Top in ID: Masking in health care facilities; COVID-19 risk in people with obesity
The CDC recently announced that it is no longer recommending universal masking in health care settings unless the facility is in an area of high COVID-19 transmission.
Based on individual and local circumstances, the CDC said that facilities can “choose not to require” all health care workers, visitors and patients to wear masks. These updates were made to reflect the availability of effective treatments as well as high levels of infection- and vaccine-induced immunity. It was the top story in infectious disease last week.
Another top story covered a study that explored why people with obesity may be at a higher risk for COVID-19-related illness and death. Researchers found that adipose tissue can act as a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2, causing prolonged health concerns.
Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:
Universal masking no longer recommended in health care facilities, CDC says
The CDC no longer recommends universal masking in health care settings unless the facilities are in areas of high COVID-19 transmission, according to updated guidance posted on the agency’s website. Read more.
SARS-CoV-2 infects fat tissue, possibly explaining obesity risk factor
SARS-CoV-2 infects adipose tissue, where it can act as an ongoing source of virus replication and inflammation, according to a study that may indicate why obesity has proven to be such a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19. Read more.
Hybrid immunity from prior omicron infection, vaccination provides best COVID-19 protection
Hybrid immunity from prior omicron infection and at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine provided the highest protection from omicron infection, according to data recently published in The Lancet. Read more.
Officials weigh vaccine options as death toll rises in Ugandan Ebola outbreak
Officials have begun assessing Sudan ebolavirus vaccine candidates as case and death counts continue to rise in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Uganda that has now spread to two more districts in the country. Read more.
Data support EUA for bebtelovimab for COVID-19 during omicron dominance
Rates of severe disease and ICU admissions do not significantly differ among patients with COVID-19 receiving either bebtelovimab or Paxlovid, according to a recent study. Read more.