The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently confirmed the New World screwworm (NWS) infestation was eradicated from the United States decades ago using an innovative sterile insect technique.
However, as of October 21, 2024, this flesh-eating worm remains endemic in Central America and is constantly at risk of being reintroduced into the United States.
Will New World Screwworms Return to the U.S.
Hajj Pilgrim Vaccine Certification Capability Expanded
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announced a new milestone digital health collaboration today to expand the Hajj health card initiative to support the roughly 3 million pilgrims who undertake the holy pilgrimage every year.
The card empowers pilgrims to provide authorized health providers access to accurate, up-to-date patient summary information and obtain personalized quality care.
For Hajj 1445, mandatory vaccinations included COVID-19, Influenza, and Meningococcal.