As summer and peak travel season begins, a highly transmissible new COVID-19 variant called NB.1.8.1, or "Nimbus," is spreading in the United States. The mutated omicron subvariant, which caused surges in parts of Asia this spring, now accounts for more than one-third of cases in the U.S., new data show. ...

Although NB.1.8.1 is causing a rapidly increasing proportion of cases in the U.S., COVID trends — including test positivity and hospitalizations — remain stable. As of June 6, the level of COVID viral activity in wastewater is “low” nationally, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Goal to end AIDS by 2030 'more off-track' after Trump cuts, UNAIDS head says

Hundreds of laid-off CDC employees are being reinstated More than 460 laid-off employees at the nation’s top public health agency are being reinstated. That’s according to a union representing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention workers. AP News

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed reinstatement notices went out to the former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees, but provided few details.

RFK Jr. names some vaccine critics to key CDC committee after ousting entire panel The new members will join the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Annika Kim Constantino CNBC

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His picks include some well-known vaccine critics, including Dr. Robert Malone.

Viewpoint: RFK's reckless firing of CDC vaccine advisors not supported by evidence Vaccine Integrity Project Viewpoints are authored by project staff and advisers. They are intended to address timely issues regarding vaccines with straight talk and clarity by presenting facts to counter falsehoods. CIDRAP

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Novavax's COVID-flu combo vaccine shows strong immune response in trial