Top 5 Infectious Disease New Stories Week of July 5-July 12

Salmonella Outbreak Cases Associated with Cucumbers Nearly Triple in a Month

As of July 2, 2024, there have been 449 reported cases, and 124 people hospitalized from infection from the Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup outbreak strains across 31 states and the District of Columbia. Among these cases, 215 were attributed to the newly identified Salmonella Braenderup strain. Out of the 188 individuals interviewed, 129, 69%, stated that they had consumed cucumbers.

From Pathogen to Infectious Disease Diagnosis

Here is our inaugural podcast with our host, Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, SV/SM/MB(ASCP)CM, FACSc, who interviews guests on connecting lab professionals to clinicians and the intricacies of assays, the next generation of diagnostics, and the nuances of interpreting test results.

The CDC’s Rapid Detection Assays on Combating the Spread of Anopheles stephensi

Christina Rafferty, BSc, an expert from the CDC, discusses the CLASS assay for swift and accurate detection of Anopheles stephensi, which is essential for controlling malaria spread and protecting communities from resurgence in Africa. The spread of the An stephensi mosquito, an invasive malaria vector, poses a significant threat in Africa. This species, not accounted for in traditional identification keys, heightens the risk of misidentification, complicating malaria control efforts.

Exploring the Dual Benefits of COVID-19 Vaccination in Mitigating Asthma Symptoms in Children

Matthew M Davis, MD, MAPP elaborates on how higher COVID-19 vaccination rates may curb the virus, alleviate childhood asthma symptoms, and protect against other common colds. Recent research published in JAMA Network Open suggests that states with higher COVID-19 vaccination rates among individuals aged 5 and up may experience benefits beyond controlling the virus itself. The study explores a potential correlation between vaccination rates and improved outcomes for pediatric asthma patients.

cUTI Roundtable: Discussing and Diagnosing These Difficult Infections

This series looks to discuss several topics around these infections including diagnosis, treatment, challenges in managing UTIs in patients with dementia and neurogenic bladders, antibiotic resistance, and considerations for patients and caregiver engagement. Our complicated UTI roundtable series, which is a collaborative effort that includes Contemporary Pediatrics, Contagion, and Contemporary OB/GYN.