Next Week in Public Health, October 16, 2025

Some temporary good news. A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from laying off federal workers during the ongoing two-week government shutdown, ruling that the administration’s “reductions in force” violated federal law. Judge Susan Illston criticized the administration for exploiting the shutdown to bypass legal constraints and restructure the government.

So, we’ll take the good news where we can get it.

Here’s what’s coming up in the research.

And what else is in the news.

How Doptelet Works for Thrombocytopenia

Doptelet, a medication approved by the FDA, effectively increases platelet counts in patients with thrombocytopenia, allowing them to undergo medical procedures without needing platelet transfusions. Recent studies highlight its success in both adults and children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) by maintaining platelet levels above 50,000, reducing the need for urgent care.

The tiny African nation of Lesotho had victories in its HIV fight. Then, the US aid cuts came

Following the suspension of U.S. foreign aid programs, Lesotho’s once robust HIV health infrastructure faced significant setbacks, including closed clinics and layoffs of health workers, severely impacting access to HIV prevention and treatment services. The recent temporary reinstatement of some U.S. aid offers partial relief, but the long-term viability of Lesotho’s health response remains uncertain due to the dependency on international support.

More Texas kindergarteners are coming to school without measles vaccination proof or exemptions

Vaccine non-compliance among Texas kindergarteners, particularly for measles, has surged, with Austin ISD reporting a delinquency rate of 23% compared to less than 1% before the pandemic. This trend endangers public health as lower vaccination rates increase vulnerability to measles, which is especially risky for young children.