Health News: 

• A cluster of 6 Hep A cases in MA is raising concerns that the pattern is similar to their 2018 outbreak with over 550 cases. (Patch)
• The CDC issued an urgent health advisory to doctors highlighting the need to increase vaccination coverage amid increased respiratory disease activity this winter. (CDC)
• The new JN.1 variant is either “more transmissible or better at evading our immune systems”, which is why it’s likely to be the dominant strain worldwide. (SF Chronicle)
• Wastewater analysis shows that RSV may be peaking and on the downturn, but flu and COVID are still rising fast. The Midwest and Northeast are still hotspots. (Biobot)
• In a shocking twist, the FDA chief says the applesauce pouches that caused lead poisoning in children appears to have been a deliberate act. (Politico)
• Surfers are facing increased health risks as more waters are polluted with sewage. (SurferToday)
• Researchers have identified a specific hormone that likely causes morning sickness in pregnancy and are looking into therapies to help. (NY Times)
• Over 10,000 research papers were retracted in 2023 - a massive new record made up mostly of retracted papers from the UK publisher Hindawi. (Nature) 
• Moderna says its new research shows promising results for using mRNA vaccines to reduce the recurrence of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. (Moderna)
• After recalls and infections, the FDA is asking for new powers, including mandated drug recalls and overseas inspections to ensure safer eyedrops. (TIME)
• A Listeria outbreak linked to smoked salmon caused 2 deaths in Europe. (Food Safety Magazine)
• Nipah virus deaths are ticking up in Bangladesh. (CIDRAP)

Mental Health & Substance Use News: 

• San Francisco has started wastewater testing for fentanyl, xylazine, and other illicit drugs to better track and address the overdose crisis. (SF Chronicle)
• 5 elementary school students became ill after ingesting a snack that was stored in a fentanyl-laced bag. (ABC)
• A new study shows that most Americans with mental health disorders don’t get treatment. (Milliman)

‍

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or need help, call 988 or message the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. 

Best Questions:

What should we know about the Massachusetts Hep A outbreak? 

At least 6 people are sick with Hep A, with more cases suspected, according to the MA Department of Public Health. The outbreak is primarily affecting the homeless population and those who use drugs, including IV drugs. The reason it’s concerning is that from 2018-2020, the state had a massive outbreak with over 550 cases and nine deaths among a similar population. They’re raising the alarm in an attempt to get more people vaccinated against Hep A, which is highly effective in preventing infection. 

Source: Forbes

‍

Anything we can do ahead of the holidays to try to reduce employee absences? 

We’re seeing a rise in flu and COVID, as well as cold symptoms in people that are testing negative for those. We also know it’s about to get worse as people travel for the holidays and gather for large parties. If you can, we recommend staffing up so that managers don’t put undue pressure on sick employees to come into work. While there are some bad apples who just want to get the day off, there are also many willing to work sick to help their team out. But you may suffer the consequences by spreading viruses more broadly throughout your staff, creating more staffing issues down the line, so it’s always better to keep sick employees out. It’s also not too late to encourage people to get the updated COVID booster and flu shot, which can help them get back to work sooner if they do get sick. 

Source: CDC

‍

Given the increase in respiratory viruses, should we mask during holiday travel? 

Basically, if you want to avoid getting sick around the holidays, it’s a good idea to wear an N95 or KN95 mask any time you’re in a crowded public place. Even though they’re not perfect, masks do help reduce your chances of getting sick. If you’re not comfortable with a mask on for long periods of time, consider using one during the highest risk moments - in the airport or train station, on the jetway, before the plane is in the air, or on crowded buses or trains. Remember, cumulative time matters - if you want to take the mask off to eat a snack, it doesn’t negate the time you do wear it. The higher percentage of the time you have one on, the lower your risk for getting a respiratory virus. It’s not perfect, but if you’re seeing a newborn or elderly grandparent or you’re not willing to risk your favorite holiday tradition, it can help.

Source: CNT, USDOT, CDC

‍

Best Read:

We are watching closely as the CDC’s advisory committee and Cal/OSHA butt heads around mask requirements, and we highly recommend this explainer:

‍

Rift Over When to Use N95s Puts Health Workers at Risk Again