New vaccine for respiratory disease rolls out in Scotland
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation programme is being rolled out in Scotland to protect newborn babies and older adults against severe illness caused by RSV. [ more ]
Whooping Cough Is Surging in China With Tens of Thousands of Cases and Over a Dozen Deaths
Whooping cough cases surged 20-fold in China in early 2024 compared to 2023, underscoring the risk of the highly contagious respiratory disease.
Vaccine-induced immunity against whooping cough tends to wane as kids reach adolescence, and China does not mandate or provide booster shots to shore up immunity. [ more ]
CDC director: Sources in China say new outbreaks are from known pathogens
The uptick in respiratory disease in China is not caused by a new pathogen like the coronavirus, but rather by known pathogens such as the flu and common bacteria.
The increase in respiratory illnesses is likely due to a lack of exposure and resulting immunity to certain diseases during Chinese lockdowns.
Lawmakers are urging the CDC to ensure that China is providing accurate information, citing their early denials about COVID-19. [ more ]