Latest news with #CDC
The Independent
35 minutes ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Americans in 11 states are told to avoid alcohol and caffeine
Millions of Americans in 11 states have been warned against using alcohol or caffeine, but not for the usual reasons. The National Weather Service predicted "dangerously hot conditions" for some parts of the U.S. and warned the residents in those states not to use caffeine or alcohol as the high heat mixed with the drugs' tendency to speed up dehydration. Instead, the NWS suggested drinking water or sports drinks with electrolytes. It also recommended using sunscreen and wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. The 11 states under a heat warning this week were Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia. California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona were under extreme heat warnings, while the other states were under a heat advisory. The advisory came as the NWS was predicting triple-digit heat in California, Oregon, and Nevada. The NWS predicted temperatures between 110 and 115 degrees for the Las Vegas area until 9pm. This is the second time this year that Sin City has hit 110 degrees, with temps previously skyrocketing to the same level on June 15. Death Valley, which is the hottest place on Earth during the summer, was forecast to see temperatures between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic medical conditions are the most likely to be affected by an extreme-heat-related illness. Those suffering from a heat-related illness may experience extreme sweating, cramps in their muscles, dizziness, and nausea. According to the CDC, more than 700 people die every year in the U.S due to extreme heat. Keeping safe during extreme heat doesn't end when the heatwave does, according to the American Red Cross. The organization recommends that people remember to care for their mental health both during and after extreme heat events, and to continue eating healthy foods and prioritizing sleep, especially if they struggled to sleep during the heat event.
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Flesh-Eating Virus Kills Four In Florida
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Four people have died in Florida due to infections from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium commonly known as "flesh-eating" for its ability to cause severe and sometimes fatal tissue damage. Newsweek has reached out to Florida's Department of Health via email for comment. Why It Matters Record cases of Vibrio vulnificus surged to record levels last year in Florida, with 82 cases and 19 deaths, Florida's health department reported at the time. The majority came after the hurricanes Helene and Milton. Flagellated Vibrio vulnificus bacterium revealed in the 26367x magnified scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image, 2005. Image courtesy Centers for Disease Control (CDC) / Janice Haney Carr. Flagellated Vibrio vulnificus bacterium revealed in the 26367x magnified scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image, 2005. Image courtesy Centers for Disease Control (CDC) / Janice Haney Carr. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images What To Know Fatalities have been reported across Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties, according to the Florida Department of Health, who reported the fatalities on July 11. This marks the first fatalities in connection with the bacterium this year. There have been a total of 11 confirmed infections across the state so far this year. The Florida Department of Health did not confirm the sources of these cases. What is Vibrio Vulnificus? Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in coastal waters, including salt and brackish water. There are around a dozen kinds of Vibrio, which cause the human illness, vibriosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 80,000 cases of vibriosis each year in the U.S., of which 52,000 cases are the result of eating contaminated food. The most common species that cause human illness in the U.S. are Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio alginolyticus. Thomas A. Russo, professor and chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Buffalo, told Newsweek over email, "The range of Vibrio vulnificus is defined by warm, brackish, and coastal marine environments, with ongoing expansion into higher latitudes as global temperatures rise. This organism is most prevalent in regions with water temperatures above 20°C and moderate-to-high salinity." "Cases have been rising as summers have grown warmer," Aileen Marty, professor of Infectious Diseases, Florida International University, told Newsweek, "The reason is that V. vulnificus is naturally found in warm, brackish coastal waters, especially in the Gulf Coast states (e.g., Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi)." Marty told Newsweek, "Symptoms often appear within 12–24 hours and include gastrointestinal distress, fever, blistering skin lesions, and potentially life-threatening sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis after wound exposure. Most severe cases occur in people with underlying health problems; mild or asymptomatic cases are likely underreported, as healthy individuals may experience few or no symptoms." Russo also told Newsweek, "Entry of V. vulnificus into an open wound (pre-existing or acquired while in the water) is the most common means of acquisition. Eating raw seafood is another, especially raw oysters." "Although healthy individuals can develop infection, which can be severe, individuals with chronic liver disease, hemochromatosis, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, and iron overload states are at higher risk for developing severe infection, which can be fatal," Russo said. What People Are Saying Thomas A. Russo, professor and chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Buffalo, told Newsweek over email, "Infections can occur with the combination of environmental exposure and host-factors... If you have a wound, cut, or disruption of your skin for whatever reason (e.g. recent surgery, tattoos et al) stay out of the water (seawater or brackish water) or cover the wound if exposure cannot be avoided. If you get a cut or injury while in the water, get out asap and wash the area," Russo said. Aileen Marty, professor of Infectious Diseases, Florida International University, told Newsweek over email, "The primary transmission routes are through the ingestion of raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, or exposure to brackish water through wounds. Individuals at highest risk include those with chronic liver disease (such as hepatitis B or C), diabetes, immune suppression, alcohol use disorder, malignancy, renal disease, or iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis." William Schaffner, MD, professor of Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Policy, told Newsweek over email, "The precautions are straightforward. Avoid going into the coastal water if you have broken skin. If you sustain an injury in the water, wash it off promptly and seek appropriate medical attention, particularly if the wound looks infected or the area becomes painful. Tell your provider of your water contact. Persons with chronic liver disease or who are immunocompromised should avoid eating raw oysters." What's Next Whether cases will rise this year remains to be seen.
Health Line
5 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease
Key takeaways Lyme disease progresses through stages, each with distinct symptoms, though individual experiences can vary. Early symptoms may include a bull's-eye rash, fever, and fatigue, while later stages can involve systemic infection affecting the heart, nervous system, and joints. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and possibly blood tests, but the CDC does not recommend tick testing. Early treatment with oral antibiotics is typically effective, while later stages may require intravenous antibiotics. Preventing Lyme disease centers on avoiding tick bites by using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after being outdoors. Although most people recover fully with treatment, some may experience post-Lyme disease syndrome. Lyme disease was first recognized in the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975. It's an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and, in rare cases, Borrelia mayonii. B. burgdorferiis transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. These tiny insects become infected after feeding on infected animals, such as deer, birds, or mice. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infected ticks transmit Lyme disease in the Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, and North Central United States, as well as on the Pacific Coast of the United States. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms and treatments for Lyme disease and how to identify a tick bite. Stages of Lyme disease Lyme disease is typically classified into three stages. These help categorize the severity and development of symptoms and the infection. Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease Symptoms of Lyme disease vary depending on the stage of infection. That said, the severity, progression, and presentation of symptoms may vary depending on the individual. For example, symptoms of stages 1 and 2 may overlap. Or, you may not experience any stage 1 symptoms but experience later symptoms. Early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease Symptoms of Lyme disease usually start 3–30 days after the tick bite. One of the earliest signs of the disease is a bull's-eye rash, also known as an erythema migrans. Up to 8 out of 10 people experience a bull's eye rash, which occurs at the site of the tick bite. It usually has a central red spot surrounded by a clear spot with an area of redness at the edge. People with lighter skin may have a rash that's solid red, while people with darker skin may have a rash that resembles a bruise. It may be warm to the touch, but it's not painful and doesn't itch. chills fever enlarged lymph nodes sore throat vision changes fatigue muscle aches headaches Later signs and symptoms of Lyme disease Early disseminated Lyme disease can appear up to 3 months after the tick bite, while late disseminated Lyme disease may take up to 12 months. Stages 2 and 3 of Lyme disease are characterized by systemic infection. This means the infection has spread throughout your body, including to other organs. Symptoms may include: abnormal heart rhythm, which can be caused by Lyme carditis neurologic conditions, such as facial palsies and cranial neuropathy multiple erythema migrans lesions on your body numbness, tingling, and pain in your hands and feet severe headaches neck stiffness meningitis arthritis of one or more large joints, typically the knee encephalopathy, which may cause short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mental fogginess, problems with following conversations, and sleep disturbance It's important to note that you may experience later symptoms of Lyme disease without experiencing earlier symptoms, such as a bull's eye rash. Lyme disease symptoms in children Children generally experience the same Lyme disease symptoms and progression as adults. That said, a 2019 review suggests that you may also notice some psychological symptoms in your child, such as: anger or aggression mood changes depression nightmares If your child seems to be acting differently and can't explain why or what they're feeling, speak with a doctor. These changes could be a sign of many conditions, including Lyme disease. How is Lyme disease diagnosed? Lyme disease may be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. A healthcare professional will first perform a medical history and physical examination to look for erythema migrans and other symptoms characteristic of Lyme disease. If you don't have visual symptoms of Lyme disease, they'll recommend a two-step serology. This may include the following two blood tests to help detect antibodies: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Western blot It's important to note that blood tests are most reliable only a few weeks after the initial infection. This is when antibodies are present. Some at-home Lyme disease testing kits are also available. These may be beneficial if you've recently been bitten by a tick or you recently spent time in an area where ticks are common. However, it's best to see a doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms of Lyme disease. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool. Tick testing for Lyme disease Some commercial laboratories test ticks for Lyme disease. However, the CDC doesn't recommend tick testing for the following reasons: Commercial laboratories that offer tick testing aren't required to have the same stringent quality control standards as those for clinical diagnostic laboratories. If the tick tests positive for a disease-causing organism, it doesn't necessarily mean you have Lyme disease. A negative result could lead you to the false assumption that you don't have an infection. You could have been bitten by a different tick that transmitted Lyme disease. If you have Lyme disease, you'll probably start showing the symptoms before you get the tick test results, and you shouldn't wait to start treatment. How is Lyme disease treated? Treatment for Lyme disease will depend on the progression of the infection. Early stages Lyme disease is best treated in the early stages. Treatment for early localized disease is a 10- to 14-day course of oral antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Medications used to treat Lyme disease include: Later stages If Lyme disease has progressed beyond stage 1 or affects your circulatory or central nervous systems, a doctor may prescribe intravenous (IV) antibiotics. This will then be followed up with an oral regimen. The complete course of treatment usually takes 14–28 days. If you experience abnormal heart rhythm or heart block, a doctor may also recommend you stay in the hospital to be monitored until the abnormality resolves. Lyme disease transmission Ticks infected with the bacterium B. burgdorferi can attach to any part of your body. They're more commonly found in moist areas of your body that are hard to see, such as the scalp, armpits, and groin area. The infected tick must be attached to your body for at least 36 hours to transmit the bacterium. Most Lyme disease infectious are caused by immature ticks, called nymphs. They feed during the spring and summer. Nymphs are more likely to transmit Lyme disease due to their size. They're roughly the size of a poppy seed, which makes them harder to see and remove than adult ticks. Is Lyme disease contagious? There's currently no evidence that Lyme disease is contagious between people, according to the CDC. This means it cannot be transmitted through touching, kissing, having sex, or air, food, and water. Risk factors for Lyme disease Living in a state with a high prevalence of Lyme disease may increase your risk of being bitten by an infected tick. According to the CDC, as of 2021, the U.S. states with the highest incidence of Lyme disease include: Connecticut Delaware Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota New Hampshire New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin People who work outdoors are also at an elevated risk of Lyme disease, including those who work in: construction landscaping forestry farming park or wildlife management Most tick bites happen in the summer when ticks are most active and people spend more time outside. However, it's possible to get Lyme disease from tick bites in early fall, and even in late winter if the weather is unseasonably warm. Prevention of Lyme disease and ticks Here are some frequently asked questions about the prevention of Lyme disease and ticks. Can I prevent Lyme disease? Yes, you can prevent Lyme disease by protecting yourself from ticks. This is because the infection is transmitted through bites from infected ticks. How can I prevent tick bites? Some ways to prevent tick bites may include: wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors protecting your clothing with permethrin using insect repellents, such as DEET products using natural insect repellants, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus checking yourself and your pets after being outside in areas with brush, long grass, and wood How do I spot a tick? Checking yourself for ticks in the shower or bath is important after you've come in from outside. Other than that, check your clothes, especially the folds of your clothes, knowing that ticks can be very small and hard to spot. Running your hands through your hair is also a good idea. What should I do if a tick bites me? If a tick bites you, it's important to remove it as soon as possible. According to the CDC, the best way to remove a tick is to: Use a pair of tweezers to grab the tick. Steadily pull upward, being careful not to twist the tweezers (this may cause the mouth parts of the tick to break off and stay stuck in the skin). After removing the tick, clean the bite area with soap and water, or rubbing alcohol. Don't crush the tick. Dispose of it by putting it in alcohol, flushing it down the toilet, or putting it in a sealed bag and in the trash. What is the outlook for someone with Lyme disease? The majority of people who receive a diagnosis of Lyme disease will recover within 2–4 weeks of starting treatment, according to the CDC. However, approximately 5–10% of people with Lyme disease will experience post-Lyme disease syndrome, also known as chronic Lyme disease. Symptoms of post-Lyme disease syndrome are similar to those that occur in the earlier stages of the condition, such as: fatigue difficulty sleeping aching joints or muscles pain or swelling in your large joints, such as your knees, shoulders, or elbows difficulty concentrating and short-term memory problems speech problems Treatment is primarily focused on easing pain and discomfort. Most people recover, but it can take months or years. Frequently asked questions Does Lyme disease go away? In most cases, Lyme disease can go away with early diagnosis and treatment. However, if you start treatment in the later stages, you may experience long-term complications like damage to your joints. Can you live a normal life with Lyme disease? Most people can live a normal life after receiving treatment for Lyme disease. However, up to 10% of people experience chronic symptoms of Lyme disease that could affect mobility and cognitive skills. What happens when Lyme disease goes untreated? If left untreated, Lyme disease may progress and cause serious neurological and rheumatoid complications. These may include facial palsy, extreme fatigue, meningitis, and arthritis, among others. It's important to get treated as early as possible if you have Lyme disease. Can you recover from Lyme on your own? Antibiotics are needed to treat Lyme disease. Left untreated, the infection can progressively get worse and lead to more serious long-term complications. Takeaway Lyme disease is an infection caused by a tick bite from an infected tick. If you find a tick on your body, it's important to properly remove it as soon as possible. Then, monitor the tick bite area. If a bull's eye rash appears, speak with a healthcare professional as soon as you can.
Health Line
5 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
Lyme Disease Blood Tests
Key takeaways A Lyme disease blood test helps determine if you have contracted the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, which is transmitted through infected ticks. The test looks for Lyme disease-specific antibodies in your blood, but false positives are possible, and antibodies may not be detectable for a few weeks after you have Lyme disease. Several lab tests, including ELISA and Western blot, can detect these antibodies. While the blood draw has minimal risks, positive results may persist even after successful treatment with antibiotics. What is a Lyme disease blood test? A Lyme disease blood test is used to determine if you have contracted Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi), the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Lyme disease tests are conducted with a routine blood draw. While there are other species of Borrelia that cause Lyme disease, B. burgdorferi is the most common cause in the United States. Most antibody tests in the United States only test for B. burgdorferi, but other species-specific tests are available depending on a person's travel history. Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through ticks that are infected with Borrelia. Symptoms of Lyme disease include: headache joint pain fever fatigue skin rash in the shape of a bull's-eye Untreated, Lyme disease can affect your heart and nervous system. Symptoms of advanced Lyme disease can include: loss of muscle tone in the face memory loss tingling in your hands and feet heart palpitations irregular heartbeat dizziness shortness of breath Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose. Ticks are very small, and the bites are not always noticeable. Symptoms of the disease can vary from person to person. Not everyone experiences the classic 'bull's-eye' rash pattern around a tick bite. It should be noted that testing is not always required to make a diagnosis. For people with a classic bulls-eye rash (Erythema migrans) living in a high risk area, testing is not recommended for diagnosis. Your doctor will use the results of a Lyme disease antibody test, along with the report of your symptoms, to confirm a diagnosis. What are antibodies? Antibodies are proteins your body makes in response to foreign or harmful substances called antigens. Common antigens include: bacteria viruses fungi chemicals Your body produces antibodies if you have contracted B. burgdorfer i. These Lyme disease-specific antibodies will be present in your blood, and your test will be positive if you have the bacterial infection. If you have never been exposed to B. burgdorferi, you will not have any Lyme disease antibodies in your bloodstream. In this case, your test will be negative. However, there is a possibility of false positive results due to potential test cross-reactivity with other diseases including syphilis, autoimmune diseases, and Epstein Barr virus. However, you may test negative for Lyme disease in the early days and weeks after contracting the infection. This is because your body has not yet produced a significant number of antibodies. You will usually test positive for Lyme disease starting at about 2 to 4 weeks after acquiring an infection. Lyme disease antibody test procedure The Lyme disease antibody test requires no advance preparation. A lab technician will swab the inside of your elbow with an antiseptic before drawing your blood. Your blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood draw should not be painful, though you might feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted into your vein. The blood sample will be collected in a vial. The puncture site will be bandaged, if needed, after the needle is removed. After the blood draw, you are free to go home. Risks of a Lyme disease antibody test There are very few risks associated with the Lyme disease antibody test. Excessive bleeding is possible, but there may be an increased risk if you take blood thinning medications or certain anti-inflammatory drugs like: heparin warfarin aspirin ibuprofen naproxen Infection at the puncture site is also possible, but it's unlikely. Keep the bandage in place until all bleeding has stopped and keep the area clean. Some people feel lightheaded after having blood drawn. Let the technician know if this is the case. You might be asked to sit for a few minutes before going home. Following up after the procedure Once you have Lyme disease, the antibodies remain in your blood. So even after you have been treated for the disease, you might still have positive blood tests. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. Your doctor will discuss your course of treatment in detail if you test positive for the bacterial infection.
San Francisco Chronicle
6 hours ago
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
COVID cases rise in California. Is this the start of 2025's summer wave?
COVID-19 is again on the rise in California, likely marking the beginning of an anticipated summer wave, according to the latest public health data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that infections are now increasing in about half of U.S. states. The agency's latest update, released Friday, pointed to rising activity across more than two dozen states in the Southeast, South and along the West Coast — including California. Nationally, COVID-19 levels remain in the 'medium' category based on wastewater monitoring. That's up from 'very low' just a week earlier, signaling a clear upward trend. In California, wastewater surveillance confirmed the virus is spreading. WastewaterSCAN, a national program that tracks viruses in sewage, reported Monday that 95% of the sites tested in the state showed traces of the virus. The amount detected has increased since June. 'As we have seen in recent years, levels may increase during the summer months,' researchers noted in a July 14 report. Last month, an average of 150 people died each week from COVID-19, according to the CDC. Public health experts said the summer rise in cases is likely driven by a mix of factors, including increased travel around the July 4 holiday, large gatherings such as concerts and sporting events, people spending more time indoors during heat waves, and waning immunity among those who were last infected or vaccinated more than six months ago. Current virus levels are slightly below those recorded at this time last year. While no sharp spike has emerged, the steady rise mirrors familiar seasonal patterns. Genetic sequencing from wastewater samples shows the LP.8.1 variant is currently dominant, making up 33.2% of sequenced samples, followed by XFG at 24.6%. The NB.1.8.1 variant — nicknamed 'nimbus' and informally referred to as the 'razor blade throat' variant due to reports of painful sore throats — accounts for 7.5%. Despite its nickname, there is no strong evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness or higher hospitalization rates. Still, public health officials continue to recommend vaccination, testing when symptomatic, and mask use in high-risk settings. 'For those who are older than 65, those who are very immunocompromised, and for pregnant persons and infants— especially under 2 — I would make sure you have received a COVID vaccine at least in the past year,' said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UCSF. A CDC analysis published Thursday suggests that COVID-19 has now settled into a twice-yearly pattern of surges, typically peaking from July through September and again from December through February. Scientists attribute this cycle to genetic changes in the virus's S1 region, a key part of the spike protein that enables the virus to bind to human cells. 'Our analysis revealed biannual COVID-19 peaks in late summer and winter, a pattern that is expected to persist as long as the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and cyclical S1 diversity continues,' the report stated.
