Infectious Disease Alert – October 1, 2025

Epstein-Barr Virus and Pediatric Sepsis

A recent study of 320 children with sepsis suggests that previous Epstein-Barr virus infection is causally associated with immune dysregulation and fatal outcomes.

Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection with an Allergy Nasal Spray

Use of the antihistamine azelastine nasal spray was effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in young, healthy, vaccinated outpatients.

Computerized Order Entry Reduces Antibiotic Use in Low-Risk Patients Hospitalized with SSTIs

A cluster randomized clinical trial assessed the effect of an antibiotic stewardship bundle that included computerized provider order entry (CPOE) prompts vs. routine stewardship on antibiotic selection during the first three hospital days in noncritically ill adults hospitalized with skin and soft tissue infections. CPOE prompts significantly reduced use of extended-spectrum antibiotics without increasing admissions to intensive care units or hospital length of stay.

Meningococcal Conjunctivitis in Military Trainees

Forty-one cases of conjunctivitis due to Neisseria meningitidis occurred in vaccinated military trainees over several months at a Texas facility. Topical treatment alone was successful, and no cases developed invasive infection due to this unencapsulated strain.

Pertussis: Concerning News from Mexico, Brazil, and China

Related to under-immunization of pregnant women and children, pertussis is spreading in several countries within the Americas. Macrolide resistance of Bordetella pertussis is now common in China.

Fleas, Typhus, and Texas

Cases of flea-borne typhus are dramatically increasing in Texas.

Infectious Disease Updates

Visceral Larva Migrans from Baylisascariasis; Measles Testing of Persons with HIV; Ambulatory Glucose Monitoring a Risk for Bloodborne Pathogens