News roundup for Tue, Jun 28, 2022

June 05 10:07:57, 2025

In Brief
  • Florida is experiencing a severe meningococcal outbreak, primarily affecting men who have sex with men and college students in Leon County. There have been over 40 infections and 12 fatalities.
  • As hurricane season approaches, Louisiana's insurance market is crumbling, leaving many without coverage.
  • Experts predict that the Rio Grande could run dry all the way to Albuquerque this summer, raising concerns about water scarcity in the region.
Deadly Meningococcal Outbreak in Florida

This outbreak is particularly concerning for certain groups, including men who have sex with men residing in or visiting Florida, as well as college students in Leon County. So far, there have been more than 40 infections and 12 deaths.

The symptoms of meningococcal disease often mimic those of the flu initially but can rapidly escalate into something much more serious. This disease can cause meningitis (an infection of the brain and spinal cord lining) and septicemia (bloodstream infection), both of which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

The CDC recommends vaccination for those at risk: MenACWY for men and MenB for college students.

Common symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck

Other potential symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Confusion or altered mental state

For meningococcal septicemia (or meningococcemia), symptoms might also include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Cold extremities
  • Severe muscle or joint pain
  • Rapid breathing
  • Diarrhea
  • In later stages, a distinctive dark purple rash
Monkeypox Spreading Through Large Gatherings
  • Over 4,000 cases reported across 47 countries.
  • One death has been recorded in non-endemic regions.
  • Most cases continue to involve men who have sex with men, but community spread is increasing, especially in large gatherings such as festivals.
  • Many cases in this outbreak lack the typical symptoms of monkeypox, which include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a centripetal rash. Instead, symptoms may include fewer or isolated lesions, lesions appearing in the genital or perineal/perianal areas without spreading, lesions developing asynchronously, or the appearance of lesions before fever or other constitutional symptoms.
  • Two countries have reported transmission via semen and vaginal fluids, though more research is needed. Using condoms is recommended as a precautionary measure.
  • The general public remains at a relatively low risk of contracting monkeypox.
  • Practices like social distancing, frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and using condoms during sex are encouraged.

WHO has not yet declared the monkeypox outbreak a global public health emergency, but emphasized the need for intensive response efforts. WHO will reassess the situation in a few weeks:

Testing rates remain low in the US, potentially leading to underreported cases. Additionally, some speculate that the current outbreak could be due to a mutation that makes the virus more transmissible.

Highly Transmissible and Immunity-Evasive Covid Variants BA.4/5 Dominating in the US, Vaccinations for Children Under 5 Approved

Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are expected to dominate in the US within the next few weeks. Both variants can evade immunity gained from vaccines and previous infections, even prior Omicron infections (though recent booster shots provide some protection).

New boosters from Pfizer and Moderna show effectiveness against these new Omicron variants, although they aren’t as effective as against the original Omicron strain:

Children under 5 can now finally receive vaccinations. Misinformation surrounding these vaccines will likely increase, so it’s crucial to stay informed and seek reliable sources.

A major study published in The Lancet reveals that long COVID impacts children of all ages, including infants. Symptoms vary by age group and tend to persist for at least two months. Infants and toddlers experience mood swings, rashes, and stomachaches. Older children aged 4 to 11 also report memory and concentration issues. Adolescents aged 12 to 14 face similar cognitive challenges along with fatigue. Younger children seem to suffer the most significant effects.

Blind or visually impaired individuals can now order two free Covid tests specifically designed for them. These tests can be ordered online, though details on their functionality are limited. They require a smartphone with Bluetooth capabilities and an accompanying app.

The CDC has launched an Interactive School Ventilation Tool to enhance airflow safety in educational settings. DIY air purifiers can also be constructed following community member Eric’s guidelines here.

For those still interested in learning more about the ongoing pandemic, here are a couple of recent articles I found intriguing:

  • Five COVID Numbers That Don’t Make Sense Anymore
  • Was the Delta Variant Overhyped?

Charcoal Grill

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