National Updates
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued new guidance advising against the routine use of Leucovorin (a form of vitamin B9) in children with autism, citing insufficient evidence to support benefit and concerns about potential risks. Reuters
With the federal government shutdown ongoing (since October 1), key public-health functions (e.g., some CDC surveillance, WIC program operations) remain under strain. Wikipedia+1
Texas Updates
Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in Texas will begin November 1 and run through January 15; many Texans face premium increases or risk losing tax‐credit eligibility. texastribune.org+1
North Texas hospitals warn they could face over $1 billion in additional uncompensated care if federal subsidies expire and coverage affordability worsens. KERA News
Global Health Alerts
Global health systems are bracing as productivity in some U.S. public-health agencies decline due to staffing/funding disruptions, which may hamper global outbreak detection and response. (Indirect alert)
Although Texas‐specific global travel alerts are not newly highlighted today, the broader international health environment remains volatile—clinicians should maintain travel history vigilance.
Clinical Tips for Providers
Discuss the AAP’s new guidance with families of children with autism who may be considering off-label vitamin/medication use.
Counsel patients about the upcoming ACA enrollment period—especially those whose coverage may be impacted by premium increases or subsidy changes.
Alert patients in Texas about potential increased uncompensated care burdens at hospitals—encourage them to verify insurance status and coverage options.
Given national public-health staffing disruptions, emphasize routine preventive care and immunizations in your practice—don’t assume surveillance will catch everything.
Maintain travel screening protocols: ask about recent international travel and vector-borne disease exposures, even though no new global alert was released today.
