AMA Update

Podcast Recap | AMA Update: Measles update, cancer screening rates, bird flu, and pet safety

March 20, 2025

In this episode, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, Vice President of Science, Medicine, and Public Health at the AMA, discusses with host Todd Unger the latest updates on the measles outbreak, the impact of the pandemic on cancer screening rates, bird flu transmission in pets and dairy cattle, and COVID vaccine efficacy rates.

Podcast length: 11 minutes

5 key takeaways

1. Measles outbreak: There's been a recent surge in measles cases in the U.S., with over 198 reported cases in Texas alone. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring states, including New Mexico, where a death has been reported in Lea County. Garcia emphasizes the importance of vaccination and public health measures to control the spread, noting that the majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals.
2. Cancer screening rates: Post-pandemic recovery of cancer screening rates has been uneven. Breast cancer screenings increased by 7% and colorectal cancer screenings by 12%, while cervical cancer screenings decreased by 14%. The discussion highlighted the need for targeted efforts to address these disparities and improve screening rates across all cancer types.
3. Bird flu in dairy cattle: Bird flu (H5N1) has been reported in dairy cattle in Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. Garcia explains that this is the first time bird flu has been found in dairy cattle in these states. CDC is monitoring the situation closely, and precautions are being taken to prevent further spread.
4. Bird flu in pets: Concerns about the transmission of H5N1 to pets, particularly cats, are rising. CDC outlined steps that pet owners should be taking, such as avoiding direct contact with wild birds and observing them only from a distance. Neither people nor pets should touch sick or dead birds, their feces or litter, or any surface or water source that might be contaminated with their bodily fluids. If direct contact with wild birds or contaminated areas is necessary, CDC recommends wearing PPE and washing hands with soap and water afterward. Additionally, pets should not consume raw pet food or unpasteurized milk.
5. COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness: CDC's midseason data for the 2024-25 COVID season shows the vaccine is 33% effective in preventing COVID-related ED or urgent care visits in adults and 45% to 46% effective at reducing the risk of hospitalization in older adults. Garcia notes that vaccination rates among adults aged 18 and older are currently around 23%, and emphasizes the importance of preparing for a potential COVID wave this summer.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast recap are solely that of the hosts and guest and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.

Source:

Unger, T. (Host). (2025, March 12). AMA Update. Measles update, cancer screening rates, bird flu and pet safety. [Podcast]. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/measles-update-cancer-screening-rates-bird-flu-and-pet-safety