This article explores the evolving landscape of consumer shopping habits and provides valuable insights into current purchasing trends. The Shopping Trends team, independent of CTV News journalists, analyzes data to identify popular products and inform readers about potential deals. Through the use of affiliate links, the team may earn a commission from purchases made through their recommendations. Further details about their process can be found on their website.
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**1st US human bird flu case in 9 months confirmed with strain only seen in animals before**
This latest news is that a resident of Washington state has contracted bird flu, making it the first confirmed human case in the United States in nine months.
The patient, described as an older adult with underlying health conditions, started showing symptoms in early November. These included a high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress, which led to hospitalization.
The specific strain identified in the patient is H5N5, a type of bird flu that’s previously been observed in animals. The Washington State Department of Health has confirmed that this is the first time this specific strain has been found in a human.… Continue reading
Pennsylvania teen dies from bacterial meningitis: School district. This tragic event underscores the serious nature of bacterial meningitis and the importance of understanding the disease and its prevention. While the details surrounding this specific case are still emerging, the underlying message is clear: bacterial meningitis is a dangerous illness that can have devastating consequences.
One of the most crucial aspects of addressing bacterial meningitis is recognizing its preventability. Vaccines are available for certain strains of bacteria that cause this disease. This is a crucial point, and it’s essential to emphasize that vaccination is the single best way to protect against pneumococcal disease, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis.… Continue reading
Amidst the government shutdown, the CDC initially issued termination notices to around 1,300 employees, later rescinding over half of these firings, as reported by several news outlets. The reinstated employees included members of the Epidemic Intelligence Service and those involved in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, according to The New York Times. Officials attributed the errors to “incorrect notifications” or a “coding error,” although the precise number of employees recalled remains unconfirmed. These actions have drawn criticism, with some labeling them as an assault on public health and highlighting the ongoing turmoil within the agency, including a recent lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees against the firings and recent events regarding previous CDC leadership and actions.
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As the government shutdown continues, the Trump administration has initiated a significant reduction in the federal public health workforce, specifically at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These layoffs, confirmed by the Office of Management and Budget, involve permanent terminations rather than temporary furloughs and have dismantled key programs focused on family planning, LGBTQ+ health, and infectious disease surveillance. Experts warn that the cuts have severely impacted the CDC’s functionality and have left the nation vulnerable as it enters the respiratory virus season. Numerous senior scientists have resigned in recent months and the American Federation of Government Employees is contesting the firings through legal action.
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Trump Administration Is Bringing Back Scores of C.D.C. Experts Fired in Error
So, let’s talk about this whole situation where the Trump administration is bringing back scores of CDC experts, allegedly fired in error. It’s a wild ride, isn’t it? It’s hard to ignore the overwhelming sentiment that the whole thing is a colossal mess of incompetence and maybe even something worse. It’s a situation that is, in a word, a cluster.
This wasn’t just a simple mix-up. It sounds like a significant number of CDC employees were given the boot, and now, after some apparent scrambling, the administration is trying to undo some of the damage.… Continue reading
Measles outbreaks in South Carolina and Minnesota have led to significant quarantines and remote learning for unvaccinated children. In South Carolina, 153 students are under quarantine, while in Minnesota, 118 students face similar restrictions due to exposure to the highly contagious virus. Health officials have indicated active, unrecognized community transmission is occurring, highlighting the need for preventative measures to mitigate further spread. Vaccination rates below 95% in impacted areas are cited as a contributing factor in these outbreaks.
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Six former U.S. Surgeons General issued a joint warning, expressing concern that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s actions are endangering the nation’s health. The group of former officials accused Kennedy of rejecting science, misinforming the public, and eroding trust in agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. They pointed to specific examples, such as the overhaul of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel and distortion of vaccine information, as evidence of his harmful influence. The former surgeons general also noted a decline in morale within HHS, describing an environment of intimidation and censorship that is negatively impacting the agency.
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Between 2019 and 2023, infection rates from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” increased by nearly 70% across 29 states, a new CDC report reveals. The rise was primarily driven by bacteria containing the NDM gene, with cases jumping more than fivefold in recent years, posing a grave danger. These infections, once linked to overseas medical care, now threaten to spread within communities, potentially transforming routine infections into chronic problems. The increase is likely related to the surge in antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current data likely underestimates the true scope of the issue due to incomplete testing and reporting in many states.
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The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently updated its recommendations regarding the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). The updated guidance advises against using the MMRV vaccine for children under the age of 4 due to a minor risk of febrile seizures in that age group. This adjustment aims to mitigate potential side effects while maintaining the vaccine’s overall benefits in preventing these diseases.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood