National Updates
AstraZeneca to Cut Some Direct-to-Patient U.S. Drug Prices
After pressure from the Trump administration, AstraZeneca announced it will reduce prices on some medications sold directly to patients in the U.S. to improve affordability. Reuters
Groups Urge Congress to Extend Health Insurance Subsidies
As enhanced ACA tax credits are set to expire, advocacy groups are ramping up pressure on lawmakers to act before a potential spike in coverage loss and premium increases. Maine Morning Star
Texas Updates
Screwworm Alert Intensifies in South Texas
A case of New World screwworm was confirmed in Sabinas Hidalgo, Mexico—just ~70 miles from the Texas border. Texas wildlife and animal health agencies are heightening surveillance and readiness. Chron+1
Wildlife Health Alert Issued for Texans
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is warning residents to stay alert for signs of screwworm infestation in livestock and report suspicious lesions or behaviors promptly. Focus Daily News+1
First Human West Nile Case in Midland County
Midland Health Services has confirmed the first human West Nile virus infection in Texas for 2025, raising concern especially among older adults and those with comorbidities. Midland Reporter-Telegram
Global Health Alerts
Ebola Outbreak Continues in DRC’s Kasai Province
The Kasai Ebola outbreak remains active, with 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths, per most recent data. Wikipedia
Chagas Disease Gains U.S. Recognition as Potential Endemic
A perspective published in Emerging Infectious Diseases argues Chagas disease—transmitted by “kissing bugs”—should be considered endemic in the U.S., especially in the southern states including Texas. Houston Chronicle
Clinical Tips for Providers
- Educate patients about drug affordability changes—especially for chronic medications from AstraZeneca.
- Emphasize the urgency of extending ACA tax credits to patients relying on marketplace coverage.
- Inspect livestock wounds, advise farmers on screwworm prevention, and report suspicious cases immediately.
- Screen for West Nile virus in patients with fever/neuro symptoms, especially in the Midland area.
- Maintain vigilance for Ebola in symptomatic travelers from affected regions.
- Consider Chagas disease in patients with unexplained cardiac or GI symptoms in southern U.S. areas.
