This Week in MMWR: Vol. 73, March 21, 2024
March 21, 2024
In this IssueTuberculosis, preventive treatment — PEPFARCoccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosisVaricella laboratory testing — Minnesota
WEEKLY REPORT
Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment Update
>From 2016-2023, PEPFAR-supported programs achieved tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment completion rates up to 87%, and initiation rates among patients who had been on antiretroviral treatment for less than six months reached 59%.
Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, and Blastomycosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Case fluctuations, a high blastomycosis case fatality rate (17%) in 2021, and atypical seasonality across diseases in 2020 suggest that these fungal infections might have been affected by changes in health care–seeking behavior, diagnostic testing, or reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notes from the Field: Expanded Laboratory Testing for Varicella
A little less than half of clinically diagnosed varicella cases (cases diagnosed by examination of the rash without any laboratory testing) were positive for the varicella-zoster virus, suggesting clinical diagnosis can be unreliable.READ THE WEEKLY REPORTS
PDF of this issue (link)
CONTINUING EDUCATION
A new, free CE from MMWR and Medscape discusses trends in U.S. cannabis-involved emergency department visits in people younger than age 25 during the COVID-19 pandemic.EARN FREE CE
PODCAST
MMWR Weekly Briefing Podcast: Week of March 4
The latest MMWR Weekly Briefing is live. Topics include: effectiveness of nirsevimab against RSV hospitalization in young children, emergency department visits for melatonin ingestion in children, and more. Listen and subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play.LISTEN NOW
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