The World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) today confirmed it continues to closely monitor the genetic and antigenic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants, immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination, and the performance of COVID-19 vaccines against circulating variants.
As of May 2025, the currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants are derived from JN.1.
The WHO Clarifies Antigen Composition of COVID-19 Vaccines
No Link Found Between COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy and Spontaneous Abortion
Authors say findings confirm safety of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy
Odds of Burnout Higher for Doctors Working With Incompletely Staffed Team
Working with an incomplete team >25 percent of the time linked to odds of burnout, intent to reduce hours, intent to leave
Fatal MERS Outbreak Confirmed in Arabia
Recent cases and fatalities of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) show that this severe virus continues to pose a threat in countries where it is found in dromedary camels.
Additionally, it remains a risk for healthcare workers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Disease Outbreak News published on May 12, 2025, the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported nine cases of MERS-CoV infection and two fatalities between March and April 21, 2025.
66% of Infants Protected Against RSV
As the current respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season ends, most infants are protected against this severe disease.
According to the U.S. CDC's MMWR ( 74(16);273–281) published on May 8, 2025, in the first RSV season with widespread availability of maternal vaccine and long-acting monoclonal antibody, RSV-associated hospitalization rates among infants were lower than in prepandemic seasons.
Mpox Vaccination Protects Children From Disease
In recent years, the world has experienced a rise in new and deadly infectious diseases, posing a significant threat to global health.
The global mpox outbreak that began in the Canary Islands in May 2022 is a stark reminder of our natural vulnerability to new viruses.
While some of these viruses are new and relatively unknown, others, such as the monkeypox virus (MPXV), have been present since the 1970s but have primarily been endemic to some areas of central Africa, mainly impacting adults.
Chikungunya Infection Can Be Severe in Children
Most international travelers know infected mosquitoes transmit chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses. However, when an infected person seeks medical care, it can be challenging to identify which arbovirus they have contracted.
The recent outbreak of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks in India has gained attention because of its unusual symptoms, the increased need for hospitalization, and the high level of morbidity associated with the illness.
Combined Flu, SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine as Effective as Individual Vaccines for Older Adults
mRNA-1083 induced higher immune responses than recommended standard-care influenza and COVID-19 vaccines
Trump Taps Wellness Influencer Casey Means for Surgeon General
By I. Edwards HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, May 9, 2025 (HealthDay News) — President Donald Trump has chosen Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and health tech entrepreneur, to be his nominee for …
Gulf of America's Overlapping Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria and Zika Risk
Over the last few decades, the continental United States has seen an unprecedented rise in local transmission of infectious diseases previously considered to be associated only with international travel.
These mosquito-transmitted diseases include malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
Scientific models recently predicted that the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases will continue to increase, particularly in the southern states along the Gulf of America, such as Florida and Texas.