US Measles Cases Reach 1,714 with 43 New Infections Reported This Week

• FDA has approved an investigational new drug application for synthetic CAR-T (sCAR-T) therapy targeting autoimmune conditions. • The clearance enables clinical trials to test this engineered cell therapy in US patients with refractory autoimmune diseases. • sCAR-T represents a novel approach adapting cancer immunotherapy for immune disorders, potentially offering durable remissions.

• Medi-Cal immigrant enrollment is declining, with researchers attributing the drop directly to Trump administration policies. • The reduction affects healthcare access for immigrant populations in California, exacerbating public health challenges. • This trend highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration policies and state-level health programs serving vulnerable groups.

• 95% of HR and benefits professionals view workplace mental health as vital to 2026 business strategy. • 61% of HR leaders report mental health leaves increased in the past year, with 16% noting 25% or more rise. • 36% of employees identify sleep issues tied to mental health as a top challenge, signaling burnout risks.

• As of March 24, 2026, CDC estimates national COVID-19 Rt at 1.05 (range 0.93-1.32), indicating epidemic not changing with 71% probability. • Infections growing or likely growing in 2 states, declining in 34, stable in 11; ED visits at very low 0.3%. • Weekly ED visit percentage remains minimal, informing ongoing public health monitoring and policy.

• President released Fiscal Year 2027 budget request on April 10, 2026, proposing 46% cuts to global health programs under a consolidated account aligned with America First Global Health Strategy. • Cuts eliminate funding for HIV prevention like voluntary medical male circumcision, LGBTQ programming, and reproductive health services; also includes 12% NIH budget reduction. • Proposal signals deprioritization of science and research amid administration's rejection of Congress's appropriations power; Congress historically rejects such deep cuts.

• One in three women under 50 in the US—about 10 million people—is iron deficient, per AMA discussion. • Physicians address diagnosis and treatment strategies for this widespread nutritional deficiency. • Iron deficiency impacts energy, cognition, and overall health, warranting increased screening.

• The US administration reports that the Iran war is rattling the medical supply chain, affecting essentials from gloves to helium used in MRIs. • Shortages threaten hospitals nationwide as key imports from affected regions halt abruptly amid escalating conflict. • Medical leaders warn this could delay treatments and surgeries, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in US healthcare logistics.

• NIH awarded $500 million in grants on April 7, 2026, to 15 US institutions for CRISPR-based gene therapies addressing 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease. • Phase 2 trials at Boston Children's show 94% pain crisis reduction; total funding supports 200 patients over five years. • Initiative responds to 17% US mortality drop goal by 2030; 'Breakthrough for underserved communities,' per NIH Director.

• The FDA granted approval on April 7, 2026, to Moderna's mRESVIA vaccine, an mRNA-based shot targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for adults aged 60 and older. • Clinical trials showed 83.7% efficacy against RSV lower respiratory tract disease in the first season, with data from over 37,000 participants across 22 countries including US sites. • This marks the second mRNA RSV vaccine approved after GSK's Arexvy, aiming to reduce 140,000-160,000 annual US hospitalizations among seniors; CDC review expected soon.

• Texas health officials reported 156 measles cases as of April 7, 2026, in a Dallas County outbreak starting March 15, with 12 hospitalizations. • 89% of cases unvaccinated, including 45 children under 5; infection rate 90% among exposed susceptibles. • Declared public health emergency; impacts 2 million residents, straining ERs amid 83% vaccination goal miss.

• Eisai and Biogen announced positive top-line results from CLARITY AD trial extension on April 7, 2026, with lecanemab reducing cognitive decline by 27% over 18 months in 1,795 US patients. • Drug cleared 59% more amyloid plaques vs. placebo, with ARIA side effects in 12.6% of participants; full data at June AD/PD conference. • Approval could expand to mild cases, addressing 6.7 million US Alzheimer's sufferers; analysts predict $2.4 billion annual sales.