Today’s Public Health related Updates — Jul 20, 2024
Today’s news highlights a number of concerning public health issues, including outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, resurgence of infectious diseases, and escalating health disparities affecting women.
Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
- A deadly listeria outbreak linked to meat sliced at grocery store deli counters has claimed two lives and hospitalized over two dozen people across a dozen states in the US. The largest number of cases have been reported in New York. More…
- Canada has also been hit by a listeria outbreak linked to nondairy milk alternatives, with two fatalities and 10 confirmed cases. This outbreak has raised concerns about Danone’s transparency in disclosing critical information about the contamination. More…
- The CDC is actively investigating the listeria outbreak across the US, advising vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, to avoid eating sliced deli meat unless it’s thoroughly reheated. More…
Resurgence of Infectious Diseases
- A suspected case of the Nipah virus has been reported in Kerala, India, prompting health authorities to convene a high-level meeting to prevent a potential outbreak. The confirmed infection in a 14-year-old boy has heightened concerns about the virus’s resurgence. More…
Health Disparities Affecting Women
- A new report by the Commonwealth Fund highlights alarming disparities in women’s health across the US, with states with near-total abortion bans ranking significantly lower on various health indicators. The report points to a “perilous” situation for women’s health, characterized by preventable deaths and high cancer rates. More…
- Experts have raised concerns about the misleading marketing of custom-mixed hormone therapies for menopause, suggesting that they are “frankly reprehensible” and may be linked to endometrial cancer. More…
Other Public Health Concerns
- The recent increase in alcohol consumption among older adults is a growing public health concern, especially considering that drinking trends are stable or declining in other age groups. More…
- The Indian government has rejected a study claiming 11.9 lakh excess Covid deaths in the country, deeming it methodologically flawed and producing unreliable results. More…
The past 24 hours have presented a range of public health challenges, requiring swift and decisive action from authorities and healthcare providers. The resurgence of infectious diseases like Nipah and the continued spread of foodborne illnesses, alongside growing health disparities impacting women, underscore the importance of robust public health infrastructure and proactive measures. Addressing these complex challenges demands a comprehensive approach that prioritizes prevention, early detection, and equitable access to healthcare services.
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