Category: Emerging Infectious Diseases
Study shows wastewater detections accurate for norovirus
CIDRAP Norovirus can be accurately tracked in wastewater samples, which can help identify outbreaks and trends, according to a new study based on California wastewater surveillance published in Emerging Infectious Diseases. Norovirus is one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis in the United States, but surveillance is challenging because many cases are unreported, the authors said. As […]
Oct 22, 2024
Washington State: Four Washington farm workers suspected to have bird flu
American Hospital Assn Four workers at a commercial egg farm in Washington tested presumptively positive for H5N1 bird flu, the Washington State Department of Health announced Oct. 20. These are the first presumed human cases in the state. The individuals experienced mild symptoms and Benton-Franklin Health District officials have forwarded test samples to the Centers for Disease […]
Oct 22, 2024
California: Merced County health officials confirm human case of Bird Flu
ABC News Bird Flu cases continue to rise in the Valley, as Merced County has confirmed its first human case. Public health officials say the person had direct exposure to infected cattle at a dairy farm in Merced County. Everyone with known exposure to the diseased dairy cows is being monitored for symptoms. Health officials […]
Oct 22, 2024
Marburg Virus’ Latest Eruption
MedPageToday On September 27, 2024, the world learned that Marburg virus — a close cousin of Ebola — had surfaced for the first time in Kigali, Rwanda, where it was largely sickening healthcare workers in two hospitals. By September 30, Marburg had already infected 27 humans and killed nine As of October 7, Rwanda’s government stated that the outbreak’s […]
Oct 16, 2024
Is it time to freak out about bird flu?
STAT The answer is not as straightforward as one might like. If you’re aware of the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle — you may have seen some headlines or read something on social media — perhaps you are wondering what the fuss is about. Yes, there have been nearly a couple dozen human […]
Oct 16, 2024
Want to Get Free COVID-19 Tests from USPS?
C|Net Ah, fall. The season for sweaters, soup and, of course, updated vaccines. In addition to getting your yearly flu shot, consider making sure you and your family are up to date on your COVID vaccines — the new Novavax vaccine may be a good option. And it’s helpful to have some test kits on hand in case you start […]
Oct 15, 2024
In depth analysis explains why preschoolers are less likely to develop severe COVID-19
Medical Express Five years ago, at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, a phenomenon became abundantly clear: Preschool-age children rarely developed severe cases of COVID-19. It wasn’t that children under the age of 5 were avoiding infection. To the contrary, they were coming down with COVID like everyone else. In the United States, the Centers […]
Oct 15, 2024
What causes long COVID? For nearly half of cases, new research suggests an answer.
Boston Globe A study from researchers at Mass General Brigham may pave the way for effective treatments. Scientists and doctors have suspected for years that one cause of the mysterious condition known as long COVID may be reservoirs of the virus that remain hidden in the bodies of its victims long after their acute infections […]
Oct 15, 2024
Whooping cough and walking pneumonia cases are up. Here’s what to know and how to help keep your family safe.
CBS News Health officials are warning about the rise of multiple infections this season — especially among school-aged children — including whooping cough and walking pneumonia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been about four times as many cases of whooping cough this year compared to last year. On “CBS Mornings Plus” […]
Oct 15, 2024
Rwanda’s seven steps in seven days for managing Marburg virus
Nature By the end of September, the outbreak of Marburg virus in Rwanda had caused 27 confirmed cases and 9 deaths (see Nature https://doi.org/nk8v; 2024). The Rwandan government has activated its National Epidemic Preparedness and Response Coordination Committee, building on its experience from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, to advance science and ensure access to new therapies and […]
Oct 15, 2024