Category: Featured Headlines
Wildlife trade drives animal-to-human pathogen transmission over 40 years
Science The closer and longer the contact between species, the higher the chances of transmission of pathogens. This rule of thumb applies to human-to-human contacts as well as contacts with other species. Gippet et al. examined trade data for wildlife species from the past 40 years and showed that the longer a species had been legally […]
Apr 15, 2026
Global Wildlife Trade Fuels Spread of Disease From Animals to People
NYT Live animal markets and the illegal sale of wildlife pose particular dangers, but any sale of wild animals or animal products poses spillover risks, a new study suggests. The global wildlife trade is driving the spread of disease from animals to people, according to a new study of thousands of wild mammal species and 40 years […]
Apr 15, 2026
US cases of COVID variant ‘Cicada’ up more than 15% and rising
USA Today A new, “highly mutated” COVID strain is quickly gaining ground in the United States, according to new data. Variant BA.3.2, nicknamed “Cicada,” first drew the attention of health officials earlier this year when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization noted it had appeared in at least 23 countries and accounted for […]
Apr 8, 2026
Two years after it emerged, ‘cow flu’ is still circulating—and baffling scientists
Science Researchers still aren’t sure how H5N1 influenza spreads between cows and from farm to farm. After 2 years, the U.S. outbreak of the H5N1 influenza virus in cattle appears to be waning, easing fears that the virus could cause long-lasting damage to the dairy industry or mutate into a form that could cause a […]
Apr 8, 2026
U.S. facing largest outbreak of bird flu in its history, including backyard flocks in Kentucky
NPR The U.S. is facing the largest outbreak of bird flu in its history. As birds migrate this spring, the virus can spread along major flyways through droppings, contaminated water, or direct contact, infecting backyard flocks, pet birds, and commercial poultry. Anyone who raises birds should understand the risks and how to protect their poultry. Dr. Chelsey Shivley, is a […]
Apr 8, 2026
First European case of H9N2 bird flu reported in Italy – what you need to know
The Conversation The first human case of H9N2 influenza virus (bird flu) has been reported in Europe. A human infection was recorded by the Italian Ministry of Health on March 25, 2026. As an influenza virologist, I can explain what this means and why I am not particularly worried by it – yet. What do we know […]
Apr 1, 2026
Cambodia reports child infected with H5N1 avian influenza
Vietnam News According to a press release issued by the ministry, the child tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus on March 29, after laboratory testing conducted by the National Institute of Public Health. The patient lives in Thnob Thmei village, Beng commune, Banteay Ampil district. Authorities reported that chickens and ducks in the […]
Apr 1, 2026
First Human Case of Bird Flu Imported in EU
European Medical Journal THE FIRST human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) infection has been reported in Italy. Notification of the infection in the Lombardy Region marks the first human case reported in Europe. Italy’s Ministry of Health confirmed on Wednesday that the infected person came from a non-European country where he contracted the low-pathogenicity avian influenza A(H9N2) virus of […]
Apr 1, 2026
H9N2 Bird Flu Hits Europe as First Human Case Confirmed in Italy
Science Alert The first human case of H9N2 influenza virus (bird flu) has been reported in Europe. A human infection was recorded by the Italian Ministry of Health on March 25, 2026. As an influenza virologist, I can explain what this means and why I am not particularly worried by it – yet. What do we know about this case? The […]
Apr 1, 2026
Kent meningitis outbreak: the latest on the bacterial strain at its centre
The Conversation A meningitis outbreak in Kent has been caused by a strain of bacteria that appears to be genetically distinct from anything scientists have seen before. Health officials are working urgently to understand what that means. As of March 23, 23 young people have been confirmed as cases or considered probable cases of invasive meningococcal […]
Mar 25, 2026