Category: Emerging Infectious Diseases
CDC Confirms 3rd Human Case of H5 Bird Flu in California
CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a third human case of H5 bird flu in California. Like the two cases in that state confirmed last week, the person reported occupational exposure to infected dairy cows. To date, all three California cases occurred in dairy workers from three different affected farms […]
Oct 9, 2024
The Atlantic Their saliva is making some farmers allergic to their own cattle and sheep. When Clark Giles first heard about ticks making people allergic to meat, he found the notion so unbelievable, he considered it “hogwash.” Then, in 2022, it happened to him. Following a spate of tick bites, he ate a hamburger and […]
Oct 9, 2024
FDA authorizes 1st over-the-counter combo flu and COVID test outside of emergency use
ABC News The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the first over-the-counter combination COVID-19 and flu test outside of emergency use on Monday evening. This means the Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test is available without a prescription. The FDA said the test is for those who are experiencing respiratory symptoms. While there are other over-the-counter combination tests […]
Oct 8, 2024
Second EEE death confirmed in N.H.
Boston.com EEE, which is spread through mosquitoes, is rare but dangerous. Two New Hampshire residents have died this year. Public health officials in New Hampshire recently confirmed that a second resident of the state died after testing positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The person was only publicly identified as an adult from Danville. They were […]
Oct 8, 2024
WHO appeal: Marburg virus disease outbreak Rwanda 2024
WHO WHO is seeking US$ 7.7 million from October to December 2024 to support the Government of Rwanda in controlling the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak. This funding will enable WHO to carry out critical activities outlined in its strategic response plan, focusing on surveillance, infection prevention, community engagement, and cross-border collaboration. Download PDF The […]
Oct 8, 2024
Why a bird flu case in Missouri is worrying experts
Washington Post/Opinion The drumbeat that bird flu is coming closer to humans is growing ever louder. Health officials must step up their game in tracking and preparing for this virus before it spreads further. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a case of the illness, also known as H5N1, in a Missouri resident. […]
Oct 8, 2024
Third Possible Human Case of Bird Flu in California
ContagionLive A third possible human case of bird flu has been identified in California, with the individual having had contact with infected dairy cattle in the Central Valley. Specimens are currently being sent to the CDC for confirmatory testing. Despite this new case, health officials maintain that the risk to the public remains low. Importantly, […]
Oct 8, 2024
How Rwanda Is Containing a Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak
Scientific American Rwanda’s health minister says authorities are tracing every potential contact of the index case in the country’s outbreak of Marburg virus disease to reduce the risk of wider spread. Rwanda is battling its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a deadly illness related to Ebola. The disease does not have any approved vaccines […]
Oct 8, 2024
Lethal Marburg virus is on the rise in Rwanda: why scientists are worried
Nature There is no proven vaccine or treatment for infections with the virus, which is closely related to Ebola virus and causes similar symptoms. It is an outbreak of superlatives. One of the deadliest known viruses, Marburg, has emerged in Rwanda, killing 13 people and sickening 58 in one of the biggest Marburg outbreaks ever documented. […]
Oct 8, 2024