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Australia Faces Historic Diphtheria Outbreak: The Largest in Recent Memory

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Medical workers preparing diphtheria and tetanus vaccines

Preparation for Diphtheria and Tetanus Vaccination

Simanjuntaku/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Diphtheria cases are rising in Australia, marking a concerning trend for the first time since the advent of widespread vaccination in the 1930s.

The nation has reported 230 cases
of this dangerous bacterial infection along with 1 related adult death this year. The surge is attributed to increasing case numbers, primarily affecting remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, and smaller incidences in Queensland and South Australia. Historically, the annual infection rate hovered around zero.

According to Paul Burgess, the Chief Health Officer of the Northern Territory, the latest outbreak stems from an incident dating back to 2022 in Queensland, originally contracted overseas. This highly contagious disease has since spread to Indigenous communities across the Northern Territory and neighboring states, driven by vaccination gaps, high mobility between communities, and crowded living conditions.

Vaccination coverage for diphtheria among five-year-olds in the Northern Territory stands at approximately 92%, but only around 67% of 13-year-olds receive necessary booster shots available through school-based programs. Raina McIntyre from the University of New South Wales noted, “The effectiveness of the vaccine is waning, and booster immunizations are urgently needed.”

This trend partly explains why adolescents and young adults are increasingly falling ill with diphtheria.

Challenges in achieving optimal vaccination rates stem from “increased vaccine misinformation and backlash following the COVID-19 pandemic,” as McIntyre observed. The shortage of healthcare professionals in remote areas further complicates matters.

The diphtheria infection is caused by the Diphtheria bacterium, which affects the skin and respiratory system, producing a toxin that leads to severe complications. Symptoms include painful throat ulcers or a thick gray film in the throat that can obstruct breathing. When toxins enter the bloodstream, severe outcomes, including heart failure and paralysis, may occur.

This bacterium can be transmitted through contact with sores of an infected person or through respiratory droplets.

While treatment can include antibiotics and antitoxins that neutralize the diphtheria toxin, mortality can still occur despite medical intervention.

Before the diphtheria vaccine was introduced, the disease was a leading cause of child mortality worldwide. In Australia, over 4,000 deaths were attributed to diphtheria between the late 1920s and early 1930s.

The Australian government recently announced a funding package of A$7.2 million (£3.8 million) to combat the outbreak, deploying additional healthcare professionals to affected regions for increased vaccination efforts and treatment administration.

Burgess emphasized to the ABC: “We are encouraged by the strong community demand for vaccination in response to this outbreak.”

Globally, the largest diphtheria outbreak since routine immunization began occurred in countries of the former Soviet Union post-1991, with an alarming rate of 140,000 infections and 5,000 deaths resulting from a collapse in vaccination coverage, underscoring that “vaccine program disruptions can lead to outbreaks,” stated McIntyre.

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  • vaccine /
  • infectious disease

Source: www.newscientist.com

California Sees Record Mushroom Poisoning Cases in Largest U.S. Outbreak to Date

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A prolonged series of mushroom poisonings in California has tragically resulted in four fatalities and left 43 individuals hospitalized, marking the largest outbreak of its kind in the history of the U.S., according to experts.

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Three cases emerged earlier this week, notably after the typical growing season for the mushrooms notorious for causing this illness, prompting public health officials and mycologists to investigate the widespread poisonings and the factors contributing to this alarming trend.

These three new cases involved family members who foraged for mushrooms in Napa County on Saturday, fell ill on Sunday, and were subsequently admitted to Stanford Medical Center, as reported by Napa County Public Health Officer Dr. Kristin Wu.

Since the onset of the outbreak in November, affected individuals have ranged in age from just 19 months to 84 years old. California Department of Public Health indicates that incidents have clustered, with at least six families linked to the same batch of mushrooms. Four individuals have undergone liver transplants due to their ailments.

Poisoning incidents have spanned over a dozen counties within the San Francisco Bay Area and California’s central coast. Following a surge in cases during late fall, state health officials have cautioned the public against consuming foraged mushrooms.

“This outbreak is significantly larger than previous years, with its duration extending beyond what we anticipated,” stated Heather Hallen-Adams, chair of toxicology for the Mycological Society of North America. “The reasons for this are still unclear.”

Deathcap mushrooms, native to Europe, have made their way into the United States.Ann Pringle

The primary source of the poisonings has been identified as the invasive death cap mushroom, often referred to as fly agaric. Additionally, the Western destroying angel, known as amanita, has been implicated in several cases. Typically, 50 cases of amanita poisoning are reported annually across the nation, but California has already surpassed that number this year, with five new infections reported this month.

This situation is highly atypical,” noted Anne Pringle, a mycology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Typically, the peak season for these mushrooms is in December and January. We are left wondering why this occurrence is happening.”

This outbreak has brought to light significant gaps in California’s public health infrastructure, revealing a lack of rigorous scientific understanding of these toxic mushrooms.

Healthcare providers currently are not mandated to report amatoxin poisoning cases to public health authorities, as outlined in state regulations. This has led the California Department of Public Health to track cases through a more cumbersome and less structured procedure than for other conditions like E. coli and West Nile virus.

“At present, our primary source of information about these incidents stems from the California Poison Control System,” Dr. Wu remarked. “They are actively working to identify and report these cases to CDPH.”

Dr. Wu indicated that efforts are underway to include amatoxin poisoning in the list of reportable diseases. However, the ministry has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this issue.

Dr. Wu revealed that the three family members who fell ill recently were not from Napa County and had been foraging mushrooms in rural areas within the county.

“Their case came to my attention solely due to their mushroom foraging activities in Napa County,” Dr. Wu stated, pointing out that there was no obligation for notification. “This information allows me to act to protect other community members in Napa.”

Since the outbreak’s onset, the majority of those affected by the toadstools predominantly communicate in Spanish, with others speaking Chinese, Ukrainian, Russian, Mam, and Mixteco (an indigenous language from Central America).

Consequently, public health experts suggest that some individuals may be relying on foraging practices rooted in traditions from their countries of origin.

“Research indicates that the death cap and Western angel of destruction closely resemble some native edible mushrooms found in their home countries,” Dr. Wu explained.

Dr. Wu mentioned that Napa County Public Health Department has initiated radio advertisements in English, Spanish, and Mixteco to alert the public about toxic mushrooms. The California Department of Health has also produced flyers available in nine languages.

“It’s surprising that we haven’t undertaken more outreach to Spanish-speaking communities; this poses a significant public health risk,” Dr. Wu remarked. “We are committed to improving our efforts in this area.”

The decomposing mushroom is an invasive species that was introduced to California through imported seedlings in the 1930s. The destroying angel mushrooms are specific to certain nations. In California, death caps typically thrive near oak and sometimes pine trees, usually growing several inches tall but can reach larger sizes, featuring white gills, a pale yellow or green cap, and a distinctive ring around their stem.

Amatoxins produced by these mushrooms can severely damage the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of amatoxin poisoning may take up to 24 hours to manifest and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More severe reactions, including potentially fatal liver damage, can occur within two to three days. Amatoxins account for the majority of deadly mushroom poisonings, as even a volume comparable to a sugar cube can be lethal.

Mike McCurdy, president of the San Francisco Mycological Society, reported increased occurrences of death cap mushrooms over the weekend.

“This is a significant growth surge; it’s a widespread phenomenon, stretching from Monterey to Napa,” McCurdy lamented. “This level of activity during the spring is unprecedented.”

McCurdy recounted spending around 20 minutes searching for death cap mushrooms on Saturday, during which he identified more than 20 “fruiting bodies” around five live oak trees along the coast.

Pringle expressed her confusion over the unusual abundance of death cap mushrooms this year and their extended presence deep into the season, stating, “It’s both an intriguing and alarming situation.”

In comparison to plants and animals, mushrooms are less frequently studied and receive considerably less research funding, Pringle noted. There remains a lack of comprehensive understanding of the toxins they produce.

“Science requires funding to tackle these challenges,” she concluded. “If we can mitigate the factors contributing to these outbreaks, we can save lives.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: Origins and Insights into the Deadly Virus

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The cruise ship MV Hondius is anchored off the coast of Cape Verde.

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An outbreak of hantavirus has been reported on the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, anchored off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean. This virus can result in severe illness in humans, with a mortality rate of up to 50%.

So far, seven individuals have been infected, with three fatalities confirmed.

Understanding Hantavirus

Hantaviruses are a category of viruses carried by rodents known to cause severe illnesses in humans. Infection typically occurs through exposure to infected rodents or their urine, feces, or saliva.

Different hantaviruses cause various clinical syndromes across the globe. In the Americas, they can lead to a severe illness known as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), which has a fatality rate of about 50%. In Europe and Asia, they primarily cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), affecting kidneys and blood vessels.

It is estimated that there are 10,000 to over 100,000 hantavirus infections annually worldwide, with the highest rates in Asia and Europe.

The specific strain of hantavirus affecting those on board the ship remains unidentified. “There are multiple species, at least 24, that can be harmful to humans,” says Adam Taylor, a researcher at Lancaster University, UK. “Until we determine which strains are involved, we cannot fully understand the situation.”

Where Was the Ship Located?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been notified of this outbreak. On May 2, a statement announced an outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness onboard the MV Hondius, including two fatalities and one critically ill passenger.

The cruise departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, and traveled across the South Atlantic, with stops including Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena, and Ascension Island. WHO identified the Argentine port as a focal point for investigations into the outbreak due to the presence of the Andes virus, known for limited person-to-person transmission in South America.

A total of 147 individuals from 23 nationalities were onboard, consisting of 88 passengers and 59 crew members. The extent of contact with local wildlife during the voyage remains unclear, as per WHO’s statement.

What Are the Symptoms of Hantavirus?

Initial symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. Some patients may develop respiratory complications. Diagnosis typically involves specialized blood tests.

How Does Hantavirus Spread?

The primary route of infection is contact with infected rodents, particularly through inhalation of virus particles from contaminated rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.

“For this reason, investigations often focus on potential exposure to rodent-contaminated areas,” stated Roger Hewson from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. “Hantaviruses are not generally believed to be easily transmissible between humans.”

While rarer, infection may also occur through rodent bites. High-risk activities include cleaning poorly ventilated spaces, farming, and sleeping in rodent-infested environments. According to WHO, human-to-human transmission has only been recorded for the Andes virus in the Americas, occurring with close and prolonged contact, mainly among family and intimate partners, particularly during the early stages of the disease.

Current Outlook on the Infection Spread

According to Taylor, there is no need for panic. “Transmission of hantaviruses usually requires contact with animal products, not person-to-person contact,” he emphasized. “While precautions are in place on board, they are just that—precautions.”

Hewson added that it’s crucial not to make assumptions based on the cruise ship context. “Infection confirmation among passengers does not clarify whether the exposure occurred on the ship, prior to embarkation, during shore excursions, or through common environmental contact,” he remarked. “Therefore, public health surveillance, lab confirmations, and possible virus sequencing are vital.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Prediction Markets: Millions at Stake as Gamblers Bet on Measles Outbreak

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New York State Department of Health Secretary James McDonald addressed the measles outbreak last year.

Jim Franco/Albany Times Union via Getty Images

Increasingly, gamblers are placing bets on the projected number of measles cases in the United States. In January alone, wagers exceeded $9 million on platforms like Calci and Polimarket. Evidence shows their forecasts can effectively model the spread of infection.

Prediction markets operate by allowing users to buy and sell stocks tied to specific outcomes. Each market presents a question regarding future events, with participants betting on “yes” or “no” outcomes. The cost of each bet is set according to the majority opinion in the market.

For instance, if 86% of bets predict a “yes” outcome, each “yes” stock costs 86 cents. If the event occurs, successful betters receive $1 per share, while unsuccessful bettors lose their investment.

The concept of prediction markets originated from scientific research. In 1988, economists Robert Forsythe, George Newman, and Forrest Nelson at the University of Iowa aimed to forecast federal elections, leading to the creation of these markets where small stakes could predict outcomes.

Their predictions proved remarkably accurate. In 2003, infectious disease researcher Philip Polgreen urged economists to expand these markets to include disease forecasting, emphasizing an ethos centered on education and public welfare.

In recent years, companies like Kalshi and Polymarket have commercialized prediction markets, operating legally in the U.S. under Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations, albeit facing growing scrutiny from government entities.

These markets have faced criticism for enabling bets on sensitive subjects like the Iran and Ukraine conflicts. Some observers deem it morally questionable; for instance, a trader known as Magamiman profited $553,000 by accurately predicting the removal of Ayatollah Khamenei from power on February 28, 2026. This success raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers about potential insider trading.

As measles cases rise in the U.S., a similar betting market has emerged for the disease. Although the ethical dilemma surrounding these bets is complex, it may offer valuable data insights. According to Spencer J. Fox, a professor at Northern Arizona University who specializes in predictions for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, the measles prediction market could serve as an innovative data source.

The June 2025 prediction market projected around 2,000 measles cases by year-end, a figure closely matching the actual data of 2,288 cases. Fox noted, “Our model anticipated far worse scenarios.”

To forecast disease, epidemiologists utilize various data types, including vaccination rates, genomic information, and climate considerations. “Everyone is searching for an edge in infectious disease prediction, constantly exploring new data streams,” Fox remarks. However, measles poses a challenge for predictions due to its “highly stochastic” nature.

Emile Servan Schreiber, the CEO of prediction market firm Hypermind, suggests that the accuracy of measles forecasts may stem from harnessing the “wisdom of the crowd,” where non-experts contribute diverse perspectives that balance out gaps in specialized knowledge.

Nevertheless, Fox argues that prediction markets cannot fully replace scientific models employed by epidemiologists. These markets often lack the comprehensive predictions and granularity that scientific approaches provide. He emphasizes, “We would need to make thousands of bets each week on all possible predictions.”

Moreover, he emphasizes that only seasoned experts are adept at predicting rare events. “If we neglect to cultivate expertise in infectious disease prediction now, we risk being overwhelmed by the next pandemic,” he warns.

Neither Kalshi nor Polymarket responded to a comment request from New Scientist.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why People Are Betting on the Measles Outbreak: Potential Benefits Explained

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James McDonald, New York State Department of Health Commissioner, addresses the measles outbreak.

Jim Franco/Albany Times Union via Getty Images

An increasing number of gamblers are placing bets on measles cases in the United States. In January alone, approximately $9 million was wagered on projected cases via the Calci and Polimarket prediction markets, suggesting that these predictions may accurately model infection spread.

Prediction markets operate by allowing participants to buy and sell shares related to the outcomes of specific future events. Each market poses a question regarding upcoming events, enabling bets on “yes” or “no” outcomes, with the share prices determined by collective betting behavior.

For instance, if 86% of bets forecast a “yes” outcome, a “yes” share costs 86 cents. Should the event occur, the successful bettor would receive $1 for each share bought, while the unsuccessful bettor loses their stake.

The concept of prediction markets originated from scientific research. In 1988, University of Iowa economists Robert Forsythe, George Newman, and Forrest Nelson sought a method to forecast federal elections, ultimately developing a betting market model. This model enabled researchers and students to place modest bets predicting election outcomes.

Market predictions proved to be quite accurate. In 2003, Philip Polgreen, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Iowa, encouraged economists to integrate disease prediction into these markets. Polgreen stated these markets were established “on an ethos of education and public benefit.”

Recently, however, prediction markets have commercialized, driven by companies like Kalshi and Polymarket. While these entities comply with U.S. regulations set by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, they face mounting criticism from federal and state authorities.

For example, these markets have been criticized for allowing bets on conflicts such as the wars in Iran and Ukraine. Critics deem this practice as immoral. In February, a trader known as Magamiman made $553,000 by accurately predicting the timing of Ayatollah Khamenei’s removal from power.

Following the prediction, Khamenei was reported dead on February 28, 2026. This event raised ethical concerns among some U.S. Congress members regarding the potential monetization of state secrets.

Alarmingly, measles cases are reportedly on the rise across the United States, prompting the emergence of a betting market centered on this illness. While the ethical ramifications of such wagers are complex, there may be a beneficial side to this practice. Spencer J. Fox, a professor at Northern Arizona University forecasting diseases like COVID-19, views the measles prediction markets as a potentially rich data source.

For instance, the June 2025 prediction market anticipated roughly 2,000 measles cases for the year, a number very close to the actual reported total of 2,087. “Our model generated numerous worse predictions,” explained Fox.

Epidemiologists employ multiple data streams (vaccination rates, genomic data, and climate data) to forecast disease outbreaks. “Everyone seeks an advantage in predicting infectious diseases, and we continually explore new data streams,” noted Fox, adding that measles forecasts are rare due to the disease’s “highly stochastic” nature.

Cognitive scientist Emile Servan-Schreiber, CEO of prediction market firm Hypermind, believes he understands why measles predictions maintain such accuracy. He suggests these markets leverage “the wisdom of the crowd,” with “amateurs providing cognitive diversity to offset their lack of expertise.”

Nevertheless, Fox emphasizes that prediction markets cannot simply replace epidemiologists’ scientific models. For example, these markets do not account for as many explicit predictions and lack detailed granularity concerning future outcome probabilities. “We would need to make thousands of bets each week on all the different predictions we’re formulating,” he remarked.

Furthermore, Fox asserts that only specialists can accurately predict rare events. “If we don’t invest in developing expertise for infectious disease predictions now, we will be overwhelmed by the next coronavirus.”

Kalshi and Polimarket have yet to respond to requests for comments from New Scientist.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Essential Information on the Hepatitis A Outbreak in LA County

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Los Angeles County public health officials have reported an outbreak of hepatitis A. This highly contagious liver infection is caused by a virus that can, in rare instances, lead to serious illness.

Typically, there are fewer than 50 cases annually in LA County, but at least 138 individuals were infected in 2024, with cases continuing to rise significantly in 2025. These numbers are incomplete.

Here’s what you should know.

The hepatitis A virus is spread via the oral-fecal route, meaning it can be ingested through food and beverages contaminated with microscopic stool from infected individuals. The virus can also be transmitted through close contact with someone harboring it, even if they show no symptoms.

Certain individuals face a higher risk of contracting hepatitis A due to inadequate access to clean toilets and handwashing facilities. It is more prevalent among travelers, in settings with poor hygiene, among men who have sex with men, and among drug users.

Officials note that many recent cases have appeared in individuals lacking these risk factors. The reasons remain unclear, but Dr. Timothy Brewer, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at UCLA, is increasingly concerned about two issues: food contamination and community transmission.

“In a community with good hygiene and access to drinking water, we shouldn’t see high numbers of infections,” he remarked. “Something is happening, but we aren’t sure what it is.”

Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. Infected individuals may subsequently develop jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools.

One significant challenge in controlling the spread of hepatitis A is that contact tracing can be quite challenging. The virus can incubate for up to seven weeks before symptoms appear, and carriers can transmit it for up to two weeks before they feel ill.

Moreover, many infected individuals do not exhibit severe symptoms, according to Dr. Edward Jones Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California, which means they might not seek medical evaluation, undergo blood tests, or report their cases.

Severe symptoms are predominantly observed in the elderly, those with chronic liver diseases, and individuals with compromised immune systems or HIV. While fatalities from hepatitis A are rare, at least seven deaths have been linked to the outbreak. Officials suspect that the true number of infections is significantly higher than reported, as many individuals likely remain asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that go unrecognized.

There are no specific antiviral treatments for hepatitis A, as the infection typically resolves on its own within weeks without causing permanent liver damage. However, hospitalization might be necessary for some patients.

In rare instances, hepatitis A can lead to acute liver failure, known as fulminant hepatitis, which may necessitate a transplant, stated Dr. Jones Lopez. “It can escalate rapidly. It’s a serious condition.”

If you believe you may be infected, consult your doctor, stay hydrated, and rest adequately.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A. The vaccination schedule consists of two doses given at least six months apart, which provides substantial protection. While children have routinely received this vaccine for the past two decades, many adults over the age of 25 do not get vaccinated unless they belong to a high-risk group.

“Infection can occur anywhere,” warns Dr. Anne Limoyne, a professor of epidemiology at UCLA.

If you have been exposed to someone with the virus but haven’t been vaccinated, a prompt vaccination can prevent infection. Experts suggest that individuals with compromised immune systems may also benefit from receiving immunoglobulins. Practicing good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing with soap and water after using the restroom and before preparing food, is essential for everyone.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Video Exposes Lax Biosecurity in New York Poultry Market During Avian Flu Outbreak

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Concerns are escalating among actors and experts after video evidence obtained by BBC Science Focus revealed that a New York City poultry market is neglecting essential safety measures to protect both staff and the public amid rising bird flu cases in the state.

The footage showcases employees at various locations in Queens handling birds without the minimal recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).

This revelation comes shortly after city officials ordered a temporary closure of over 80 poultry markets following the identification of avian flu cases in February.

Despite efforts by the New York State Department of Agricultural Markets to test birds for the virus before entering the live markets, conditions have raised alarms among advocates, as not adhering to biosecurity protocols could lead to further spread.

Taken from a video at the entrance to the live poultry market in Queens, New York, on April 13, 2025, this shows workers without masks and insufficient PPE. They are seen wearing only one glove, and possibly touching their faces with uncovered hands. – Crystal Heath

Doctor Crystal Heath, the veterinarian who filmed the footage, indicated that “These live poultry markets do not adhere to basic biosecurity protocols.” He emphasized the role of official negligence in allowing these sites to compromise public health.

Edita Birnkrant, executive director of Animal Rights New Yorker, a nonprofit organization, has inspected numerous markets, declaring that conditions within them pose risks to both workers and customers.

“Anyone walking by could be exposed to pathogens,” she noted in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

Both Heath and Birnkrant have urged public health officials to take decisive actions to mitigate the risk of avian flu in New York’s poultry markets, warning that locations in densely populated areas pose significant public health threats.

Heath explained that these markets bring together multiple bird species, creating an optimal setting for the virus to interact with other strains of influenza, potentially leading to new variants that could spread between humans.

Footage captured by Heath highlights clear violations of biosecurity recommendations. The New York Ministry of Agriculture Markets indicated to BBC Science Focus on April 15 that best practices for live poultry markets should include:

  • Discouraging unnecessary visitors
  • Utilizing biosecurity signs to prevent unauthorized entry
  • Ensuring footwear is covered and disinfected for visitors
  • Screening visitors for recent bird contact
  • Reporting any abnormal, sick, or deceased birds to authorities.
Captured from a video taken outside another live poultry market in Queens, New York, on April 13, 2025, this shows individuals leaving the market without any protective gear. The facility’s doors are wide open, allowing public access. – Crystal Heath

In response to inquiries from BBC Science Focus, New York State Health Department Director Dr. James MacDonald stated there is “no immediate threat to public health” and that no confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been reported among humans in New York. However, he advised those regularly in contact with livestock and wild birds to exercise caution by wearing PPE.

Despite these warnings, the Health Department has confirmed that there are currently no plans to mandate PPE use in New York’s live poultry markets.

While no human cases have been documented in New York thus far, over 70 infections have occurred nationwide, with some leading to fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that there is no confirmed human-to-human transmission, asserting that the general public remains at low risk.

Nonetheless, experts caution that each time a virus successfully infects a person, it presents potential for evolution. Research indicates that single mutations in the H5N1 strain responsible for ongoing outbreaks could facilitate easier human transmission.

Professor Jarra Jagne, a poultry expert and veterinarian affiliated with the US Department of Agriculture’s Livebird Market Working Group, stated that while PPE usage is highly encouraged, there are currently no legal mandates for its use.

This was taken from a video captured at the third live poultry market in Queens, New York, on April 13, 2025, showing individuals without masks or other PPE. The entrance to this market was also open to the public. – Crystal Heath

“We advise that these viruses can infect humans, and we recommend wearing masks and changing clothes when visiting the market,” she stated. “Ultimately, it’s a personal choice.”

Jagne emphasized the concern of irregular PPE use, but noted that New York’s live bird markets are better regulated than they were in the past. Regulations now dictate bird sourcing, handling, and testing procedures.

“Conditions used to be dire,” she remarked. “New York has more markets than any other state, and we had to lead the charge. For many years, flu cases in these markets have been minimal.”

Currently, flocks must be tested 72 hours prior to their market entry, with additional testing conducted upon arrival. However, Jagne pointed out that even rigorous testing cannot eliminate the wide array of risks, particularly as wild birds continue to circulate the virus across the nation.

The presence of unprotected customers in these markets poses a significant vulnerability. “Perhaps markets should provide masks at the entrance, similar to what we did during Covid,” Jagne suggested.

The poultry market featured in Heath’s video has not responded to requests for comment from BBC Science Focus.

About our experts

Crystal Heath: A veterinarian specializing in shelter medicine and high-quality castration neutrality (HQHVSN), and co-founder of Our Honor, a nonprofit organization focused on animal rights.

Edita Birnkrant: Executive director of Animal Rights New Yorker, a nonprofit established in 2008 with a mission to advocate for animal rights, including saving NYC carriage horses and promoting the Animal Rights Act.

James MacDonald MD, MPH: A health committee member of the New York State Department of Health. Before joining the department in July 2022, MacDonald worked with the Rhode Island Department of Health since 2012.

Jarra Jagne: A Practical Professor in the Public and Ecosystem Health Department at Cornell University’s Veterinary Medicine Department, with research published in journals like International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Avian Diseases, and Avian Pathology.

Editor’s Notes

This article is based on footage and information gathered during an independent investigation into live poultry market practices. All content is sourced legally and reviewed to adhere to editorial standards. To protect privacy, identifying details have been removed or obscured. The footage was filmed in a public setting; individuals or businesses depicted are not meant to be misrepresented, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and fairness.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

What you need to know about the spreading measles outbreak in the US

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Common symptoms of measles include rashes

Aleksandr Finch/Shutterstock

The United States is currently facing the most severe measles revival in years. On March 26th, Ohio became the fifth state to declare Measles outbreak This year, they will join Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Kansas.

How many cases of measles are there in the US?

As of March 27th, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 483 measles cases in the United States this year. This has been the highest number of infectious diseases since 2019, with over 1,200 confirmed cases. The CDC is aware of more cases of measles, but is waiting for confirmation before including them in the case count.

Which states are affected by measles?

To date, 19 states have confirmed at least one case of measles this year: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Texas. The infection had not spread to others as 14 of these states only reported isolated outbreaks.

However, five states have declared an outbreak of measles, defined as at least three related measles cases. As of March 28, confirmed cases of measles have been added 400 In Texas 44 In New Mexico. there were Seven Oklahoma cases As of March 25th. Kansas and Ohio As of March 26th, 23 cases of measles and 10 cases have been confirmed, respectively.

Has anyone been hospitalized or died?

The CDC has reported that 70 people have been hospitalized so far this year due to measles. One unvaccinated child also died of the virus on February 26th in Texas. This is the first measles death to be recorded in 10 years. New Mexico is investigating a second measles-related death.

When did the outbreak begin?

Texas was the first state to declare a measles outbreak. Texas Department of State Health Services issued an alert January 23rd After identifying measles in two adults living together in Houston and recently traveled abroad. A week later, the state confirmed the addition Two cases Unvaccinated children on the other side of the state in Gaines County. It is not clear whether these two incidents were related.

Since then, measles has rapidly spread to Gaines County in western Texas, infecting at least 270 individuals. Gaines County has a large rural population and low vaccination rates. I was vaccinated from measles, just below my kindergarten children, usually starting at age 5. The data does not include homeschooled children, so the actual rate may be lower.

The outbreak has since ruffled neighbouring communities, including those across New Mexico’s state borders, and announced its first lawsuit. February 11thand Oklahoma announced the first two cases. March 11th. New York Times State health officials also reported that they believe the Kansas outbreak has begun. March 13threlated to the people of New Mexico and Texas.

The latest outbreak in Ohio is unrelated to people from other states. Ohio Department of Health declared the first case March 20th A man who has not had vaccine contact with someone who has recently traveled abroad. All nine other confirmed cases are associated with this first unvaccinated man.

Who is most affected by measles?

Almost all confirmed cases of measles (97%) occur in people who have not been vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Only 2% of people who have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are cases. Two doses of the vaccine 97% effective One dose is only 93% effective against measles.

Children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to measles. The majority of cases (75%) are in people over the age of 19. Children also have a risk of developing serious complications from measles. About One in 20 Children with measles develop pneumonia, with about 100 in 1000 people experiencing the disease’s brain swelling, which can lead to hearing loss, intellectual disability and death.

Why are there so many cases of measles?

The US declared that measles had been eliminated in 2000. However, outbreaks can occur from time to time as vaccination rates decline. Measles is a highly contagious virus. Each case could lead to another 12-18 cases if people are not protected from illness. If more than 95% of the community are fully vaccinated against measles, most people in this area are protected by herd immunity.

Over 95% of kindergarten children were vaccinated against measles in the 2019-2020 grades. However, that number fell to less than 93% in the 2023-2024 academic year, leaving around 280,000 kindergarteners at risk of infection.

What is the US doing to contain the outbreak?

Vaccination is the best protection against measles. “The fact that there is a measles incident now in Ohio underscores the importance of getting fully vaccinated,” says Bruce Vanderhoff of the Ohio Department of Public Health. press release Announces the first case of the state. “The disease can be very serious, but it is preventable. I highly recommend getting vaccinated and protecting yourself and your child.”

However, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stopped asking people to be vaccinated. “The decision to get the vaccine is personal,” he wrote Fox News Article from March 2nd. “Vaccinations not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity and protect those who are unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Possible connection between Kansas measles case and Texas outbreak

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Last week, the measles cases in Kansas more than doubled to 20, with another outbreak in Ohio involving 10 people, as reported by local public health officials on Wednesday.

There have been several significant outbreaks in the US this year, including a large outbreak in West Texas with more than 320 cases and 40 hospitalizations. Health officials are concerned about the spread of the Texas outbreak to other areas.

More than 40 cases of measles have been reported in New Mexico, with seven identified in Oklahoma. Officials in both states have linked the infections to the Texas outbreak.

In Kansas, the virus is predominantly affecting vaccinated children in the southwest corner of the state. State health officials informed The New York Times on Wednesday that the genetic sequence suggests a connection to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.

Fourteen other states reported quarantined measles cases in 2025, often linked to international travel. In Ohio, nine out of 10 cases were traced back to unvaccinated individuals who had recently traveled abroad.

Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, the director of Ohio’s Department of Health, stated, “While we are disheartened by the measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, and other states, we are not surprised to see some cases here in Ohio.”

Experts are concerned that low vaccination rates across the country have made it susceptible to the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.

Less than 93% of kindergarteners received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine between 2023 and 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Experts recommend a vaccination rate of at least 95% in the community to prevent outbreaks.

In Kansas, 90% of kindergarten children received MMR shots between 2023 and 24, according to state data.

About 89% of Ohio kindergarteners received the MMR vaccine that year.

Measles is highly contagious, spreading through coughing and sneezing when an infected person breathes.

Infected individuals can develop symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes within weeks of exposure. A telltale rash typically appears within a few days.

While most cases resolve within a few weeks, the virus can cause complications like pneumonia, especially in children, leading to difficulty breathing. Infection can also result in brain swelling, leading to permanent damage like blindness, hearing loss, and intellectual disability. According to the CDC, for every 1,000 children with measles, one or two may die.

One child died in the Texas outbreak, marking the first measles-related death in the US in a decade. Another suspected measles-related death was reported in New Mexico.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Outbreak of H5N1 virus causing bird deaths in Antarctica

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Antarctic adelie penguins are under threat from bird flu

Steve Bloom Images/Aramie Stock Photos

H5N1 bird flu was first discovered in a dead bird in Antarctica. Fatal tensions in avian flu are currently spreading south along the Antarctic Peninsula, with devastating consequences for wildlife such as penguins and could spread across the continent.

“It’s scary. Luckily, it only affects a few. [birds]”I say Juliana Viana at the Pope Catholic University of Chile in Santiago. “I hope it stays that way, but the bird flu in Chile and Peru was a disaster. It killed thousands of seabirds and sea lions.”

Between November 2024 and January 2025, Vianna’s team investigated 16 nesting sites for seabirds along the Antarctic Peninsula. Researchers found 35 dead Skuas with no signs of injury. Samples from 11 bodies were found to be positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus that has spread around the world in recent years.

Skuas removes corpses and is ahead of other birds, so eating infected birds is particularly likely to cause infection. Skuas in this area are hybrids between the Antarctic (Stercorarius Maccormicki) and brown (Stercorarius Antarcticus)SKUAS.

So far, no other species of birds have been confirmed, but Vianna says she was also said to have been found dead on March 9th. “We spoke with the Chilean Antarctic Institute,” she says. “They saw the dead squau and the penguin.”

As penguins breed in dense colonies, there is a fear that H5N1 spreads rapidly between them, killing most of several groups. Some penguin species may be resistant, as birds’ susceptibility to H5N1 varies from species to species, Vianna said.

The highly pathogenic form of H5N1 avian influenza has been circulating in Europe, Asia and Africa since 2020, killing many wild birds and causing outbreaks on poultry farms. For example, in the UK, H5N1 was killed A quarter of Gannett 2023.

In 2021, it arrived in North America and was later found to infect dairy cows’ breasts and spread between them. By the end of 2022 it had spread to the southern tip of South America, killing thousands of marine mammals and many different species of birds along the way.

The sick brown squat and giant plaster on Bird Island, just off a large island in South Georgia, tested positive for the virus in 2023. South Georgia is approximately 1,500 km from the Antarctic Peninsula.

Vianna’s team in December 2023 and January 2024 Signs of infection discovered in some living Adelie penguins and Antarctic shags At the northernmost tip of the peninsula. The presence of viruses on the continent has now been confirmed.

“Reported deaths of SKUAS are of concern,” he says. Thijs Kuiken At Rotterdam, the University of Erasmus, Netherlands. Some species in the area are only found on small islands and could be wiped out by avian flu, he says.

However, the tests described in Vianna’s study only show that SKUA has been infected with H5 influenza, and Kuiken does not know whether it is a highly pathogenic form.

Vianna says that’s correct, but samples were sent for additional tests not detailed in the paper. “So it’s been confirmed as a highly pathogenic avian flu,” she says.

On February 25th, another group of researchers reported Find H5N1 in the Closet and Kergellen archipelago In the Indian Ocean near Antarctica, where the virus killed elephant seals and several species of birds. That is, the virus moved towards Australia and New Zealand along the way in Antarctica. This is the only major country that is free from the virus.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Report: Climate change made conditions perfect for fueling California’s fire outbreak

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summary

  • A new report states that the modern and dry winds that have been dried at high temperatures led to the fire in the Southern California have been about 35 % higher due to climate change.
  • The survey results are from a world meteorological group that analyzes the effects of global warming on extreme events.
  • The fire killed at least 29 people and destroyed more than 16,000 buildings.

The International Scientist Group has increased the extreme situation of climate change in the extreme situation that recent fires have made RO sounds in the Los Angeles area as a whole.

A strong state of dry winds at high temperatures ahead of the fire could have been about 35 % higher due to global warming caused by humans. New reports from the World Meteorological attribute groupWe analyze the effects of global warming on extreme events.

The fire, which began in the event of a fierce storm in the spring, killed at least 29 people, including houses, shops, and schools, as it had not been raining in the Great Los Angeles since spring.

“This was a perfect storm for the conditions of the fire disaster. From the viewpoint of the climate that enables the climate, the weather that drives the fire, and the huge environment from the place where these ignitions occurred.” Merced, who contributed to the report at the University of California, said at a press conference.

Compared to the time before the industrial revolution before fossil fuels were widely used, the Los Angeles area had a “dry season” on average every year, and the fire may match the seasonal Santaanana style. Is high. 。

Park Williams, a geographical professor at the University of Los Angeles, the University of California, said Park Williams in the cool season of Southern California. Unusually dry state; Ignition (almost always comes from people); and extreme weather like recent storms. He explained each of these conditions as an individual switch in a system that needs to be turned over all four to emit light.

“The artificial warming caused by climate change caused by humans makes light brighter,” said Williams.

The author in the report analyzes the weather and climate models to evaluate how the warm atmosphere changes the possibility of fire (it means a condition that increases the risk of mountain fire). They also tracked how metrics called the fire weather index changed over time. The index tracks all factors that contribute to temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and fire.

Researchers have discovered that the types of conditions that promote the fire in the LA region are expected to occur once every 17 years in today's climate. Such a state would have been predicted once in 23 years without climate change, and it would not have been so extreme when they occurred.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

FDA Urges Pet Food Companies to Review Safety Plans in Light of Bird Flu Outbreak

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The number of cats increasing that have died or become ill after consuming raw pet food and raw milk contaminated with the H5n1 virus has prompted health authorities to take special precautionary measures to protect pet food companies from bird flu. They are advising pet food makers to follow food safety plans such as sourcing ingredients from healthy flocks and applying heat treatments to inactivate viruses, as suggested in recent guidance from the Food and Drug Administration.

Since the H5n1 virus started spreading in 2022, there have been bird outbreaks under all conditions. Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to the H5N1 virus, with many household cats and wild cats becoming infected since its emergence in 2022. Some farm cats have fallen ill after consuming raw milk, while others have died after consuming contaminated raw pet food.

Despite the FDA guidance, some experts like Dr. Jane Cycks from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have raised concerns about the lack of detailed instructions on guaranteeing the absence of H5N1 in food. The FDA has advised pet owners to cook raw pet food to eliminate risks and follow USDA guidelines for safe food handling.

In response to the situation, some raw pet food companies have implemented safety measures such as sourcing quality ingredients and using processes like high-pressure pasteurization. However, experts emphasize that cooking is the only certain way to eliminate the risk of H5N1 in pet food.

Overall, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Veterinary Medical Association recommend against feeding companion animals raw or undercooked meat due to the potential risks associated with pathogens like H5N1.

While high-pressure pasteurization is advertised as a method to kill pathogens, experts caution that cooking to internal temperature is the most reliable way to ensure food safety. Consumers are advised to cook raw pet food thoroughly before feeding it to their pets to reduce the risk of transmission of bird flu.

For those who prefer raw pet food brands, experts suggest cooking the food before feeding it to ensure the safety of pets.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

2024 Mpox Outbreak: A Comprehensive Guide

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Illustration of mpox virus

Getty Images/Science Photo Library

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing MPOX (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak in Central and West Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This is the second time in two years that the disease has spread sufficiently to prompt a WHO declaration. On August 15, Swedish health authorities confirmed the first cases of infection outside of Africa with the MPOX strain currently causing the outbreak.

What is mpox?

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus in the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. It spreads regularly among animals such as rodents and monkeys in Central and West Africa, but occasionally infects humans, causing small-scale epidemics.

There are two distinct lineages of mpox. Lineage I and Lineage IILineage I is associated with more severe disease and a higher risk of death. A subtype of lineage I, lineage Ib, is driving the current epidemic, while the 2022 and 2023 global MPOX epidemics were driven by a lineage II subtype.

So far, there is no evidence to suggest that lineage Ib is more dangerous than the original lineage I strains, he said. Jonas Alvarez This was said in a statement by the UK’s Pirbright Institute.

How many cases of MPOX were there in 2024?

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Reported on August 13th There are more than 17,000 suspected cases across the continent, “and this is just the tip of the iceberg, given the many weaknesses in surveillance, testing and contact tracing,” the agency said in a statement.

According to the WHO, the Democratic Republic of Congo alone has reported 15,664 cases and 537 deaths so far — more than the entire 2023 total. statement WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on August 15.

Where was mpox found?

The current outbreak began in a small mining town in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). MPOX variants have now spread to at least 11 other African countries, including four where MPOX had not previously been reported (Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda), and one patient in Sweden has also been found to have MPOX.

What is the survival rate for mpox?

More than 99.9 percent of people survive infection with lineage II, but up to 10 percent of MPOX outbreaks caused by lineage I die. Children, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to severe illness.

What are the symptoms of MPOX?

The first symptom of MPOX is usually a rash, which begins as flat sores that later develop into itchy, painful blisters. The rash begins on the face and then spreads throughout the body, including the hands and feet. Lesions may also appear inside the mouth, genitals, and anus.

The rash or lesions usually last for 2-4 weeks and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms usually appear within a week of exposure to the virus, but can appear anywhere from 1 to 21 days after exposure. However, some people can be infected with the virus without experiencing any symptoms.

How does mpox spread?

Mpox is transmitted through close contact with a person who has the disease. Usually, this occurs through skin-to-skin contact, such as sexual intercourse, kissing, or touching. The virus can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated materials, such as sheets, other linens, and sharp objects, such as needles. You remain infectious until all wounds have healed.

Mpox is spread through contact with infected animals via bite or scratch, or when people hunt or eat the animals.

Young people and children are being hit hardest by this outbreak, a trend not seen in the 2022-2023 outbreak. In some provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, children under the age of 15 are the most affected. 69% of suspected cases.

How is mpox treated?

Treatment consists mainly of managing symptoms and preventing complications such as secondary infections. Some of the antiviral drugs developed to treat smallpox have also been used to treat smallpox in the past. However, recent trials of the antiviral drug tecovirimat, used in previous outbreaks, have shown that Found to be ineffective against clade I virusesPeople with MPOX should self-isolate, wear a mask and avoid scratching wounds, which can prevent wounds from healing and increase the risk of secondary infections, which can spread to other parts of the body.

Is there an MPOX vaccine?

The mpox vaccine provides maximum protection when given in two doses. Smallpox vaccines are also known to protect against mpox, but it is not clear whether any of these vaccines are effective against the new mpox variants.

It is only recommended that people get vaccinated if they are at high risk of contracting MPOX. For people in areas not affected by the current outbreak, the risk remains very low.

African countries currently have little to no vaccine supplies, but estimates say the region needs 10 million doses. Jimmy Whitworth Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said in a statement.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Fungal threat highlighted by Valley fever outbreak at California music festival

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summary

  • California has seen an increase in cases of valley fever, a fungal infection, in recent years.
  • Fourteen confirmed cases among people who attended or worked at a music festival in the state are one example of the threat the bacteria poses.
  • Climate change is creating more opportunities for a fungus called Coccidioides to thrive.

Valley fever breaks out among attendees Infections among workers at an outdoor music festival in California's Central Valley highlight the growing threat of fungal infections.

Fourteen people who traveled to Bakersfield to attend or work at the Lightning in a Bottle festival in May have tested positive for valley fever and developed symptoms, the California Department of Public Health told NBC News on Thursday. At least three people have been hospitalized.

“About a week after I got back from the festival, I got really bad body aches and fever,” said Eric Mattson, 33, a musician from San Luis Obispo who attended this year's festival after testing positive for valley fever last month.

The condition progressed to joint pain, difficulty moving and night sweats. “I would wake up two or three times in the night drenched in sweat. I had to change my bedding and pyjamas in terrible pain. It was really bad,” Mattson said.

The bacteria that causes valley fever, Coccidioides, thrives in hot, dry climates, so most cases have been seen in Arizona and California. Climate change is creating more opportunities for the bacteria to grow, leading to an increase in valley fever cases in California.

“The number of reported valley fever cases has been particularly high in 2023 and 2024, which may be related to heavy rains in the winter of 2022-2023 following several years of drought,” the health department said in a statement.

The number of annual cases in California has increased from fewer than 1,000 in 2000 to more than 9,000 in 2019. Recent reports from state health departmentsThere have been 5,370 suspected or confirmed cases so far this year.

San Joaquin County has already seen more than 200 suspected and confirmed cases combined this year, 47 overall last year and 59 so far in 2022.

Valley fever is not transmitted from person to person. Rather, it infects the lungs by inhaling spores in dust or soil. The name comes from the San Joaquin Valley, where Coccidioides was found.

Mattson said he hasn't been contacted by the California Department of Public Health, which has not released the names of the 14 people who have been confirmed to be infected, so it's unclear if Mattson is among them. NBC News has reviewed Mattson's medical records, which show he tested positive.

Mattson estimated he lost 20 pounds in four to five weeks.

He suspected valley fever, having heard reports of some festival-goers being infected in the past, but was initially diagnosed with pneumonia. Eventually, his family doctor ordered a blood test, which came back positive early last month.

Mattson's situation is common, says Dr. Geeta Sivasubramanian, an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, Fresno: “Patients with valley fever are often misdiagnosed with bacterial pneumonia.”

That's because many doctors don't recognize the disease, test for it too early, or confuse it with other respiratory infections, she says — errors that can lead to patients receiving unnecessary antibiotics instead of the appropriate antifungal medication.

About 60% of people with valley fever have no symptoms, but some may experience symptoms such as cough, fatigue, fever, shortness of breath, night sweats, muscle and joint pain, and a rash on the legs and upper body. People with diabetes, weakened immune systems, and pregnant women are more susceptible to severe lung infections. In very rare cases (about 1%), the lung infection can spread to the bones, joints, and brain, becoming life-threatening.

An ideal environment for spreading Valley Fever

Sivasubramanian said he wasn't surprised by the concentration of cases among the more than 20,000 people attending the music festival.

“We live in a valley fever endemic area so anyone who visits the area or lives in the area is at risk,” she said.

In the Central Valley, heavy winter rains encourage the growth of the fungus in the soil, then as temperatures rise and the soil dries, dust carries the spores into the air.

Activities that kick up large amounts of dust, such as construction and agriculture, increase the risk of exposure. In 2014, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated: Five confirmed and five suspected cases of valley fever were linked. Dry and dusty environment on outdoor film set.

Dr. Arturo Casadevall, chair of the department of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said “Lightning in a Bottle” appears to have come to the right place at the right time.

“You need two things: a spore cloud and a human,” he said.

Mattson said high winds during the festival stirred up dust near some of the stages and in the campgrounds where many attendees stayed.

“When you have a lot of people dancing, it definitely kicks up a lot of dust,” he said.

Valley fever may be spreading to new areas

Climate change is bringing increased rainfall and warmer temperatures, which provide better conditions for the fungus to thrive. It may also lead to more frequent and intense wildfires. Transporting spores to the surrounding area.

Outside of California and Arizona, 2019 Survey It's estimated that valley fever may already be endemic in certain counties in 10 other states, stretching as far east as Kansas and Oklahoma.

“As the desert expands, we're going to see cases outside of the historic areas,” Casadevall said.

Some researchers suspect that climate change may be altering rodent migration patterns, helping the fungus spread, but others don't think that's the case in general. 2022 Survey Coccidioides has been detected in rodents in Kern County, home of the Lightning in a Bottle festival.

Mattson said she doesn't regret attending the festival, but wants people in the community to know about the disease and its symptoms.

“If you've been in the valley or been anywhere where there's a lot of dust in the air, we really want to encourage people to get tested,” he said.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Warning Issued by Arizona Officials About Possible Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak

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Arizona public health officials are cautioning about the hantavirus, a disease that spreads from rodents to humans and has led to an increase in a deadly pulmonary syndrome. The Arizona Department of Health Services has reported seven confirmed cases and three deaths in the past six months. For more information, check out the recent health alerts.

Most hantavirus cases are seen in the Western and Southwestern U.S., with most states reporting one to four cases per year. Two cases have been reported in California this year. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for hantavirus.

Arizona is recognized as one of the countries with the highest total number of reported infections. This outbreak marks the first hantavirus outbreak in the United States since 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Arizona from 2016 to 2022, there have been 11 reported cases of hantavirus, with four cases in 2016, two in 2017, four in 2020, and one in 2022.

Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, warns that hantaviruses can cause severe and potentially fatal respiratory infections, especially transmitted by rodents like deer mice.

San Diego County and the California Department of Public Health have also noted increased hantavirus activity this year.

Why are Arizona’s cases increasing?

The CDC has reported 850 cases from 1993 to 2021, averaging about 30 cases per year.

Changes in rodent populations affected by season and weather conditions could be contributing to the increase in hantavirus cases in Arizona. People are more likely to come into contact with rodents during the summer when they are more active.

Climate change and extreme weather events may also play a role in the spread of hantavirus.

Dr. Camilo Mora, a professor at the University of Hawaii, warns that climate change could impact the spread of disease-carrier species, leading to potential outbreaks.

Experts emphasize the need for careful handling of rodent excrement and avoidance of contact with rodents to prevent hantavirus infections.

Hantavirus Symptoms

Hantavirus particles are released into the air when disturbed, leading to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).

HPS symptoms may appear 1 to 8 weeks after contact with an infected rodent and can progress to serious lung infections if left untreated.

  • fever
  • malaise
  • muscle pain
  • nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Approximately 38% of people with pulmonary symptoms from hantavirus may die from the disease.

How to Prevent Hantavirus

Cleaning up rodent excrement and avoiding contact with rodents are key prevention measures according to experts.

Spring cleaning activities like opening and cleaning closed spaces could increase the risk of rodent infestation and hantavirus exposure.

Proper precautions should be taken when entering closed and unoccupied spaces that may have rodents present.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Preparation in the United States for a possible avian influenza outbreak

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Dairy cows on a farm in the US

Shutterstock / Roman Melnyk

The avian influenza virus continues to spread among dairy cows in the United States, and the country’s health authorities are actively preparing for possible spread to humans.

“risk [of bird flu] “While the current rate remains low, we continue to be strongly prepared as new data becomes available,” Vivian Dugan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said at a meeting of health officials on April 25. Stated.

The first priority is tracking the spread of the virus. So far, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the H5N1 avian influenza virus subtype in dairy cows. 33 farms across 8 statessix cats on farms in three of those states.

Genetic sequencing has shown that out of 260 samples taken from sick dairy cows, only one has a mutation that suggests H5N1 is adapted to infect mammals, he said. Rosemary Chiffod At the Department of Agriculture during a meeting. However, this marker has been previously observed in other diseased mammals and did not affect the ability of the virus to transmit between mammals. Furthermore, her other 10 samples from the same herd from which this sample was collected did not have the same mutation.

“It hasn’t changed much and remains an avian virus…in other words, it hasn’t become an avian virus. [cow] It’s a virus,” Sifford said.

According to data presented at the meeting, the CDC tested 23 people who had close contact with the animals for the virus. Only one person tested positive, a dairy worker in Texas whose only symptom was bloodshot eyes. To increase testing capacity, the CDC recently increased funding to genetic sequencing centers in six states, Dugan said.

Another important measure being taken is to ensure the security of the milk supply in the United States. Milk from infected cows contains large amounts of the virus. Although milk from sick animals should not enter the milk supply, initial testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that: 1 in 5 milk samples Contains genetic signatures of avian influenza.

“Importantly, this does not mean the sample contains intact infectious virus.” donald prater At the FDA. The test method used detects any genetic material, including dead virus.

Most milk sold in the United States is pasteurized, a process that uses high heat to kill pathogens. Although no studies have evaluated the effectiveness of pasteurization against H5N1, research on similar influenza viruses suggests it may be effective, Prater said. This is why people should avoid consuming or touching raw dairy products.

Two vaccine candidates against H5N1 are also under development. Initial testing by the CDC showed both to be effective in laboratory tests on current strains of cattle, Dugan said.

As part of pre-established procedures, the US Office of Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) said it is stockpiling supplies for the avian influenza vaccine. david boucher At the ASPR conference. This involves producing a part of the vaccine called an antigen that triggers an immune response to the virus. He said ASPR and its commercial partners have already filled hundreds of thousands of bottles of H5N1 vaccine and can quickly supply it for clinical trials or emergency use if needed.

“Based on the CDC’s current situational risks, vaccination is not a necessary tool at this time. But we want to be prepared in case the situation changes,” Boucher said. Enough material is also stockpiled to produce 10 million more doses. And ASPR has contracts with vaccine manufacturers to further increase production as needed.

“If we need to pull any of these levers, we are ready to do so,” Boucher said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com