The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now lists three measles-related deaths on its outbreak dashboard, a discrepancy with Pennsylvania’s count of five deaths, with a sixth under investigation. The reason for the CDC’s recent change in the death toll is unclear. Pennsylvania’s governor has criticized the CDC for what he characterizes as political manipulation of the figures, though the agency states it is collaborating with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to establish a consistent definition for measles-related deaths. The workgroup created to develop this standard definition is expected to complete its work within approximately two to three months.
The FDA has authorized Hibsago, a new injection treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection in certain adults without cirrhosis. The medication is intended for patients who have undergone at least six months of antiviral therapy, achieved suppressed blood levels of hepatitis B virus, and have specific hepatitis B surface antigen measurements. Clinical trials showed that 24 percent of patients receiving Hibsago successfully discontinued their existing medication, compared with none in the placebo group. Meanwhile, police in Guinea-Bissau seized hepatitis B vaccine doses from researchers conducting a controversial trial in the country, which would have withheld newborn vaccination from half of participants. A lead researcher confirmed the trial will not proceed, stating they were denied necessary governmental approval.
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