Latest news with #epidemiology
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
U of I researchers looking back at COVID protocols to see what they can learn
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The COVID-19 pandemic came into focus around five years ago — causing shutdowns across the country. Now, public health researchers at the University of Illinois are trying to figure out what lessons they can learn — and how they can be used in the future. Becky Smith is a professor of epidemiology. She said the shutdowns were successful in keeping hospitals from being flooded with patients. But — she thinks the federal government could have used that time to build a better test for the virus– and understand its transmission quicker. Urbana man charged with hate crime on U of I campus following erratic behavior Smith's biggest takeaway was the erosion of trust between public health officials — and the general public. 'There were a lot of miscommunications that were made early on, especially with masks that early on people said, 'no, you don't need masks.'' Smith said. 'And then we when we came out and said, 'yes, you do need masks. Okay, you need better masks,' people were a little bit uncertain because, 'were you lying to me before that?'' Smith said there's always a chance for another pandemic. She hopes trust can be built back with the community before then so credible information can be passed along. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Covid-19: New wave could be coming after 11-month reprieve
Professor Michael Baker says the new NB.1.8.1 is becoming dominant in a number of countries and would "almost certainly" do the same in New Zealand. Photo: Supplied to RNZ A sudden surge in Covid-19 detections - along with the emergence of a new, and what's thought to be more infectious, subvariant - should be a warning to take action, an epidemiologist says. NB.1.8.1 is now the dominant strain in China and Hong Kong. ABC News reports it is also driving up infections in Australia. Here, the latest available ESR wastewater testing to 11 May shows the sub-variant making up 21.6 percent of readings. Epidemiologist Michael Baker said it comes as overall Covid-19 detections surge . "We've had a long period when Covid levels have been relatively low in New Zealand. It's about 11 months since our last big wave, the sixth wave, in June last year." Baker said there were numerous surveillance systems giving an idea of how the virus was spreading, and most were not showing changes. However that was not the case for wastewater testing. "There's quite a striking spike in the wastewater samples and the positivity detected there. And numbers are really shooting up across the country, so for the first time in around 11 months we're seeing what looks like the beginning of a wave." Wastewater testing reveals a spike in Covid-19 cases nationally. Photo: Supplied / ESR Baker cautioned it was too early to see a clear picture and further results over the next week or two would help. "But I think it is a strong warning that we should be taking more action around Covid-19 in various ways." Baker said NB.1.8.1 was becoming dominant in a number of countries and it would "almost certainly" do the same in New Zealand. "We see many new subvariants and most of the time they're not translating at the moment into a rise in cases. "But that's why this one is different - we are seeing that early increase, but we're not seeing it in all the surveillance systems yet, so we just need to keep watching. "I think the message is very clear that we're moving into winter, we have got this rise in cases - and if anyone has been putting off getting their Covid-19 booster, now would be a good time to get it." Baker said health authorities should also be taking additional precautions in hospitals, residential care facilities in particular. He said the existing vaccine gave added protection against the new subvariant, which descended from a variant the vaccine is based on. "I think it's all adding up to a picture of the need to take precautions against this infection." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Study Finds Link Between COVID Infection and Miscarriage—Experts Weigh in on the Risks
Fact checked by Sarah Scott A recent study found that people infected with COVID before or during pregnancy are two to three times more likely to experience a miscarriage before week 20 of pregnancy. The study, which involved nearly 27,000 pregnancies, used electronic health records to determine the relationship between COVID and miscarriage from 2019 to 2023. They also looked at the incidence of ectopic pregnancy and preterm delivery. The news is troubling, and might have parents to be feeling anxious. Here, Parents spoke with Micaela Sandoval, PhD, MPH, one of the study authors and an epidemiologist with UTHealth Houston, to explain what the study's results mean, and how you can keep yourself safe if you're planning to become pregnant. Dr. Sandoval says the study revealed that the overall proportion of pregnancies that ended in miscarriage was 6%—still a low number, but higher among people who had COVID in the past. "In our models, the odds of a pregnancy ending in miscarriage were 2.81 times higher among women who had had moderate to severe COVID-19 before getting pregnant, compared to women who had not had COVID-19 before getting pregnant." Additionally, she says pregnant people who had moderate to severe COVID-19 in early pregnancy had 2.45 times greater odds of miscarriage compared to women who had no COVID-19 during their pregnancy. "This study reviewed the incidence of miscarriage over time in their group of patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis, and compared it to the group of patients that did not have a COVID-19 infection before or during pregnancy," says Sasha Andrews, MD, a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Denver, Colorado who is not affiliated with the study. "Interestingly, the miscarriage rate in this study was lower than the rate generally quoted, which is approximately 15% of recognized pregnancies." Studies indicate that this percentage of pregnancies result in miscarriage during the first trimester. That said, the actual incidence of miscarriage, related to COVID or not, is difficult to determine and varies by the study population, adds Dr. Andrews. Many losses occur before the diagnosis of pregnancy, she says—in other words, before the person even knows they are pregnant or has the chance to see a doctor. The authors also found that increasing age, Black or Hispanic ethnicity, and medical conditions were associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. These findings are consistent with other studies of pregnancies and miscarriage rates not affected by COVID-19, says Dr. Andrews. COVID-19 can place significant stress on the body, especially during early pregnancy, when the baby is developing, says Amanda P. Williams, MD, MPH, FACOG, interim chief medical officer for the March of Dimes. "Pregnancy makes a person more vulnerable to viruses like COVID-19 because the immune system shifts to support the growing baby," she explains. When someone becomes infected during pregnancy, Dr. Williams says the immune system causes a strong inflammatory response that can negatively impact the growing placenta and fetus. "COVID-19 may also cause high fevers, which is an established risk factor for pregnancy loss," she says. "In more severe cases, infection can impair placental function or limit oxygen delivery to the fetus. While research is still emerging, studies like this one add to the growing body of evidence that COVID-19 negatively affects pregnancy outcomes for both mom and baby." According to Dr. Sandoval, these results demonstrate the importance of vaccination and post-COVID management in pregnant people or those planning to get pregnant. "Women who are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy should talk to their doctor about the COVID-19 vaccine and management options," says Dr. Sandoval. "Additionally, pregnant women who think they might have COVID-19 should inform their provider as soon as possible to discuss available treatment or management strategies." This study, like others before it, reinforces that miscarriage risk is influenced by many factors, many of which existed long before COVID-19 infection was so widespread, explains Dr. Williams. "Advanced maternal age, chronic health conditions, and systemic inequities, particularly among communities of color, can all compound the risk," she adds. Even without COVID-19 being a factor in your life, being 35 or older, having high blood pressure or diabetes, or experiencing socioeconomic stressors can increase the likelihood of pregnancy loss. "What COVID seems to do is amplify those existing risks. For example, people from historically marginalized communities already face higher rates of maternal complications due to longstanding structural inequities, and they've also been disproportionately affected by COVID-19," says Dr. Williams. Risks of miscarriage can also be influenced by smoking, alcohol, and diabetes, says Lauren Demosthenes, MD, an OB-GYN, senior medical director with Babyscripts, and associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville. "But the main cause of first-trimester miscarriage is genetic abnormalities, which increase with the age of the mother." In fact, approximately 50% of all cases of early pregnancy loss are due to fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Although having a miscarriage is not always something that can be prevented, and you should not blame yourself or something you did if you experience pregnancy loss, there are things you can do to make sure you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. Here are some strategies you can implement to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. Make prenatal care a priority. Schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you find out you're pregnant, and go to all your checkups, even if you feel fine, says Dr. Williams. "Early and regular prenatal care helps identify and manage potential issues before they become serious. Talk to your provider about your COVID exposure. If you get COVID-19 or think you've been exposed, let your OB-GYN or midwife know, says Dr. Williams. They can guide you on what steps to take. Discuss vaccines recommended in pregnancy. The COVID-19 vaccine and other recommended immunizations, such as Influenza, RSV, and Pertussis, are safe during pregnancy and can help protect you and your baby, says Dr. Williams. "Vaccination during pregnancy not just decreases the chance of infection for the pregnant person, but the new baby also gains protective antibodies, which is particularly important as newborns cannot receive many vaccinations until months later." Manage chronic health conditions. Work with your provider to keep conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders under control, says Dr. Williams. "These can increase the risk of complications if not well-managed during pregnancy." Take care of your body. Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, suggests Dr. Williams. "These habits support both immune health and fetal development. " Avoid harmful substances and exposures. Don't smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs during pregnancy, says Dr. Williams. Also, steer clear of toxic chemicals like paint thinners, pesticides, and secondhand smoke, she says. Have an appropriate view of miscarriage and get support. According to Katherine Wolfe, DO, a maternal-fetal specialist and the director of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Program at Akron Children's, often the cause of miscarriage is an underlying genetic condition, and chromosomal microarray—in these instances, the loss was out of your control. "Miscarriage can be a devastating event, and emotional support is imperative."Aside from getting vaccinated, there are other things you can do to prevent COVID, says Dr. Wolfe. These include: Practicing good hand hygiene Avoiding contact with people who are sick Improving air quality by filtering indoor air with an air purifier Cleaning or replacing HVAC filters regularly Planning social gatherings outside Wearing a mask in crowded areasIf you test positive for COVID-19 in early pregnancy, contact your OB-GYN or midwife. They can help you understand what the infection might mean for your pregnancy and determine if additional monitoring or care is needed based on your health history. Sometimes healthcare providers will recommend treating COVID with Paxlovid during pregnancy. "Having COVID during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia and preterm delivery. It can also increase the risk of a more serious illness," says Dr. Demosthenes. While it's normal to have concerns, a COVID infection doesn't guarantee complications or a miscarriage, adds Dr. Williams. "Staying informed and connected to your healthcare provider is the best way to protect your health and your baby's. They're there to answer your questions and support you throughout your pregnancy."According to Dr. Andrews, COVID-19 has not been associated with fetal malformations, even when an infection occurs early in the first trimester. "Additionally, there are other studies that have not demonstrated an increased risk of miscarriage." Having COVID during pregnancy does not automatically mean you will experience the original article on Parents
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctors sound alarm over 1.5m 'missing Americans' killed by silent epidemic
Doctors are sounding the alarm after discovering 1.5million Americans died after the Covid pandemic from a 'silent epidemic' gripping the US. Boston University researchers compared the fatality rate in the US over 2022 and 2023 to that in 21 similar developed countries — including the UK and Australia. After accounting for population sizes, results showed that an extra 820,000 Americans died in 2022 than would the case if the US had a fatality rate comparable to peer nations. There were an extra 705,000 'excess deaths' in the US in 2023 when the same logic was applied. Both totals were roughly 30 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels — when 631,000 excess deaths were logged in 2019. Excess deaths — the number of fatalities above what's typically expected — surged during Covid due to direct virus deaths, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and economic hardship. But while the pandemic has officially ended, the elevated death toll has persisted. Researchers blame the ongoing crisis on a combination of drug overdoses, gun violence, traffic accidents, and chronic diseases like heart failure and diabetes, all of which are hitting the US harder than other countries. They also cited the lack of a robust social safety net — common in many European countries — as a major factor worsening the toll. Dr Jacob Bor, an epidemiologist who led the research, said: 'The US has been in a protracted health crisis for decades, with health outcomes far worse than other high-income countries. 'This longer-run tragedy continued to unfold in the shadows of the Covid pandemic.' For the study, published in JAMA Health Forum, the researchers calculated the rate of deaths per year for the US and that in 21 other developed countries. These were: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. These figures were compared, and analysis was carried out to reveal how many extra deaths the US was recording per year compared to the average for other developed countries. For the study, researchers used data from the Human Mortality Database, the world's leading scientific data resource on mortality in developed countries covering the years 1980 to 2023. The analysis included 107million deaths in the US and 230million deaths recorded in the 21 other countries between 1980 and 2023. Over the 1980 to 2023 period, there were an estimated 14.7million extra deaths in the US compared to other countries. US excess deaths have been rising slowly since 1980, the report found, and jumped during the Covid pandemic. They remain high today, with the data showing nearly 23 percent of all US deaths were excess deaths in 2023. Senior study author and global health expert Dr Andrew Stokes said: 'These deaths reflect not individual choices, but policy neglect and deep-rooted social and health system failures. 'The Covid pandemic exposed structural weaknesses—including gaps in healthcare access and social supports—that have continued to fuel premature deaths even after the acute phase of the pandemic ended.' Dr Stokes added: 'Other countries show that investing in universal healthcare, strong safety nets, and evidence-based public health policies leads to longer, healthier lives. 'Unfortunately, the US faces unique challenges; public distrust of government and growing political polarization have made it harder to implement policies that have proven successful elsewhere.'
The Guardian
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Trump is dismantling a key worker safety group. It's another betrayal of the working class
A s Donald Trump announced his tariffs in the White House Rose Garden last month, he proclaimed: 'We're standing up for the American worker.' While it remains to be seen what impact these tariffs will have on American workers, his words were belied by the fact that just a day before this announcement, hundreds of workers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) – an organization that has stood up for US workers since 1970 – discovered that they had been laid off. Niosh was founded as part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act with the purpose of 'developing and establishing recommended occupational safety and health standards'. The organization has been on the frontline of protecting worker health and safety ever since. Its work has focused on understanding the risks faced by millions of workers throughout the country who put their safety on the line every day to perform their jobs. For example, Niosh's Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program investigates fatalities to understand their circumstances and make recommendations, ensuring that more of these workers, who risk their lives for others daily, can be safer in the line of duty. Far from being a caricature of a federal body firmly entrenched in the Beltway, Niosh's work is spread across the country. One of Niosh's most notable sites is its Morgantown, West Virginia, facility. Located in the heart of coal country for decades, it has focused on studying the health impacts of coalmining – particularly black lung disease – which has seen notable increases in recent years. Nearly 200 workers were fired from the Morgantown location, which will severely hamper this work. (Some were temporarily rehired.) Niosh also supports surveillance programs run out of 23 states. These state-based programs focus on the unique needs of the workforce in those areas. For several years, I was fortunate to have been an epidemiologist with such a program in Massachusetts, where my colleagues and I focused on understanding and preventing health challenges ranging from bloodborne pathogen exposure among healthcare workers, to asthma risk among cleaners, to fatalities in the construction industry. Since its founding, Niosh has been a nimble organization, adapting to and studying new and emerging threats. The World Trade Center Health Program, which is administered by Niosh, was created to study the health impacts of responding to those terrorist attacks – ranging from traumatic injuries and respiratory disease to cancer and mental health – while providing support for those responders. In a similar way to its response to the September 11 attacks, in the grip of the epidemic of opioids and suicides that have cost tens of thousands of lives over the past two decades, Niosh has sought to understand the workplace component of these challenges. These efforts have helped to shed light on the pathway linking occupational injuries to a high risk of drug overdoses among workers in certain occupations, particularly in the construction industry, and contribute to efforts to prevent these deaths. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Niosh studied the risks faced by frontline workers. The pandemic also highlighted one of Niosh's most essential functions: air filtration ratings. Niosh tests, approves and certifies respirators to ensure that workers are protected from airborne risks ranging from silica dust to lead. Niosh also supports the future of occupational safety and health workers. Niosh traineeship programs across the country provide support to students studying occupational health and safety. I was fortunate to be supported by such a program when I was in graduate school. Throughout the country, hospital employee safety departments, union workplace safety committees, and community occupational health and safety advocacy organizations are staffed by others like myself who received this support. Now is the worst possible time for Niosh to be dismantled. Traditional workplace hazards still remain. In 2023, the last year with available data, there were 5,283 fatal occupational injuries – one every 99 minutes. Violent injuries at work are a growing concern, particularly among healthcare workers. Increasing temperatures caused by climate change place many vulnerable workers at high risk for illness, injury, and death, while extreme weather events, such as the wildfires that devastated southern California earlier this year, threaten the health and safety of emergency workers. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are changing the nature of work, presenting new dynamics and hazards. We need Niosh to study these emerging threats and safeguard workers. It remains to be seen what will happen to the remainder of the organization and the programs supported by Niosh throughout the country. Regardless of what occurs, we should support the current and former workers of the organization and carry forward its mission, just as Niosh workers have advocated for the health and safety of workers across this country since the organization's inception. Devan Hawkins is a writer and researcher from Massachusetts. He is the author of the book Worthy and Unworthy: How the Media Reports on Friends and Foes
