The findings from this investigation indicate that this outbreak of Fusarium keratitis was associated with use of ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution. Contact lens users should not use ReNu with MoistureLoc.

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BackgroundDemographic risk factors for multimorbidity have been identified in numerous population-based studies of older adults; however, there is less data on younger populations, despite the fact that approximately 24% of US adults age 18+ have multimorbidity. Understanding multimorbidity earlier in the life course is critical because of the increased likelihood of long-term disability and loss of productivity associated with chronic disease progression.ObjectiveTo examine the associations of education and race/ethnicity with mutimorbidity among adults aged 30–64 using cross-sectional data from the 2002–2014 National Health Interview Surveys.DesignMultimorbidity was defined as having at least 2 of 9 self-reported health conditions. Educational attainment was categorized as less than high school (HS), completed HS or some college, and bachelor's degree or higher. Logistic regression models of multimorbidity controlled for time since last doctor's visit, demographic and socioeconomic measures.ResultsCompared to having a bachelor's degree or higher, completing less than HS (OR=1.58, 95% CI = 1.50–1.66) or HS/some college (OR=1.32, 95% CI = 1.27–1.37) were both associated with increased odds of multimorbidity net of all included covariates. Non-Hispanic Blacks had greater odds of multimorbidity (OR=1.07, 95% CI = 1.02–1.11) compared to Non-Hispanic Whites with comparable characteristics.ConclusionsEpidemiologic and demographic research on the burden of multimorbidity among non-elderly adults is limited, but warrants renewed attention given the potential for long-term loss of quality of life, productivity, and well-being for non-elderly adults. Reducing multimorbidity through health promotion efforts across the socioeconomic spectrum and earlier in the life course will be a requirement to age successfully and support overall well-being in the aging US population.

The mental health consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic are particularly relevant in African American communities, as African-Americans have been disproportionately impacted by the disease, yet they are traditionally less engaged in mental health treatment compared to other racial groups. Using the state of Michigan as an example, we describe the social and psychological consequences of the pandemic on African-American communities in the United States, highlighting community members' concerns about contracting the disease, fears of racial bias in testing and treatment, experiences of sustained grief and loss, and retraumatization of already traumatized communities. Further, we describe the multi-level community-wide approaches that have been used thus far to mitigate adverse mental health outcomes within our local African-American communities. Keywordscommunity mental health; trauma; racial disparities; coronavirus; population health African-American communities in the state of Michigan have been disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite making up only 13% of Michigan's population, African-Americans account for 32% of confirmed cases and 41% of pandemic related-deaths (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 2020). In Michigan's primarily African-American communities, more than 10% of Covid-19 cases end in death (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 2020). A disease that was initially thought to mostly impact older adults and the chronically infirmed has now become a national scourge, devastating African-American communities across the U.S.From a mental health perspective, the pandemic has heightened fear in a segment of the population that already faces significant barriers to mental health treatment. Despite having rates of mental illness similar to Whites, African-Americans experience significant

Objective To determine if negative social interactions are prospectively associated with hypertension among older adults. Methods This is a secondary analysis of data from the 2006 and 2010 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, a survey of community-dwelling older adults (age >50). Total average negative social interactions were assessed at baseline by averaging the frequency of negative interactions across four domains (partner, children, other family, friends). Blood pressure was measured at both waves. Individuals were considered to have hypertension if they reported use of antihypertensive medications, had measured average resting systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, or measured average resting diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg. Analyses excluded those hypertensive at baseline and controlled for demographics, personality, positive social interactions, and baseline health. Results Twenty-nine percent of participants developed hypertension over the four-year follow-up. Each one-unit increase in the total average negative social interaction score was associated with a 38% increased odds of developing hypertension. Sex moderated the association between total average negative social interactions and hypertension, with effects observed among women but not men. The association of total average negative interactions and hypertension in women was attributable primarily to interactions with friends, but also to negative interactions with family and partners. Age also moderated the association between total average negative social interactions and hypertension, with effects observed among those ages 51–64, but not those ages ≥65. Conclusion In this sample of older adults, negative social interactions were associated with increased hypertension risk in women and the youngest older adults.