Si quiere leer la versión en español, pulse aquí. Covid still high, mpox emergency, and parvovirus enters the chatState of Affairs: August 20
Lots is happening in the public health world! Here’s your latest update. Covid-19: Very highViral activity in wastewater—our best indicator of Covid–19 spread—is still “very high,” marking a very impressive summer wave. In fact, levels in the West are now the worst on record since the Omicron tsunami in 2021. There are signs of declining rates in the South and Midwest and a plateau in the West. However, recent wastewater signals can be unstable (look at that rollercoaster in the West below), so I’m not getting too excited yet.
(Source: CDC; Annotations by YLE) In addition, we are getting mixed signals from other metrics. Emergency department visits have shown signs of slowing down, but test positivity hasn’t yet. Hospitalizations are also increasing, which isn’t surprising given that it’s a lagging indicator, but levels remain lower than the winter peak. This past week, we lost 1,000 Americans to Covid-19.
(Source: CDC; Annotations by YLE)
Mpox: An International EmergencyLast week, Africa CDC declared their first-ever public health emergency for mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) followed by also declaring a public health emergency of international concern, signaling that the WHO Emergency Committee believes the current mpox outbreak in Africa is:
This is the right call, and is important, as it (hopefully) draws attention and much-needed resources to the outbreak. Back up—how did we get here? Mpox (formally known as monkeypox) has been endemic in Central Africa for decades, with rare, sporadic human cases of mpox after contact with infected animals. However, in 2022, the virus—and specifically a strain considered less severe called Clade II—mutated and caused a massive international outbreak by spreading among a tight-knit social network: men who have sex with men (MSM). Education efforts, immunity, and antivirals have kept mpox spread low since. In 2024, the U.S. has had 1,657 cases of Clade II.
Figure by YLE This brings us to today. Clade I—the other mpox strain, historically more severe—is now exploding in Africa, accounting for more than 17,400 cases and 500 deaths. (The true number is likely much higher due to significant under-detection and under-reporting.) Recently, Clade I has spread to non-endemic African countries, and over the weekend, 1 travel case was detected in Sweden. The majority of cases are the Clade Ia subvariant, with more than 80% of cases being among children and accounting for 85% of deaths. The second subvariant, Clade Ib, is spreading among adults. No Clade I cases—regardless of subvariant—have been identified in the U.S.
What do we NOT know?
Scientific teams are working on more lab and epidemiological studies as quickly as possible, which is incredibly challenging in resource-constrained areas. So, what are we supposed to do? What matters now is that African countries can access vaccines, treatments, and the resources to run important studies to stop this epidemic. In the U.S., only Clade II is spreading, so those eligible for the mpox vaccine have not changed: gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender or nonbinary people. Make sure you get both doses to be fully protected. For everyone else, there’s nothing to do for now. Parvovirus B19: IncreasingIn the U.S., parvovirus B19—a very common airborne respiratory virus, also known as fifth disease or “slapped cheek” rash—has increased to higher than “normal” in recent months, particularly in children ages 5 to 9. CDC urged physicians to be on the lookout. The exact reason for the current rise is unknown, but the virus typically spikes every 3-4 years, usually as it starts to warm (late winter to early summer).
Image: Mayo Clinic Importantly, this virus is not dangerous to the general public. In fact, 50% of people have immunity by the time people reach 20 years old. However, three groups are at high risk because the virus attacks the cells that make red blood cells. This can result in short-lived anemia before the immune system controls the infection.
Unfortunately, this virus mainly spreads asymptomatically before flu-like symptoms arrive. Because the virus spreads through the air, masking is expected to help. Bottom lineCovid-19 infections are still surging, and another virus—parvovirus B19—is also rising. There are things you can do—stay up to date on vaccines, mask indoors and in crowded areas, and get that indoor air flowing. Concurrently, the international community has another mpox emergency—for the U.S., though, those at high risk are still men who have sex with men. As always, we’ll keep you updated as things change. Love, the YLE Team |
LAFAYETTE DAY
WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER NAMES AUGUST 18 LAFAYETTE DAY IN COMMEMORATION OF HISTORIC BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
(Westchester, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer names August 18 as Lafayette Day in commemoration of American Revolutionary War Hero Marquis de Lafayette’s historic visit to Westchester County in 1824.
Latimer said: “Lafayette is a figure in our history deserving of celebration today, just as he was celebrated here on his tour down Boston Post Road 200 years ago. His story helps bring to life the rich history that’s unfolded across our hills, reminding us of the deep involvement Westchester had in America’s roots. By proclaiming this day in his honor, we not only pay tribute to Lafayette’s extraordinary contributions but also reaffirm our own dedication to the principles of freedom and justice that he fought for.”
Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education President Dr. Peter Feinman said: “When Congress and President James Monroe invited Lafayette back to America in celebration of what was the nation’s 50th anniversary, he ended up touring the entire country. And everywhere he went, muskets were fired, music was played and stories were told. He was a true war hero and celebrity of his time stopping to great fanfare at every stagecoach stop on his way through Westchester on his way to Boston.”
As part of Lafayette Day, American Friends of Lafayette is helping to reenact Lafayette’s famous visit with bus tours running along Route 1 that will stop at free community-sponsored Lafayette Day activities and events. For more info, contact [email protected] or call 914-939-9071.
Feinman said: “There will be three busses, a Lafayette interpreter and Virginie Lafayette, a direct descendant. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Spread the word. Connect to this bicentennial event in American history.”
LAFAYETTE DAY COMMUNITY EVENTS
1-3 PM • Ruby Dee Library Park, New Rochelle
The Huguenot & New Rochelle Historical Association and the Thomas Paine Cottage will have a family programming day that will depict life in New Rochelle at the time of Lafayette’s visit. It will be similar to a Colonial Fair. It will have reenactors, music, petting zoo and interactive activities for the children. The library will also be opened to view a children’s art exhibit with Lafayette’s visit as the theme as well. The American Friends of Lafayette panels will be on exhibit in the library. Storyteller Jonathan Kruk will perform. The park is approximately one block from the stagecoach stop where Lafayette actually did stop.
1-4 PM • The Old School House, Mamaroneck
The exact spot where Lafayette stopped on the Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck is not known. We are using the Old School House located by the harbor as the site for the program. The Mamaroneck History Society, the Lions Club, and the DAR will have a program with various re-enactors, musicians and crafts people of the era. Storyteller Jonathan Kruk will perform. The American Legion Post 90, will fire a 19-gun salute.
2:30- 5:45 PM • The Rye Historical Society, Rye
The Rye Historical Society, in partnership with the Rye Free Reading Room and American Friends of Lafayette, proudly presents “Lafayette Returns to Rye,” a patriotic celebration commemorating Major General Lafayette’s return tour to America. This event commemorates Lafayette’s historic visit to Penfield’s Square House Inn and Tavern, now part of the Rye Historical Society, where he dined with his son George Washington Lafayette during his 1824 tour of New York. The day will be filled with revelry, with a highlight being a reenactment skit led by Doug Carey of Tomorrow Leaders. This reenactment will vividly bring Lafayette’s visit to life, making history tangible and engaging for all attendees.
6-6:30 PM • William James Memorial Gateway Park, Port Chester (Byram River)
There will be a ceremony at William James Memorial Gateway Park in Port Chester where Lafayette left Westchester, New York for Greenwich, Connecticut. New York will be represented by Village of Port Chester Deputy Mayor Phil Dorazio and Town of Rye Supervisor Gary Zuckerman. Greenwich will be represented by First Selectman Fred Camillo. There will be a short procession from the Park to the Gateway to Greenwich sign.
The handoff concludes Lafayette’s brief visit to the County. The American Friends of Lafayette will then have dinner from the Barley Beach House and enjoy a magnificent sunset overlooking Long Island after a long day of travelling.
6:30-8 PM • Town of Rye Park
During the dinner, there will be free to the general public cannon fire from the Living History Guild and performances by the X Factor Drumline.
About Marquis de Lafayette
Known as the hero of two worlds, Lafayette was a French nobleman and military officer who volunteered to join the Continental Army during the American Revolution under General George Washington. Lafayette went on to earn the rank of Major General and was in command of Continental Army troops during the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, the war’s final major battle that secured American its independence. After the war he returned to France and was a key figure in the French Revolution. In celebration of the nation’s 50th anniversary, President James Monroe and Congress invited Lafayette back to America in 1824 for a grand tour and celebration.
ROCK THE BLOCK PROMOTIONS BRING 2,000 PER BLOCK ROCK INTO DOWNTOWN WHITE PLAINS
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AUGUST 16–WESTCHESTER COUNTY BEACH UPDATE 6 PM
The following beaches have been granted permission to re-open to bathers:
- MAMARONECK: Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club, Harbor Island Beach
- NEW ROCHELLE: Hudson Park West Beach
The following beach must remain closed due to a Harmful Algae Bloom observed in the bathing areas:
- MOHEGAN LAKE: Mohegan Beach Park District Beach, Mohegan Colony Association Beach
Residents and visitors are being advised to avoid contact with the water in the immediate area until further notice, and visit the Westchester County website for the latest updates on beach closures and reopening schedules. The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities.