Urgent Notice: Syphilis is Rising – Urgent Care Must Respond
CDC reports a 72% increase in syphilis cases and a 183% in congenital syphilis cases over the previous five years. The CDC notes “missed opportunities” for timely testing, mainly due to systemic healthcare barriers including medication shortage. Full Access: UCA and CUCM
Benzathine Penicillin G Shortage
In January of 2024, Pfizer announced a shortage of long acting benzathine penicillin G (BicillinLA) due to increased demand. The CDC recommends treating syphilis patients with doxycycline if penicillin is not available. The exception to this is pregnant women with syphilis, who should receive penicillin G. Full Access: CUCM
How Early Antibiotic Use Could Raise Kids’ Asthma Risk
Early exposure to antibiotics might increase a kid’s risk of asthma by altering their gut bacteria, a new mouse study finds. Antibiotics could specifically lower gut production of indole propionic acid (IPA), a biochemical that’s crucial to long-term protection against asthma, researchers reported July 15 in the journal Immunity. Full Access: HealthDay
Colorado Workers with Bird Flu Toiled in Heat, Without Effective Protective Gear
Colorado workers who contracted bird flu were working during extreme heat and under large fans, factors that made wearing protective equipment difficult and potentially contributed to their infections, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday, July 16th. Full Access: Reuters