Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Why More Americans Are Landing In ERs Over Tick Bites This Year? Here's How To Check For Ticks

A worrying surge shows that emergency rooms across the United States are experiencing a stunning peak in visitation for tick bites, with July seeing record levels since 2017. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that close to 31 million Americans suffer from tick bites every year, and this summer saw a sharp increase, particularly in the Northeast. Experts are attributing this surge to environmental shifts, growing deer numbers, and more human presence within woodlands.

A variety of factors are driving the surge. Climate change is enabling ticks to survive more moderate winters, thereby prolonging their life cycle and geography. Urban encroachment into forested lands, along with increasing deer populations, offers ticks' ideal conditions for survival. The CDC says that the Fordham Tick Index, which monitors tick activity in southern New York, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey, is now at a "very high" risk level—9 out of 10.

Those under 10 and over 70 are experiencing the greatest rates of ER visits. Ticks are more than a nuisance; they carry life-threatening diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others. Many symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle pain, are common in other diseases, so early diagnosis is imperative.

Where once they were only found in rural or forest areas, ticks are now encroaching into urban and suburban settings. Parks, yards, and even city parks are showing themselves to be viable habitats. This has changed the image of where one would be likely to find ticks and added to the necessity of tick prevention techniques.

To reduce risk, the CDC recommends taking proactive steps:

<ul><li>Avoid tall grass and leaf cover.</li><li>Stay in the middle of hiking trails.</li><li>Use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET or Picaridin.</li><li>Treat outdoor gear and clothing with permethrin.</li></ul>

Apply sunscreen, followed by insect repellent, if both are being used. Tumble-drying clothes for 10 minutes at high heat after being outdoors will also eliminate any hitchhiking ticks.

If you detect a tick on your body, get it off as quickly as possible. The CDC suggests using pointy tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin surface. Pull upward with slow, steady pressure—don't twist or jerk. If mouthparts are left behind, remove them using tweezers or allow the body to pass them out naturally during healing.

After removal, wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. Dispose of the tick properly—by putting it in alcohol, sealing it inside a bag, taping it, or flushing it. Never squeeze a tick with your fingers.

When you have been outdoors—particularly in grassy, wooded, or brushy terrain—it's essential to do a complete tick check as soon as you come inside. Ticks are very small, sometimes no bigger than a sesame seed, and like to attach to warm, hidden spots on the body. It can help bites avoid developing into severe diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Begin by inspecting your whole body using a full-length or hand-held mirror. Take special note of the areas that tend to be easily overlooked like underarms, around and in ears, inside the belly button, behind the knee, between the legs, around the waist, and particularly on and in the hairline and scalp. Ticks are attracted to warm, moist, and wrinkled spaces.

Shed clothing and inspect seams, cuffs, and waistbands—ticks can catch on clothing and move toward the skin. Dry worn clothes in a clothes dryer on high heat for a minimum of 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may still be alive.

Don't neglect your pets. Gradually run your fingers over them, particularly under collars, between toes, behind ears, and around the tail. Pets' ticks can be transferred to humans if picked up early.

If you have symptoms like a bullseye rash, fever, or weakness within weeks of a tick bite, get medical attention. These could be early symptoms of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses. Physicians might prescribe antibiotics or order blood tests for further assessment.

As climate change intensifies and human contact with the natural environment increases, public health personnel can expect tick-borne diseases to become a more frequent component of seasonal health risks. Scientists are currently monitoring new tick species and novel diseases, so community education and healthcare readiness are critical.

The spike in ER visits for tick bites last summer isn't just a nuisance of the season—it's a warning sign. With tick populations growing and diseases increasing, prevention, early detection, and public awareness are our greatest prevention assets. Whether it's hiking a forest path or taking your dog for a stroll in the city, remaining tick-conscious could be vital to your health this year.

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A worrying surge shows that emergency rooms across the United States are experiencing a stunning peak in visitation for tick bites, with July seeing record levels since 2017. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that close to 31 million Americans suffer from tick bites every year, and this summer saw a sharp increase, particularly in the Northeast. Experts are attributing this surge to environmental shifts, growing deer numbers, and more human presence within woodlands.A variety of factors are driving the surge. Climate change is enabling ticks to survive more moderate winters, thereby prolonging their life cycle and geography. Urban encroachment into forested lands, along with increasing deer populations, offers ticks' ideal conditions for survival. The CDC says that the Fordham Tick Index, which monitors tick activity in southern New York, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey, is now at a "very high" risk level—9 out of 10.Those under 10 and over 70 are experiencing the greatest rates of ER visits. Ticks are more than a nuisance; they carry life-threatening diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others. Many symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle pain, are common in other diseases, so early diagnosis is imperative.Where once they were only found in rural or forest areas, ticks are now encroaching into urban and suburban settings. Parks, yards, and even city parks are showing themselves to be viable habitats. This has changed the image of where one would be likely to find ticks and added to the necessity of tick prevention techniques.How to Prevent A Tick Bite?To reduce risk, the CDC recommends taking proactive steps:Avoid tall grass and leaf cover.Stay in the middle of hiking trails.Use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET or Picaridin.Treat outdoor gear and clothing with permethrin.Apply sunscreen, followed by insect repellent, if both are being used. Tumble-drying clothes for 10 minutes at high heat after being outdoors will also eliminate any hitchhiking ticks.What To Do After A Tick Bite?If you detect a tick on your body, get it off as quickly as possible. The CDC suggests using pointy tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin surface. Pull upward with slow, steady pressure—don't twist or jerk. If mouthparts are left behind, remove them using tweezers or allow the body to pass them out naturally during healing.After removal, wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. Dispose of the tick properly—by putting it in alcohol, sealing it inside a bag, taping it, or flushing it. Never squeeze a tick with your fingers.How to Check for Ticks?When you have been outdoors—particularly in grassy, wooded, or brushy terrain—it's essential to do a complete tick check as soon as you come inside. Ticks are very small, sometimes no bigger than a sesame seed, and like to attach to warm, hidden spots on the body. It can help bites avoid developing into severe diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.Begin by inspecting your whole body using a full-length or hand-held mirror. Take special note of the areas that tend to be easily overlooked like underarms, around and in ears, inside the belly button, behind the knee, between the legs, around the waist, and particularly on and in the hairline and scalp. Ticks are attracted to warm, moist, and wrinkled spaces.Shed clothing and inspect seams, cuffs, and waistbands—ticks can catch on clothing and move toward the skin. Dry worn clothes in a clothes dryer on high heat for a minimum of 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may still be alive.Don't neglect your pets. Gradually run your fingers over them, particularly under collars, between toes, behind ears, and around the tail. Pets' ticks can be transferred to humans if picked up early.When to Seek Medical Help?If you have symptoms like a bullseye rash, fever, or weakness within weeks of a tick bite, get medical attention. These could be early symptoms of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses. Physicians might prescribe antibiotics or order blood tests for further assessment.As climate change intensifies and human contact with the natural environment increases, public health personnel can expect tick-borne diseases to become a more frequent component of seasonal health risks. Scientists are currently monitoring new tick species and novel diseases, so community education and healthcare readiness are critical.The spike in ER visits for tick bites last summer isn't just a nuisance of the season—it's a warning sign. With tick populations growing and diseases increasing, prevention, early detection, and public awareness are our greatest prevention assets. Whether it's hiking a forest path or taking your dog for a stroll in the city, remaining tick-conscious could be vital to your health this year.

why more americans are landing in ers over tick bites this year? here's how to check for ticks

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Weld County officials announced on July 7 that mosquito samples collected from two of the county’s three designated trap zones have tested positive for <span>West Nile Virus</span> (WNV). The affected areas include Greeley, Evans, Kersey, and LaSalle (Zone One), as well as Johnstown, Milliken, and Platteville (Zone Two).

Mosquitoes from the third trap zone—covering Firestone, Dacono, and Fort Lupton—tested negative for the <span>virus</span>.

Though no human cases have been reported in the county so far this year, health officials are warning residents to be prepared. With the arrival of hotter temperatures in July and August, Culex mosquitoes—the primary carriers of WNV—become more active and more numerous.

<h4>“A Permanent Summer Presence”</h4>

Jason Chessher, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department, emphasized the seasonal nature of the virus. “The increasing hot weather often leads to favorable conditions for the Culex mosquito that carries West Nile Virus,” he said. “The public needs to be vigilant, because West Nile Virus has a permanent summer presence in Colorado.”

Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but those who do may begin to feel unwell three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes a rash.

While these symptoms may resemble the flu, WNV can lead to more serious complications in some cases, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV, which makes prevention especially important. Weld County health authorities recommend seeking medical care promptly if any symptoms arise.

Health experts advise residents to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and virus transmission. These include:

<ul><li>Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, or pet bowls, as these are prime mosquito breeding grounds.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside during these peak hours.</li></ul>

Colorado saw a significant spike in WNV cases in 2023, recording 631 infections, 398 hospitalizations, and 51 deaths—the highest in the country that year. In contrast, 2024 has been comparatively mild, with just 76 reported cases statewide, 24 hospitalizations, and no fatalities to date.

Still, with Culex mosquito populations on the rise, officials say it’s crucial not to let your guard down. Weld County will continue monitoring mosquito activity closely and urges the community to follow safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus this summer.

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Weld County officials announced on July 7 that mosquito samples collected from two of the county’s three designated trap zones have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The affected areas include Greeley, Evans, Kersey, and LaSalle (Zone One), as well as Johnstown, Milliken, and Platteville (Zone Two).Mosquitoes from the third trap zone—covering Firestone, Dacono, and Fort Lupton—tested negative for the virus.Though no human cases have been reported in the county so far this year, health officials are warning residents to be prepared. With the arrival of hotter temperatures in July and August, Culex mosquitoes—the primary carriers of WNV—become more active and more numerous.“A Permanent Summer Presence”Jason Chessher, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department, emphasized the seasonal nature of the virus. “The increasing hot weather often leads to favorable conditions for the Culex mosquito that carries West Nile Virus,” he said. “The public needs to be vigilant, because West Nile Virus has a permanent summer presence in Colorado.”What Are The Risks?Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but those who do may begin to feel unwell three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes a rash.While these symptoms may resemble the flu, WNV can lead to more serious complications in some cases, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV, which makes prevention especially important. Weld County health authorities recommend seeking medical care promptly if any symptoms arise.Steps to Stay SafeHealth experts advise residents to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and virus transmission. These include:Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, or pet bowls, as these are prime mosquito breeding grounds.Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol.Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside during these peak hours.Cases In The Past and PresentColorado saw a significant spike in WNV cases in 2023, recording 631 infections, 398 hospitalizations, and 51 deaths—the highest in the country that year. In contrast, 2024 has been comparatively mild, with just 76 reported cases statewide, 24 hospitalizations, and no fatalities to date.Still, with Culex mosquito populations on the rise, officials say it’s crucial not to let your guard down. Weld County will continue monitoring mosquito activity closely and urges the community to follow safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus this summer.

west nile virus spotted in weld county mosquitoes, here’s what you need to know

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Growing up, a lot of us may have played with <span>Barbie</span>. Back then, there was a one-size-fits-all Barbie for everyone, unlike today, where the makers have finally understood that representation matters. In this new understanding of representation, even in dolls, the latest Barbie in chic blue-polka crop top and a miniskirt with chunky heels, is not just ready for summer, but also carries an insulin pump. The Barbie also has a continuous glucose monitor on her arm, and the button is held on by a strip of heart-shaped Barbie-pink tape. Her phone also shows an app with glucose readings. She also carries a light blue purse that holds all her supplies, including snacks that can help her manage her blood sugar throughout the day.

This is the brand's first doll with type 1 diabetes.

Why Does This Barbie With Type 1 Diabetes Matter?<h4></h4>

Dollmaker Mattel worked with Breakthrough T1D, which was earlier known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, to design the doll and to represent the 304,000 kids and teens, as noted by the American Diabetes Association. who are living with type 1 diabetes in the United States.

The doll was launched on Tuesday with an aim to ask Congress to renew funding for the Special Diabetes Program, which had been first allocated by Congress in 1997. Currently, the program's funding will end after September.

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The launch of the Barbie also focuses on the immense cuts made to federally funded projects in the past months, and thus, this launch is a way to draw people's attention on the said program that focuses on children with type 1 diabetes.

As per the American Diabetes Association, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system mistakenly treats the beta cells in your pancreas that create insulin as foreign invaders and destroys them. When enough beta cells are destroyed, your pancreas cannot make more insulin, or makes so little that you need to take insulin to live.

It is a hormone that helps blood glucose enter your body's cells so that it can be used as energy. If you have diabetes, blood glucose cannot enter your cells, so it builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood glucose or hyperglycemia. Over time, high blood glucose harms your body and can lead to diabetes-related complications if not treated.

<h2>Common Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes</h2>

<ul><li>Urinating often</li><li>Feeling very thirsty</li><li>Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating</li><li>Extreme fatigue</li><li>Blurry vision</li><li>Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal</li><li>Weight loss—even though you are eating more</li></ul><h2></h2>

<span>Type 1 Diabetes In Children</span><h4></h4>

A 2024 study published in JAMA Network, titled: <em>Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes Among US Children and Adults by Age, Sex, Race, and Ethnicity</em>, notes that nearly 4 in every 1000 youths in the US reported having type 1 diabetes from 2019 to 2022. As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, of the 38.4 million people who had diabetes in 2021, 352,000 were children and adolescents younger than age 20, including 304,000 with type 1 diabetes.

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that even in type 1 diabetes, there are broadly two types:

<strong>Immune-mediated diabetes:</strong> This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system damages the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This is the most common kind of type 1 diabetes.

<strong>Idiopathic type 1: </strong>This refers to rare forms of the disease with no known cause.

In children, there could be many factors that can cause type 1 diabetes, including if a family member has a condition, if the child is White, is from Finland or Sardinia, or is aged between 4 and 6 or 10 and 14.

<h2>How Is Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed In Children?</h2>

To diagnose type 1 diabetes, the healthcare provider will start by asking about your child’s symptoms and overall health history. They may also ask questions about your family’s medical background. A physical exam will be done, and your child may need some blood tests, such as:

<strong>Fasting plasma glucose test:</strong> This checks blood sugar levels after your child hasn’t eaten for at least 8 hours.

<strong>Random plasma glucose test: </strong>This measures blood sugar at any time, especially if your child is showing symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, or increased hunger.

<strong>A1C test:</strong> This gives an average of your child’s blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. A high A1C level can help confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

<h2>How is Type 1 Diabetes Treated in Children?</h2>

Children with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin to manage their blood sugar. Insulin can be given either through injections or an insulin pump. Your child’s healthcare team will teach you how to use whichever method is best for your child.

<strong>Healthy eating:</strong> This includes planning meals carefully, counting carbohydrates, and eating at regular times to help control blood sugar.

<strong>Physical activity:</strong> Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar levels.

<strong>Monitoring blood sugar:</strong> This includes checking levels several times a day, often using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

<strong>Testing urine:</strong> To check for ketones, which can be a sign of a serious complication if blood sugar is too high.

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Growing up, a lot of us may have played with Barbie. Back then, there was a one-size-fits-all Barbie for everyone, unlike today, where the makers have finally understood that representation matters. In this new understanding of representation, even in dolls, the latest Barbie in chic blue-polka crop top and a miniskirt with chunky heels, is not just ready for summer, but also carries an insulin pump. The Barbie also has a continuous glucose monitor on her arm, and the button is held on by a strip of heart-shaped Barbie-pink tape. Her phone also shows an app with glucose readings. She also carries a light blue purse that holds all her supplies, including snacks that can help her manage her blood sugar throughout the day.This is the brand's first doll with type 1 diabetes.Why Does This Barbie With Type 1 Diabetes Matter?Dollmaker Mattel worked with Breakthrough T1D, which was earlier known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, to design the doll and to represent the 304,000 kids and teens, as noted by the American Diabetes Association. who are living with type 1 diabetes in the United States.The doll was launched on Tuesday with an aim to ask Congress to renew funding for the Special Diabetes Program, which had been first allocated by Congress in 1997. Currently, the program's funding will end after September.Also Read: Man Walks Into ER Feeling Unwell, Hours Later Starts Hallucinating—Now He’s Battling A Rare Disorder That Mimics Mental IllnessThe launch of the Barbie also focuses on the immense cuts made to federally funded projects in the past months, and thus, this launch is a way to draw people's attention on the said program that focuses on children with type 1 diabetes.What Is Type 1 Diabetes?As per the American Diabetes Association, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system mistakenly treats the beta cells in your pancreas that create insulin as foreign invaders and destroys them. When enough beta cells are destroyed, your pancreas cannot make more insulin, or makes so little that you need to take insulin to live.What Is Insulin?It is a hormone that helps blood glucose enter your body's cells so that it can be used as energy. If you have diabetes, blood glucose cannot enter your cells, so it builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood glucose or hyperglycemia. Over time, high blood glucose harms your body and can lead to diabetes-related complications if not treated.Common Symptoms of Type 1 DiabetesUrinating oftenFeeling very thirstyFeeling very hungry—even though you are eatingExtreme fatigueBlurry visionCuts/bruises that are slow to healWeight loss—even though you are eating moreType 1 Diabetes In ChildrenA 2024 study published in JAMA Network, titled: Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes Among US Children and Adults by Age, Sex, Race, and Ethnicity, notes that nearly 4 in every 1000 youths in the US reported having type 1 diabetes from 2019 to 2022. As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, of the 38.4 million people who had diabetes in 2021, 352,000 were children and adolescents younger than age 20, including 304,000 with type 1 diabetes.Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that even in type 1 diabetes, there are broadly two types:Immune-mediated diabetes: This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system damages the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This is the most common kind of type 1 diabetes.Idiopathic type 1: This refers to rare forms of the disease with no known cause.In children, there could be many factors that can cause type 1 diabetes, including if a family member has a condition, if the child is White, is from Finland or Sardinia, or is aged between 4 and 6 or 10 and 14.How Is Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed In Children?To diagnose type 1 diabetes, the healthcare provider will start by asking about your child’s symptoms and overall health history. They may also ask questions about your family’s medical background. A physical exam will be done, and your child may need some blood tests, such as:Fasting plasma glucose test: This checks blood sugar levels after your child hasn’t eaten for at least 8 hours.Random plasma glucose test: This measures blood sugar at any time, especially if your child is showing symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, or increased hunger.A1C test: This gives an average of your child’s blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. A high A1C level can help confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.How is Type 1 Diabetes Treated in Children?Children with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin to manage their blood sugar. Insulin can be given either through injections or an insulin pump. Your child’s healthcare team will teach you how to use whichever method is best for your child.Treatment also involves:Healthy eating: This includes planning meals carefully, counting carbohydrates, and eating at regular times to help control blood sugar.Physical activity: Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar levels.Monitoring blood sugar: This includes checking levels several times a day, often using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).Testing urine: To check for ketones, which can be a sign of a serious complication if blood sugar is too high.

hundreds of us children have type 1 diabetes, now their barbie has it too

First-Ever Malaria Drug For Infants Approved, Here’s What It Means

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The world has finally reached a milestone in the fight against malaria: the first-ever treatment specifically designed for newborns and very young infants has been approved. Until now, these vulnerable patients—often weighing less than 4.5 kilograms—were treated with medications intended for older children, risking overdoses and under-dosing due to immature metabolism. With the approval of Coartem Baby—also marketed as Riamet Baby—health authorities and families in malaria-endemic regions now have a safer, customized option.

Global malaria statistics are sobering. In 2023, there were approximately 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide—94% of cases and 95% of deaths occurred in Africa, and children under five accounted for nearly three-quarters of fatalities.

Treating infants using formulations developed for larger children carried significant risks. Their livers process drugs differently, making standardized dosing unreliable—and in some cases dangerous.

Developed by Novartis with support from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Coartem Baby combines artemether and lumefantrine in doses appropriate for infants weighing between 2 and 5 kg (4.4–11 lbs). Approved by Swissmedic under its Global Health Products fast-track, it is expected to swiftly receive authorization in eight African countries—including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Its design addresses key challenges: the medicine dissolves easily—even when mixed into breast milk—has a sweet cherry flavor to aid dosing, and is suitable for field distribution 

This development marks a major advance in improving access to malaria care for the youngest and most vulnerable. Until now, infants under 11 pounds were unable to receive approved treatments or vaccines—which only start at five months of age.

Professor Umberto D’Alessandro from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine emphasized that immature liver function in newborns necessitates tailored dosing—older-child formulations are simply unsuitable.

This is a rare moment of alignment, easy-to-administer drug formulation, rapid regulatory approval, and readiness for deployment.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Malaria Drug</span> for Babies: Dosing &amp; Safety Trials</h2>

Approval was based on a combined Phase II/III trial—CALINA—which tested dosage accuracy and safety in infants between 2–5 kg. These trials confirmed that the drug is effective and safe when administered in adjusted doses for neonatal metabolism.

The core months of malaria treatment—during wet seasons—now will include safer options for infants, helping treat early-life P. falciparum infections before they evolve into severe disease.

While malaria vaccines—such as RTS,S (Mosquirix) and R21—have been rolled out for children aged five months and older, infants still face a vulnerability gap.

Preventive interventions like insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying have saved lives—yet funding remains insufficient. The recent decline in malaria aid further threatens progress. In this context, Coartem Baby offers a practical treatment solution during peak malaria risk periods, when vaccine coverage may still be pending.

Novartis plans to introduce the drug largely on a not-for-profit basis, especially in African regions where it is most needed. Existing global health financing channels—like the Global Fund and PMI—will likely support distribution. However, sustaining coverage depends on ongoing investment.

With global aid tightening and climate change expanding malaria zones, this infant treatment could become vital—but only if maintained through consistent support.

Following Swiss approval, rapid reviews are underway in eight African countries, expected to conclude within 90 days. Monitoring effectiveness, adverse events, and real-world outcomes will be key. Longitudinal studies that track infant recovery, recurrence, and safety post-discharge will provide critical data.

Malaria poses a severe threat to infants, leading to high mortality rates if left untreated. With this new formulation, babies who previously lacked options can now receive age-appropriate, safe treatment—preferably administered in combination with preventive strategies like bed nets and future vaccines.

Because for malaria—and especially for its youngest victims—the difference between no care and the right care can mean life or death.

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malaria deaths africa

malaria drug rollout

The world has finally reached a milestone in the fight against malaria: the first-ever treatment specifically designed for newborns and very young infants has been approved. Until now, these vulnerable patients—often weighing less than 4.5 kilograms—were treated with medications intended for older children, risking overdoses and under-dosing due to immature metabolism. With the approval of Coartem Baby—also marketed as Riamet Baby—health authorities and families in malaria-endemic regions now have a safer, customized option.Global malaria statistics are sobering. In 2023, there were approximately 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide—94% of cases and 95% of deaths occurred in Africa, and children under five accounted for nearly three-quarters of fatalities.Treating infants using formulations developed for larger children carried significant risks. Their livers process drugs differently, making standardized dosing unreliable—and in some cases dangerous.Developed by Novartis with support from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Coartem Baby combines artemether and lumefantrine in doses appropriate for infants weighing between 2 and 5 kg (4.4–11 lbs). Approved by Swissmedic under its Global Health Products fast-track, it is expected to swiftly receive authorization in eight African countries—including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.Its design addresses key challenges: the medicine dissolves easily—even when mixed into breast milk—has a sweet cherry flavor to aid dosing, and is suitable for field distribution novartis.com.Why It Matters Now?This development marks a major advance in improving access to malaria care for the youngest and most vulnerable. Until now, infants under 11 pounds were unable to receive approved treatments or vaccines—which only start at five months of age.Professor Umberto D’Alessandro from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine emphasized that immature liver function in newborns necessitates tailored dosing—older-child formulations are simply unsuitable.This is a rare moment of alignment, easy-to-administer drug formulation, rapid regulatory approval, and readiness for deployment.Malaria Drug for Babies: Dosing & Safety TrialsApproval was based on a combined Phase II/III trial—CALINA—which tested dosage accuracy and safety in infants between 2–5 kg. These trials confirmed that the drug is effective and safe when administered in adjusted doses for neonatal metabolism.The core months of malaria treatment—during wet seasons—now will include safer options for infants, helping treat early-life P. falciparum infections before they evolve into severe disease.While malaria vaccines—such as RTS,S (Mosquirix) and R21—have been rolled out for children aged five months and older, infants still face a vulnerability gap.Preventive interventions like insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying have saved lives—yet funding remains insufficient. The recent decline in malaria aid further threatens progress. In this context, Coartem Baby offers a practical treatment solution during peak malaria risk periods, when vaccine coverage may still be pending.Novartis plans to introduce the drug largely on a not-for-profit basis, especially in African regions where it is most needed. Existing global health financing channels—like the Global Fund and PMI—will likely support distribution. However, sustaining coverage depends on ongoing investment.With global aid tightening and climate change expanding malaria zones, this infant treatment could become vital—but only if maintained through consistent support.Following Swiss approval, rapid reviews are underway in eight African countries, expected to conclude within 90 days. Monitoring effectiveness, adverse events, and real-world outcomes will be key. Longitudinal studies that track infant recovery, recurrence, and safety post-discharge will provide critical data.Malaria poses a severe threat to infants, leading to high mortality rates if left untreated. With this new formulation, babies who previously lacked options can now receive age-appropriate, safe treatment—preferably administered in combination with preventive strategies like bed nets and future vaccines.Because for malaria—and especially for its youngest victims—the difference between no care and the right care can mean life or death.

first-ever malaria drug for infants approved, here’s what it means

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