• Florida is grappling with a severe meningococcal outbreak, particularly affecting men who have sex with men and college students in Leon County.
• The Louisiana insurance market is on the verge of collapse, leaving many uninsured as hurricane season approaches.
• This summer, the Rio Grande is projected to dry up completely all the way to Albuquerque.

Deadly Meningococcal Outbreak in Florida

This outbreak has claimed more than 40 lives, with 12 fatalities reported so far. Those at highest risk include men who have sex with men, particularly those residing in or visiting Florida, along with college students in Leon County.

Key Symptoms: Meningococcal disease often begins with flu-like symptoms that escalate rapidly. It can progress to meningitis, which is an infection of the brain and spinal cord lining, or septicemia (bloodstream infection), both of which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Preventive Measures: The CDC recommends vaccination for those at risk. Men should receive the MenACWY vaccine, while college students should opt for the MenB vaccine.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck

Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion.

Monkeypox Spreading Amidst Large Gatherings

As of now, over 4,000 cases have been reported across 47 countries. One death has been recorded outside endemic regions. While transmission is primarily among men who have sex with men, community spread is increasing. Large gatherings, such as festivals, pose a heightened risk.

Atypical Symptoms: Many cases in this outbreak do not exhibit classic monkeypox symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a centrifugal rash. Instead, some patients show fewer lesions, localized to the genital or perineal areas, or lesions appearing at different developmental stages. Some develop lesions before other systemic symptoms.

Transmission via Bodily Fluids: Two countries have noted infections linked to semen and vaginal fluids, suggesting potential sexual transmission. Using condoms is advisable until more research is conducted.

General Public Risk: The risk remains low for the general population. Social distancing, frequent handwashing, mask usage, and safe sex practices are encouraged.

WHO Stance: The World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet declared the outbreak a global emergency, though it acknowledges the need for intensive response efforts. A reevaluation is planned for a few weeks hence.

Highly Transmissible Covid Variants BA.4/5 and Vaccination Updates

Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are expected to dominate the U.S. within weeks. These variants can evade immunity gained from prior vaccinations or infections, although recent boosters offer some protection.

New Boosters: Pfizer and Moderna's updated boosters provide moderate effectiveness against BA.4/5 but less so compared to their original Omicron formulations. Recent studies indicate a threefold reduction in neutralizing antibodies against BA.4/5 versus BA.1.

Vaccines for Young Children: After much anticipation, vaccines are now available for children under five. Misinformation may circulate widely, so staying informed with credible sources is crucial.

Long Covid Impact: A Lancet study reveals that long Covid affects children of all ages, including infants. Symptoms vary by age group and often persist for over two months. Infants may experience mood swings, rashes, and stomachaches, whereas older children report memory issues and fatigue.

Accessibility Improvements: Blind or visually impaired individuals can now obtain free, specially designed Covid tests. These require a smartphone with Bluetooth capabilities and an accompanying app.

School Ventilation: The CDC launched an Interactive School Ventilation Tool to enhance airflow safety. DIY air purifiers can also be constructed based on community member Eric’s guidelines.

For those keen on staying updated, there are several thought-provoking pieces on Covid, including discussions around its evolving numbers and the nature of the Delta variant.

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