FDA Approves First Nasal Spray for Treatment of Anaphylaxis
On August 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved neffy (epinephrine nasal spray) for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I), including those that are life-threatening (anaphylaxis) in adult and pediatric patients who weigh at least 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds). Neffy is a single dose nasal spray administered into one nostril. A second dose (using a new nasal spray to administer neffy in the same nostril) may be given if there is no improvement in symptoms or symptoms worsen. Patients may need to seek emergency medical assistance for close monitoring of the anaphylactic episode and in the event further treatment is required. Full Access: CDC
FDA Marketing Authorization Enables Increased Access to First Step of Syphilis Diagnosis
On August 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted marketing authorization to NOWDiagnostics for the First To Know Syphilis Test. This is the first at-home, over-the-counter test to detect Treponema pallidum (syphilis) antibodies in human blood. Results from this type of test alone are not sufficient to diagnose syphilis infection and should be followed by additional testing to confirm a diagnosis of syphilis. Full Access: FDA
How to Prevent Heat-Related Illness in Pediatric Patients
2024 has somehow broken more records, with the planet recording its hottest day last week in D.C. While climate change has an impact on everyone, we don’t all share an equal burden of its consequences. Groups that disproportionately experience more of those negative outcomes are individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and children. Full Access: MDPage
Dengue Fever’s Worrisome Surge
While 2023 saw 4.6 million reported cases of dengue in the Americas, this year’s count had already doubled, reaching 9.7 million. And that’s before much of the region would have entered its highest-transmission months. But as more people travel, local cases can also climb because at least 30 U.S. states harbor the two black-and-white mosquitoes that can easily transmit dengue from a viremic carrier to someone else. Full Access: MDPage
