MMWR Weekly Briefing

This episode discusses three MMWR reports. First, a pilot study in Uganda increases screening and treatment for household members affected by tuberculosis, helping to reduce transmission. Second, adolescent girls and young women in Eswatini who have functional disabilities are more likely to experience sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Last, a U.S. traveler returning from Zimbabwe was hospitalized with a rare parasite infection that causes sleeping sickness

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a new study highlights the importance of people following recommended precautions when they have potential job-related exposures to avian influenza (H5N1) viruses that can cause H5N1 bird flu. Second, traffic-related pedestrian death rates in the U.S. increased 50% between 2013 and 2022, while many other high-income countries experienced decreases. Third, a study finds increases in neuro-, ocular, and otic syphilis among some groups in Chicago, following a pattern similar to national syphilis trends. Last, CDC finds sick workers and improper temperature control are the most common causes of food-related viral and bacterial outbreaks, respectively.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. In our first report, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Mortality by Industry and Occupation - United States, 2020-2022, workers in some industries and occupations have higher-than-expected death rates from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease. In our second report, Enhanced Identification of Tobacco Use Among Adult Medicaid Members - King County, Washington, 2016-2023, identifying tobacco product use during Medicaid enrollment provides opportunities for states to help people quit smoking, improve their health, and lower health care spending. In our third report, Tobacco Product Use Among Adults - United States, 2017-2023, exclusive cigarette smoking has decreased, while exclusive e-cigarette use has increased, leading to no overall change in tobacco product use among adults from 2017 to 2023. In our last report, Detection of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 in Wastewater - Five European Countries, September-December 2024, variant poliovirus was detected in wastewater in five European countries last Fall.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination provides additional protection against COVID-19-associated emergency department/urgent care encounters and hospitalizations. Second, this season's flu vaccines protect against flu-related medical visits and hospitalizations. Third, a new CDC report finds that 13% of children who have died from seasonal flu this season had influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis, a potentially severe neurologic complication. Last, as HPV vaccination has increased, a steep decline in cervical precancers has occurred.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a new CDC study explores possible transmission of the virus that causes H5N1 bird flu from dairy workers to two indoor-only cats in Michigan. Second, the dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico continues, with children 10-19 years old being most affected. Third, wastewater testing and viral genetic testing can provide information on the community spread of hepatitis A. Last, scientists recorded a brief 110-fold increase in air lead levels during the 2025 LA fires.