Category: Emerging Infectious Diseases
Deadly virus first detected in Bay Area park found in Central California
SF Gate A strain of the deadly avian flu detected in Ano Nuevo State Park last month, with cases confirmed in California marine mammals for the first time ever, has been documented in another new county hundreds of miles south of the initial outbreak. On Thursday, UC Davis’ Institute for Pandemic Insights reported a case of HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in a dead […]
Apr 1, 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
Utah measles outbreak brings its biggest surge yet
Axios Utah health officials have confirmed 142 new measles cases since March 10. Why it matters: The rolling, three-week case count reflects a surge of more than 30% compared to last week’s tally, and shows the biggest increase in cases since the state’s outbreak began last summer. Between the lines: Measles symptoms typically appear one to three weeks after exposure to the highly-contagious disease. Threat […]
Apr 1, 2026
COVID‑19 variant BA.3.2 is spreading quickly across US – a doctor explains what you need to know
The Conversation A variant of COVID-19 called BA.3.2, which has circulated under the radar since late 2024, is now spreading quickly across the United States. As a pulmonary and critical care doctor, I see many patients who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to chronic lung disease, as well as patients living with long COVID. All of […]
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
Health officials warn of leptospirosis risk after Hawaii floods
Honolulu Star Advertiser The Hawaii Department of Health and Hawaiian Humane Society are urging residents and recovery workers to monitor for signs of leptospirosis in the aftermath of the “Kona low” storm floods. Leptospirosis Opens in a new tab is a potentially serious bacterial illness that can affect both people and pets. It is caused by Leptospira, […]
Apr 1, 2026
A new COVID-19 variant called “Cicada” is spreading. Here’s what to know.
CBS News “Cicada” is trending, but not because it’s the season for the noisy insects to appear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization are both monitoring a COVID-19 variant called BA.3.2, which is nicknamed “Cicada.” Where is it? BA.3.2 was first identified in November 2024 and has since spread to at […]
Apr 1, 2026
Could bird flu still spark a pandemic?
Science Friday Bird flu has flown off the national news radar, with only scattered, local reports of dead birds in parks and poultry farms. Is it simply no longer a concern, or have cuts to federal science funding disrupted monitoring for this disease? Airborne pathogens expert Seema Lakdawala gives a flyover view on where bird […]
Mar 25, 2026