Keeping an eye on infectious disease news can help you make informed care decisions for your patients. But how do you keep it all straight—especially when what we know changes so quickly?
Whether you’re looking for a rundown or want to know which topics to search for in continuing medical education, we’ve got you covered.
SAVE $50
Sign up for our newsletter and receive a coupon code for $50 off your first conference with CME Seminars.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases fall into two categories: emerging and re-emerging. Emerging diseases can include an outbreak of new illnesses, those that are more difficult to control or ones that spread rapidly, such as:
COVID-19
COVID-19 has evolved in the years since the pandemic started, which can cause an uptick in infections. New variants emerge, which often make up for most cases during those surges, like the KP.3.1.1. variant.
Another rising variant, XEC, could increase COVID-19 infections in the United States. Current recommendations include new or updated vaccinations for anyone over six months old.
Bird Flu
Bird flu, or H5N1, has seen a recent rise among animals once again. Several people have also contracted the virus after exposure to a sick animal.
New developments suggest that at least one patient has acquired bird flu without exposure to such an animal. The 2024 infection could signal that the virus may evolve to allow human transmission.
Mpox
Mpox has risen in recent years. In the US, clade II mpox has led to infections, but a vaccine is available that may prevent it or reduce symptoms.
One concern with mpox is that clade I—which is more severe and can lead to death—is spreading rapidly in Africa. As a result, the World Health Organization has designated mpox clade II as a “public health emergency of international concern” encouraging health professionals to be aware of a potential surge in cases worldwide.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is also rising due to bites from infected mosquitoes. Symptoms vary among individuals, though there are severe versions that can lead to organ failure or death.
Most people contract dengue fever after traveling, but local transmission has occurred in the US and its territories. Preventing mosquito bites is one of the first lines of defense against dengue fever.
Re-Emerging Infectious Disease Updates
Re-emerging infectious diseases are those that return to higher levels after declining for a long time. These can occur due to public health inaction or new strains of the virus. Examples include:
Whooping Cough
Pertussis—generally known as whooping cough—is rising globally among infants and children. The contagious respiratory system infection can lead to pneumonia, making it crucial to prevent and treat it as early as possible.
Flu
Flu is a persistent viral infection seen in outbreaks yearly, particularly during fall and winter. It spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.
In most years, the US has seen millions of cases of influenza, with thousands of people hospitalized or dying. Health workers should encourage patients to practice good hygiene and receive an annual flu vaccine to help slow the spread.
Measles
Measles has also been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, 236 measles infections were reported in three months, making up about one-third of all cases since COVID-19 began.
The outbreaks occur in populations where children have not received the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MRR).
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV, an infection of the lungs and airways, has made waves since the pandemic. It’s most common in children, though people of any age can acquire it. The US can see upward of two million reported cases of RSV each year.
Aside from proper hygiene, you can encourage patients to slow the spread with the RSV vaccine.
Learn What’s New in Infectious Diseases With CME
With CME, staying up-to-date on infectious diseases—including treatments and vaccines—is easier. Attend an infectious disease conference to enhance your knowledge and inform your practice.