A federal scientific publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), has returned after a forced two-week hiatus. The publication, which was suspended by the Trump administration, has resumed with two papers focusing on the health effects of wildfires in Hawaii and California.
Research on Health Effects of Wildfires
One of the reports examined the health effects of last year's Maui wildfire on firefighters. The study measured the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the blood of responding firefighters. While higher concentrations of some PFAS were found in the firefighters' blood, most levels were below the threshold requiring further testing. The study acknowledged the lack of baseline measurements to determine the impact of the fire on PFAS levels.
The second article analyzed hospital emergency department visits during recent Los Angeles wildfires, revealing a 9% decrease in visits over the first six days of the wildfires. This decline is consistent with previous research showing reduced ER visits following natural disasters, possibly due to evacuations or seeking medical care elsewhere.
Concerns and Expectations
Public health leaders and legislators expressed concerns over the hiatus of MMWR, emphasizing the importance of timely information for decision-making. Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director, highlighted the absence of reports on emerging health threats like bird flu and urged for comprehensive coverage in the publication.
The MMWR, often considered the voice of the CDC, has been a vital resource for sharing disease investigations and public health recommendations since 1961. With a readership of over 147,000 subscribers, including healthcare professionals and researchers, the journal plays a crucial role in disseminating critical health information.
Historical Significance
Over the years, MMWR has published groundbreaking research, such as the first report on AIDS in 1981 and the initial cases of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009. Despite past concerns of political interference, experts emphasize the importance of unbiased reporting on health threats without external influence.
As the MMWR resumes its weekly publications, the scientific community looks forward to receiving essential information for addressing public health challenges and making informed decisions.
