Category: Emerging Infectious Diseases
Scientists are beginning to understand how long COVID symptoms affect the brain
NPR (Audio 7-minute listen) Many symptoms of long COVID are related to the brain. Now scientists are beginning to understand why brain fog, fatigue, and pain can linger for years after a person was infected.
Nov 14, 2023
1.2 million chickens will be slaughtered at an Iowa farm where bird flu was found
AgriNews An additional 1.2 million chickens will be slaughtered to prevent the spread of the bird flu after the virus was confirmed on an Iowa egg farm in the second massive case in a week. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced the latest bird flu infection at a farm in Taylor County […]
Nov 14, 2023
New feline coronavirus blamed for thousands of cat deaths in Cyprus
Science The previously undescribed strain appears to have borrowed genetic information from a highly virulent canine coronavirus. When thousands of cats started to die this year on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, nicknamed the “island of cats” for its 1-million-strong feline population, the crisis made international news. The animals had fevers, swollen bellies, and lethargy—symptoms […]
Nov 14, 2023
Person at UMass Boston diagnosed with active tuberculosis
Boston 25 News A person on the UMass Boston campus has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis or (TB), officials said in a letter to the school community Monday. Approximately 39 people on campus were identified as having possibly been exposed to the person with tuberculosis and have been contacted about steps they can take to […]
Nov 8, 2023
What Is JN.1, the Latest COVID Variant?
Prevention Infectious disease experts on what it is, signs, symptoms, and if you should be worried. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is mutating yet again. The latest variant getting buzz is JN.1, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flagged in a report issued late last week. In the report, CDC officials say that they’re […]
Nov 8, 2023
Flu Season Remains Mostly Green
Precision Vaccinations The best news concerning the 2023-2024 flu season in the United States is that most people have yet to be impacted by an influenza virus. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six states reported a moderate level of seasonal flu cases as of November 3, 2023, and two areas […]
Nov 8, 2023
California: Avian flu confirmed among 3 dead geese in Sacramento’s William Land Park
CBS News The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported Tuesday that three birds that were previously found dead around the ponds in Sacramento’s William Land Park in October have tested positive for the avian flu. Fish and Wildlife said in a statement that the Eurasian strain of the avian influenza H5N1, which was first […]
Nov 7, 2023
Science Today’s post is not exactly chemical per se, but it’s very promising news on the anti-infectives front. Dengue fever is a viral disease whose range has been extending in recent years, very likely as a result of changes in the climate (it was formerly considered more of a tropical disease). It’s yet another mosquito-carried […]
Nov 7, 2023
I Just Got Over Covid but Still Feel Awful
New York Times Symptoms can linger for days or weeks after testing negative, even for those who don’t develop long Covid. Q: It’s been a week since I tested negative for Covid, but I don’t feel totally better. Why am I still sick? The rapid test is finally, blissfully, negative after a week of dark […]
Nov 7, 2023
Dengue is spreading. Can new vaccines and antivirals halt its rise?
Nature Dengue is on the march. This year, more than 4.2 million cases of the disease, which is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, had been reported by 2 October, compared with half a million in 2000. And the disease, which was once confined to the tropics, is spreading to new locations around the world, including southern […]
Nov 7, 2023
