Top in ID: Measles deaths rise globally; influenza activity increases in US

Measles cases and deaths have increased in recent years, with roughly 9 million cases and 136,000 deaths globally in 2022.

According to a report published by the CDC and WHO, 37 countries experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2022 and nearly 33 million children missed a measles vaccine dose, continuing a years-long trend.

“Measles cases anywhere pose a risk to all countries and communities where people are under-vaccinated,” John Vertefeuille, PhD, MHS, director of the CDC’s Global Immunization Division, said in a press release. “Urgent, targeted efforts are critical to prevent measles disease and deaths.”

Experts warn that declining vaccination rates are a concern beyond measles.

“Declining vaccination rates set the stage for other serious vaccine-preventable diseases to reemerge,” Kate O’Brien, MD, MPH, director of WHO’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, said in a statement.

It was the top story in infectious disease last week.

In another top story, Healio compiled a list of articles about influenza as the CDC reports that influenza activity is increasing in most parts of the United States. Nationally, 2.9% of outpatient visits during the week ending Nov. 4 were for influenza-like illness, which is equal to the national influenza-like illness baseline that the CDC set for the 2023-2024 season.

Data from the CDC show that there have been at least 490,000 illnesses, 5,300 hospitalizations and 330 deaths from influenza so far this season.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:

Measles deaths spike more than 40%, CDC and WHO say

Measles cases rose globally by nearly 20% in 2022, and measles deaths increased by almost half, according to data published in MMWR by the CDC and WHO. Read more.

Five stories for the start of flu season

Influenza activity is increasing in most parts of the United States and is at or above baseline levels in three regions, the CDC reported. Read more.

Norovirus doubles death risk for older veterans, study finds

Older veterans were slightly more likely to be hospitalized and more than twice as likely to die in the 3 days after testing positive for norovirus compared with those who tested negative, according to study results. Read more.

Patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria frequently given inappropriate antibiotics

Inappropriate antibiotic treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in critical access hospitals, researchers reported. Read more.

IDSA outlines policy priorities for infectious diseases

The Infectious Diseases Society of America outlined its top policy priorities for the field of ID, including finding new ways to incentivize antibiotic development, increasing ID compensation and responding to global threats. Read more.