The Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL) maintains a collection of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), which collects and analyzes data from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on epidemiology and public health. Each issue of the MMWR is packed with raw and analyzed public health data and scientific studies from some of the top minds in the United States. Below we highlight some of the most current and informative studies included in their weekly reports.
Here are some important articles you may have missed from Volume 72, Issues 34-37 of the Centers for Disease Control’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series.
Featured Article:
A weight loss supplement, marketed as Tejocote root, has been discovered to be 100% Yellow Oleander, a highly toxic substance. A toddler who accidentally ingested it developed symptoms of toxicity. FDA regulations mandate that dietary supplement ingredients must be tested and free from contaminants, yet readily-available products have been misbranded.
Featured Article:
Despite available vaccines to fight against pneumococcal disease, it continues to be a significant cause of hospitalization and death in the United States. This study was done to assess the vaccination coverage, hesitancy, and attitudes from both physicians and patients and provide recommendations to increase pneumococcal conjugate vaccine awareness.
Featured Articles:
“Drug Overdose Deaths with Evidence of Counterfeit Pill Use — United States, July 2019–December 2021“
Drug overdoses continue to be a rising cause of death in the United States. Complicating the issue are circulating counterfeit drugs being branded as prescription medications, such as oxycodone or alprazolam, but instead containing even more lethal ingredients such as fentanyl. This CDC study suggests that determining the most vulnerable demographics and enhancing public knowledge and awareness could be fundamental steps towards harm prevention.
Featured Articles:
This article provides detailed information on a newly approved vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Nirsevimab. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the use of Nirsevimab on infants less than 8 months who are entering their first RSV season, and for children 8 to 19 months who are at increased risk of severe disease.
For more information on COVID, visit HSDL’s COVID-19 Resource Archive. You can also find pandemic-related resources in HSDL’s In Focus on Pandemics and Epidemics, and search our statistical resources related to public health.
