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Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

COVID-19: New LB.1 Variant Sees Climb In Infections Amid Nationwide Uptick In Cases COVID-19: New LB.1 Variant Sees Climb In Infections Amid Nationwide Uptick In Cases
Covid-19: New LB.1 Variant Sees Climb In Infections Amid Nationwide Uptick In Cases Cases of a new COVID-19 variant are on the rise nationally as the spread of the virus overall is climbing, according to brand-new data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The highly contagious variant, LB.1, now accounts for 17.5 percent of US cases in the two weeks ending Saturday, June 22. LB.1 cases have more than doubled since May, and some experts think it could be on a path to surpass two offshoots of the highly contagious Omicron variant who are part of the so-called "FLiRT" group: KP.3 and KP. 2. Combined, those two subvariants account for mo…
COVID-19: Cases Of Eris Subvariant EG.5 Jump; Here Are Symptoms COVID-19: Cases Of Eris Subvariant EG.5 Jump; Here Are Symptoms
Covid-19: Cases Of Eris Subvariant EG.5 Jump; Here Are Symptoms Cases of a COVID-19 strain known as Eris, whose official name is EG.5, have increased according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).Already the most prevalent subvariant in the US, Eris now accounts for 29.4 percent of COVID cases in the US in the CDC's report released Saturday, Sept. 30. Two weeks ago, Eris accounted for 24.5 percent of US cases. Eris is an offshoot of the highly-contagious Omicron strain. In a Risk Evaluation statement on the EG.5 strain released late last week, the World Health Organization said cases of the subvariant have …
COVID-19: New EG.5 Variant Identified Amid Rise In Cases, Hospitalizations COVID-19: New EG.5 Variant Identified Amid Rise In Cases, Hospitalizations
Covid-19: New EG.5 Variant Identified Amid Rise In Cases, Hospitalizations New update - COVID-19: New Eris Strain Already Most Prevalent Version Of Virus A new COVID-19 variant has been identified amid a rise in hospitalizations and cases being reported by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). COVID hospital admissions during the week ending Saturday, July 29, increased 12.5 percent over the previous week, according to CDC data. In addition, visits to the emergency room were up more than 21.8 percent, and the positive test percentage increased 1.3 percent. One of the causes of the trend could be excessive heat, which is sending…
COVID-19: Summertime Uptick In Cases, Hospitalizations Reported By CDC COVID-19: Summertime Uptick In Cases, Hospitalizations Reported By CDC
Covid-19: Summertime Uptick In Cases, Hospitalizations Reported By CDC A summertime uptick in both COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases is being reported by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). “After roughly six, seven months of steady declines, things are starting to tick back up again,” said CDC’s COVID incident manager Dr. Brendan Jackson, according to a report by NPR. COVID-hospital admissions during the week ending Saturday, July 22, increased 10.3 percent over the previous week, according to CDC data. In addition, visits to the emergency room were up more than 17 percent and the positive test percentage went up 1.3 perc…
COVID-19: CDC Says It's Now Tracking More Immune-Evasive XBB Variant Growing In Northeast COVID-19: CDC Says It's Now Tracking More Immune-Evasive XBB Variant Growing In Northeast
Covid-19: CDC Says It's Now Tracking More Immune-Evasive XBB Variant Growing In Northeast With more than 300 COVID-19 Omicron sublineages circulating around the globe, a new potentially more contagious variant called XBB is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). XBB is considered more immune-evasive than other Omicron variants, Chief White House medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said last week. But government officials said they don't think XBB will become a threat at the level of Omicron, which first emerged on the global scene almost exactly a year ago. Though XBB now accounts for just over 3 percent of new cases in t…
Death Confirmed Days After CDC Issues Nationwide Alert For Mysterious Hepatitis Outbreak Death Confirmed Days After CDC Issues Nationwide Alert For Mysterious Hepatitis Outbreak
Death Confirmed Days After CDC Issues Nationwide Alert For Mysterious Hepatitis Outbreak Just days after the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention issued a national alert to doctors over a mystery hepatitis outbreak, the death of a child has now been confirmed, the World Health Organization announced. At least 169 cases have now been reported in the United States and 11 other countries, the WHO said, adding that the cases range from those in the ages of 1 month to 16 years old. The CDC notified clinicians and public health authorities on Thursday, April 21 about a cluster of children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection, asking all physicians to be on …
CDC Issues Nationwide Alert After Hepatitis Outbreak Of Unknown Origin CDC Issues Nationwide Alert After Hepatitis Outbreak Of Unknown Origin
CDC Issues Nationwide Alert After Hepatitis Outbreak Of Unknown Origin The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has issued a national alert to doctors over a mystery hepatitis outbreak. The CDC notified clinicians and public health authorities on Thursday, April 21 about a cluster of children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection, asking all physicians to be on the lookout for symptoms and to report any suspected cases of hepatitis of unknown origin to their local and state health departments. The CDC said it is currently working with the Alabama Department of Public Health to investigate a cluster of nine cases of hepatitis of unknown ori…
COVID-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says COVID-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says
Covid-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says A fall COVID-19 surge is likely due to the highly transmissible "stealth Omicron" sub-variant, Dr. Anthony Fauci is now saying. "It is likely that we will see a surge in the fall," Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical advisor to the president, said in an interview with Bloomberg conducted last week. "I would think that we should expect that we are going to see some increase in cases as you get to the colder weather in the fall." The BA.2, more commonly known as “stealth Omicron," now accounts for …
COVID-19: These Are Most Common Symptoms For New 'Stealth Omicron' Variant COVID-19: These Are Most Common Symptoms For New 'Stealth Omicron' Variant
Covid-19: These Are Most Common Symptoms For New 'Stealth Omicron' Variant With the number of COVID-19 cases linked to the subvariant of the Omicron strain on the rise, attention is turning to its symptoms. The so-called "Stealth Omicron" strain now accounts for about 35 percent of new COVID cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Those infected with the BA.2 subvariant have been mainly reporting symptoms common to Omicron, NBC News reported. They are: Cough Fatigue Congestion Runny nose In addition, dizziness that may come and go during the day has been reported among those infected with the BA.2 sub…
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Dole Salads Kills Two, CDC Says Listeria Outbreak Linked To Dole Salads Kills Two, CDC Says
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Dole Salads Kills Two, CDC Says A listeria outbreak connected to Dole packaged salads is being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).  A total of 17 confirmed illnesses in 13 states have been connected to the outbreak, with two deaths being reported.   Packaged salads produced by Dole were sold and are now being recalled under these multiple brands: Ahold Dole HEB Kroger Lidl Little Salad Bar Marketside Naturally Better Nature’s Promise President’s Choice Simply Nature Products include mixed greens, garden salads, Caesar kits, and many other types of salads in bags or clam…
Outbreak Of Drug-Resistant 'Superbug' Under Investigation In US Outbreak Of Drug-Resistant 'Superbug' Under Investigation In US
Outbreak Of Drug-Resistant 'Superbug' Under Investigation In US An outbreak of Candida auris, a serious fungal infection that is often resistant to multiple antifungal medicines, is being investigated in the United States. The Oregon Health Authority said in a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 28 that three cases of the so-called "Superbug" -- the first-ever in the state's history -- have been detected. The infection has only recently appeared in the United States after first identified in 2009 in Asia, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The first Oregon case, confirmed on Friday, Dec. 17 at Salem Hospital, involved a pa…
COVID-19: Omicron Confirmed In CT Resident With Family Member Who Attended NYC Convention COVID-19: Omicron Confirmed In CT Resident With Family Member Who Attended NYC Convention
Covid-19: Omicron Confirmed In CT Resident With Family Member Who Attended NYC Convention Omicron, the new strain of COVID-19 that has caused worldwide alarm the last week, has now been detected in Connecticut and Massachusetts. "This evening we confirmed the first case of the Omicron variant in CT," Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Saturday night, Dec. 4. "This is not a cause for alarm. We have life-saving tools available and I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to fight this pandemic. Get your vaccination. Get your booster." The case involves a man in his 60s from Hartford County who developed mild symptoms on Saturday, Nov. 27. An at-home COVID-19 test…
COVID-19: Three More NY Residents Identified As Being Infected With Omicron Variant COVID-19: Three More NY Residents Identified As Being Infected With Omicron Variant
Covid-19: Three More NY Residents Identified As Being Infected With Omicron Variant Omicron, the new strain of COVID-19 that has caused worldwide alarm the last week, has now been detected in eight New York residents. On Saturday, Dec. 4, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced three more cases have been identified, two days after the state announced its first five cases. So far, the cases appear unrelated and have been confirmed through sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to the New York State Health Department.  All three of the new cases are from New York City. Nationally, a total of 23 people have been infected in 11 states: Utah, California, Minneso…
COVID-19: Five NY Residents Identified As Being Infected With Omicron Variant COVID-19: Five NY Residents Identified As Being Infected With Omicron Variant
Covid-19: Five NY Residents Identified As Being Infected With Omicron Variant Omicron, the new strain of COVID that has caused worldwide alarm the last week, has now been detected in five New York residents. Four are from New York City and the other was a 67-year-old Long Island woman who lives in Suffolk County and had recently traveled to South Africa, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced early Thursday evening, Dec. 2. All five had mild symptoms, Hochul said.  The vaccination status has only been determined for one of the five -- the Suffolk County woman who was fully vaccinated. She tested positive on Tuesday, Nov. 30, Hochul said. Two of the other fo…
COVID-19: First Cases Of New Variant Identified In North America COVID-19: First Cases Of New Variant Identified In North America
Covid-19: First Cases Of New Variant Identified In North America The new strain of COVID-19 that has caused worldwide alarm the last week has been detected in North America for the first time. Two cases of the Omicron variant were confirmed in Canada. Both were in Ottawa, Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said in a statement released Sunday evening, Nov. 28. The two infected people had traveled from Nigeria and have been isolated, Elliott said. The Omicron variant, whose name comes from the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet, is spreading fast in Europe after the first case was identified by scientists in South Africa on Tuesday, Nov. 9. In…
COVID-19: New Variant's 50 Mutations Make It Different From Original Virus, NIH Director Says COVID-19: New Variant's 50 Mutations Make It Different From Original Virus, NIH Director Says
Covid-19: New Variant's 50 Mutations Make It Different From Original Virus, NIH Director Says Why are scientists so concerned about the new strain of COVID-19? Simply stated, when it comes to Omicron, it's all about the sheer numbers -- as in the number of mutations. "The main thing that has us focused on this and has caused us to be sort of 24-7 on Zoom calls the last four days is that it has so many mutations," Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), said Sunday morning, Nov. 28 on CNN. "Omicron has more than 50 variants that make it different from the original virus, including more than 30 that are in the spike protein." The spike proteins …
COVID-19: Guidelines For Holiday Gatherings Released By CDC COVID-19: Guidelines For Holiday Gatherings Released By CDC
Covid-19: Guidelines For Holiday Gatherings Released By CDC With Thanksgiving just days away, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released safety guidelines for holiday gatherings. "There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health," the CDC said. "Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible." Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the president, said Sunday, Nov. 21 on CNN that "Obviou…
Salmonella Outbreak 'Growing Rapidly,' CDC Says Salmonella Outbreak 'Growing Rapidly,' CDC Says
Salmonella Outbreak 'Growing Rapidly,' CDC Says A new salmonella outbreak with an unknown cause has infected over 125 people in 25 states and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is cautioning that it's growing rapidly. The first illness was reported on Tuesday, Aug. 3 and the number of cases has steadily increased since then. As of last week, 127 people were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Oranienburg, the CDC said. "Recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak," the CDC said. Sick people range in age from less…
COVID-19: Delta Variant As Contagious As Chickenpox, Internal CDC Document Says COVID-19: Delta Variant As Contagious As Chickenpox, Internal CDC Document Says
Covid-19: Delta Variant As Contagious As Chickenpox, Internal CDC Document Says The Delta variant, which now accounts for about 85 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the United States, is as contagious as chickenpox, according to internal documents by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Details of those documents were reported on Friday, July 30 by both The Washington Post and New York Times. The high viral load of the Delta variant makes it possible for vaccinated who become infected through breakthrough cases to spread the virus in some cases, the CDC now says. “We have studies that have now shown that even on the first swab on somebody with a…
COVID-19: Health Officials Racing To Find Ways To Change Young People's Vaccine Hesitancy COVID-19: Health Officials Racing To Find Ways To Change Young People's Vaccine Hesitancy
Covid-19: Health Officials Racing To Find Ways To Change Young People's Vaccine Hesitancy The reluctance of many younger Americans to get vaccinated for COVID-19 is the largest reason the country is not expected to reach President Joe Biden’s stated goal of having 70 percent of the population vaccinated by Independence Day. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), only 47.3 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and just 31.9 percent are fully vaccinated. Comparatively, 52.6 percent of 25 to 39 years old have received a first dose and 43.6 percent are fully vaccinated. The CDC noted that 62…
COVID-19: CDC Issues New Travel Guidance For Americans COVID-19: CDC Issues New Travel Guidance For Americans
Covid-19: CDC Issues New Travel Guidance For Americans The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has issued new COVID-19 travel guidance for Americans. The guidance "better differentiate countries with severe outbreak situations" from those where the virus is "sustained, but controlled." The CDC has grouped countries into four levels, with those in Level 4, the highest threat level. In those countries, there have been 500 cases for every 100,000 residents in the last 28 days. Brazil and India are among the Level 4 countries. The CDC is advising Americans to avoid traveling to Level 4 countries. Those in Level 3, with a high…
COVID-19: CDC Releases Brand-New Data On Hospitalized, Fatal Vaccine Breakthrough Cases COVID-19: CDC Releases Brand-New Data On Hospitalized, Fatal Vaccine Breakthrough Cases
Covid-19: CDC Releases Brand-New Data On Hospitalized, Fatal Vaccine Breakthrough Cases The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released brand-new data on the number of people who have been hospitalized or died despite being fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  To be fully vaccinated, two weeks or more must have passed since they received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. As of Monday, May 17,  more than 123 million people in the United States had been fully vaccinated.  During that time, the CDC said it received a total of 1,949 reports from 47 states and territories of vaccine brea…
COVID-19: Fully Vaccinated TV Host, Star Shortstop, Seven Other NY Yankees Test Positive COVID-19: Fully Vaccinated TV Host, Star Shortstop, Seven Other NY Yankees Test Positive
Covid-19: Fully Vaccinated TV Host, Star Shortstop, Seven Other NY Yankees Test Positive Click here for an updated story - COVID-19: Details Emerge On Vaccine Brand Taken By Star Shortstop, Seven Other Infected Yankees The percentage of people who have become infected with COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated is extremely low. But new so-called breakthrough cases of high-profile personalities in the entertainment and sports industries who are tested regularly are drawing attention. HBO has canceled the episode of "Real Time With Bill Maher" scheduled to air on Friday night, May 14 after the show's 65-year-old, fully vaccinated host tested positive for COVID. 'Bill tes…
COVID-19: CDC Announces Major New Guidance On Mask Wearing COVID-19: CDC Announces Major New Guidance On Mask Wearing
Covid-19: CDC Announces Major New Guidance On Mask Wearing The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has just released major new guidance on mask-wearing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new guidance, announced Tuesday afternoon, April 27, people who are fully vaccinated and who are outdoors no longer have to wear masks if they are gathered in small groups. Masks should still be worn at heavily attending outdoor gatherings, including concerts and sports events, where social distancing is not possible, the CDC said. It is also safe for those fully vaccinated to return to several activities inside, including attending religious ser…
COVID-19: Side Effects Are More Likely After Second Pfizer Or Moderna Dose; Here's Why COVID-19: Side Effects Are More Likely After Second Pfizer Or Moderna Dose; Here's Why
Covid-19: Side Effects Are More Likely After Second Pfizer Or Moderna Dose; Here's Why Feeling a bit sleepy, sore, and achy after getting your COVID-19 vaccine? Don't fret. Side effects are a sign that the body's immune system is responding to the dose, and that it's working, according to medical experts.  One of them, Dr.Allison Arwady, the Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner, said younger people are more likely to experience side effects because they "have more robust immune system broadly," according to a report by NBC 5 Chicago. Women are also more likely to report side effects than men, Arwady said, noting estrogen can elevate immune response…
COVID-19: CDC Releases New Guidance On Spread Of Virus On Surfaces COVID-19: CDC Releases New Guidance On Spread Of Virus On Surfaces
Covid-19: CDC Releases New Guidance On Spread Of Virus On Surfaces The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released updated guidance on the spread of COVID-19 on surfaces. "People can be affected with the virus that causes COVID-19 with contact with contaminated surfaces and objects," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. "However, evidence has demonstrated the risk by this route of transmission is actually low." Cleaning with a household cleaner that contains soap or detergent reduces the amount of germs on surfaces and decreases risk of infection from surfaces, Walensky said. "This process does not necessarily kill germs, but reduces the ri…
COVID-19: Vaccinated Americans Get Green Light To Travel, Should Take These Measures, CDC Says COVID-19: Vaccinated Americans Get Green Light To Travel, Should Take These Measures, CDC Says
Covid-19: Vaccinated Americans Get Green Light To Travel, Should Take These Measures, CDC Says Fully vaccinated Americans can resume domestic and overseas travel as long as they wear masks in public, and follow two other measures, according to brand-new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). They also don't need to be tested for COVID-19 before or after domestic travel and don't have to self-quarantine on return, provided they follow public health measures. The CDC released the guidance on Friday, April 2.  In addition to wearing a mask, fully vaccinated travelers should also: Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds Wash your hands often or use…
COVID-19: CDC Issues New Guidance On Social Distancing For Students COVID-19: CDC Issues New Guidance On Social Distancing For Students
Covid-19: CDC Issues New Guidance On Social Distancing For Students The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance on social distancing in schools. The agency announced late Friday morning, March 19 that students can sit 3 feet apart instead of 6 feet as long as they are wearing masks. The move will allow for more desks in classrooms and a more stable schedule for students. The new guidance, for K-12 students, includes all communities, regardless of whether the transmission rate is substantial, moderate, or low, according to the CDC. The announcement comes following a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Disea…
COVID-19: CDC Unveils Highly-Anticipated Guidelines For Those Who Are Fully Vaccinated COVID-19: CDC Unveils Highly-Anticipated Guidelines For Those Who Are Fully Vaccinated
Covid-19: CDC Unveils Highly-Anticipated Guidelines For Those Who Are Fully Vaccinated The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has just issued its first guidance for fully vaccinated people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who currently count as fully vaccinated are those who have gotten two separate shots of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines with the second shot coming at least two weeks ago. The rollout for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine started last week. According to the CDC guidance released late Monday morning, March 8, fully vaccinated people should still: Maintain physical distance in public and wear a well-fitted mask Avoid large- and…
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Some Types Of Fresh, Soft Cheeses, CDC Says Listeria Outbreak Linked To Some Types Of Fresh, Soft Cheeses, CDC Says
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Some Types Of Fresh, Soft Cheeses, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has issued an alert due to a listeria outbreak linked to certain types of fresh, soft cheeses. "Don’t eat any Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses (like queso fresco, queso blanco, and queso panela), until we identify a specific type or brand that is making people sick." the CDC stated in the alert. There have been seven illnesses, all resulted in hospitalizations, in four states, including New York and Connecticut. The other states are Maryland and Virginia. You are at higher risk for severe Listeria illness if you are pregnant,…
COVID-19: Schools Can Safely Reopen If Proper Precautions Are Taken, CDC Says, Citing Research COVID-19: Schools Can Safely Reopen If Proper Precautions Are Taken, CDC Says, Citing Research
Covid-19: Schools Can Safely Reopen If Proper Precautions Are Taken, CDC Says, Citing Research Children can safely return to classrooms in most communities throughout the nation if proper safety measures are taken amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) announced, saying evidence indicates that in-person instruction can be held safely as long as social distancing and mask-wearing protocols are in place. At the same, local officials should limit indoor dining, bars, and poorly ventilated gyms in order to keep infection rates low in the community at large, the CDC researchers wrote in a report published on Tuesday, Jan. 26 in the journal JAMA. …