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Good morning. I want to begin today’s newsletter by mentioning a friend who suspects she has cyclosporiasis. Feel free to share this email with anyone seeking information but hesitant to navigate through the online discussions about the outbreak.
Understanding the parasitic diarrhea outbreak
Many have likely encountered memes about cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness notorious for causing intestinal discomfort and diarrhea. The CDC reports that there are currently 1,645 confirmed cases in the U.S., with over 5,100 additional cases under investigation—a number significantly higher than usual. Health officials have yet to identify the specific produce or suppliers linked to the outbreak. Gwen Biggerstaff from the CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases stated that updates will be provided “at least weekly.”
Identifying the source of the illness is challenging because symptoms can take up to two weeks to manifest after exposure. In Michigan—one of the four states suspected by the CDC to be part of a significant cluster—a preliminary warning was issued suggesting that lettuce or salad greens may be involved. Additionally, the Washington Post reported that Taco Bell is under investigation. Federal officials recommend rinsing and cooking fresh produce to minimize risk. Read more in a new First Opinion essay discussing the unknowns surrounding the outbreak and the role consumers play in the information gap.
Impact of ending extra ACA subsidies
HCA Healthcare, the nation’s largest hospital chain, recently revised its profit outlook downward after encountering a higher number of uninsured patients than anticipated in the second quarter. This development follows the cessation of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which led many individuals to discontinue their ACA plans. The expiration of these enhanced premium tax credits in January resulted in a $400 million loss for the company in the second quarter alone. Read more from STAT’s Tara Bannow on how this development could affect future hospital profits amid impending Medicaid work requirements.
‘I am with you on planet Earth’
During a recent town hall, Karim Mikhail, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, addressed staff with the statement, “I am with you on planet Earth.” This comment comes in the wake of the previous CBER leader, Vinay Prasad, whose leadership style was notably unpredictable. Read more from STAT’s Lizzy Lawrence on Mikhail’s balanced approach to drug regulation and his reception among staff.
Scientists oppose proposed grant changes
In late May, the White House introduced a sweeping proposal to change how federal grants and contracts are distributed. The proposed rules would allow the Trump administration to override peer review recommendations, terminate grants at their discretion, and have greater flexibility in research support. Nearly 500,000 public comments were submitted by the Monday deadline, with a University of North Carolina and STAT analysis showing that 95% of comments opposed the changes.
Sudip Parikh, a prominent advocacy group leader, stated, “When you end up in a place where, with every new administration, you’re going to start all over on what the priority is, you are not going to be able to catch up with China. You’re not going to be able to cure disease, and you’re not going to be able to grow the economy.” Although the administration must respond to substantive public comments, it is not obligated to incorporate them. Read more from STAT’s Anil Oza and J. Emory Parker about the significant opposition to the proposal and its potential implications.
90%
According to annual WHO and UNICEF estimates, 90% of infants worldwide received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine last year. Eighty-five percent completed the full three-dose series. These figures represent a slight increase from 2024 but remain below the levels seen in 2019. While fewer children received no vaccines, there was an increase in those who began but did not complete the series.
What we’re reading
- Most new Ebola cases in eastern Congo are from unidentified chains, as the outbreak surpasses the response efforts, AP
- Tia pledges higher quality, personalized healthcare for women, but patients report missed pregnancies, surprise bills, and upselling of alternative medicine, LA Public Press
- A biotech startup takes a unique approach to tackling obesity, STAT
- Could a mysterious disappearing organ hold the secret to longevity? Nature
- Medicare Advantage insurers face bipartisan scrutiny over AI and care denials, STAT
