Vaccine panel appointed by RFK Jr. loses member before first meeting
ATLANTA — The influential federal vaccine panel appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. two weeks ago lost one of its members hours before it was set to meet for the first time Wednesday.
'Dr. Michael Ross decided to withdraw from [the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices] during the financial holdings review required of members before they can start work on the committee,' said Andrew Nixon, a spokesman for Kennedy's health department. 'The sacrifice to serve on ACIP varies from member to member, and we appreciate Dr. Ross's willingness to go through this rigorous process. We would have benefited from his service and expertise on this committee. The meeting will go as planned and there will be a quorum.'
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Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Once named opponents in the Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage, now they're friends
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The case behind the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide a decade ago is known as Obergefell v. Hodges, but the two Ohio men whose names became that title weren't so at odds as it would seem, and are now friends. One year after the Supreme Court's June 26, 2015, decision, lead plaintiff Jim Obergefell was at an event for an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization when its former director asked if he wanted to meet Rick Hodges, who'd been the title defendant in his capacity as state health director in Ohio, one of the states challenged for not allowing same-sex couples to marry. 'I don't know, you tell me. Do I want to meet Rick Hodges?' Obergefell recalls responding. The two met for coffee in a hotel and hit it off. Hodges said he wanted to meet Obergefell because he's an 'icon.' He said he remembers telling Obergefell something along the lines of: 'I don't know if congratulations are in order because this began with you losing your husband, but I'm glad you won and I've never been so happy to lose in my life.' Obergefell and John Arthur, who brought the initial legal action, were longtime partners living in Cincinnati. After Arthur was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 2011, Obergefell became Arthur's caregiver as the incurable condition ravaged his health. They flew to Maryland to marry before Arthur died in 2013, and the legal battle began when they learned their union wouldn't be listed on the death certificate handled by the Ohio Department of Health. Although Hodges' role as health director required him to defend the state, it didn't mean that his personal views aligned with the state's position. 'Personally, I was supportive of their efforts, as were some of the people who worked on the case for the state. Professionally, I had a job to do and I did it to the best of my ability,' Hodges said. In the months leading up to the court's decision, Hodges had gathered a group of Ohio lawyers to develop the paperwork needed to create the licensing system for judges to grant same-sex couples marriage licenses on the day of the decision if the Supreme Court ruled in their favor, said Obergefell's lead attorney in the case, Al Gerhardstein. Gerhardstein said Obergefell and Hodge's friendship is unusual in a 'very positive and exemplary way.' 'We need more models like that as we struggle with difficult social issues,' he said. The duo said they see each other two to three times per year and have routinely spoken together at conferences and panels. 'It's funny, whenever we go into an event together, everybody claps for him and looks at me like I'm the prince of darkness until we're done, and then it's great,' Hodges said. They are seeing each other more often this year since it's the 10th anniversary of the decision. Recently, they saw each other at a symposium at Northern Kentucky University and at another event, sponsored by Equality Ohio, the same organization that first led to their introduction. 'I can't think of other cases where the plaintiff and the defendant are friends. They might exist, I don't know about them,' Obergefell said. 'But I'm really glad that Rick and I are friends.'
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Tick Bite? Here's What to Know About Lyme Disease and Your Next Steps
You just finished a satisfying summer hike or wrapped up a weekend of yard work when you spot a tick clinging to your clothes. The fresh-air high fades quickly as you remember the risks -- ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, a growing concern across the US. Lyme disease cases have more than doubled in recent years, according to the CDC, with annual reports jumping from around 42,000 to nearly 90,000. While part of that increase is due to improved detection and reporting methods, the risk is still very real. Whether you're spending time on the trails or just working in your backyard, it's worth knowing how to prevent tick bites, recognize early symptoms and get treatment if needed. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe this summer. What is Lyme disease? You can get Lyme disease when a tick bites you, spreading a specific type of bacteria. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, a pathologist who specializes in the laboratory diagnosis of vector-borne and parasitic diseases, explains the disease more in-depth: "Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged (deer) ticks. In the United States, it is caused primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi, and to a lesser extent, Borrelia mayonii. Lyme disease is the number-one cause of tick-transmitted disease in the United States." However, the tick has to carry the bacteria to give you Lyme disease. Not all ticks carry the bacteria. According to the Global Lyme Alliance, anywhere from under 1% to over 50% of black-legged ticks may carry Borrelia burgdorferi, depending on location. However, they may have other pathogens. Dr. Donald Harker, wilderness medicine fellow at the University of Nevada, Reno, says, "Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterial spirochete that lives in the midgut of infected ticks, typically requiring extended attachment of a tick to host for transmission to occur." Lyme disease symptoms "There are three stages of disease including early localized, early disseminated and late disseminated Lyme disease," says Harker. Stage 1 Lyme disease symptoms The Mayo Clinic lists symptoms of the early stage occurring three to 30 days after an infected tick has bitten you. Pritt says the early localized state can include "fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pains and a characteristic 'bull's-eye' rash (known as erythema migrans) at the tick bite site. The rash is seen in about 70% of infected people, but it may go unnoticed, especially if it is on a part of the body that isn't easily seen, such as the scalp or back. The rash enlarges over time and sometimes clears to create the classic target or 'bull's-eye' appearance." Dr. Omar Al-Heeti, an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University who practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases, and one of CNET's medical reviewers, adds, "More common than not, there is not central clearing or 'target' appearance. The rash should be larger than 5 cm." Willowpix/Getty Images Stage 2 Lyme disease symptoms Stage 2 of Lyme disease tends to happen three to 10 weeks after the tick bite. During stage 2, symptoms can already become serious or deadly. According to Harker, "During transition to early disseminated disease, multiple erythema migrans rashes may develop more distant from the original bite location, along with flu-like symptoms, cranial nerve palsy, meningitis or cardiac conduction abnormalities. While Lyme carditis [occurs when Lyme disease bacteria enter the heart's tissue] is rare, it is a significant cause of Lyme disease-related mortality and has been documented to result in complete heart block in as little as four days after infection." The Mayo Clinic lists additional symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, painful swelling around the eye or eyelid, eye nerve pain or vision loss, muscle weakness that can happen on one or both sides of the face and body pain. Stage 3 Lyme disease symptoms Symptoms from earlier stages can persist into stage 3. But a host of new serious symptoms might arise, characterized most commonly by arthritis in large joints. "The last stage, late disseminated Lyme disease, presents months to years after the initial tick bite," Harker says. "Characteristic symptoms of late disseminated Lyme disease include Lyme arthritis with pain in one or more major joints and nervous system involvement including sleep disturbance, memory loss, mood swings, migraine, encephalopathy [a change in how your brain functions], vertiginous dizziness and peripheral paresthesia [the sensation of tingling, prickling or numbness]." Post-Treatment Lyme disease syndrome symptoms "Some people experience fatigue, joint pain and brain fog lasting six months or more – this is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), and it can be very debilitating for some people," Pritt states. No one quite knows why symptoms may persist after treatment. According to Harker, "The etiology of PTLDS is unclear, though several mechanisms have been proposed, including microbial persistence, though no evidence has shown continued infection. Other proposed mechanisms include immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, residual inflammation or gut microbiome alterations, though further research is required at this point."Lyme disease risk factors Since ticks transmit Lyme disease, it primarily affects people who spend the most time outside in certain regions. Pritt identifies the following risk factors: "Living or spending time in wooded or grassy areas, especially in the Northeast, upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest US, and not using protection against tick bites when outdoors." Harker mentions other risk factors: "Seasonally, the risk of infection is highest during late spring, summer and early fall when nymphal ticks are most active, though climate changes have enabled tick expansion to regions that have historically not experienced as much tick-borne illness. House pets are also able to bring ticks into the home, with the largest risk associated with cats. Lastly, we do see an increased incidence of infection in certain age groups, including children less than 15 and individuals aged 50-70 years old." How is Lyme disease diagnosed? Pritt outlines the whole diagnostic process: "Lyme disease is usually diagnosed through a review of the patient's symptoms in conjunction with a history of tick exposure, and blood tests to detect the patient's immune response to the bacteria (called serologic testing). When present, the bull's-eye rash is considered diagnostic of Lyme disease in endemic areas and should prompt immediate treatment. However, not all cases of Lyme disease are straightforward, and laboratory testing can play a crucial role in making the diagnosis, particularly in the later stages of disease." How is Lyme disease treated? Can it be cured? Pritt states that doctors treat with antibiotic courses like doxycycline. Harker adds that treatment may vary based on how someone's symptoms manifest, which organs are infected and what stage of infection the person is experiencing. Oral antibiotics tend to go to those who exhibit rashes. People with more serious symptoms like neurologic issues or heart problems might get IV antibiotics. People with a tick bite and potential exposure may get prophylactic postexposure antibiotics if it is noted that the tick is the deer tick, the bite occurred in a highly endemic area and the tick was attached for over 36 hours. Treatments can get even more involved for the worst complications. According to Harker, "[For] cardiac manifestations, IV antibiotics [may be used], with a potential need for a pacemaker if [there is the] presence of a symptomatic heart block." Pritt adds, "Lingering after-treatment symptoms can be very troublesome and challenging to treat. Rest, physical therapy, stress management and support from healthcare providers can help manage symptoms." She adds that lingering symptoms might result from an overactive immune response or residual tissue damage, rather than ongoing infection. Al-Heeti adds, "Long-term antibiotics are not recommended for PTLDS or chronic Lyme as sometimes prescribed." rbkomar/Getty Images What to do if a tick bites you Follow these steps if you notice that a tick has bitten you: Remove the tick immediately. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. Clean the area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. Safely save the tick. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. Watch for symptoms and keep in touch with your doctor. Keep an eye out for telltale symptoms like the bull's-eye rash. If exposure is likely and you live in the Northeast, you might consider getting preventative antibiotics from a doctor. How to prevent Lyme disease There are currently no Lyme disease vaccines on the market. "A new vaccine is in development and could become available in the next few years, pending approval," says Pritt. There are some in human trials at the moment, says Harker. Since Lyme disease can range from asymptomatic to deadly, it's best to avoid ticks in the first place using a few easy preventative measures. Use tick repellent Harker recommends tick repellants like DEET or picaridin. He also suggests finding tick-resistant clothing treated with permethrin. Dress appropriately outdoors Pritt recommends wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Harker reminds us that you can tuck clothing into the waist of pants and socks to minimize gaps that pests can get into. "Light-colored clothing may also aid in the early identification of ticks attached to clothing," says Harker. Perform tick checks "As transmission of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease typically requires a tick to be attached for 15 to 48 hours, frequent skin checks for possible tick exposure should be performed when in outdoor areas with risk of contact," Harker says. You should also perform frequent tick checks while outside and after. "Showering after being in tick-prone areas can help to identify ticks on your body," says Pritt. "Be sure to check all of the members of your group, including your pets." When to contact a doctor Pritt takes a pragmatic approach: "If you develop a rash, fever or flu-like symptoms within 30 days, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, then you should contact your doctor to see if you should be tested for tick-borne diseases." Harker also says you should contact your doctor if there is any concern, as he states that "prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated and are best administered within the first 72 hours after the tick bite." The bottom line Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that live in the deer tick. People contract the disease after the tick has bitten them and been on their bodies for most of the day or longer. Symptoms go in three stages and may start with the signature bull's-eye rash. Later stages can mean arthritis, heart problems, stiffness and pain in the body, eye pain or vision loss and muscle weakness. It's best to prevent tick bites by covering as much skin as possible outdoors, with regular tick checks and by using tick repellant. Lyme disease FAQs Can Lyme disease go away on its own? According to Cedars Sinai, if untreated, the Lyme infection may go away on its own. However, if untreated, you may have to deal with complications down the line. Watch out for symptoms and contact your doctor if there are any concerns. Can you live long with Lyme disease? Yes, you can live a long life even if you contract Lyme disease – especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. Brown University Health reports that it is very unlikely for someone to die from Lyme disease.
American Press
an hour ago
- American Press
Kennedy's new vaccine advisers meet for first time
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Special to the American Press) U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new vaccine advisers began their first meeting Wednesday under intense scrutiny from medical experts worried about Americans' access to lifesaving shots. First on the agenda is an awkward scenario: Kennedy already announced COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women, and his new advisers aren't scheduled to vote on whether they agree. Yet government scientists prepared meeting materials calling vaccination 'the best protection' during pregnancy — and said most children hospitalized for COVID-19 over the past year were unvaccinated. COVID-19 remains a public health threat, resulting in 32,000 to 51,000 U.S. deaths and more than 250,000 hospitalizations since last fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most at risk for hospitalization are seniors and children under 2 — especially infants under 6 months who could have some protection if their mom got vaccinated during pregnancy, according to the CDC's presentation. It's one signal that this week's two-day meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices isn't business as usual. Another sign: Shortly before the meeting, a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist stepped down from the committee, bringing the panel's number to just seven. The Trump administration said Dr. Michael Ross withdrew during a customary review of members' financial holdings. The meeting opened as the American Academy of Pediatrics announced that it will continue publishing its own vaccine schedule for children but now will do so independently of the ACIP, calling it 'no longer a credible process.' The panel, created more than 60 years ago, helps the CDC determine who should be vaccinated against a long list of diseases, and when. Those recommendations have a big impact on whether insurance covers vaccinations and where they're available, such as at pharmacies. Earlier this month, Kennedy abruptly dismissed the existing 17-member expert panel and handpicked eight replacements, including several anti-vaccine voices. And a number of the CDC's top vaccine scientists — including some who lead the reporting of data and the vetting of presentations at ACIP meetings — have resigned or been moved out of previous positions. The highly unusual moves prompted a last-minute plea from a prominent Republican senator to delay this week's meeting. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician who chairs the chamber's health committee, said Monday that many of Kennedy's chosen panelists lack the required expertise and 'may even have a preconceived bias' against new vaccine technologies. In a House hearing Tuesday, Kennedy defended his purge, saying the old panel had been 'a template for medical malpractice.' Rep. Kim Schrier, a pediatrician and Democrat from Washington state, told Kennedy: 'I will lay all responsibility for every death from a vaccine-preventable illness at your feet.' Committee will vote on RSV protections The two-day meeting's agenda on was abruptly changed last week. Discussion of COVID-19 shots will open the session on Wednesday. Later in the day, the committee will take up RSV, with votes expected. On Thursday, the committee will vote on fall flu vaccinations and on the use of a preservative in certain flu shots. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common cause of cold-like symptoms that can be dangerous for infants. In 2023, U.S. health officials began recommending two new measures to protect infants — a lab-made antibody for newborns and a vaccine for pregnant women — that experts say likely drove an improvement in infant mortality. The committee will discuss another company's newly approved antibody shot, but the exact language for the vote was not released prior to the meeting. 'I think there may be a theme of soft-pedaling or withdrawing recommendations for healthy pregnant women and healthy children,' even though they are at risk from vaccine-preventable diseases, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University who co-authored a recent medical journal commentary criticizing the COVID-19 vaccination decision. Flu shot recommendations to be debated At its June meetings, the committee usually refreshes guidance for Americans 6 month and older to get a flu shot, and helps greenlight the annual fall vaccination campaign. But given the recent changes to the committee and federal public health leadership, it's unclear how routine topics will be treated, said Jason Schwartz, a Yale University health policy researcher who has studied the committee. Thursday also promises controversy. The advisory panel is set to consider a preservative in a subset of flu shots that Kennedy and some antivaccine groups have falsely contended is tied to autism. In preparation, the CDC posted a new report confirming that research shows no link between the preservative, thimerosal, and autism or any other neurodevelopmental disorders. Gostin said the agenda appears to be 'a combination of what we would normally expect ACIP to cover along with a mixture of potential conspiracy theories,' he said. 'We clearly are in a new normal that's highly skeptical of vaccine science.' The committee's recommendations traditionally go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director. Historically, nearly all are accepted and then used by insurance companies in deciding what vaccines to cover. But the CDC currently has no director, so the committee's recommendations have been going to Kennedy, and he has yet to act on a couple recommendations ACIP made in April. The CDC director nominee, Susan Monarez, is slated to go before a Senate committee on Wednesday.
