US FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) approved the first vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Arexvy for use in the United States. It is approved for the prevention of lower respiratory tract diseases (LRTD) in old age groups. Public Health News Analysis FIRST VACCINE AGAINST RSV INFECTION APPROVED BY FDA Image Credits: Dr. Thamizhmaran Author: Dr. Aditi Yadav Updated on : June 22, 2023 Communicable diseases, Vaccine, Surveillance system GlaxoSmithKline Biological’s Arexvy, the first vaccine against RSV, was approved by the U.S. FDA on May 3, 2023, for those aged ≥60, to protect themselves from RSV-related respiratory illness. Vaccination dramatically reduced the risk of getting RSV-associated LRTD by 82.6% and decreased the chance of developing severe RSV-associated LRTD by 94.1%.In India RSV is the most common cause of acute respiratory infection in young children and candidate vaccines are in the pipeline. WHAT IS RSV INFECTION? One of the most prevalent causes of illness in children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was discovered in 1956, since then it has caused morbidity in both infants and old age. In the US (United States) every year RSV leads to about, 2.1 million outpatient visits among children younger than 5 years old and 100–300 deaths among them. 60,000-160,000 hospitalizations among 65 years and older. Among them, 6,000-10,000 deaths are reported. (1) Common cold-like symptoms are often the result of RSV belonging to Orthopneumovirus having 2 subtypes- A and B. Transmission begins in the fall and peaks in winter. But COVID-19 has disrupted the seasonal consistency in circulation patterns. (1) In infants younger than a year old in the US, RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In adults, it can be fatal in some cases. Among them, those at higher risk for a life-threatening RSV infection are: 1. Seniors, particularly those 65 years 2. With compromised immune systems 3. Those diagnosed with chronic heart or lung disease In the elderly, it can occasionally develop problems like Pneumonia, worsened symptoms of Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Congestive Heart Failure(CHF). Those over 65 years who get RSV exposure may require hospitalization. There's a chance of mortality also. Because immune systems deteriorate with age, seniors are at a higher risk than young folks for catastrophic consequences from RSV. WHAT IS THE MODE OF TRANSMISSION? Direct contact with respiratory droplets, indirect contact like touching a surface that has the virus on it, and touching your face without washing hands. Incubation period-: 2-8 days Infection does not give any immunity. (2) DIAGNOSIS OF RSV INFECTION Clinical manifestations of RSV are not unique. Even though a number of diagnostic options are available which are not routinely done, clinicians mostly opt for clinical diagnosis. More sensitive test like real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) is one of the investigations. SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS IN THE U.S.A. RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network : Hospitalizations from RSV are tracked using a population-based surveillance system. (1) National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) : lab-based surveillance system for tracking the spread of RSV and other viruses over time and space. (1) New Vaccine Surveillance Network : multisite, population-based surveillance network for hospitalizations and outpatient visits associated with RSV and other acute respiratory disorders. (1) The RSV Surveillance in Native American Persons (RSV SuNA) : to track hospitalizations and outpatient visits associated with RSV among Native Americans. (1) Vaccine developments started in 1960 onwards. But most of them didn’t succeed. (3) T here is prophylaxis for infants at risk and young children but not for older age groups which emphasize the need for vaccines. NEW VACCINE FOR RSV- AREXVY GlaxoSmithKline Biological’s Arexvy, the first vaccine against RSV, was approved by the U.S. FDA on May 3, 2023, for those aged ≥60, to protect themselves from RSV-related respiratory illness. US FDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Sciences assuring the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and drugs for use in humans. (4) It is a recombinant subunit prefusion RSV F glycoprotein antigen with adjuvant. Protective for both type A and B viruses . (5) Evidence for Arexvy's safety and efficacy comes from ongoing, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical research in people aged 60 and more than 60 years in the US and other countries. Arexvy's primary clinical research aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single dose in people aged 60 and up. In order to evaluate the same for repeated immunization, participants will remain in the trial for three RSV seasons. Comparing those who got Arexvy to those who received a placebo, vaccination dramatically reduced the risk of getting RSV-associated LRTD by 82.6% and decreased the chance of developing severe RSV-associated LRTD by 94.1% . Reported side effects by Arexvy recipients: injection site soreness, muscular pain, headache, and joint stiffness or pain. Few had atrial fibrillation. FDA requires a post-marketing study to evaluate substantial risks for Guillain-Barré syndrome and ADEM (Acute Disseminated encephalomyelitis). Vaccines will be available for older individuals prior to the 2023/2024 RSV season, which typically begins in the fall. Route of administration: Intramuscular injection Dosage: 0.5ml. Reconstituted vaccine should be administered immediately or can be stored at 2- 8 degree Celsius at room temperature protected from light and used within 4 hours. If not used within 4 hours, the reconstituted vaccine must be discarded. (5) Contraindication: A nyone with a history of anaphylaxis to any vaccine component. The cost of the vaccine has not yet been decided. 30 European countries are also authorized for vaccine usage. (6) Conclusion: Now the recommendation should come from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after reviewing by Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) on various aspects like epidemiology, immunogenicity, cost-effectiveness, and whether to give it for all ≥60 or those with comorbidities. But some problems like lack of awareness and vaccine hesitancy will be there. Vaccines for pregnant women are also in the trials. In India RSV is the most common cause of acute respiratory infection in young children and candidate vaccines are in the pipeline. References: CDC. respiratory syncytial virus(RSV).Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html . Guidelines on the quality, safety and efficacy of respiratory syncytial virus vaccines, Annex 2, TRS No 1024. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/respiratory-syncytial-virus-vaccines-annex-2-trs-no-1024 ) Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) Disease. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/health-product-policy-and-standards/standards-and-specifications/vaccine-standardization/respiratory-syncytial-virus-disease ) U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Press announcements. FDA Approves First Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-nnouncements/fda-approves-first-respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine GSK.Highlights of Prescribing Information.Available from : https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Arexvy/pdf/AREXVY.PDF GSK.Press releases. Available from : https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/european-commission-authorises-gsk-s-arexvy-the-first-respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine-for-older-adults/ comments debug Comments (2) Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 5.0 | 1 Rating Rate the Article* Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest Guest Jun 26, 2023 Rated 5 out of 5 stars. Very infornative and well presented.....Great job. 2 Reply Guest Jun 26, 2023 Rated 5 out of 5 stars. Very crisp and informative, well put article. Kudos to the team ✨ 2 Reply Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW

Dog bite menace in the Rabies capital Dog bite menace in the Rabies capital Content Editor: Dr Pradipta S December 28, 2023 India Environment Portal Rabies, Zoonotic diseases Over the last three years, the country has grappled with a rising stray dog menace. There have been approximately six dog bites every minute. As per the WHO Association for the Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI)-2004 study, India contributes 36% to global rabies deaths, earning the title of "Rabies Capital.” Recent data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reveals 24.7 lakh dog bite incidents between January and October 2023. Despite sporadic reports, data indicates a reduction in dog attacks since 2018. In 2018, 75 lakh dog bite cases were reported, decreasing to over 72 lakh and 46 lakh in 2019 and 2020, respectively. However, the number of dog bites per day has been increasing since 2021. The government launched the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination in 2021 to address this concern.

Rapid syndromic PCR test - A miracle in case of pneumonia Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal March 21, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM New Updates, Communicable Diseases Adults (total of 374) who came to the emergency department (ED) between September 25, 2020, and June 1, 2021, with symptoms of CAP, were enrolled in the trial , which was run and overseen by researchers at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, Norway. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard-of-care microbiologic methods (blood culture, pneumococcal urine test, and an in-house PCR test) or rapid syndromic PCR testing using the BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Plus panel (FAP Plus), which detects 27 bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens. Patients with suspected community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) were more than three times more likely to receive pathogen-directed antibiotic treatment if they had quick syndromic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing , according to the experiment than if they underwent traditional microbiological testing. Additionally, they got pathogen-directed therapy more quickly. Rapid syndromic PCR testing, according to the researchers, may be used in place of or in addition to culture-based diagnostic methods for patients with lower respiratory infections. The results were published in JAMA Network Open. As per the researchers, "a faster microbiological diagnosis allows for directed therapy , which has been shown in previous studies to improve outcomes, limit antibiotic overuse, and prevent antimicrobial resistance." Click here to read more Previous Next

06. DIY air filter effectively filter out viruses, air pollutants. December 28, 2022 at 1:28:48 PM Air Polution, Environmental Health The filter named corsi-rosenthal boxes or cube constructed from four MERV-13 filters, duct tape, a 20-inch box fan and a cardboard box. These are efficacious in removing chemicals from air such PFAS( type of synthetic chemical found in cleaners, textile and wire insulation) and Phthalates(found in building materials and personal care products), it reduce the concentratin of former by 40 to 60 percent and later by 30 to 60 percent respectively. Previous Next

Innovative technology for accurate HIV detection unveiled by JNCASR Innovative technology for accurate HIV detection unveiled by JNCASR Content Editor: Dr Sumana November 27, 2024 PIB HIV Diagnosis, genetics Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR ) developed the GQ-RCP diagnostic platform for detecting HIV with high precision. It targets the unique G-Quadruplex (GQ ) DNA structure in the HIV genome, reducing false positives common in existing diagnostic methods. It uses benzobisthiazole-based fluorescent probes (TGS64) for selective and reliable detection via reverse transcription and amplification of a 176-nucleotide sequence. Featuring a pH-mediated single-step DNA transition into GQ conformation, enabling efficient recognition. This new method offers significant advantages over conventional diagnostics by mitigating non-specific amplification issues. Originally designed for pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the platform is adaptable for diagnosing various DNA/RNA pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Click here to read more.

Interim analysis of the EYE strategy Interim analysis of the EYE strategy Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy November 29, 2023 WHO News Section Vaccination, Global health, Yellow fever, International health Under the guidance of WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi evaluation offices, the Euro Health Group conducted an independent mid-term evaluation of the EYE Strategy. This evaluation was conducted in order to assess the strategy's current state of development. The evaluation also aimed to identify the most effective path forward for safeguarding nearly 1 billion people in Africa and the Americas from yellow fever by 2026. The evaluation covered the EYE strategy from 2017 to 2021. Data from the EYE Strategy shows that since 2017, 226 million more Africans have received a single-dose vaccination that offers lifetime protection against yellow fever. The EYE partners reiterate that they are dedicated to stepping up their efforts in order to: Assist countries in putting the strategy into practice Prevent all further yellow fever outbreaks worldwide by 2026 The Vaccine Alliance assured that it will keep collaborating with nations and partners to support: Routine immunization Close immunization gaps Enhance preparedness for responding to outbreaks

Declaration of famine in Sudan’s North Darfur Zamzam camp Content Editor: Dr. Manu August 28, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM UNICEF, Famine, Disaster, Food insecurity Following 15 months of war in Sudan, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s Famine Review Committee (IPC FRC) was established in the Zamzam camp in the northern Darfur region of Sudan, leaving a population of 7,55,000 vulnerable to food scarcity . An area is attributed to IPC Phase 5 Famine Classification when: It has at least one in five households facing an extreme deficiency of food, No less than 30 percent of children in the area are suffering from acute malnutrition Two for every 10,000 people are dying each day due entirely to starvation or to the interaction of malnutrition and disease. The lack of humanitarian access due to the war is the main reason behind the famine. UNICEF and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) call for a ceasefire to allow relief services access to the areas Click here to read more. Previous Next

RURAL HEALTH STATISTICS 2020-21 January 25, 2023 at 5:24:40 AM Rural Health, National Health Mission Each Community Health Centre (CHC) serves a population of 80000 - 120000. Under the National Health Mission, a CHC requires to be manned by 4 medical specialists: surgeon, physician, obstetrician/gynaecologist, paediatrician; along with paramedical staff. As per the RURAL HEALTH STATISTICS 2020-21 report, there is a shortfall of 83.2% surgeons, 81.6% paediatricians, 79.1% physicians and 74.2% obstetricians and gynaecologists. Overall, there is a shortfall of 79.9% specialists at the CHCs as compared to the requirement for existing CHCs with 67.8% of the sanctioned posts remaining vacant. The shortfall (which excludes the existing surplus in some of the States) in the posts of Health Worker (Female) / Auxillary Nurse Midwife is 2.9% of the total requirement as per the norm of one HW(F) / ANM per Sub Centre and PHC (Primary Health Centre). Previous Next

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. 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NGT and UPPCB row over Ganga Water Quality Concerns at Maha Kumbh 2025 NGT and UPPCB row over Ganga Water Quality Concerns at Maha Kumbh 2025 Content Editor: PHC Editor February 27, 2025 National Green Tribunal Ganga water quality, NGT report, Maha Kumbh, CPCB, faecal coliform A recent National Green Tribunal report from Uttar Pradesh has raised alarm bells over the Ganga’s water quality ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Findings reveal that the river water fails to meet the safety standards established by the C entral P ollution C ontrol B oard, with exceptionally high levels of faecal coliform bacteria detected. While some parameters remain within acceptable limits, the elevated bacterial contamination poses significant health risks for devotees and participants. The report urges authorities to adopt stringent remedial measures and continuous monitoring to ensure safe water conditions during the mega event. Experts emphasize the need for immediate pollution control interventions to restore the river’s ecological balance and protect public health.