Research

After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air' The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives. Jennifer Rigby Reuters

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COVID-19 caused 21% excess of respiratory infections last winter, analysis finds Adults aged 30 to 39 years had the highest cumulative incidence, with 208 infections per 100 people. CIDRAP

A new study based on German data shows that SARS-CoV-2 caused a 21% excess of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during the winter of 2022-23. The study was published this week in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases and suggests COVID-19 will add a significant burden during cold and flu seasons. 

US measles cases top 120 as LA County tracks case with multiple exposures The visitor to Los Angeles County had visited Universal Studios and several other public places. CIDRAP

Eight more measles cases have been reported, putting the nation's total at 121 so far this year, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in its latest weekly update. The number of affected jurisdictions remained the same, at 18.

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Many healthcare workers unsure about COVID vaccine boosters for themselves, kids A survey of more than 4,100 healthcare personnel (HCP) at a New York healthcare system from 2021 to 2022 reveals that 17% were hesitant to receive the recommended COVID-19 vaccine booster, and 33% were unsure about vaccinating their children.  CIDRAP

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Many of the HCP polled held unsubstantiated beliefs not only about COVID vaccines but also childhood vaccines.

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