US Insurance Data Reveal Trends in Antibiotic Use, Measles Cases, COVID-19 Outcomes
A recent study analyzing US commercial health insurance data from the 2021 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database found no correlation between state-level return-to-school policies and the prescribing of topical antibiotics for acute infectious conjunctivitis in children. Despite guidelines not recommending universal antibiotic treatment for this condition, 69% of the 26,901 pediatric cases studied received topical antibiotics. Prescriptions varied by age, gender, season, and provider specialty, with rates differing significantly across states from 38% in Vermont to 83% in South Dakota. The study highlights ongoing concerns regarding antibiotic overuse and suggests local policies and other factors may influence prescribing behaviors.
In reproductive health, separate research from China Medical University reported a negative impact of COVID-19 infection on sperm quality. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies showed reductions in sperm count, motility, and increased DNA fragmentation in men post-infection. These findings underline the need for further investigation into COVID-19's long-term effects on male fertility and may influence screening protocols within reproductive health management.
The US has seen new measles cases reported by Louisiana, Missouri, and Virginia in 2025, primarily linked to international travel. These cases reinforce the importance of vaccination and monitoring systems amid ongoing global measles outbreaks. Public health responses continue to focus on containing spread and protecting vulnerable populations.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Virology evaluated the effectiveness of the oral antiviral nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) in US adult COVID-19 patients. The findings indicate that Paxlovid treatment within five days of diagnosis is associated with a significantly reduced risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and all-cause mortality over follow-up periods up to two years. These benefits were consistent across demographics and comorbidities, suggesting the treatment's role in mitigating long-term cardiovascular risks post-COVID.
Broader infectious disease updates include the US anticipating its highest measles incidence since elimination in 2000 and ongoing monitoring of avian influenza (H5N1) risks, with new surveillance guidance issued by the World Health Organization and USDA funding announced to manage livestock disease threats.
Collectively, these findings underscore the dynamic nature of infectious disease management and the importance of data-driven policy and clinical decision-making in mitigating health risks and optimizing outcomes in the US insurance and healthcare sectors.