CIDRAP
@cidrap.bsky.social
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota
#InfectiousDiseases #PublicHealth #ScienceCommunications
#InfectiousDiseases #PublicHealth #ScienceCommunications
Narrow-spectrum C difficile antibiotic shows promise in phase 2 study
A small-molecule protein synthesis inhibitor that targets C diff with minimal gut microbiome disruption was found to be highly effective and well-tolerated in a small randomized trial.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
A small-molecule protein synthesis inhibitor that targets C diff with minimal gut microbiome disruption was found to be highly effective and well-tolerated in a small randomized trial.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 23, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Narrow-spectrum C difficile antibiotic shows promise in phase 2 study
A small-molecule protein synthesis inhibitor that targets C diff with minimal gut microbiome disruption was found to be highly effective and well-tolerated in a small randomized trial.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
A small-molecule protein synthesis inhibitor that targets C diff with minimal gut microbiome disruption was found to be highly effective and well-tolerated in a small randomized trial.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
US flu activity declines for 3rd straight week but remains elevated
The CDC estimates 19,000,000 illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 10,000 deaths due to flu this season.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
The CDC estimates 19,000,000 illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 10,000 deaths due to flu this season.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
January 23, 2026 at 9:48 PM
US flu activity declines for 3rd straight week but remains elevated
The CDC estimates 19,000,000 illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 10,000 deaths due to flu this season.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
The CDC estimates 19,000,000 illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 10,000 deaths due to flu this season.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
South Carolina’s measles outbreak hits 700 cases as CDC confirms 416 so far in 2026
The spike in cases comes as some federal officials downplay #measles and the importance of vaccination
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Heather Hazzan / Self Magazine
The spike in cases comes as some federal officials downplay #measles and the importance of vaccination
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Heather Hazzan / Self Magazine
January 23, 2026 at 9:46 PM
South Carolina’s measles outbreak hits 700 cases as CDC confirms 416 so far in 2026
The spike in cases comes as some federal officials downplay #measles and the importance of vaccination
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Heather Hazzan / Self Magazine
The spike in cases comes as some federal officials downplay #measles and the importance of vaccination
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Heather Hazzan / Self Magazine
No link found between routine childhood vaccines, aluminum adjuvants, and epilepsy risk
Children who were up to date on vaccines, or who had higher aluminum exposure, were no more likely to develop epilepsy than those who didn’t.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Children who were up to date on vaccines, or who had higher aluminum exposure, were no more likely to develop epilepsy than those who didn’t.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 23, 2026 at 8:01 PM
No link found between routine childhood vaccines, aluminum adjuvants, and epilepsy risk
Children who were up to date on vaccines, or who had higher aluminum exposure, were no more likely to develop epilepsy than those who didn’t.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Children who were up to date on vaccines, or who had higher aluminum exposure, were no more likely to develop epilepsy than those who didn’t.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
US formally withdrawals from World Health Organization, leaving debt
WHO bylaws require nations to give a one-year advance notice of withdrawal and to settle all debts before the exit is complete.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
WHO bylaws require nations to give a one-year advance notice of withdrawal and to settle all debts before the exit is complete.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
January 22, 2026 at 11:02 PM
US formally withdrawals from World Health Organization, leaving debt
WHO bylaws require nations to give a one-year advance notice of withdrawal and to settle all debts before the exit is complete.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
WHO bylaws require nations to give a one-year advance notice of withdrawal and to settle all debts before the exit is complete.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Years after COVID peak, diagnoses for depression, other chronic conditions remain low, analysis finds
The decline in depression diagnoses was most evident among adults aged 20 to 39 years.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
The decline in depression diagnoses was most evident among adults aged 20 to 39 years.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
January 22, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Years after COVID peak, diagnoses for depression, other chronic conditions remain low, analysis finds
The decline in depression diagnoses was most evident among adults aged 20 to 39 years.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
The decline in depression diagnoses was most evident among adults aged 20 to 39 years.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Turkey farm in Minnesota hit hard with avian flu
Minnesota and Kansas have had the most commercial poultry detections in the past month.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Photo: Morgan Lieberman/Mizzou CAFNR/Flickr cc
Minnesota and Kansas have had the most commercial poultry detections in the past month.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Photo: Morgan Lieberman/Mizzou CAFNR/Flickr cc
January 22, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Turkey farm in Minnesota hit hard with avian flu
Minnesota and Kansas have had the most commercial poultry detections in the past month.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Photo: Morgan Lieberman/Mizzou CAFNR/Flickr cc
Minnesota and Kansas have had the most commercial poultry detections in the past month.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Photo: Morgan Lieberman/Mizzou CAFNR/Flickr cc
CDC-funded hep B vaccine study in Africa suspended pending review, officials say
Health officials in Guinea-Bissau say a committee reviewing the controversial study needs more information before it can make a final decision.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Health officials in Guinea-Bissau say a committee reviewing the controversial study needs more information before it can make a final decision.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
January 22, 2026 at 9:18 PM
CDC-funded hep B vaccine study in Africa suspended pending review, officials say
Health officials in Guinea-Bissau say a committee reviewing the controversial study needs more information before it can make a final decision.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Health officials in Guinea-Bissau say a committee reviewing the controversial study needs more information before it can make a final decision.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Analysis adds evidence that #shingles vaccine prevents or delays new-onset dementia
With the addition of further evidence, the benefits could become an important consideration in decisions to vaccinate, the authors say.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
With the addition of further evidence, the benefits could become an important consideration in decisions to vaccinate, the authors say.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
January 22, 2026 at 8:38 PM
Analysis adds evidence that #shingles vaccine prevents or delays new-onset dementia
With the addition of further evidence, the benefits could become an important consideration in decisions to vaccinate, the authors say.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
With the addition of further evidence, the benefits could become an important consideration in decisions to vaccinate, the authors say.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
New Public Health Alerts report!
Seasonal influenza activity, vaccination rates, and pediatric influenza mortality, Massachusetts 2024-25
In the 2024-25 season, the state had 441 flu-related deaths and its highest level of influenza-like illness ever
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Seasonal influenza activity, vaccination rates, and pediatric influenza mortality, Massachusetts 2024-25
In the 2024-25 season, the state had 441 flu-related deaths and its highest level of influenza-like illness ever
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
January 22, 2026 at 8:25 PM
New Public Health Alerts report!
Seasonal influenza activity, vaccination rates, and pediatric influenza mortality, Massachusetts 2024-25
In the 2024-25 season, the state had 441 flu-related deaths and its highest level of influenza-like illness ever
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Seasonal influenza activity, vaccination rates, and pediatric influenza mortality, Massachusetts 2024-25
In the 2024-25 season, the state had 441 flu-related deaths and its highest level of influenza-like illness ever
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Texas attorney general takes aim at pediatricians who #vaccinate, claiming they are part of illegal scheme
He said he will target a purported system that rewards doctors for giving vaccines that are "not proven to be safe or necessary."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: CDC
He said he will target a purported system that rewards doctors for giving vaccines that are "not proven to be safe or necessary."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: CDC
January 22, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Texas attorney general takes aim at pediatricians who #vaccinate, claiming they are part of illegal scheme
He said he will target a purported system that rewards doctors for giving vaccines that are "not proven to be safe or necessary."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: CDC
He said he will target a purported system that rewards doctors for giving vaccines that are "not proven to be safe or necessary."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: CDC
Most Americans would recommend RSV immunizations for older adults, infants, pregnant women
A total of 70% of respondents in an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey said the vaccine is less risky for older adults than RSV infection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
A total of 70% of respondents in an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey said the vaccine is less risky for older adults than RSV infection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
January 21, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Most Americans would recommend RSV immunizations for older adults, infants, pregnant women
A total of 70% of respondents in an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey said the vaccine is less risky for older adults than RSV infection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
A total of 70% of respondents in an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey said the vaccine is less risky for older adults than RSV infection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Quick takes: Death toll from USAID cuts, withdrawal of chikungunya vaccine, funding for updated Ebola vaccine
A model that tracks the impact of USAID funding cuts estimates more than 760,000 people have died as a result of those cuts since January 2025.
A model that tracks the impact of USAID funding cuts estimates more than 760,000 people have died as a result of those cuts since January 2025.
Quick takes: Death toll from USAID cuts, withdrawal of chikungunya vaccine, funding for updated Ebola vaccine
A model that tracks the impact of USAID funding cuts estimates more than 760,000 people have died as a result of those cuts since January 2025.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 21, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Quick takes: Death toll from USAID cuts, withdrawal of chikungunya vaccine, funding for updated Ebola vaccine
A model that tracks the impact of USAID funding cuts estimates more than 760,000 people have died as a result of those cuts since January 2025.
A model that tracks the impact of USAID funding cuts estimates more than 760,000 people have died as a result of those cuts since January 2025.
Study highlights impact of gender dynamics on antibiotic use
Data from 70 countries show increases in the proportion of women with secondary or higher education, and a higher proportion of women in the workforce, are tied to reduced antibiotic use.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Data from 70 countries show increases in the proportion of women with secondary or higher education, and a higher proportion of women in the workforce, are tied to reduced antibiotic use.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
January 21, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Study highlights impact of gender dynamics on antibiotic use
Data from 70 countries show increases in the proportion of women with secondary or higher education, and a higher proportion of women in the workforce, are tied to reduced antibiotic use.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Data from 70 countries show increases in the proportion of women with secondary or higher education, and a higher proportion of women in the workforce, are tied to reduced antibiotic use.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Analysis suggests nirsevimab cuts infant RSV hospitalizations 83%
Total RSV cases in children 12 months or younger were significantly lower in states with population-wide nirsevimab strategies.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Total RSV cases in children 12 months or younger were significantly lower in states with population-wide nirsevimab strategies.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
January 21, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Analysis suggests nirsevimab cuts infant RSV hospitalizations 83%
Total RSV cases in children 12 months or younger were significantly lower in states with population-wide nirsevimab strategies.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Total RSV cases in children 12 months or younger were significantly lower in states with population-wide nirsevimab strategies.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Utah measles total rises to 216; CDC deputy director says losing elimination status ‘cost of doing business’
Arizona has seen 12 cases in 2025.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Arizona has seen 12 cases in 2025.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
January 21, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Utah measles total rises to 216; CDC deputy director says losing elimination status ‘cost of doing business’
Arizona has seen 12 cases in 2025.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Arizona has seen 12 cases in 2025.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
CDC warns about New World Screwworm just across the border in Mexico
The United States has previously eradicated NWS through releasing sterile male flies to mate with the female NWS fly.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/n...
Photo: Judy Gallagher/Wikimedia Commons
The United States has previously eradicated NWS through releasing sterile male flies to mate with the female NWS fly.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/n...
Photo: Judy Gallagher/Wikimedia Commons
January 21, 2026 at 9:08 PM
CDC warns about New World Screwworm just across the border in Mexico
The United States has previously eradicated NWS through releasing sterile male flies to mate with the female NWS fly.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/n...
Photo: Judy Gallagher/Wikimedia Commons
The United States has previously eradicated NWS through releasing sterile male flies to mate with the female NWS fly.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/n...
Photo: Judy Gallagher/Wikimedia Commons
Fewer older adults being vaccinated against #flu, #pneumonia, CDC data reveal
Older adults have higher risks of certain diseases because they have more underlying illnesses and because immune systems weaken with age.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Older adults have higher risks of certain diseases because they have more underlying illnesses and because immune systems weaken with age.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
January 21, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Fewer older adults being vaccinated against #flu, #pneumonia, CDC data reveal
Older adults have higher risks of certain diseases because they have more underlying illnesses and because immune systems weaken with age.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Older adults have higher risks of certain diseases because they have more underlying illnesses and because immune systems weaken with age.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
COMMENTARY: When confusion replaces clarity about vaccines, children pay the price
by @mtosterholm & @sarahdespres
When confusion about childhood immunization is the goal, consequences show up quickly, in pediatric wards, NICUs, and grieving families
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by @mtosterholm & @sarahdespres
When confusion about childhood immunization is the goal, consequences show up quickly, in pediatric wards, NICUs, and grieving families
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 21, 2026 at 4:51 PM
COMMENTARY: When confusion replaces clarity about vaccines, children pay the price
by @mtosterholm & @sarahdespres
When confusion about childhood immunization is the goal, consequences show up quickly, in pediatric wards, NICUs, and grieving families
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by @mtosterholm & @sarahdespres
When confusion about childhood immunization is the goal, consequences show up quickly, in pediatric wards, NICUs, and grieving families
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Research ties long #COVID in kids to chronic school absenteeism, learning problems
Long COVID was also linked to a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Long COVID was also linked to a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 21, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Research ties long #COVID in kids to chronic school absenteeism, learning problems
Long COVID was also linked to a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Long COVID was also linked to a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
The University of Minnesota’s 11th Annual Research Ethics Day Conference will consider how to move forward in a changing landscape and how to adapt while maintaining the crucial elements of research ethics.
January 21, 2026 at 3:14 AM
The University of Minnesota’s 11th Annual Research Ethics Day Conference will consider how to move forward in a changing landscape and how to adapt while maintaining the crucial elements of research ethics.
ECDC issues cautious guidance on use of doxyPEP for sexually transmitted infections
The European health agency says decisions on doxyPEP use should be made at the individual level, following clinical judgement and national guidelines.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/s...
The European health agency says decisions on doxyPEP use should be made at the individual level, following clinical judgement and national guidelines.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/s...
January 20, 2026 at 10:20 PM
ECDC issues cautious guidance on use of doxyPEP for sexually transmitted infections
The European health agency says decisions on doxyPEP use should be made at the individual level, following clinical judgement and national guidelines.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/s...
The European health agency says decisions on doxyPEP use should be made at the individual level, following clinical judgement and national guidelines.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/s...
South Carolina measles outbreak expands by 200+, reaches 646 cases
The South Carolina outbreak is now the largest in the country and will likely surpass the 762-case West Texas outbreak that began one year ago today.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
The South Carolina outbreak is now the largest in the country and will likely surpass the 762-case West Texas outbreak that began one year ago today.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
January 20, 2026 at 9:56 PM
South Carolina measles outbreak expands by 200+, reaches 646 cases
The South Carolina outbreak is now the largest in the country and will likely surpass the 762-case West Texas outbreak that began one year ago today.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
The South Carolina outbreak is now the largest in the country and will likely surpass the 762-case West Texas outbreak that began one year ago today.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Quick takes: Americans wary of vaccine changes, histoplasmosis in Tennessee, 3 H9N2 avian flu cases in China
The poll also showed that health insurance costs, including rising premiums, are a top priority for voters.
The poll also showed that health insurance costs, including rising premiums, are a top priority for voters.
Quick takes: Americans wary of vaccine changes, histoplasmosis in Tennessee, 3 H9N2 avian flu cases in China
The poll also showed that health insurance costs, including rising premiums, are a top priority for voters.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 20, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Quick takes: Americans wary of vaccine changes, histoplasmosis in Tennessee, 3 H9N2 avian flu cases in China
The poll also showed that health insurance costs, including rising premiums, are a top priority for voters.
The poll also showed that health insurance costs, including rising premiums, are a top priority for voters.
#Mpox doesn’t always cause illness, yet many patients have long-term effects, studies suggest
Monitoring populations through blood testing is important for understanding how it spreads and guiding targeted vaccination.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: NIAID / Flickr cc
Monitoring populations through blood testing is important for understanding how it spreads and guiding targeted vaccination.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: NIAID / Flickr cc
January 20, 2026 at 9:27 PM
#Mpox doesn’t always cause illness, yet many patients have long-term effects, studies suggest
Monitoring populations through blood testing is important for understanding how it spreads and guiding targeted vaccination.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: NIAID / Flickr cc
Monitoring populations through blood testing is important for understanding how it spreads and guiding targeted vaccination.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: NIAID / Flickr cc