Infectious Disease: Most Read Stories From 2024

Tecovirimat Predicted to Reduce Mpox Symptom Duration by 6 Days

In the area of infectious diseases, mpox has received notoriety in recent years as public health officials continue to deal with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as mpox gains more prominence, researchers have been developing protections against the virus. In January, data was released showing the efficacy of tecovirimat (TPOXX) for treating mpox symptoms. Results of the modeling study showed symptoms to be relieved within 6 days.

Top read infectious disease stories from the year 2024 | image credit: sujeong / stock.adobe.com

Congenital Syphilis Spike in Colorado Leads to Government Action

In the state of Colorado, congenital syphilis became a health crisis with over 25 reported cases in the first 4 months of 2024. Overall, congenital syphilis has risen 755% in the past 10 years. With a concentrated number of cases in Colorado, Governor Jared Polis attempted to address the issue by calling on a slew of government agencies and programs to make congenital syphilis a priority. Those organizations included the Behavioral Health Administration, Department of Local Affairs, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and many more.

CDC: Dengue Virus Poses Increased Threat in United States

Earlier this summer, the CDC called to address the increasing number of cases of dengue virus reported in other countries around the world. This led to an announcement that individuals in the US would be at an increased risk of infection. The FDA approved Sanofi Pasteur’s vaccine against dengue virus in 2019 as the first and only available in the US. But as immunization became common, Sanofi Pasteur stopped manufacturing the vaccine, leading to an increase in cases.

FDA Approves Antibiotic Ceftobiprole Medocaril for Injection for 3 Indications

Finally, in yet another FDA announcement, antibiotic ceftobiprole medocaril sodium (Zevtera) was given approval. Approved for a total of 3 indications, the drug can be injected and used to treat adults with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, adults with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, and adults and children aged 3 months to 18 years with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy, Effectiveness Among Patients with HIV | IDWeek 2024

At IDWeek 2024, from October 16 to 19 in Los Angeles, California, researchers analyzed vaccine hesitancy amongst a population featuring people living with HIV (PLWH). According to conference presenters, they observed outcomes of vaccines against pneumococcal infections, influenza, and COVID-19. Read through this conference coverage to learn more about how vaccination impacts PLWH.

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