Is COVID going around again? Most recent COVID variant, measles cases and listeria outbreak 2024

Summary

In this AMA Update video, Andrea Garcia, Vice President of Science, Medicine, and Public Health, discusses key public health issues with Todd Unger. They cover the ongoing COVID wave, the potential impact of the new subvariant XEC, and the back-to-school season's risks. Garcia also addresses the listeria outbreak linked to deli meats, urging consumers to check recalls, and highlights the rise of measles outbreaks in certain U.S. states. The discussion emphasizes the importance of vaccinations to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further spread of these diseases.

Takeaways

• 😀 COVID-19 cases are still rising in certain regions, but some areas show early signs of decline.
• 😀 The KP.3.1.1 COVID-19 variant currently makes up over 42% of cases in the U.S., with another subvariant (XEC) emerging.
• 😀 COVID-19 hospitalizations remain elevated, particularly among seniors and children under 2 years old.
• 😀 Labor Day holiday travel and gatherings may have accelerated the spread of COVID-19 due to indoor activities caused by extreme heat.
• 😀 Demand for COVID-19 vaccines is low, especially for children, leading some pediatricians to scale back orders, potentially impacting availability.
• 😀 The CDC recommends all individuals aged 6 months or older receive the updated COVID vaccine for the 2023-24 season.
• 😀 A listeria outbreak linked to deli meats, specifically Boar's Head products, has sickened 57 people and caused 9 deaths.
• 😀 Consumers are advised to check for products with the USDA marks EST. 12612 or P-12612 and to be cautious with deli meats, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• 😀 Pregnant individuals, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems should heat deli meats to 165°F to reduce the risk of listeria.
• 😀 Oregon is experiencing the largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, with cases also rising in Minnesota, mostly affecting unvaccinated children.
• 😀 Measles cases in the U.S. have surged in recent months, with 236 cases reported in 2024, compared to 58 in 2023, primarily due to declining MMR vaccination rates.

Q & A

What is the current state of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. as of the latest report?

COVID-19 activity continues to rise in many areas, with regional variations. The West is seeing declines, while the South, Midwest, and Northeast have reported increases. Hospitalizations remain elevated, especially among seniors and young children, though deaths are lower than previous years but did see an increase in late August.

How has the Labor Day weekend impacted COVID-19 transmission?

The Labor Day weekend likely contributed to an acceleration in COVID-19 transmission due to increased travel and gatherings, with extreme heat driving people indoors. This could lead to higher rates of spread in certain areas.

What is the significance of the KP.3.1.1 variant in the U.S.?

The KP.3.1.1 variant now accounts for over 42% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. It is being monitored closely, as it continues to rise, with concerns that it might be surpassed by a new subvariant called XEC in the coming weeks.

Why are some pediatricians scaling back on COVID-19 vaccines this fall?

Due to low demand for the updated COVID-19 vaccines, many pediatricians, especially in smaller practices, are cutting back on vaccine orders. They face financial challenges, as they must purchase vaccines upfront but cannot return unused doses, which can result in absorbed costs.

What impact does the reduced demand for COVID-19 vaccines have on availability?

With the reduced demand, especially for children, there may be difficulties finding doses, particularly in smaller practices. This could make it harder for people, particularly young children, to get vaccinated.

What are the concerns regarding deli meat and the ongoing listeria outbreak?

A listeria outbreak linked to deli meats, including products from Boar's Head, has resulted in 57 hospitalizations and 9 deaths across 18 states. The outbreak has been traced to contamination at a Boar's Head facility in Virginia, which had multiple violations of food safety regulations.

What steps should consumers take in response to the deli meat recall?

Consumers should check for the USDA inspection mark EST. 12612 or P-12612 on deli meat labels, as these products are involved in the recall. Recalled items include liverwurst, ham, bologna, sausage, and roasted bacon. It's also crucial to clean refrigerators and surfaces that may have come into contact with these products.

What makes listeria contamination particularly concerning with deli meats?

Listeria can spread easily in delis, transferring from equipment to surfaces to food. It can also remain on countertops and meat slicers, and while refrigeration does not kill the bacteria, heating deli meats to 165°F can. Vulnerable populations like pregnant people, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

Why has the listeria outbreak affected such a large number of people?

The Boar's Head facility linked to the outbreak had numerous food safety violations, including mold and insect problems, leading to contamination. Despite this, the outbreak has spread because listeria can survive on surfaces and equipment, posing a widespread risk even to those who didn't directly consume contaminated products.

What is causing the resurgence of measles cases in the U.S.?

The resurgence of measles is primarily due to a decline in the vaccination rates for the MMR vaccine, especially in certain communities. The CDC has reported a sharp rise in measles cases, with nearly one-third of cases since the COVID-19 pandemic occurring in just the past three months.

What is the current status of the measles outbreak in Oregon?

Oregon is experiencing the largest measles outbreak in over three decades, with 31 reported cases so far. This outbreak, like others, is confined to unvaccinated individuals, particularly in areas with high vaccine exemption rates among kindergartners.

What is the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles?

The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with two doses offering a 97% protection rate against measles. However, outbreaks are still occurring in pockets of the population with low vaccination rates.