National Updates
Former CDC Director Susan Monarez to Testify
Susan Monarez, dismissed after less than a month in the role, will appear before Congress on September 17. The hearing, alongside former CDC Chief Medical Officer Deb Houry, will focus on recent leadership changes and their impact on vaccine policy. Reuters
WHO Calls for Protection of the CDC
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the CDC’s critical role in global health, urging that it must be preserved as a center of scientific excellence amid internal policy turmoil. Reuters
Texas Updates
COVID-19 Rising in Children as School Resumes
Texas reports “Very High” levels of COVID-19 in wastewater statewide, particularly in the Greater Houston area. Children are experiencing rising infection rates as schools reopen; health officials recommend continued vigilance. KPRC
Global Health Alerts
DRC Ebola Outbreak Can Still Be Contained
The Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo—16 deaths among 20 confirmed cases—can be contained if support increases immediately. WHO and local authorities stress urgent action in the next two weeks. Reuters
China Strengthens Emergency Response Laws
China passed a new public health emergency law effective November 1, allowing direct case reporting and faster local responses. The change is intended to streamline emergency actions and reduce bureaucratic delays. Reuters+1
Clinical Tips for Providers
- Prepare for Monarez’s testimony and encourage patients to ask informed questions about vaccine policy implications.
- Reinforce COVID-19 precautions in schools, especially for children—encourage hygiene, masking when appropriate, and vaccination for high-risk groups.
- Stay alert to Ebola symptoms among travelers or contacts tied to DRC; ensure vaccination of healthcare workers when possible.
- Monitor legal and public health developments internationally, such as in China, that may signal shifts in emergency preparedness best practices.
