Public Health

New SARS-CoV-2 variant strains continue to emerge as the virus spreads globally. Here is a breakdown of omicron sublineages and recombinant strains that have made headlines in recent weeks and months.

Modeling suggests COVID-19 cases will continue to rise over the next two weeks, but forecasts are murkier on whether this uptick will also fuel a prolonged, national increase in hospitalizations. 

About 415,000 Americans died of COVID-19 in 2021, making it the third leading cause of death in the U.S. for the second consecutive year, according to provisional data from the CDC. 

At least 169 cases of acute hepatitis among children aged 1 month to 16 years old have been identified in 12 countries, the World Health Organization reported April 23.

Flu activity has held steady in many states but risen in others, with the highest test positivity levels seen in northeast, south-central and mountain states, according to the CDC's latest FluView report. 

For health systems nationwide, COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of clear communication to patients and other stakeholders throughout the community. Over the last two years, being a public health authority is a role many healthcare organizations have grown into.

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increased nationwide this week, while vaccinations dipped, according to the CDC's COVID-19 data tracker weekly review published April 22.

Routine childhood vaccinations fell nationwide amid the pandemic and are below target levels, the CDC reported April 22. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health disparities along racial and ethnic lines. In response, healthcare organizations are reexamining their role in contributing to these inequities and assessing potential action steps to address this vast and urgent challenge. This work is…

Here are seven COVID-19-related research findings covered by Becker's Hospital Review since March 30: