Hot Topics in IPC for May 9, 2025: HICPAC, Measles, H5N1, and More

US Politics and Policy Updates – From HICPAC to Research

In a blow to a group near and dear to our infection preventionist (IP) hearts, HICPAC (the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee) has been shuttered within the CDC. Responsible for much of our HAI-prevention practices and IPC recommendations, HICPAC “made 540 recommendations for infectious disease control, and 90 percent of its suggested measures were fully implemented by the CDC”.

The termination comes just as they were close to wrapping up edits and publishing the airborne pathogens guidelines. A new presidential Executive Order (EO) was released this week, on gain-of-function research and that involving modifications/studying certain pathogens of pandemic potential. Such research has been increasingly debated, while most agree on the importance of effective governance, the debate lies in the risk vs reward, with many citing the risk of laboratory containment failures, whereas others note the importance of such work in developing new treatments and preventative measures.

Three new appointments were announced too—Steven Hatfill at ASPR (Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response), a shift from Janette Nesheiwat to Casey Means for Surgeon General, and Vinay Prasad to lead the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Also, several states are challenging President Trump’s decision to fire 10,000 health employees and close several divisions/programs, and the recent budget proposes significant cuts to health research. That being said, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. announced a $500 million grant to develop a universal flu vaccine.

Outbreak Updates: Measles and H5N1

North Dakota is the latest state to report a measles cases—marking it the 11^th in the current outbreak, but also the state’s first case since 2011. As of May 1, the CDC has reported 935 confirmed cases across 30 jurisdictions. The CDC noted that “There have been 12 outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) reported in 2025, and 93% of confirmed cases (869 of 935) are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024, and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated.”

Of the 935 cases, 38% are in those 5 to 19 years of age, 30% are in children under 5, and 30% are in those 20 plus years. A total of 96% of cases have been in those unvaccinated or with unknown vaccine status, and 13% of all cases have been hospitalized.

As of May 7^th, the CDC reported 1,052 dairy herds have been impacted across 17 states. No recent human cases have been reported. A new risk assessment (influenza risk assessment tool—IRAT) from the CDC helps inform intervention measures.

Per CIDRAP “Scientists evaluate the viruses based on two factors—one on future emergence, looking at factors such as transmission in animal models and genomic analysis, and the other on public health impact, taking into account topics such as population immunity and antiviral treatment options.

"One is a 2024 B3.13 genotype virus from California that is similar to those currently circulating in US dairy cattle and causes sporadic human infections, mainly in people who are exposed to sick cows. The other is a 2024 D1.1 genotype virus from Washington that resembles one circulating in wild birds and poultry, with occasional jumps to humans who have poultry exposure. The CDC now has five clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses on its IRAT list.”

An Assortment of News and Articles Worth Reading

• HIV testing and outreach falter as trump funding cuts sweep the south – Amy Maxmen investigates in her article here.
• A new study found a decline in chlamydia and syphilis with the use of Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) in STI health clinics.
• A Hepatitis A outbreak is occurring in LA—you can read more here. “Last year’s total of 136 confirmed cases was the highest in the county in at least a decade, officials say, and more than double the number seen in 2023. Case counts have continued to climb throughout the early part of this year.”
• A new study identified the frequency of resistant bacteria in cancer patients seeking outpatient care. Hint—they’re worrisome.