November 8, BBC. Program on treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome in children, "Sick and tired," looked at how some parents who have rejected the psychiatric approach face hostility, accusations that they are harming their children and the threat of government intervention into their children's care.

November 10, The Washington Post. An item indicating that Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has asked Attorney General Janet Reno for a criminal investigation into misspending at the CDC ran in the newspaper's "Washington in Brief" section. The story was also covered by the Associated Press.

November 10, Chicago Tribune. Barbara Brock, a 52-year old PWC, was profiled in a story by Bob Condor. 

November 11, Wall Street Journal. A front-page article on skull and spine surgery for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia debates whether it is an effective and appropriate treatment in all cases. The CFIDS Association responded with a letter to the editor, noting that it is not a "magic bullet" cure.

November 20, The Economist. "The soul of a new disease," the lead article in the Science and Technology section, discusses research into the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, including problems with the mind-body connection, poor regulation of melatonin (a hormone that signals the brain to sleep) and infection.

December 14, Dateline NBC. One of the lead segments presented the stories of two women with CFS symptoms who had skull surgery to correct a Chiari malformation.

December 20, Sports Illustrated. A feature on the U.S. women's soccer team---athletes of the year---describes Michelle Akers'experience with chronic fatigue syndrome. A December 10 San Francisco Examiner article on Akers notes that an international governing body for soccer recently cleared her to take medication for blood pressure regulation that was previously banned for competing athletes.

December 29, NBC News. Several affiliates, including the Omaha, Nebraska, station ran a story on the connection between mycoplasma infections, chronic fatigue syndrome and Gulf War Illness. The story acknowledges the controversy surrounding multiple-symptom diseases. "Some doctors think they are psychological," says an infectious disease specialist. "But patients are suffering from these diseases even when physical exams don't reveal anything of note."

January 7, SCIENCE magazine. "CDC struggles to recover from debacle over earmark," by Martin Enserink, focuses on the possible damage the misappropriation of CFS funds may cause to the CDC as an agency, while noting that it is a "self-inflicted wound." Dr. William Reeves, head of CFS research, is quoted as saying "Now that we have complete and unfettered control over the money, the program is going very well." He details follow-up actions being taken, such as new resource allocation.

Thanks to those who have been working with the media to increase awareness of CFIDS. The CFIDS Public Relations (CPR) Team helps to monitor the media and responds to particularly positive or troublesome news reports.  Please clip articles about CFIDS, note the name and date of the publication, and send to CPR Team,  PO Box 220398, Charlotte NC 28222-0398. To join the team and receive alerts about media coverage, send a note to that address or E-mail to vwalker@cfids.org.