• Georgia: According to CDC, cases of Mycoplasma pneumonia, also called "walking pneumonia," are surging across the country, especially among young children. This type of pneumonia is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and it usually causes upper respiratory symptoms. Some children may also develop red eyes or rashes. Caleb Ward, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children's National Hospital, said cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae were up around tenfold in Washington, D.C. this year. However, Ward noted that many cases are typically mild. "Folks historically may have been going to school, going to work, assuming they just had a kind of mild, cold virus and in fact, had mycoplasma pneumonia," Ward said. In general, health experts say that most children can be treated at home with hydration, rest, and age-appropriate medications. If children have difficulty breathing, aren't drinking enough fluids, seem more tired than usual, or are sick for over five days, then they should be assessed by a healthcare provider, Ward said. (Godoy, "Shots," NPR, 10/29)
• Illinois: Over 600 varieties of frozen waffles manufactured by TreeHouse Foods and sold under major store brands, including at Walmart and Target, have been recalled due to potential listeria contamination. Listeria infections can cause fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. They may also cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Symptoms can occur quickly or up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food. According to TreeHouse, the potential contamination was discovered through routine testing at the company's manufacturing plant. So far, there have been no confirmed reports of illness, but TreeHouse recommends consumers either throw out or return recalled waffle products for credit. (Picchi, CBS News, 10/23)
• Ohio: Late last month, Judge Christian Jenkins of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas in Cincinnati permanently struck down Ohio's ban on abortion after roughly six weeks. According to Jenkins, the 2019 law would interfere with women's ability to receive an abortion and discourage doctors from performing one, violating a constitutional amendment approved by voters last year. Jenkins also criticized Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) for his efforts to continue the ban despite abortion rights now being enshrined in the state constitution. According to Yost spokesperson Bethany McCorkle, the attorney general has 30 days to review the decision and decide whether to appeal. Separately, Lauren Blauvelt, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, said Jenkins' decision emphasizes the importance of protecting abortion rights through a ballot initiative. "Ohioans are reassured that they have a critical safeguard through our courts against anti-abortion lawmakers," Blauvelt said. (Wiessner, Reuters, 10/24)

Hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) like pneumonia are difficult to detect and costly to treat. It's common for data-driven organizations to address this challenge by using data to identify patients at risk of deterioration and then to implement a standard treatment plan. Learn how Flagler Hospital used artificial intelligence and clinical variation reduction to save $1 million in one year.