Public Health in the News (4/1/17 – 4/8/17)

By Grace Bellinger – Blog Editor

Global

• A safe and effective male contraceptive has been developed in rural India, but major drug companies are not yet expressing interest.
• The World Health Organization has reported a surge of measles cases in Europe.

National

• A recent survey suggests a high prevalence of HPV among American adults.
• Comprehensive report from the CDC shows that 1 in 10 pregnant women with Zika in the U.S. had a baby with a serious birth defect.
• The CDC recommends pregnant women receive the tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine during each pregnancy to protect infants against whooping cough.
• Study suggests that dramatic changes in weight may increase yo-yo dieters’ risk of heart problems.

Illinois/Chicago

• Local research institution helps design a Substance Use Cost Calculator for employers to estimate the cost of substance abuse.

Northwestern

• Study indicates race as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, emphasizing the importance of looking at differences across race/ethnic minorities.
• Northwestern scientists find that SuperAgers’ brains deteriorate more slowly than those of average adults of the same age.