Talk About Tennis 2.0

Here's the latest Johns Hopkins Health Security Decoded.

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HHS begins major restructuring, with critical implications for health security, according to experts

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping HHS reorganization, eliminating 20,000 full-time jobs and consolidating 28 divisions into 15. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the layoffs as necessary to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic sprawl, cutting the department’s workforce by nearly 25% to 62,000 employees. The restructuring includes halving the number of regional offices and merging many programs under a new Administration for a Healthy America.

Impact on outbreak preparedness, response

The layoffs are hitting key agencies tasked with pandemic preparedness and response, including CDC and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). In addition to staff cuts equivalent to nearly 20% of its workforce, CDC faces a $2.9 billion, or about 35%, reduction in contract spending. ASPR, and its Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), will be split apart, with ASPR moved under the auspices of CDC and BARDA stripped of its emergency response capabilities and combined with ARPA-H under the new “Office of Healthy Futures.” Additionally, NIH and CDC have begun cancelling billions of dollars in funding for research into new vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 and other pathogens that may cause future pandemics.

Experts warn these cuts and consolidations in federal agencies—as well as the administration’s withdrawal from WHO and elimination of global health spending—will hinder efforts to monitor disease outbreaks, develop vaccines, and respond to health emergencies, compromising public health infrastructure at a time when global health threats are escalating.

Scientists condemn ‘assault on science’

Nearly 2,000 of the nation’s top researchers this week published an open letter condemning the administration’s actions as a “wholesale assault on US science.” The signatories, all elected members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, write that “the administration is engaging in censorship” that has created a “climate of fear” in the research community, threatening the nation’s leading role in science. In a separate piece published Monday, three pediatricians warn about the negative consequences of rescinding funding for studies examining ways to increase vaccination.

States sue over public health funding cuts

A coalition of 23 states and Washington, DC, filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday challenging the Trump administration’s abrupt cancellation of $11 billion in federal grants allocated to states during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit is seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the cuts, arguing that HHS lacks the legal authority to rescind congressionally allocated funds that have been critical for a wide array of programs, including infectious disease tracking and vaccination programs. State officials warn that the cuts will disrupt essential health initiatives and leave communities more vulnerable to future pandemics. HHS defended the move, claiming the funds were tied to the now-concluded COVID-19 pandemic.

Measles cases in US reach at least 560 so far this year; health experts criticize CDC response

At least 560 measles cases have been reported in the US this year, with 516 cases associated with outbreaks and 44 isolated cases. The measles outbreak that began earlier this year in Texas and New Mexico continues to grow, spreading to Oklahoma and Kansas. The outbreak—the worst in the US since 2019—is likely to persist for at least a year, according to health officials. WHO said last week that the US had notified it of the ongoing measles outbreak under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). The global health agency said the public health risk in the Americas region is high and urged international travelers to check and update their vaccination status prior to travel.

Vaccination clinics canceled; messaging held back

Local response efforts are being hindered by the termination of CDC grants that have led to staff reductions, forcing health officials to cancel vaccination clinics and other outreach efforts. Additionally, CDC leaders recently decided not to release an expert assessment that found the risk of contracting measles is high in areas near outbreaks where vaccination rates are lagging and stressed the importance of vaccination. The document’s withholding raises concerns about a shift in CDC’s long-standing messaging on vaccines and transparency. Vaccination is the only way to prevent measles and its potential long-term impacts, experts note, urging public health officials to engage in empathetic conversations to raise that awareness.

One year since H5N1 detected in US dairy cows, spillovers continue, federal response questioned

Last month marked one year since highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1), also known as bird flu, was first detected in dairy cattle in Texas, marking a significant shift in its spread to mammals. Since then, 70 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported in the US, primarily associated with exposure to infected cows (41 cases) and poultry (26 cases), with three cases of unknown origin and one death.

The virus continues to spillover from wild birds to cows, although it remains unclear exactly how this happens and how often. Last week, the UK announced the country’s first H5N1 detection in a sheep, located on a farm with captive birds that also tested positive. The unprecedented spread of the virus worldwide poses significant risks from food and public health perspectives. Notably, India and Cambodia recently reported fatal human H5N1 cases, in a 2-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy, respectively.

Federal response

The Trump administration is facing criticism of its handling of the outbreak. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed opposition to vaccinating poultry, has suggested that poultry farmers allow the virus to run rampant through their flocks to identify birds that might have natural resistance. That approach is strongly denounced by epidemiologists, scientists, and veterinarians, who warn that doing so risks allowing the virus to mutate in ways that could make it more transmissible among humans.

This week, House Democrats launched an investigation into Secretary Kennedy's approach, questioning coordination with agencies like the USDA and CDC. Additionally, senior veterinarians and administrative staff involved in FDA’s bird flu response were cut as part of broader HHS layoffs, potentially undermining efforts to test contaminated human and pet food, develop safety protocols, and communicate risks to the public.

More cases in domestic cats

Notably, one terminated employee said FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, which was hit hard by the cuts, has lost its structure and ability to respond to situations in real time, such as issuing recalls for contaminated pet food. At least 130 domestic cats in the US have been infected with bird flu, with many cases tied to raw pet food or milk. Several brands have issued recalls, including Savage Pet and Wild Coast Raw. Health officials urge owners avoid feeding raw diets for pets due to the risks posed by bird flu and other pathogens.

Thank you for this.

BREAKING President Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office as court upholds impeachment

By Anna J. Park
Published Apr 4, 2025 11:22 am KST
Updated Apr 4, 2025 11:44 am KST
New presidential election must be held by June 3

The Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, resulting in his immediate removal from office. The decision to remove the president from office was unanimous, with all eight Constitutional Court justices voting in favor, 8–0.

The ruling came 111 days after the National Assembly passed the impeachment motion, accusing Yoon of treason for declaring martial law on Dec. 3, which was deemed a violation of constitutional rights.

Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae began reading the reasoning for their ruling at 11 a.m., and the decision to remove Yoon from the presidency was finalized at 11:22 a.m.

This marks the first dismissal of a sitting president in Korea in eight years, following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in March 2017. Under Article 68 of the Constitution, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days of the court's ruling.

In Park’s impeachment case, the Constitutional Court upheld the decision on March 10, 2017. Exactly 60 days later, on May 9, a presidential election was held, resulting in the victory of Moon Jae-in, former leader of the then-main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.

With the impeachment ruling now issued, the 60-day deadline falls on Tuesday, June 3, making it highly likely that the presidential election will be held on that day or earlier.

Following Yoon’s immediate removal, he and first lady Kim Keon Hee must vacate the presidential residence in central Seoul's Hannam-dong.

If they return to their previous home in southern Seoul, where they used to live before Yoon’s inauguration, security measures will be provided. Under the current law, an impeached president who fails to complete his or her term is entitled to up to 10 years of security protection.

Similarly, former President Park was only able to move to her private residence in southern Seoul two days after her impeachment ruling, due to the time needed to arrange security measures.

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea ... -impeached

A civilized country, where Presidents that break the law get impeached, removed from office, and arrested.
What a novel idea.
(And I don't mean just the USA)

Here's the latest Johns Hopkins Health Security Decoded.

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Measles outbreaks in U.S. continue to grow, risking elimination status

It has been 25 years since measles was eliminated from the U.S., but that status is under threat due to the growing number of cases. There are nearly 700 confirmed measles cases in 23 U.S. states this year, with most of those cases linked to an outbreak that began in West Texas. A second child has died in that outbreak, an unvaccinated but previously healthy 8-year-old girl, marking the second confirmed measles death in the U.S. this decade. A third death is under investigation. Experts note that the case count is likely a significant underestimate, and they warn measles outbreaks could become normal again if vaccination rates don’t improve.

HHS Secretary Kennedy endorses MMR vaccination, with caveats

The only way to curb a measles outbreak is to identify cases, isolate patients, warn those who may have been exposed, and, most importantly, drive up the measles vaccination rate. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who attended the funeral of the girl in Texas, acknowledged the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles in a social media post and in a CBS News interview, a notable shift given his history as a prominent vaccine skeptic. However, Kennedy later made another post promoting unorthodox, unproven treatments for measles, and in the interview said the government should not be mandating vaccines, raised unfounded safety concerns about the shots, and generally downplayed the seriousness of the disease in the U.S.

Mixed messaging draws criticism

Kennedy’s comments drew criticism from various angles. Kennedy’s support for the MMR vaccine sparked outrage among anti-vaccine advocates, many of whom felt betrayed by his comments. Medical experts criticized Kennedy's mixed messaging and endorsement of alternative treatments, including cod liver oil, saying such remedies are unproven and potentially harmful. Medical professionals, public health officials, and scientists continue their unequivocal support for vaccinations, with some blaming Kennedy’s handling of the outbreak for contributing to unnecessary deaths.

"By mentioning such treatments without that context, RFK Jr. continues to distract away from the prevention measure that incontrovertibly works — the vaccine.” – Amesh Adalja, MD, senior scholar at the Center for Health Security, in NBC News

Outbreak in Ontario

Ontario, Canada, has reported a total of 655 confirmed and probable measles cases so far this year, as of April 2, leading the New York State Department of Health to issue a travel advisory warning that “Measles is only a car ride away!” and urging residents to be vaccinated when traveling domestically and abroad.

Federal workforce reductions impacting bird flu response; Mexico reports H5N1 death of young girl

As wild birds migrate north from their wintering grounds in warmer southern regions, likely bringing bird flu with them, federal efforts to combat the ongoing outbreak face significant challenges due to workforce reductions. The USDA is losing key employees involved in avian influenza response, straining its ability to monitor the spread of the virus. FDA testing initiatives for bird flu in dairy products and pet food have been suspended following layoffs at the agency. Additionally, immigration tactics under the Trump administration have further impeded already strained outreach to many farmworkers, as fear of deportation limits their engagement with public health officials. Most of the human cases of bird flu in the U.S. have been in dairy and poultry workers. Experts warn these staff and program cuts come at a time when the H5N1 bird flu virus is becoming more adept at infecting mammals, according to research published recently.

Mexico reports first human H5N1 case, death

Mexico reported this week that a 3-year-old girl has died after contracting bird flu in the country’s first confirmed human case of the H5N1 virus. It is unclear how the girl became infected, although Durango state, where the girl lived, detected the virus in a flock of wild geese in the first part of February and in captive vultures at a zoo in late January. Investigators are testing birds near the girl’s home.

Thanks for that. Was... as expected.

When they said they wanted to go back to the 1890's it wasn't only about robber barons.

I remember when I was a kid or young adult and had to make sure I had a whole battery of vaccinations before I could travel to certain countries.

Give it a few more years (maybe it won't take that long at this rate) and many travelers will be required to have a battery of vaccinations before they can be allowed to travel to the United States and be permitted to return home.

I issued my own travel warning to go back to Colorado after my rotation was over. I really felt it was not safe for me.

Went to Colombia instead? I'd like to as well

Suliso wrote: ↑Sat Apr 12, 2025 4:39 pm Went to Colombia instead? I'd like to as well

I was not detained at the airport. Phew!

Australian with working visa detained and deported on returning to US from sister’s memorial
Man who says he had previously left and re-entered the country multiple times alleges border officials called him ‘retarded’ and boasted ‘Trump is back in town’

Daisy Dumas
Fri 11 Apr 2025 08.00 EDT
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When Jonathan returned from the US to Australia for a quick trip to scatter his sister’s ashes, he packed only two changes of clothes, leaving enough space in his small bag to carry the empty ashes urn to his home in the US. The trip was so brief he didn’t even pack a laptop charger.

The Australian says he was detained and deported when returning from the memorial in March, despite holding a working visa still valid for more than a year. He has been living on the US east coast for the better part of a decade – where his American partner, apartment, work studio and clients remain.

Jonathan, who spoke on the condition his real name was not disclosed, says he is now couch surfing in Australia, separated from his “whole life”.

The situation, he says, is “a bit disastrous”.

The disaster began at border control in transit in Houston, Texas, when he was pulled aside and taken to a “secondary” room, he says. Posters hanging on the walls that had once celebrated diversity, equity and inclusion, had been crudely updated with a black marker pen, with mentions of DEI scribbled out. About 100 people from around the world sat and lay in various states of worry and exhaustion, he says.

“There were so many people in this room. A heavy percentage of them were from South America. I met a girl from Berlin. There were a bunch of people from Canada. There were two Brits.”

After about half an hour, he says, his name was called out. He was asked if he wanted to call the Australian consulate, but declined.

“I thought I was just going to be given my passport and sent on my way, or maybe asked a couple of questions, but they made some pretty outlandish accusations. They said, ‘We know you have two mobile phones. We’ve been tracking your calls. We know you’ve been selling drugs’.”

He says he told the border officer he did not drink, smoke or take drugs and owned just one phone. He was asked for his passcode.

“That didn’t sound right. I asked to talk to a lawyer and they told me I had no rights.” He says he was given a brochure explaining that he must surrender his phone and so handed it over, along with his smartwatch.

He says things “seemed really (expletive) weird” but he was careful to remain “overly polite”. He says when he asked the officer to repeat a comment he hadn’t heard, the man replied: “Are you deaf or just retarded?”

‘You live here, do you?’

Back in the secondary room, several families sat to one side in a family room beside cots, he says. People vied for half a dozen recliner seats. After about five or six hours, he was called into an interview room by a different officer.

He says the interview “went round and round in circles”.

“He suggested I was working for people I shouldn’t have been working for.”

Jonathan says the official suggested he was carrying human remains and sent for Centers for Disease Control agents to assess the empty ashes urn. He says when he explained he had been living in the US for more than five years, he was asked: “Oh you live here, do you?”

Jonathan says: “Then he told me I didn’t have the right visa – apparently saying I lived there showed that I had intent to stay and not leave.”

He says his visa was still valid for more than 12 months and he had left and re-entered the US without any problems about 20 times holding the same class of visa.

He says that over a series of short interviews amounting to about half an hour, the official told him his visa had been cancelled and that he was banned from entering the US for five years, including as a transit passenger. He was told he would be placed on a flight to Australia and was handed a document informing him that he was an “immigrant not in possession of a valid unexpired immigrant visa” as required by the Immigration and Nationality Act. He says he felt he had no choice but to sign the document, which Guardian Australia has seen.

He says the official then told him: “Trump is back in town; we’re doing things the way we should have always been doing them.”

Jonathan says he was told he could ask to speak to the man’s boss, who, he was warned, usually “didn’t have much to say”. He says the boss pointed to the official and told Jonathan: “Whatever he said.”

He says he was given a space blanket, meals of “what tasted like dog food” and later swapped notes with other bewildered travellers, some of whom had not left the room for two days.

Eventually, Jonathan says, he was allowed a single phone call, made by an officer to his father. “By that stage, I had been missing for more than 30 hours.”

He says after a day and a half his name was called out and he was escorted by an armed guard to meet a flight to Australia. Just before boarding – he was the first passenger on to the plane – he was passed an envelope containing his phone and watch. His passport was handed to him shortly before landing.

String of cases
Back in Australia, he is still searching for answers.

“They didn’t give me any valid reasons for cancelling my visa. I’ve spoken to a bunch of lawyers and they all say I could fight it but that it would cost thousands and probably take five years anyway.”

He says he has been told he can apply for a new visa, but that he would need to get a waiver to do so.

“Even if they recommend me for a waiver, it goes through Homeland Security and they are under a directive to not let people back in who have been kicked out,” he says.

After what he describes as “an awful time” – punctuated by an injury, his sister’s death and his deportation, in quick succession – he is now living in limbo.

“Part of me wants to go back, part of me is done. I have my partner there, my studio, my apartment. I brought enough clothes with me for two days – my entire life is there,” he says.

Jonathan’s girlfriend, who also asked not to be named, said she was “devastated” by the turn of events. When the time of his arrival came and went, she “started to get a sinking feeling”, she said via email from the US.

“My thoughts went to whether or not the plane went down. We had just finished a call before he boarded the flight back to [the US] and I hadn’t gotten any updates.

“Finally after being held for over 36 hours with no phone, he delivered the news that he was being sent back.

“We live together and while I can’t get time away from work right this second, all I want is to be reunited with him as soon as possible.”

She said she was doing her best to manage her anxiety and support her partner from afar.

“I am choosing hope and working hard to overcome the many obstacles that this administration has put in our path. Our plan is to start a family after all.

“Others have been having similar experiences and my hope is that they don’t feel like they’re alone in their struggles,” she said.

Jonathan’s experience reflects a spate of similar border horror stories in recent months. In February, British tourist Rebecca Burke was stopped, interrogated and branded an illegal alien by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) division when attempting to leave the US. Germans Lucas Sielaff, Fabian Schmidt and Jessica Brösche were all detained upon entering the US. A Canadian, Jasmine Mooney, said she was detained by Ice for nearly two weeks and deported, despite having a work visa.

Guardian Australia contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment without revealing any identifying details about Jonathan, explaining that he did not consent to having his name disclosed in order not to jeopardise any future appeals.

Guardian Australia asked “what grounds would be reasonable for someone to be denied entry to the US when they have a valid work visa” and whether it was “considered acceptable for any traveller to be called a ‘retard’ by US border officials”.

A Department of Homeland Security media representative replied that the department “cannot answer questions on something we cannot verify the veracity of”.

“Just like I cannot confirm the existence of big foot.”

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will release data detailing consular assistance to Australians in the US for the period covering the start of Trump’s second term in late 2025.

Australia’s Smartraveller website advises visitors to the US that a valid visa “doesn’t guarantee entry to the United States”.

“Authorities have broad powers when deciding if you’re eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law,” it states.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/202 ... d-deported