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Once thought to be a danger largely reserved for travelers, a flesh-eating parasite known as Leishmania mexicana is now likely spreading locally through some sand flies native to the southern U.S., a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis has concluded. Skin sores caused by Leishmania mexicana typically erupt weeks to months after people are bitten by an infected fly. The parasite can continue to inflict damage for years, leading to long-term scarring in its wake. (Tin, 10/19)

Health officials warn that a related, deadlier parasite seen in other countries could thrive in the U.S. due to these improved climatological conditions for the disease. The parasite known as leishmania spreads when sandflies, historically found in tropical climes, bite people. ... Climate change, some researchers say, may be expanding the geographical reach of sandflies and, consequently, the reach of the disease. A related parasite also comes in undetected by way of one million dogs entering the country annually. (Cuevas, 10/19)

A pill for dengue fever developed by Johnson & Johnson appeared to protect against a form of the virus in a handful of patients in a small human challenge trial in the United States, according to data presented by the company on Friday. There are currently no specific treatments for dengue, a growing disease threat, the company said ahead of presentation of the data at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Annual Meeting in Chicago. (Rigby, 10/20)

Unprecedented demand for nirsevimab-alip (Beyfortus), the new long-acting monoclonal antibody injection for preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in newborns, has led to some supply problems, Sanofi said last week in a statement. Despite an aggressive supply program, demand for Beyfortus has been higher than expected, especially for the 100-mg dose used for babies born before RSV season. Sanofi said it is closely collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure doses are equally distributed through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. It added that its distribution plan for the private market will be similar and that it is working with AstraZeneca to boost supply. (Schnirring, 10/19)

A Silicon Valley executive who lied to investors about inventing technology that tested for allergies and COVID-19 using only a few drops of blood was sentenced Wednesday to eight years in prison and ordered to pay $24 million in restitution, federal prosecutors said. Mark Schena, 60, was convicted last year of paying bribes to doctors and defrauding the government after his company billed Medicare $77 million for fraudulent COVID-19 and allergy tests, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement. (10/18)

�鶹Ů�� Health News and Cox Media Group: Senators Demand Answers From Social Security On Clawbacks Tied To Covid Relief 

Three U.S. senators on a panel that oversees Social Security have called on the Social Security Administration to address a news report saying that, in violation of agency policy, people’s benefits were reduced or suspended because they received covid-19 relief payments. The lawmakers, who include Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), sent a letter to acting SSA Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi on Wednesday saying they were “deeply concerned” and wanted answers to a list of questions within 30 days. (Hilzenrath and Fleischer, 10/19)