Policy Updates

The CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) group will host a webinar on Tuesday, February 28 about the recent increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections (shigellosis). The webinar will help clinicians understand the nuances of testing and managing infections, especially when treating patients from populations at increased risk of drug-resistant shigellosis including: young … Continued

The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections (shigellosis) reported through national surveillance systems. In 2022, about 5% of Shigella infections reported to CDC were caused by XDR strains, compared with 0% in 2015. Clinicians treating patients infected with XDR strains have limited antimicrobial treatment options. Shigella bacteria are easily transmissible, … Continued

Honeywell issued a Mandatory Stop Use Notice related to Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Cartridges SKUs PA7DEHE and PA7OVAGHE. Read the Honeywell Market Action Notice for information on replacing unused products.

3M Scott Fire & Safety issued a user safety notice for the C420 Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Blowers. The manufacturer of the C420 blower unit identified a population of production with the potential for internal impeller disengagement from the blower motor. In such circumstances the PAPR respirators will still maintain user protection and continue to … Continued

The CDC released the latest version of its Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Investment Map, highlighting the agency’s funding in the U.S. and around the world to combat the global threat of AR in FY 2022. CDC funds AR activities in every U.S. state to detect, respond to, contain, and prevent resistant infections across healthcare, the community, … Continued

The CDC’s Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) group is hosting a webinar on evaluating and supporting children and adolescents presenting with post-COVID conditions. Free continuing education will be offered for this call. Date: Thursday, February 23 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET Webinar link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1617153478?pwd=ME5FZ2VPRXBGUGc4UVlqcE1zdFNTZz09

The FDA revised the Letters of Authorization for two EUAs, Paxlovid and Lagevrio, to remove the requirement for positive test results to prescribe these products. The agency continues to recommend that providers use direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing to help diagnose COVID-19. However, we recognize that, in rare instances, individuals with a recent known exposure (e.g., a household contact) … Continued

The White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy about its plan to extend the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) to May 11 and then end both emergencies on that date. This wind-down would align with the Administration’s previous commitments to give at least 60 days’ notice prior to termination of the … Continued

The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about infections with an extensively drug-resistant strain of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) in 12 states. The majority of patients reported using EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free, over-the-counter product packaged in multidose bottles. As a result, the FDA issued a warning to … Continued