Health authorities at the federal level are proposing to add severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to the list of agents and toxins which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has designated as posing a threat to public health.
The notice for this proposed federal rule-making appeared in the Federal Register dated July 13, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 132). The summary is as follows: “The biological agents and toxins listed in Sec. 73.3 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations have been determined by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety. We are now proposing to add SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) to the list of HHS select agents and toxins. We are proposing this action because (1) SARS-CoV can cause significant mortality, especially in the elderly; (2) the virus has the capability of easily being transmitted from human to human; (3) there is currently no vaccine or antiviral approved for the prevention or treatment of infections caused by the SARS-CoV virus; and (4) it has been documented that the virus may persist in the environment.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the addition to the list is necessary because SARS is transmitted easily, it has no known treatment currently, and it has demonstrable persistence in the environment.
COVID-19 Harmonization: Balancing Risks and Benefits of CDC's Latest Move
March 11th 2024The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.
Voices of Resilience: Q&A With the Editor of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter"
March 1st 2024Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.
COVID-19 Realities: Beyond a Respiratory Virus, Addressing Optimism in Pandemic Management
February 28th 2024A recent commentary by Dr. Amesh Adalja in MedPage Today challenges the perception of COVID-19 as solely a respiratory virus, highlighting its broader impact on the body. This analysis questions the notion that COVID-19 should be managed like common respiratory infections, urging a closer look at vaccine effectiveness, the rise of long COVID, and the need for enhanced measures to curb the virus's spread. Let's explore the complexities of COVID-19 management and the pressing realities faced by the US and the world.