... the allocation will focus on men who have sex with men and those who may have been exposed anonymously.
Vaccination after exposure, or using vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis, is meant to reduce your risk of becoming infected with a monkeypox virus and then become sick.
, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, via CNN.
Vaccination should occur
within two weeks of a
possible exposure.
, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, via CNN.
And the sooner you can get vaccinated after the exposure, the better, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, via CNN.
There are currently just over 300 reported cases
of monkeypox in the U.S., but experts say the actual number is much higher.
The vaccine rollout may hit some snags, as there are fewer doses of the newer Jynneos vaccine available.
Health professionals say the older vaccine, ACAM, requires training to administer and is not safe for those who have HIV.
It's critical that we get vaccine out to the at-risk population and approach, vaccine use much as we've approached the pre exposure prophylaxis for HIV, Dr. Michael Osterholm, University of Minnesota, via CNN.
1.25 million more
doses of the Jynneos
vaccine will soon
be available.
As soon as we have more vaccines available, we will of course continue to expand
from a post-exposure
prophylaxis strategy, ideally
to a pre-exposure
prophylaxis strategy, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, via CNN
A bill that aims to help the US meet its climate targets has passed its final hurdle and is expected to be signed into law by President Joe Biden next week. Sky News
Kentucky Governor , Criticizes FEMA , Response to Deadly Floods.
On August 11, the official death count from the
devastating flooding in Kentucky rose to 39.
On August 11, the official death count from the
devastating flooding in Kentucky rose to 39.
The Associated Press reports that Governor Andy Beshear called out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for denying requests for assistance.
The Associated Press reports that Governor Andy Beshear called out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for denying requests for assistance.
Earlier this week, Aaron "Mick" Crawford, a high school athlete who had spent days helping clean up from the historic flooding became the 38th person to die. .
Earlier this week, Aaron "Mick" Crawford, a high school athlete who had spent days helping clean up from the historic flooding became the 38th person to die. .
According to Crawford's family, the reason he, "went into cardiac arrest" , remains unknown.
Last month, surging floods inundated
communities, sweeping away homes
in the Appalachian region.
Last month, surging floods inundated
communities, sweeping away homes
in the Appalachian region.
On August 11, Beshear said that the area was , “likely out of the emergency phase
of responding to this disaster.”.
However, Beshear has now increased
pressure on FEMA to offer more assistance
for people to rebuild their lives.
However, Beshear has now increased
pressure on FEMA to offer more assistance
for people to rebuild their lives.
According to Beshear, FEMA
has turned down too many
peoples' requests for assistance.
The governor said that his concerns have been conveyed to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and top administrators at FEMA.
The governor said that his concerns have been conveyed to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and top administrators at FEMA.
Beshear criticized the application process,
claiming that many flood victims are being denied
assistance when lacking necessary documents.
Beshear criticized the application process,
claiming that many flood victims are being denied
assistance when lacking necessary documents.
In response, FEMA Press Secretary
Jeremy Edwards said the agency is working to , “reduce barriers and cut red tape.”.
In response, FEMA Press Secretary
Jeremy Edwards said the agency is working to , “reduce barriers and cut red tape.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Monkeypox
Vaccine Maker , Expresses Concern , Over Dose-Splitting Plan.
Bavarian Nordic makes the only monkeypox vaccine currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The CEO of the company recently expressed concern about the Biden administration's plans to mitigate a vaccine shortage by splitting doses.
CEO Paul Chaplin expressed his concerns in a letter recently sent to Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Xavier Becerra.
We do have some reservations … due to the very limited safety data available, Paul Chaplin, Bavarian Nordic CEO,
via 'The Washington Post'.
According to Chaplin's letter, more studies to determine the efficacy of a split vaccine "would have been prudent.".
His letter also states that the company has received numerous "calls from U.S. state government officials
with questions and concerns.”.
Responding to news of the vaccine maker's concerns, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed confidence with the Biden administration's plan.
We’ve had conversations with them about this, and so has FDA, Xavier Becerra, HHS Secretary, via 'The Washington Post'.
We wouldn’t have moved forward unless we thought it was safe and effective, and if FDA hadn’t dotted its I’s and crossed its T’s, Xavier Becerra, HHS Secretary, via 'The Washington Post'.
Biden administration officials have speculated that Bavarian Nordic could be primarily concerned with a loss of profit.
... though Bavarian Nordic officials are adamant that the concerns of the company are safety focused.
Officials connected to the U.S. monkeypox vaccine plan call it a "game changer.".
It’s safe, it’s effective, and it will significantly scale the volume of vaccine doses available, Robert J. Fenton Jr., U.S. Monkeypox Response Co-Ordinator, via 'The Washington Post'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Gas Prices
Fall Below , $4 per Gallon.
According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gas fell below $4 on Aug. 11.
It is the first time gas prices have fallen below $4 since March.
While prices remain
higher than this
time last year.
they have fallen far below the highest price in June of just less than $5.02 per gallon.
President Joe Biden is expected to receive a boost in his approval rating because of the news. .
The cost of energy resources, including gas, is a significant factor of inflation.
Analysts say that lower gas prices
will be a relief for consumers.
The affordability squeeze is becoming very real when you see these high prices at the gas pump, Beth Ann Bovino, U.S. Chief Economist at S&P Global,
via 'The New York Times'.
So, in that sense, it’s a positive sign certainly for those folks that are struggling, Beth Ann Bovino, U.S. Chief Economist at S&P Global,
via 'The New York Times'.
However, some consumers are leery of the news because of fears that market fluctuations mean that prices could rise again.
I’m not ready for it to go a little higher again and then I’m over here struggling to fill up my tank, Christina Beliard, Fashion Influencer,
via 'The New York Times'.
I’m trying to figure out, how long is this going to last?, Christina Beliard, Fashion Influencer,
via 'The New York Times'.
Analysts confirm that price consistency is a
key factor of consumer trust.
If gasoline prices stay at or near the levels they have reached, that would mean much more cushion for households, Beth Ann Bovino, U.S. Chief Economist at S&P Global,
via 'The New York Times'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
CDC Drops , Quarantine and
Distancing Recommendations , for COVID.
CDC Drops , Quarantine and
Distancing Recommendations , for COVID.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the updated guidelines on Aug 11.
The recommendations no longer include quaratining if one comes into close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID.
In addition, the CDC has dropped the six feet social distancing recommendation.
According to the CDC, close to 95 percent of Americans over the age of 16 are living with varying levels of immunity.
The current conditions of this pandemic are very different from those of the last two years, Greta Massetti, CDC Guidelines Author, via AP.
The updated guidelines come as schools around the country gear up for the first day of classes.
Educator representatives lauded the updated recommendations, saying a return to some form of normalcy was essential for a successful year.
Every educator and every parent starts every school year with great hope, and this year even more so, Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers President, via AP.
After two years of uncertainty and disruption, we need as normal a year as possible so we can focus like a laser on what kids need, Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers President, via AP.
Entire classrooms of kids had to miss school if they were deemed a close contact. The closed schools and learning disruption have been devastating, Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers President, via AP.
Some academics, however, were critical of the updated guidelines, saying that pandemic conditions remain.
All of us want a stable school year, but wishful thinking is not the strategy for getting there, Anne Sosin, Dartmouth College Public Health Researcher, via AP.
If we want a return to normal in our schools, we have to invest in the conditions for that, not just drop everything haphazardly like we’re seeing across the country, Anne Sosin, Dartmouth College Public Health Researcher, via AP
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
NYC Mayor Eric Adams , Declares State of Emergency , Concerning Monkeypox.
NBC News reports that Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency on Aug. 1. .
New York City now has over 1,200 reported cases, approximately 25 percent of cases nationally, and we are continuing to see the numbers rise, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, via statement.
This order will bolster our existing efforts to educate, vaccinate, test and treat as many New Yorkers as possible, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, via statement.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also declared a state disaster emergency on July 29. .
According to the CDC, as of July 29,
New York had the most confirmed monkeypox cases in the country with 1,345.
California had 799.
San Francisco also declared a
state of emergency on July 28.
On July 30, Mayor Adams and Dr. Ashwin Vasan, NYC's health department commissioner, .
issued a statement estimating
"that approximately 150,000 New Yorkers may currently be at risk for monkeypox exposure.".
While monkeypox has primarily
affected men who have sex with men, .
the virus can be spread to anyone through close physical contact or being exposed to infected surfaces
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Over 1,000 Monkeypox Cases , Confirmed in New York City.
'The Guardian' reports that on July 25,
health officials said New York hit
1,040 confirmed monkeypox cases. .
That reportedly accounts for nearly a quarter of all the documented cases in America. .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. currently has the
most confirmed monkeypox cases in the world. .
The agency says that as of July 25, there have been 3,846 U.S. cases and 18,095 cases around the world. .
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the increase in cases a
public health emergency on July 23. .
A study published July 21 in the 'New England Journal of Medicine' found that 95% of cases are transmitted among men who have sex with men.
But CNBC reports that according to the WHO,
there is no guarantee that the disease will remain
confined to gay and bisexual communities. .
Dr. Catherine Smallwood, senior emergency officer at the WHO, said it's not uncommon for a virus outbreak to start in a particular place before spreading to the general population.
Dr. Catherine Smallwood, senior emergency officer at the WHO, said it's not uncommon for a virus outbreak to start in a particular place before spreading to the general population.
On July 25, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul said that the state and Quest Diagnostics reached a deal to use PCR tests on those who have a rash indicitave of monkeypox.
On July 25, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul said that the state and Quest Diagnostics reached a deal to use PCR tests on those who have a rash indicitave of monkeypox.
The real challenge with testing is that it involves swabbing lesions, which must be present for the test to assess whether the virus is also present, Mary Bassett, New York state health commissioner, via statement.
Without lesions, testing is not currently possible. And we will continue working to make sure providers know when and how to test for monkeypox, Mary Bassett, New York state health commissioner, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Senators Manchin and Murkowski , Test Positive for COVID-19.
NPR reports the two federal lawmakers tested positive for COVID-19 on July 25.
Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska both made official announcements that they had contracted the coronavirus.
Manchin took to Twitter to
reveal his positive diagnosis.
This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. , Senator Joe Manchin, via Twitter.
I am fully vaccinated and boosted and am experiencing mild symptoms. , Senator Joe Manchin, via Twitter.
I will isolate and follow CDC guidelines as I continue to work remotely to serve West Virginians. , Senator Joe Manchin, via Twitter.
Murkowski, a Republican, also
tweeted her positive diagnosis.
After experiencing flu-like symptoms I recently tested positive for COVID-19. , Senator Lisa Murkowski, via Twitter.
I will be following guidance and
advice from doctors and will be quarantining at home in Alaska
while continuing my work remotely. , Senator Lisa Murkowski, via Twitter.
As a wave of COVID-19 once again hits the United States, President Biden, who contracted the virus on July 21 ...
... is reportedly on the mend, as his physician reports his symptoms "have now almost completely resolved."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden Tests Positive for COVID.
NBC News reports President Joe Biden
tested positive for COVID on July 21.
According to a White House statement, the president is experiencing "mild symptoms.".
White House COVID coordinator Ashish Jha described Biden's symptoms as a runny nose and a dry cough. .
Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time, White House Statement, via NBC News.
He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, , White House Statement, via NBC News.
... and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence, White House Statement, via NBC News.
Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated and double boosted.
Speaking at a public event, First Lady Jill Biden stated that her husband was "doing fine.".
My husband tested positive for COVID, I talked to him just a few minutes ago, he's doing fine, First Lady Jill Biden, via NBC News.
He's feeling good. I tested negative this morning. I am going to keep my schedule, First Lady Jill Biden, via NBC News.
Biden's physician reiterated his patient's vaccination status and projected
a favorable outcome.
The president is fully vaccinated and twice-boosted, so I anticipate that he will respond favorably, as most maximally protected patients do, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Physician to President Biden,
via NBC News.
According to her office, Vice President
Kamala Harris will maintain
her schedule for July 21.
Biden's positive test comes amid a rise in COVID cases all over the world as the
BA.5 subvariant continues to spread
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Climate Change Is, Transforming Forests , Around the World.
'The Guardian' reports that forests from the Arctic
to the Amazon are being transformed at
an alarming rate as a result of the climate crisis.
'The Guardian' reports that forests from the Arctic
to the Amazon are being transformed at
an alarming rate as a result of the climate crisis.
Scientists have found trees growing in
previously-barren tundra while also dying off
due to rising temperatures in the south.
Scientists have found trees growing in
previously-barren tundra while also dying off
due to rising temperatures in the south.
According to a series of studies, the composition
of forests is rapidly changing to become far
less resilient and more prone to diseases.
Scientists warn that further heating could cause
up to 50% of traditional boreal forests to die off,
while leaving many other trees stunted.
Boreal species do very poorly even
with modest warming. They grow
more slowly and have greater mortality, Peter Reich, co-author and researcher at
the University of Minnesota, via 'The Guardian'.
Given how fast climate change is,
we could get a 50 to 150-year period
where spruce and fir over thousands
of miles, including from Siberia
to Scandinavia, don’t regenerate, .., Peter Reich, co-author and researcher at
the University of Minnesota, via 'The Guardian'.
... so you’ll have this strange
new system of invasive shrubs that
won’t provide us with the economic
and ecological services we are used to, Peter Reich, co-author and researcher at
the University of Minnesota, via 'The Guardian'.
Other studies highlight
the impact of the climate crisis
on the heart of the Amazon.
Scientists have warned that the delicate
ecosystem of the rainforest is in danger
of being transformed into a savannah.
Scientists have warned that the delicate
ecosystem of the rainforest is in danger
of being transformed into a savannah.
According to one study, a lack of phosphorus in
the Amazon’s soils could have “major implications”
for its resilience to rising temperatures
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Maternal Mortality Rate
Expected to Rise, in Wake of SCOTUS Ruling.
Researchers and scholars urge legislative and voter action following the ruling that overturned 'Roe v. Wade.'.
There are going to be more people who are forced to carry a pregnancy to term, which means that there’s going to be a greater number of people who are at risk, Professor Rachel Hardeman, University of Minnesota, via 'The Guardian'.
Scholars also say that maternal mortality rates will be disproportionate among women of color.
The truth of the matter is, it’s already hitting people [of color] harder than others – that’s been the reality, Dr. Monica McLemore, University of California, San Francisco, via 'The Guardian'.
Because Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities are going to be disproportionately impacted by lack of access to
abortion services, , Professor Rachel Hardeman, University of Minnesota, via 'The Guardian'.
... it’s going to exacerbate the maternal mortality racial gap that we’ve already seen in the
United States, Professor Rachel Hardeman, University of Minnesota, via 'The Guardian'.
It’s translating into not getting the care they need, which can be a matter of life and death, Professor Rachel Hardeman, University of Minnesota, via 'The Guardian'.
Scholars say it may be useful to think of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision as racist.
We have to be thinking about the SCOTUS decision and abortion bans generally as a racist policy, Professor Rachel Hardeman, University of Minnesota, via 'The Guardian'.
The burden will fall the hardest on Black pregnant people, it’s going to fall hard on Indigenous people and other people of color, people living in rural areas as well and people of lower socioeconomic status, Professor Rachel Hardeman, University of Minnesota, via 'The Guardian'.
If you think about why people get abortions, it’s often because it’s not safe for them to
stay pregnant, Dr. Amanda Jean Stevenson, University of Colorado Boulder, via 'The Guardian'.
Scholars agree that it's up to voters to elect a Congress that will prioritize reproductive rights at the federal level.
They say that such action will prevent deaths of pregnant women.
We need an all-hands-on-deck approach here – with brilliance, not fear, Dr. Monica McLemore, University of California, San Francisco, via 'The Guardian'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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