First death in US linked to monkeypox
Usually non-fatal disease blamed for death of immunocompromised Texas man; Feds step up efforts to educate, vaccinate people most at-risk; last chance to get free Covid test kits via USPS
Although monkeypox is usually not a fatal disease — just painful and long-duration, it is being blamed for the death of a Houston area man who had significant underlying health conditions. More from STAT:
Texas reports death tied to monkeypox, a first in the U.S. - STAT (statnews.com)
At the White House Tuesday, officials explained how they are increasing efforts to get monkeypox information and vaccines to people at risk, such as those who are attending large festivals in Louisiana over the Labor Day holiday weekend.
There have been at least 18,400 monkeypox cases in the United States this year, most of them among men who report having had sex with other men. The disease is transmitted via close skin contact with an infected individual.
Covid updates
Two more days to order free Covid-19 test kits from COVID.gov/tests. According to a banner on the federal ordering site, “Ordering through this program will be suspended on Friday, September 2 because Congress hasn’t provided additional funding to replenish the nation’s stockpile of tests.” Every U.S. residence is eligible for three rounds of test kits from this program.
While many employers and others are dropping vaccination and testing requirements, the NBA is reinforcing theirs. Unvaccinated basketball players and staff must be tested weekly or when they have any symptoms, according to the NBA.
Paxlovid reduces Covid-19 deaths among older adults, according to data from Israel. However, the Israeli study showed no clear reduction in hospitalizations or deaths among those under 65. Other studies have shown benefits in people 50-64. White House Covid advisor Dr. Ashish Jha says the drug has few side effects and the benefits clearly outweigh the risks for people 50 and older.
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meets Thursday to decide on guidelines for use of the Pfizer and Moderna “bivalent” Covid-19 vaccines. The vote is expected at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. The meeting will be livestreamed. If the FDA issues Emergency Use Authorization and the committee recommends the shots, the CDC director is expected to approve them immediately, which would enable distribution in time for shots to be given starting next week.