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"The CDC data blackout continues as the government shutdown goes on, so there is no new data on SARS-CoV-2 emergency department visits, wastewater levels, hospitalizations or deaths from the CDC. Biobot did not report this week either. WastewaterSCAN data is available and shows that we are at a MEDIUM level of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States at this time with an overall significant decline in COVID levels from the peak. WastewaterSCAN does not include data from 12 states.
"Epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers posted respiratory virus data by state using available information.
"Many European countries have increasing SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater, but the data is shown through 10/9/25. England has moderate levels of SARS-CoV-2 as seen by case positivity rates.
"Researchers from Yucatán, Mexico collected 426 sweat samples (137 COVID-positive, 289 COVID-negative) and analyzed their volatile compounds. Sweat analysis could distinguish COVID-positive vs negative people with about 80% accuracy by testing volatile biomarkers like palmitic acid, oleic acid, squalene and undecanal. According to Zdenek Vrozina on Twitter, these changes in volatile compounds from SARS-CoV-2 infection mirrors what happens when someone is poisoned by snake venom- only without the snake. I do not know if this is true, and I was unable to find references, but it is interesting and I would like to learn more.
"A provocative new review of more than 200 studies looks at similarities between COVID infection and HIV/AIDS. Although the underlying mechanisms are different, these viral infections share some common outcomes including immune cell dysfunction (T cells and others), increased opportunistic infections, chronic inflammation, accelerated aging, viral persistence, and neurological impairments. They also carefully point out important differences between HIV and SARS-CoV-2 pathobiology.
From: https://www.ajpmfocus.org/article/S2773-0654(25)00146-4/fulltext
"In a retrospective study at UCLA’s Long COVID Clinic, 123 pediatric Long COVID patients (mean age 13.1 years) with multisystem symptoms ≥ 4 weeks post-infection were evaluated. The most common symptoms were fatigue (93 %) and headache (70 %), with symptom burden declining over time in many children, although a subset of children continued to have significant impairment. Among children vaccinated after developing Long COVID, some reported subjective improvement, but further investigation is needed. “The observed age and gender differences in symptom profiles underscore the importance of individualized assessment and multidisciplinary care.” Remember, past studies show that even babies and toddlers can get Long COVID.
“Long COVID impacts one in five children after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection” and this can affect their learning, development and long-term health. A group from Massachusetts General Hospital invented a new way to count fibrinaloid (“amyloid-like fibrin”) microclots in plasma using a special microfluidic device. Accuracy for the device was 94%, which is significantly higher than the standard of care (counting of microclots on slides with 66% accuracy). Children with persistent SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in their blood were found to have the highest levels of fibrinaloid microclots. The authors propose this assay as a potential biomarker for Long COVID diagnosis or monitoring, but note that larger validation studies are needed.
"A new insight on COVID infection and future fertility: In mice, males infected with SARS-CoV-2 four weeks prior to conception passed on higher anxiety to their pups, via altered small RNAs in sperm that reprogrammed gene expression in the hippocampus of the offspring’s brains. This study suggests that prior COVID infection in males may affect anxiety and behavior in future generations.
"There is still time to sign up for the hybrid 3rd Long COVID International Conference 2025 that will take place in Boston, Massachusetts on November 19 and 20. Here is the agenda.
"A new editorial reviews why scientists should use the 2024 NASEM Long COVID definition for new studies on Long COVID. They state that this definition is broadly inclusive, covers symptom heterogeneity, does not require laboratory confirmation of infection, and uses a 3-month minimum duration threshold. In the future, the definition may also be refined to include biomarkers.
"In an article entitled “Vyvgart brought us back to life, but the Long COVID trial was canceled”, 53 U.S. Long COVID sufferers (many with POTS) describe how participating in a phase 2, placebo-controlled trial of Vyvgart (efgartigimod) gave them transformative Long COVID symptom relief during the open-label phase. They report that the trial was abruptly canceled by Argenx in mid-2024, leaving many people relapsed and without access or clarity on results. They call on NIH, HHS, and RECOVER to 1) review trial design and outcomes, and 2) fund a new, redesigned Vyvgart trial for Long COVID POTS.
"Japan has declared an Influenza (flu) epidemic with over 100 schools closed and nearly half of the country’s 287 public health regions hitting epidemic thresholds. The outbreak is unusually early for the season, raising concerns that other countries entering winter might see outbreaks as well. Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand have all experienced early flu seasons this year. It is important to get the flu vaccine and to use other protective precautions including staying home if sick.
"A new study reports that H5N1 avian influenza virus can survive in raw-milk cheese for up to 120 days of aging. Current U.S. rules mandate only 60 days of aging for raw-milk cheese, which the authors argue is insufficient to inactivate H5N1.
"As of October 14, 2025, a total of 1,596 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States, 12% of cases hospitalized (197 of 1596), and 3 confirmed deaths from measles.
A map of cases as of 10/17/25:
From: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/ivac/resources/us-measles-tracker
"In response to recent issues at HHS and the CDC, governors of 15 states announced a new Governors Public Health Alliance, “a non-partisan coalition to coordinate on public health guidance that is based in science, not politics.” Participating states include California, Washington state, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York state, Oregon, Connecticut, Guam, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Colorado, Illinois, and North Carolina.
“From undermining vaccine access and abortion rights to slashing billions in Medicaid funding from those in need, the federal government is wreaking havoc on public health and the institutions we rely on,” Governor Hochul said. “The Governors Public Health Alliance will allow our states to share expertise, coordinate with global partners, and deploy the tools and information needed to meet public health threats and protect the American people.”
From: https://x.com/luckytran/status/1978683244745752610
"Microbiome and Cancer: A long-term prospective study found that certain oral bacteria and fungi, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Candida species, were more common in people who developed pancreatic cancer. The same Candida strains appeared in the mouth and in pancreatic tumor samples. Researchers conclude that the oral microbiota could serve as a biomarker for early pancreatic cancer detection. A similar study from last year showed that 13 oral bacteria were associated with the subsequent development of head and neck squamous cell cancers.
"Robots making babies: More than 20 human babies have been born using an AI-driven IVF robot called Aura in a Mexico City clinical trial. Aura automates 205 in vitro fertilization steps including sperm selection and fertilization. Researchers say that Aura can reduce costs, errors, and access barriers for fertility treatments, but caution that large trials are needed.
"Geriatrician Dr. Leslie Kernisan discussed in a recent YouTube video that many Medicare plans are being cancelled for 2026 and it is important for people with Medicare to check their plans so they are not randomly assigned to a new one. Open enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Dr. Kernisan recommends using a free service called Chapter (at 771-224-0630 or filling in their intake form at https://askchapter.org/betterhealth) where people can check their Medicare coverage and find an affordable plan.
"Imagine living in Australia and having your golden retriever come home with a baby koala riding on its back. That is what happened to Steve Lamplough. He gently removed the koala joey and put it on a nearby tree where it climbed up, calling out to its mother who quickly reunited with her baby.
Canine babysitter, photo by Steve Lamplough
"Have a good week,
"Ruth Ann Crystal MD"
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