The CDC is investigating reports of an increase in pediatric pneumonia cases in 11 states, mostly in the South and Southwest. Symptoms of the illness are serious but not as severe as Covid-19, and the CDC is urging people to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. It is also important to get a flu shot to protect against the flu, which is picking up steam.
The FDA has begun screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead contamination, after reports of children becoming ill from eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree. The agency is working with the CDC to monitor the health of those affected and is urging consumers to check their pantries for recalled products and to contact their healthcare provider if they have any concerns. The FDA is also continuing to investigate the source of the contamination and is working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The FDA is expanding an investigation into potentially lead-tainted pouches of apple cinnamon fruit puree marketed for children, with reports of seven illnesses in at least five states possibly linked to the contaminated puree. Two new companies have recalled certain cinnamon applesauce products due to the potential for high levels of lead, and the FDA is urging parents to check their homes for the recalled products and to discard them immediately. The FDA is working with the CDC to monitor the situation and is recommending that children under the age of six be tested for lead poisoning if they have been exposed to lead-tainted products.
The FDA is considering the approval of exa-cel, a new drug developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals that could be the first cure available for many patients with sickle cell disease. The illness affects an estimated 100,000 people in the U.S., mostly Black, and causes anemia, pain, and organ damage. If approved, exa-cel would be the first drug to use the groundbreaking gene-editing tool CRISPR and provide a universally available, potentially curative option for individuals with sickle cell. The FDA is expected to make a decision on the drug in the coming months.
The CDC has reported that flu cases are low nationwide, with most states having low or minimal flu-related hospital visits. Most of the cases reported are influenza type A, specifically the H1N1 strain. The CDC recommends preventive measures such as getting a flu shot, washing hands, and avoiding contact with sick people to protect against the flu.
A federal appeals court has issued a ruling that limits the Biden administration's ability to contact social media companies to remove content it considers to be misinformation. The ruling allows the government to contact social media companies to ask them to remove content that it considers to be false or misleading, while also preventing it from coercing the companies to take down posts. This ruling is likely to have a significant impact on the way the Biden administration interacts with social media companies, and sets a precedent for future administrations.
The FDA and CDC are expecting to approve a new COVID-19 booster shot to broaden immunity against currently circulating variants of the virus in the coming weeks. Vaccinated Americans are being warned against seeking out another booster this month, and instead should continue to follow safety protocols and get the current vaccine now. The updated booster shot will be available to the public in mid-September.
Three people in the northeastern United States have died from a rare flesh-eating bacteria this summer, Vibrio vulnificus, which can spread through warm, brackish water or the consumption of undercooked shellfish. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged residents to take precautions when swimming in warm, brackish water or eating raw shellfish, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with weakened immune systems avoid eating raw shellfish and wear protective clothing when handling it.
