Category: Emerging Infectious Diseases
Cambodia Reports Surge in Human Infections with Avian Influenza A(H5N1)
Global Biodefense Unusual spike in human infections highlights ongoing risks at the human-animal interface and the need for cross-sectoral public health action. Between January and July 2025, Cambodian health authorities reported 11 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1), including six fatalities. Notably, seven of these cases occurred in June alone—an unusual monthly spike. These […]
Jul 9, 2025
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in the United States: recent incursions and spillover to cattle
Nature Since Spring 2024, new genotypes of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b have been identified in the United States (US). These HPAI H5N1 genotypes have caused unprecedented multi-state outbreaks in poultry and dairy farms, and human infections. Here, we discuss the current situation of this outbreak and emphasizes the need for pre-pandemic […]
Jul 9, 2025
Increased testing is needed for Mpox in DR Congo to urgently curb disease spread
Nature The low testing rates of Mpox suspected cases remain a key factor in the continued spread of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries. Here, we highlight the causes, as well as the challenges and strategies needed to curb the spread of the current uncontrolled Mpox outbreak in the […]
Jul 9, 2025
Here’s what you need to know about covid this summer
Washington Post Experts say a surge may happen in the coming months and urge people to get vaccinated. Coronavirus cases may surge in the coming weeks, as they have every summer since the pandemic began five years ago, experts said. Getting vaccinated, masking, improving air quality and staying away from those who may be contagious continue to be some […]
Jul 9, 2025
What to Know About the New COVID-19 Variant XFG
Time With summer travel at an all-time high, new COVID-19 variants are brewing. Officials at the World Health Organization (WHO) recently added another one to its list of variants under monitoring: XFG. XFG is spreading most widely in Southeast Asia, although cases have been reported in 38 countries. In the U.K., it accounts for 30% of COVID-19 infections, and in […]
Jul 8, 2025
Hantavirus, rabies exposures confirmed at Grand Canyon National Park
The HIll An employee at Grand Canyon National Park was exposed to hantavirus, and a separate case of exposure to rabies in the park has also been confirmed. A Coconino County health official confirmed both reports to Nexstar’s KLAS. While hantavirus can be fatal, it’s also rare. The virus is spread primarily by deer mice, according […]
Jul 8, 2025
ER visits for tick bites near record levels this summer across US
ABC News Emergency rooms across the country are seeing a spike in tick bite cases, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July has already seen the highest number of tick-related ER visits since 2017, with the Northeast region reporting the most cases, the CDC said. Young children and elderly […]
Jul 8, 2025
CDC ends bird flu emergency
The HIll The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ended its emergency response to the H5N1 avian flu. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said that the emergency bird flu response was “deactivated to transition back to regular program activity” last Wednesday due to reports of animal infections declining and no […]
Jul 8, 2025
First malaria treatment for newborn babies approved for use
Washington Post Malaria caused 597,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with children under 5 accounting for 76 percent of all malaria deaths in the World Health Organization’s Africa region. The first malaria drug for newborn babies and those weighing less than 11 pounds has been approved by Swiss medical authorities in a move that could fill […]
Jul 8, 2025
Measles cases reach highest point since the disease was eliminated in U.S. in 2000
NBC News An outbreak in West Texas that spread to several other states drove the case counts up substantially. Measles cases in the United States are the highest they’ve been since the country eliminated the disease in 2000. The U.S. has reported 1,277 cases since the start of the year, according to NBC News’ tally […]
Jul 8, 2025