Category: Emerging Infectious Diseases
New Jersey: First Ever Feline Bird Flu Case
Action News A cat in New Jersey was euthanized after becoming severely ill from a confirmed case of bird flu, the state’s health department said Friday. The cat was not exposed to infected poultry, livestock, raw milk or meat. It was allowed to roam outdoors, so it’s not known if it had exposure to wild birds […]
Mar 5, 2025
Paxlovid may not reduce hospitalization risk for vaccinated older adults
Washington Post A new study suggests Paxlovid may not reduce risk of covid hospitalizations and all-cause deaths in vaccinated adults ages 65 to 74. Paxlovid, the five-day antiviral treatment for covid, may not reduce the risk of covid-related hospitalizations and all-cause deaths in vaccinated older adults, a new study suggests. Paxlovid — Pfizer’s combination of nirmatrelvir and […]
Mar 5, 2025
Brain-eating fungus causes the immune system to attack neurons
earth.com Infections often conjure images of bacteria or viruses, but certain fungi can also take their toll on us. They can hide in unsuspecting corners of the environment and interact with living organisms in ways that raise many questions. One particular fungus, Beauveria bassiana, has captured attention because of its interactions with insects. Its spores settle […]
Mar 5, 2025
CDC says it is monitoring mysterious deadly disease in Congo
ABC News The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring an unknown disease that has killed dozens in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the agency said in a statement on Tuesday. “CDC is monitoring the situation closely and engaging with DRC officials on what support the agency can offer,” according to an agency spokesperson. […]
Mar 5, 2025
Cluster of community deaths in Basankusu, Equateur- Democratic Republic of the Congo
WHO On 9 February 2025, officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported to regional health authorities a cluster of 24 unexplained community deaths in a single village in Ekoto health area, Basankusu health zone, Equateur province. As of 25 February, a total of 53 deaths have been reported, with the last death occurring […]
Mar 5, 2025
Dysentery is on the rise in Oregon. Here’s what to know.
Washington Post Dysentery cases are on the rise in the Portland area. In January, health officials reported 40 cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection in Multnomah County, where Portland is located — up from 17 in January 2024, according to the Multnomah County Health Department. Health officials have linked the rise in dysentery cases […]
Mar 5, 2025
9 states report measles cases as outbreaks grow
The Hill One of the most contagious viruses in the world is spreading around the United States. So far in 2025 there have been three distinct measles outbreaks and at least 164 cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coming from nine states. The largest of the outbreaks is in West Texas, […]
Mar 5, 2025
Measles Outbreak Was Entirely Avoidable
Bloomberg Low vaccination rates contributed to the re-emergence of a disease declared eradicated in the US 25 years ago. A measles outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico has killed a child and sickened more than 130 people, and public health experts fear it’s only the beginning. It’s an entirely avoidable health emergency fueled by weaknesses […]
Mar 5, 2025
To the Pandemic Czar: Are We Prepared to Talk About Bird Flu?
MedPage Today Effective communication across all levels of government is as important as a vaccine. The threat of a widespread human outbreak of bird flu is on the horizon. And, with it, the potential for a pandemic. The next pandemic — whether from the H5N1 strain circulating since 2022 or something else — may not […]
Mar 4, 2025
New York City officials report second measles case as Texas outbreak continues
USA Today As the measles outbreak continues to spread in Texas, cases have been reported in New Jersey as well as a second case in New York City. The New York City Department of Health said that one additional case of measles has been reported in New York City. “As a pediatrician and the State’s doctor, I want to […]
Mar 4, 2025