MMWR Weekly Briefing

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

4.1 (76)
SCIENCE
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

This weekly podcast series summarizes the latest scientific information published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

DEC 18

Week of December 9, 2024

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems should get 2 doses of a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, spaced 6 months apart. Second, a new CDC report examines homicides related to intimate partner violence of Hispanic and Latino people in the United States. Third, the current dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico has resulted in higher rates of hospitalizations than previous outbreaks, with more than half of patients needing hospital care. Last, polio cases increase in Afghanistan as vaccine campaign restrictions threaten eradication efforts.

8 min
DEC 12

Week of December 2, 2024

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a CDC study finds that 1 in 20 women surveyed experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Second, a CDC report on waterborne disease outbreaks linked to splash pads highlights ways to stay healthy while you play. Third, overdose deaths overall and with illegally made fentanyls detected started to decline in late 2023; overdose deaths with carfentanil increased sharply but remain rare. Last, CDC vaccination recommendations for hepatitis B were updated to include an additional vaccine option during pregnancy.

9 min
DEC 5

Week of November 25, 2024

This episode discusses six MMWR reports. First, three reports describe the spread of parvovirus B19 in the United States in 2024; some groups are at increased risk for serious complications from this infection. Second, emergency department visits for firearm injuries declined from 2022 to 2023 yet were still higher than before the pandemic. Third, Rocky Mountain spotted fever continues to emerge in the California-Mexico border region. Last, CDC makes progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat by reaching more than 2 million people in 37 countries with pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.

8 min
NOV 21

Week of November 11, 2024

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, nirsevimab reduces the risk of severe RSV among Alaskan Native children, who have historically experienced high rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations. Second, a concerning decline in the use of antivirals is seen among children and teens hospitalized with flu. Third, measles cases are surging worldwide as vaccination coverage remains below pre-pandemic levels. Last, disease presentation, vaccination status, and recent international travel are important when suspected measles cases occur.

8 min
NOV 21

Week of November 4, 2024

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, CDC finds evidence of additional H5 bird flu infections among dairy workers - personal protective equipment can help protect against infection. Second, Guinea worm disease is close to eradication, yet obstacles remain. Last, overdose deaths in the U.S. with ketamine detected are rare but increasing.

7 min
NOV 6

Week of October 28, 2024

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, low flu and COVID-19 vaccination among some health care workers in the U.S. Second, a new report shows low flu vaccination rates and flu antiviral treatment among pregnant and postpartum women in Suzhou, China. Third, four cases of new fungal rash spread during sex have been confirmed in New York City. Last, an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Virginia is disproportionately impacting Black adults - an unusual and concerning finding.

9 min
OCT 30

Week of October 21, 2024

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, a case of locally acquired malaria in Arkansas in 2023 highlights the importance of preventing diseases spread by mosquitoes. Second, public health officials in California responded to the first locally acquired dengue infections, also transmitted by mosquitoes. Third, private balcony hot tubs are previously unidentified sources of Legionella exposure on cruise ships. Last, JN.1 and its descendants have been the most common SARS-CoV-2 virus variants in 2024, and they're still evolving.

9 min
OCT 23

Week of October 14, 2024

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, tobacco product use among youth is at a 25-year low, yet disparities persist. Second, a new study shows continued declines in routine childhood vaccination rates as outbreaks of preventable diseases persist. Third, health officials prevent a form of rabies virus from spreading in the Midwest. Last, countries with low polio vaccination rates continue to experience outbreaks.

9 min

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4.1

out of 5

76 Ratings

Helpful but inconsistent

03/13/2023

KL407

These podcasts are helpful for me to keep up with news going on in the field I work in since I can listen to them while working on other things; I always fall behind on reading the articles. However, how often these are published seems inconsistent. Sometimes there is more than one within a week and sometimes there’s multiple weeks in between them. Given MMWR is a weekly report, wouldn’t it make sense for these podcasts to also be weekly? Or at least on a consistent schedule if weekly isn’t possible?
Important information.

09/26/2022

NickPublicHealth

Important information, shared in a simple format. Works for those of us on the go, working in the field. Thank you.
CDC is a private company.

02/18/2023

philthyglass

It’s not a government agency !! and it has no authority !!
Informative

08/30/2021

MahaloEva

Well written and very well articulated. Any bias is explained in the article and not hidden. This is greatly appreciated! This Weekly Briefing is highly recommended!