areas for further investigation and potential improvement in public health strategies.

Conclusion

The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program has been crucial in ensuring access to bivalent COVID-19 vaccinations across the U.S., demonstrating the potential for pharmacies to play a key role in future public health responses. Further strategies are needed to improve data collection and reporting, especially in pharmacy settings, to guide public health practices effectively.

This has been your booster shot of MMWR Info! Please check back for more MMWR, Public Health, and Programming Tutorial content daily.

#public health #epidemiology #mmwr booster #cdc #covid #vaccine #covid19 #science

[broadlyepi]

MMWR Booster for: Vital Signs: Hepatitis C Treatment Among Insured Adults — United States, 2019–2020 / Weekly / August 12, 2022 / 71(32);1011-1017

Top 5 Takeaways

Low Treatment Rates Across Age and Insurance Types: Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment rates for hepatitis C are notably low, especially among young adults aged 18–29 years and Medicaid recipients, highlighting significant disparities in access to this life-saving treatment.

Impact of Medicaid Treatment Restrictions: Within Medicaid, treatment initiation is lower among persons in states with treatment restrictions, and among individuals identifying as Black or of other races, underscoring the need for policy changes to improve equity in treatment access.

Disparities in Treatment Initiation: Treatment initiation within 360 days of diagnosis varies significantly by insurance type, with private insurance recipients having the highest rates (35%), followed by Medicare (28%) and Medicaid (23%), indicating insurance type as a barrier to timely treatment.

Significance of Timely DAA Treatment: Timely initiation of DAA treatment is crucial for reducing hepatitis C virus-related mortality, disparities, and transmission, emphasizing the need for unrestricted access to DAA treatment across all insurance types.

Recommendations for Public Health Practice: Enhancing access to hepatitis C treatment, especially for Medicaid and Medicare recipients, and removing Medicaid treatment restrictions are critical steps towards achieving hepatitis C elimination goals.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Carolyn Wester, [email protected].

Suggested Citation

Thompson WW, Symum H, Sandul A, et al. Vital Signs: Hepatitis C Treatment Among Insured Adults — United States, 2019–2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1011-1017. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7132e1.

Summary

This article highlights the urgent need for improved access to hepatitis C treatment among insured adults in the United States, focusing on disparities related to age, race, and insurance type. Despite the high efficacy of DAA treatments, which can cure over 95% of cases, treatment rates remain low, particularly among young adults and Medicaid recipients. The report emphasizes the importance of timely DAA treatment initiation to reduce hepatitis C virus-related mortality, disparities, and transmission.

Methods

The study used data from HealthVerity to construct a cohort of adults aged 18–69 years with diagnosed hepatitis C infection, analyzing the association between DAA treatment initiation and factors such as sex, age, race, insurance payor, and Medicaid restriction status through multivariable logistic regression.

Discussion

Disparities in DAA treatment initiation are evident, with lower rates among Medicaid and Medicare recipients compared to those with private insurance. The analysis also reveals that treatment initiation is particularly low among young adults and individuals in states with Medicaid treatment restrictions. These disparities highlight the need for policy interventions to improve access to hepatitis C treatment.

Conclusion

To reduce hepatitis C virus-related mortality, disparities, and transmission, it is crucial to ensure unrestricted access to DAA treatment for all individuals, regardless of insurance type or state-imposed Medicaid treatment restrictions. Public health efforts should focus on removing barriers to treatment and promoting timely initiation of DAA therapy.

This has been your booster shot of MMWR Info! Please check back for more MMWR, Public Health, and Programming Tutorial content daily.

#mmwr booster #epidemiology #public health #hepatitis

[broadlyepi]

February 7, 2024

[broadlyepi]

I am told that the headlines really undersell how rad my tattoo is. I agree.

[broadlyepi]

Boosting this as milf-adjacent's blog was incredibly helpful and contained professionally verified information including my own. Hey @staff , what's it like to have your head so far up your ass that your hate removes useful information that can aid in saving lives? Do you enjoy being lumped in with the likes of MTG and JKR? Is that your kink?

tumblr just nuked @milf-adjacent's blog with zero warning, no explanation from staff or e-mail whatsoever. her blog has been a vital resource for documenting COVID-19, and she did nothing ban worthy. she seems to be another target of the transmisogyny being carried out by staff.

[broadlyepi]

MMWR Booster: Notes from the Field: Long COVID Prevalence Among Adults — United States, 2022

Top 5 Takeaways

Variability in Long COVID Prevalence: The age- and sex-standardized prevalence of Long COVID among adults varies significantly across U.S. states and territories, ranging from 1.9% in the U.S. Virgin Islands to 10.6% in West Virginia.

Geographic Disparities: Prevalence of Long COVID exceeded 8.8% in seven states, with lower prevalences observed in New England and the Pacific regions, and higher in the South, Midwest, and West.

Surveillance Gaps Highlighted: The report underscores the need for ongoing jurisdiction-specific prevalence assessments to inform public health policies and support for Long COVID sufferers.

Study Limitations: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System did not capture data on treatment during acute COVID infection, time since illness, or the duration or severity of symptoms, which could affect prevalence figures.

Implications for Public Health Practice: State- and territory-level data could guide policy, planning, or programming and help identify geographic disparities, promoting health equity.

Full Summary Link: BroadlyEpi.com

#mmwr booster #cdc #covid #long covid #research #public health

[broadlyepi]

There is no requirement for people deserving food, shelter and kindness.

[broadlyepi]

Nobody better ever fucking tell me the fight for rights is over.

[broadlyepi]

Respiratory distress in SARS-CoV-2 exposed uninfected neonates followed in the COVID Outcomes in Mother-Infant Pairs (COMP) Study

Top 5 Takeaways

High Rates of Respiratory Distress in Exposed Uninfected Neonates: The study found unusually high rates (17%) of respiratory distress (RD) in SARS-CoV-2 exposed uninfected (SEU) term neonates.

Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination Reduces Neonatal RD: Maternal vaccination against COVID-19 significantly reduced the frequency of neonatal RD, with a 67% decline in the odds of RD in neonates born to vaccinated mothers compared to those born to unvaccinated mothers.

Proteomic Analysis Reveals Inflammatory Response: Proteomic analysis indicated a robust inflammatory response in SEU neonates with RD, involving pathways like ciliary dysregulation and enhanced IgE production.

Demographic and Clinical Factors: The study enrolled 221 pregnant persons with COVID-19 and 227 exposed fetuses. It highlighted the correlation of RD with factors like maternal disease severity, prematurity, and the absence of maternal COVID-19 immunization.

Th2-Skewed Immune Response in SEU Neonates: SEU preterm infants with RD showed a Th2-skewed immune response, indicated by elevated levels of certain cytokines and the inhibition of FC gamma receptors.

Original Article Author and Citation

Olivia M. Man, Tamiris Azamor, Mary Catherine Cambou, Trevon L. Fuller, Tara Kerin, Sophia G. Paiola, Jessica S. Cranston, Thalia Mok, Rashmi Rao, Weiqiang Chen, Jae U. Jung, Viviana Fajardo Martinez, Suan-Sin Foo, Karin Nielsen-Saines

Suggested Citation

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44549-5

Summary

The study aimed to understand the impact of prenatal COVID-19 exposure on neonatal respiratory distress (RD). A high incidence of RD was observed in SEU neonates, and maternal vaccination notably reduced this risk. Proteomic analysis suggested a strong inflammatory response in these neonates.

Methods

The research employed a longitudinal cohort study approach, enrolling mothers with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and their exposed fetuses. Various demographic, clinical, and proteomic analyses were used to understand the complex relationship between maternal COVID-19 parameters and infant RD.

Discussion

The findings highlight the protective role of maternal COVID-19 vaccination in reducing neonatal RD. The study also revealed a Th2-skewed immune response in SEU neonates with RD, suggesting potential long-term implications, including the development of allergic processes and pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusion

Maternal vaccination against COVID-19 significantly decreases the risk of neonatal RD in SEU infants. The study underscores the importance of maternal vaccination for reducing neonatal morbidity and improving long-term infant health.

#covid #covid 19 #covid vaccine #sars cov 2 #neonatal #health #epidemiology #breaking news

[broadlyepi]

What is just as maddening is seeing teachers and parents of school children do this, or sending their kids to school sick. Like, we all know schools are a cesspool, but they don't have to be. Fuck me, the only culture they're getting these days are bacteria and viral cultures.

we are on like covid variant #100037 and rsv/flu/pneumonia cases are rising and people will show up unmasked and be like “yeah i’ve been sick for days :/” like. ok. Get the fuck away from me then? why are you out here breathing on everything. the very least you could be doing is masking. NOT hacking into open air every two seconds.

[broadlyepi]

I got to hold a 500,000 year old hand axe at the museum today.

It's right-handed

I am right-handed

There are grooves for the thumb and knuckle to grip that fit my hand perfectly

I have calluses there from holding my stylus and pencils and the gardening tools.

There are sharper and blunter parts of the edge, for different types of cutting, as well as a point for piercing.

I know exactly how to use this to butcher a carcass.

A homo erectus made it

Some ancestor of mine, three species ago, made a tool that fits my hand perfectly, and that I still know how to use.

Who were you

A man? A woman? Did you even use those words?

Did you craft alone or were you with friends? Did you sing while you worked?

Did you find this stone yourself, or did you trade for it? Was it a gift?

Did you make it for yourself, or someone else, or does the distinction of personal property not really apply here?

Who were you?

What would you think today, seeing your descendant hold your tool and sob because it fits her hands as well?

What about your other descendant, the docent and caretaker of your tool, holding her hands under it the way you hold your hands under your baby's head when a stranger holds them.

Is it bizarre to you, that your most utilitarian object is now revered as holy?

Or has it always been divine?

Or is the divine in how I am watching videos on how to knap stone made by your other descendants, learning by example the way you did?

Tomorrow morning I am going to the local riverbed in search of the appropriate stones, and I will follow your example.

The first blood spilled on it will almost certainly be my own, as I learn the textures and rhythm of how it's done.

Did you have cuss words back then? Gods to blaspheme when the rock slips and you almost take your thumbnail off instead? Or did you just scream?

I'm not religious.

But if spilling my own blood to connect with a stranger who shared it isn't partaking in the divine

I don't know what is.

[broadlyepi]

Current MMWR Booster: MMWR Booster for: Cannabis Use Among Students in Grades 8, 10, and 12, by Sex — King County, Washington, 2008–2021

Top 5 Takeaways

Declining Cannabis Use Trends: Between 2008–2021, cannabis use among male and female students in grades 8, 10, and 12 in King County, Washington, showed a significant decline.

Sex-Specific Prevalence Shift: Initially, cannabis use was higher among male students. However, in 2021, for the first time, the prevalence of current cannabis use was lower among male students compared to female students.

Grade-wise Prevalence: The highest prevalence of both current and frequent cannabis use was observed among 12th grade students, followed by 10th and 8th graders.

Impact of Legalization and COVID-19: The legalization of nonmedical cannabis and the COVID-19 pandemic's shift to remote learning environments may have influenced the observed trends in cannabis use among students.

Focus on Tailored Interventions: Developing interventions that consider differences in risk and protective factors by sex or gender identity could improve equity in youth cannabis use reduction strategies.

Full summary link: BroadlyEpi.com

Enjoying these summaries? Check back every day at 8am and 4pm Pacific Time (UTC - 8) for a new MMWR Booster. A reblog would also be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone who already has! BroadlyEpi hopes to make Epidemiology and Public Health more approachable to anyone who's interested.

#MMWR Booster #public health #cdc #epidemiology #science #cannabis #pediatric

[broadlyepi]

Current MMWR Booster: Pseudomonas Infection Outbreak Associated with a Hotel Swimming Pool — Maine, March 2023

Top 5 Takeaways

Outbreak Identification and Response: In March 2023, Maine CDC investigated a Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak at a hotel pool. Among 35 guests surveyed, 23 developed symptoms like ear pain and rash after swimming during March 4-5.

Source of Infection: P. aeruginosa was identified in skin lesion cultures from three patients. SNP analysis suggested a common exposure source, likely the hotel swimming pool.

Hotel Pool Violations: Inspections revealed multiple violations at the hotel pool, including inadequate chlorine maintenance and no functioning disinfectant feeder, contributing to the outbreak.

Public Health Implications: The case underscores the importance of proper maintenance and public health compliance in preventing outbreaks at recreational water venues.

Prevention Strategies: Recommendations include maintaining chlorine concentration, rigorous management, and public health messaging to pool users, especially during peak seasons (January-April).

Full summary link: BroadlyEpi.com

Enjoying these summaries? Check back every day at 8am and 4pm Pacific Time (UTC - 8) for a new MMWR Booster. A reblog would also be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone who already has! BroadlyEpi hopes to make Epidemiology and Public Health more approachable to anyone who's interested.

#MMWR Booster #public health #cdc #epidemiology #science #Pseudomonas #outbreak #hotel #maine

[broadlyepi]

Current MMWR Booster: Detecting Mpox Cases Through Wastewater Surveillance — United States, August 2022–May 2023, Weekly / January 18, 2024

Top 5 Takeaways

Effective Detection of Mpox in Wastewater: The study revealed a sensitivity of 32% in detecting a single mpox case in large population samples through wastewater surveillance. Sensitivity improved with more cases in the community.

High Predictive Values: The positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) for detecting mpox in wastewater were high, indicating reliable detection capabilities.

Public Health Implications: An isolated detection of Monkeypox virus in wastewater suggests a limited public health response is needed, while nondetection in a monitored community indicates a low likelihood of widespread cases.

Sensitivity Variances: The sensitivity of wastewater surveillance increased as the number of persons shedding the virus increased, reaching 77% for detecting 15 or more cases.

Complement to Case Surveillance: Wastewater surveillance is a valuable tool to complement traditional mpox case surveillance, especially in guiding public health responses to outbreaks.

Full summary link: BroadlyEpi.com

Enjoying these summaries? Check back every day at 8am and 4pm Pacific Time (UTC - 8) for a new MMWR Booster. A reblog would also be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone who already has! BroadlyEpi hopes to make Epidemiology and Public Health more approachable to anyone who's interested.

#MMWR Booster #public health #cdc #epidemiology #science #mpox #wastewater

[broadlyepi]

Current MMWR Booster: Mpox Outbreak — Los Angeles County, California, May 4–August 17, 2023, Weekly / January 18, 2024

Top 5 Takeaways

Rise in Mpox Cases: Los Angeles County saw an increase in mpox cases from May to August 2023, with 56 cases reported, marking a higher rate than previous months and in comparison to other U.S. regions.

Vaccination Gaps: A significant number of mpox patients were not fully vaccinated, with only 29% having received full vaccination, highlighting a need for increased vaccination efforts.

Demographic Profile: The outbreak primarily affected males who identify as gay or bisexual. The median age was 35, with notable racial disparities in vaccination rates among different ethnic groups.

Mild Reinfections Reported: Two mild cases of reinfection occurred among unvaccinated individuals who had a previous mpox diagnosis in 2022.

Public Health Response: Efforts included vaccination drives, particularly before Pride events, and ongoing surveillance and educational outreach to control the spread of mpox.

Full summary link: BroadlyEpi.com

Enjoying these summaries? Check back every day at 8am and 4pm Pacific Time (UTC - 8) for a new MMWR Booster. A reblog would also be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone who already has! BroadlyEpi hopes to make Epidemiology and Public Health more approachable to anyone who's interested.

#MMWR Booster #public health #cdc #epidemiology #science #mpox #outbreak #los angeles

[broadlyepi]

MMWR Booster #40:  Receipt of First and Second Doses of JYNNEOS Vaccine for Prevention of Monkeypox — United States, May 22–October 10, 2022

Top 5 Takeaways

JYNNEOS Vaccine Distribution: Over 931,000 JYNNEOS vaccine doses were administered in the U.S. from May 22 to October 10, 2022, as part of the monkeypox outbreak response.

Demographic Disparities: Initially, there were disparities in vaccination rates among racial and ethnic groups. However, these disparities decreased over time, with increased vaccination among Black and Hispanic communities.

Vaccination Completion Rates: Approximately 57.6% of those eligible for a second dose received it. Completion rates were highest among older adults, non-Hispanic White individuals, and residents of the Southern U.S.

Challenges in Vaccine Administration: Limitations in vaccine supply and distribution, as well as difficulties in linking first and second doses across jurisdictions, posed challenges in ensuring optimal vaccination coverage.

Public Health Implications: Addressing disparities and improving equitable access to vaccination are crucial for controlling the monkeypox outbreak and protecting at-risk populations.

Note:

This MMWR Article was created prior to the conventional renaming of Monkeypox to its more standard and appropriate name, Mpox. To avoid confusion, Monkeypox is retained when writing this article, but all future works should use Mpox.

Full summary link: BroadlyEpi.com

Enjoying these summaries? Check back every day at 8am and 4pm Pacific Time (UTC - 8) for a new MMWR Booster. A reblog would also be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone who already has! BroadlyEpi hopes to make Epidemiology and Public Health more approachable to anyone who's interested.

#MMWR Booster #public health #cdc #epidemiology #science #mpox #vaccine