Top in ID: COVID-19 case counts, spike in US death rate

During a special session at IDWeek, Anthony S. Fauci, MD, said many countries, including the United States, are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. It was the top story in infectious disease last week.

Another top story was about new data showing a 20% spike in mortality during a 4-month period in the U.S.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:

Fauci: Case counts ‘stunning’ as many places see COVID-19 surge

Many countries are seeing a spike in COVID-19, including the U.S., where a third wave has pushed the number of cases above 8.2 million, including 220,000 deaths. Read more.

Deaths spike 20% in U.S. during 4-month period

The U.S. had a mortality rate that was 20% higher than expected between March and July, and it experienced high COVID-19-related mortality and excess all-cause deaths into September, according to results from two JAMA studies. Read more.

Study highlights overlapping symptoms of MIS-C, other illnesses

A study presented at IDWeek underscored the need to identify clinical and laboratory features that distinguish multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children from other similar illnesses, researchers said. Read more.

Who is being left out of COVID-19 research?

As scientists test treatments and vaccines against COVID-19, Healio spoke with Infectious Disease News Editorial Board Member Peter Chin-Hong, MD, about which populations are being left out of COVID-19 research and what needs to happen to make the process more inclusive. Read more.

Phase 3 trial supports PCV20 in adults

Pfizer’s 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine induced robust immune responses that were comparable to other vaccines currently on the market, according to results from a phase 3, randomized, double-blind trial. Read more.