Federal authorities have taken action in response to the detection of New World screwworm cases in the United States after a decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has activated an emergency response to investigate the outbreak and prepare for possible human exposure.
“The CDC’s involvement allows us to deploy more resources at the federal level,” remarked Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in Texas. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for nitenpyram, a generic over-the-counter tablet, to treat New World screwworm in dogs and cats. This marks the first generic animal drug authorized for tackling the parasite.
Seven cases have been confirmed so far in Texas and New Mexico. Affected animals include cattle, a goat, and a dog. The screwworm, a fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, enters through open wounds and causes severe animal suffering if not treated swiftly.
Previously eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s, the screwworm has made comebacks, the last being between 2016 and 2017 in Florida. The parasite is still prevalent in South America and the Caribbean. Although human infections remain rare, no cases have been reported in the current outbreak.
Welcome to The Hill’s Health Care newsletter. We are Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi. Every week, we cover the latest developments in Washington impacting your health.
Essential Reads
Policies affecting the health care sector this week include the Senate Armed Services Committee’s decision to reject a provision in the annual defense policy bill. This provision aimed to expand coverage of fertility services for military members and their families, including in vitro fertilization. According to Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), the proposal’s goal was to offer troops the same access to IVF that all Members of Congress have.
Furthermore, Planned Parenthood’s Northwest affiliate is challenging Alaska’s ban on telehealth abortion. The lawsuit argues that requiring in-person consultations for medication abortion infringes on Alaskans’ constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, the acting director of the CDC, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, refuted claims that the Trump administration’s foreign aid cuts have affected the global response to Ebola outbreaks negatively. In an interview on NewsNation, Dr. Bhattacharya praised the CDC teams’ dedication and competence in addressing Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks.
In Other News
President Trump recently oscillated between threatening significant attacks on Iran and highlighting progress in ending the ongoing conflict. This situation remains a dynamic aspect of international relations.
Around the Nation
Health care headlines from local and state outlets include:
- New Hampshire: CMS approves budget for the state’s federally funded rural health program, GO-NORTH (New Hampshire Bulletin).
- North Carolina: Federal developments disrupt the state’s plans for Medicaid work rule (North Carolina Health News).
- Minnesota: State lifts payment suspensions for disenrolled providers who appealed (Minnesota Public Radio).
What We’re Reading
Highlighted health news from other sources:
- New York Times: Options for paying medical bills suggested by Trump officials include taking out loans.
- The Athletic: Serena Williams may confront challenges with GLP-1s and performance enhancement.
- Washington Post: Trump’s engagement with 22 medical specialists could set new standards for presidents.
Stay informed. See you tomorrow!
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