Health
Post-Pandemic Surge in Infections Linked to ‘Immunity Debt’ Across Europe
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, European countries are facing a rise in non-COVID infections, including respiratory illnesses. Health experts point to a phenomenon known as “immunity debt” as a major factor behind the increased number of cases.
In Denmark, cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes respiratory infections, have tripled during the 2023-2024 season compared to pre-pandemic years. Hospitalizations among children and teenagers in Denmark have also risen, up by 2.6 times. Despite this surge, Danish health authorities report that the severity of these infections remains unchanged compared to previous years, indicating that while more children are falling ill, they are not becoming more seriously sick than before.
The situation is not unique to Denmark. Other countries, including England, Germany, and France, have reported unusually high levels of respiratory illnesses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) since the pandemic.
“There has been quite a bounceback in a number of these infections which were not circulating significantly for a good winter or two, and they came back with quite a vengeance,” said Dr. Peter Openshaw, a respiratory specialist from Imperial College London.
What is Immunity Debt?
Immunity debt refers to the reduced exposure to common viruses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when public health measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, and frequent handwashing significantly lowered transmission rates of various non-COVID infections. While these restrictions helped curb the spread of viruses and eased the burden on healthcare systems during the pandemic, they also led to a drop in natural immunity among the population.
Many viruses, like certain flu strains, disappeared almost entirely, while others, like RSV, resurged once restrictions were lifted. As more people began socializing and mixing again, these dormant viruses found a susceptible population to infect, particularly among younger children who had not been exposed to them during the pandemic.
According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert from Johns Hopkins University, immunity debt was an “inevitable” consequence of pandemic-era measures, but those restrictions were crucial in saving lives. “Decreasing burdens on hospitals during the height of COVID, it was good to go in debt for that,” he explained.
Why the Term is Controversial
While the term “immunity debt” accurately describes the resurgence of infections post-pandemic, it has become controversial. Some argue that it implies natural infections are better for the immune system than vaccines, or that pandemic restrictions were unnecessary. However, experts, including Dr. Openshaw, reject these notions, emphasizing that public health measures saved thousands, if not millions, of lives.
RSV, for example, is a common virus that typically causes mild symptoms in young children. However, due to pandemic restrictions, many babies who would have been exposed to RSV were not, leading to a larger pool of susceptible individuals once the restrictions were lifted.
Looking Ahead
To address immunity debt, health experts are advocating for stronger vaccination efforts. Since 2023, RSV vaccines have been made available to pregnant women and older adults in the European Union and the UK, in an effort to protect the most vulnerable populations.
Despite these measures, hospitals across Europe are facing significant challenges. Ongoing staffing shortages and limited capacity are making it difficult to handle surges in common childhood infections and pneumonia among adults. As Dr. Openshaw noted, “We’re still seeing a lot of hospital attendances and serious illness with these viruses because they’re circulating at a higher-than-previous level.”
With winter approaching, the strain on healthcare systems is expected to grow, making it crucial for governments to bolster public health measures and vaccination programs to mitigate the effects of immunity debt.
Health
German Consumer Group Warns Against Children’s Dietary Supplements
A leading German consumer group has raised concerns about the safety and necessity of dietary supplements for children, after testing 18 common products and finding issues in 17 of them. The findings highlight the potential risks of excessive vitamin intake and misleading advertising by supplement manufacturers.
High Dosages and Questionable Claims
Berlin-based consumer organization Stiftung Warentest conducted an analysis of 18 widely available children’s dietary supplements. The group examined their ingredients, compared them with recommended nutrient intake levels, and evaluated the accuracy of their advertised benefits. The results were alarming—15 of the products contained dosages exceeding recommended levels for children, while five had vitamin A levels higher than the maximum safe limit for adults.
The group concluded that these supplements are “unnecessary at best and risky at worst.” Their findings align with the stance of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), which states that food supplements are generally not needed for healthy individuals with balanced diets and cannot compensate for poor nutrition.
Growing Popularity Despite Risks
Dietary supplements, regulated as food products in the European Union, have gained widespread popularity in recent years. A 2022 survey across 14 EU countries found that 93% of adults had used supplements in the past year, primarily for perceived health benefits.
For children, supplements are often marketed as tools to enhance growth, cognitive function, or immune strength. However, Stiftung Warentest’s analysis suggests that some of these claims may be misleading.
“Manufacturers use enticing messages and suggestive images to make their products appealing to parents—sometimes using advertising claims that are illegal,” the group reported.
When Supplements Might Be Necessary
While Stiftung Warentest’s findings highlight significant concerns, some experts caution against completely dismissing dietary supplements. Dr. Berthold Koletzko, president of the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) and a paediatric gastroenterologist at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, acknowledges that most children do not require supplements but notes exceptions.
“There are young children and adolescents with suboptimal supplies of critical nutrients and even deficiencies,” Koletzko said, pointing to vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids as examples.
Certain dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets, may increase the need for supplementation. A 2017 study found that 3.4% of German children aged 6 to 17 were vegetarians, a number Koletzko believes has since increased. Additionally, children living in areas with limited sunlight may require vitamin D supplementation.
However, Koletzko warns that not all supplements are equal. Gummy vitamins, for instance, are often high in sugar and may encourage overconsumption due to their candy-like appearance. Excessive vitamin and mineral intake can lead to digestive issues, including stomach discomfort and loose stools.
Expert Advice is Essential
For parents concerned about their child’s nutrition, Koletzko emphasizes the importance of consulting a trusted healthcare professional.
“If you choose a supplement, it’s crucial to select the right one and get advice from your paediatrician,” he advised.
As the debate over dietary supplements continues, Stiftung Warentest’s findings serve as a reminder that parents should approach them with caution, prioritizing a balanced diet over unnecessary supplementation.
Health
US Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals Could Spark Global Trade Disruptions
The pharmaceutical industry is bracing for potential upheaval as the United States considers imposing tariffs on drug imports, a move that could send shockwaves across global markets. President Donald Trump has signaled his intent to impose a 25% tariff on pharmaceuticals as part of a broader strategy to bring drug manufacturing back to the US.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday night, Trump confirmed his administration’s plans to target the pharmaceutical sector.
“We’re going to be doing tariffs on pharmaceuticals to bring our pharmaceuticals back,” he stated.
While the move aims to bolster domestic production, experts warn that the tariffs could lead to unintended consequences, including higher drug prices and supply chain disruptions that would impact both American and European companies. The US, a major importer of pharmaceuticals, heavily depends on European manufacturers for specialized medications. In 2023 alone, the US imported $170 billion (€157 billion) worth of pharmaceutical products, with $127 billion (€117 billion) coming from the EU.
European Markets at Risk
European pharmaceutical firms are particularly vulnerable to the proposed tariffs. Ireland, a key hub for American pharmaceutical companies, could face severe economic repercussions. In 2023, Ireland exported over €80 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US, accounting for more than half of its total exports. Major US firms like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Eli Lilly have significant operations in Ireland, and potential tariffs could lead to job losses and reduced investment.
Denmark’s pharmaceutical sector, especially Novo Nordisk, is also at risk. The company, a leader in diabetes and obesity treatments, generates over 50% of its revenue from the US market. Increased costs due to tariffs could impact American patients while also denting Denmark’s economic growth. The success of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has been a major driver of Denmark’s GDP, contributing nearly half of its economic growth in 2023.
Impact on Other European Nations
Beyond Ireland and Denmark, other European pharmaceutical hubs would also feel the strain. Belgium, home to Pfizer’s major European production facilities, exported over $73 billion in pharmaceuticals in 2024, with a quarter of those exports going to the US. Germany’s pharmaceutical and biotech industries, including major players like Bayer and BioNTech, could also face setbacks. France, Italy, and Switzerland—key exporters of vaccines, generics, and high-value specialty drugs—would experience supply chain disruptions and financial strain.
EU Retaliation on the Horizon?
If the US proceeds with tariffs, the European Union may impose retaliatory measures targeting American pharmaceutical companies. The European Commission is reportedly exploring countermeasures, including higher export costs for US firms such as Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson.
Additionally, the EU could prioritize domestic pharmaceutical companies in government contracts and revive stalled regulatory reforms, such as the General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL) reform, which aims to strengthen Europe’s pharmaceutical sovereignty. The recently proposed Critical Medicines Act could also serve as a framework to counterbalance US trade policies.
With negotiations ongoing, the global pharmaceutical industry is closely watching developments, as any trade war in this sector would have far-reaching consequences for businesses, patients, and healthcare systems on both sides of the Atlantic.
Health
Scientists Discover Drug That Makes Human Blood Lethal to Mosquitoes
Researchers have identified a promising new method to combat mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria by making human blood toxic to mosquitoes. Their study, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggests that a drug commonly used for rare diseases could help eliminate mosquitoes when ingested through a blood meal.
Nitisinone: A Potential Weapon Against Malaria
The study focused on nitisinone, a medication prescribed for individuals with rare inherited metabolic disorders that affect amino acid breakdown. The drug functions by blocking a specific enzyme, preventing harmful byproducts from accumulating in the human body.
When mosquitoes feed on blood containing nitisinone, the drug disrupts their digestion, ultimately leading to their death. This discovery could pave the way for a novel mosquito control strategy.
“One way to stop the spread of diseases transmitted by insects is to make the blood of animals and humans toxic to these blood-feeding insects,” said Lee R. Haines, associate research professor at the University of Notre Dame and co-lead author of the study.
The findings suggest that nitisinone could serve as an effective and complementary tool in the fight against malaria, which remains a major global health concern.
A Growing Need for Mosquito Control Solutions
Currently, personal protective measures such as bed nets, insect repellents, and window screens help reduce mosquito bites. Another approach involves the use of ivermectin, a drug that kills parasites and is sometimes used to target mosquitoes. However, repeated use of ivermectin can lead to drug resistance and environmental concerns.
Nitisinone, on the other hand, demonstrated significant advantages over ivermectin.
“Nitisinone performance was fantastic,” said Álvaro Acosta Serrano, professor of biological sciences at Notre Dame and co-corresponding author of the study. “It has a much longer half-life in human blood than ivermectin, meaning its mosquito-killing activity lasts much longer. This is critical when applied in the field for safety and economic reasons.”
Crucially, the drug proved effective in eliminating mosquitoes across all age groups, including older mosquitoes, which are the most likely to transmit malaria. It also showed effectiveness against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.
A New Approach to Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention
Haines suggested that in the future, alternating between nitisinone and ivermectin could enhance mosquito control efforts.
“For example, nitisinone could be used in areas where ivermectin resistance persists or where the drug is already heavily used for livestock and humans,” he said.
Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever, continue to pose a growing health threat. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that climate change is creating more favorable conditions for invasive mosquito species in Europe, even though malaria was eradicated from the continent decades ago.
This new discovery offers a promising avenue for combating the spread of these diseases, potentially reducing the global burden of mosquito-borne infections.
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