All articles tagged with #avianflu
A Daily Kos community post highlights a JAMA Network Open study showing people with multiple sclerosis can safely receive live attenuated MMR and varicella vaccines without relapse, while also compiling a wide range of infectious-disease updates, such as outbreaks and vaccine policy discussions.
A Daily Kos Infectious Information update flags multiple concurrent outbreaks: Ebola outbreaks intensified by regional conflict, rising dengue cases worldwide, a new hantavirus case in Spain bringing totals to 13, and concerns about malaria reintroduction in the US, alongside avian flu affecting farms and wildlife. The report also notes dog leptospirosis, FDA discussions on pediatric Covid vaccine safety and myocarditis trends, and rising antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, while the Daily Kos community appeals for reader support amid financial pressures.
Key updates across infectious disease news: some antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome for 4–8 years; the South Carolina measles outbreak neared 1,000 cases as the US total approaches 1,500; avian flu has hit farms in Pennsylvania with over 350,000 birds killed in Indiana and wildlife losses in California, while Europe reports its first H9N2 case; the Covid variant BA.3.2 is in 23 countries, differing from the JN.1 vaccine lineage, though wastewater and ER visits are down and vaccines do not raise sudden-death risk; severe infections may accelerate dementia; five children have been sickened by E. coli from raw milk; bacteriophage therapy shows promise for cystic fibrosis; glyphosate and drought may raise antibiotic resistance genes in soil; fewer than 25% of LMICs meet measles vaccination targets; the CDC needs a new director and Hepatitis C remains curable but treatment uptake is low; the post also includes fundraising notes for Daily Kos and an invitation to join the Infectious Information group.
A Daily Kos Infectious Information update says the measles elimination status review has been moved to November amid outbreaks from unvaccinated travelers, with exposure alerts in Colorado and Sacramento and a Utah surge; Covid and long Covid persist; a dengue vaccine shows strong Phase 3 results; avian flu and a moderately severe influenza season continue; the FDA plans a real-time adverse-event dashboard (AEMS) to replace VAERS/FAERS/AERS, though credibility checks remain unclear. Other notes include rising aspergillosis and human metapneumovirus, concerns over RNA vaccine funding, misinformation impacts, Tylenol use in pregnancy decline, and a WHO warning about health consequences of the Iran war.
An Infectious Information roundup reports vaccine-policy turmoil (removal of two vaccine-injury advisory members amid fears of RFK Jr.'s changes), mpox can be transmitted asymptomatically and may have long-term effects, and a measles outbreak in South Carolina is expanding with Utah also seeing more cases; a CDC deputy director questions the impact of losing elimination status; the shingles vaccine might slow aging and delay dementia; a WSJ poll shows divided public confidence in federal vaccine guidance amid Trump-era changes; histoplasmosis clusters rise in Middle Tennessee; three new H9N2 avian-flu cases in China; Minnesota faces a heavy H5N1 season; long Covid in kids links to absenteeism; New World screwworm has crossed into Mexico; USAID cuts under DOGE have raised the death toll while the administration withdraws from WHO, accompanied by conspiracy-driven law-enforcement rhetoric from Texas officials—compiled by Daily Kos community diary Infectious Information.
An avian flu outbreak has killed thousands of wild birds, primarily geese, in Idaho's Treasure Valley, with reports of sick and dead birds in areas like Lake Lowell and Fort Boise. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is managing the situation by collecting carcasses and urging the public to report sightings of sick or dead birds. While the outbreak is significant, it does not pose a threat to the overall bird population. The public is advised to handle dead birds with care to prevent further spread, and domestic birds are at high risk if exposed.
California health officials are investigating a suspected avian flu infection in a child who consumed raw milk, as the state and federal agencies collaborate on the case. The child has recovered, and no other family members are ill. This comes amid ongoing H5 avian flu developments, including new outbreaks in California dairy cows and poultry across five states. Additionally, Hawaii reported a second wastewater detection of the virus. Health providers are advised to consider influenza A in patients with symptoms and recent exposure to raw dairy products.
A backyard flock in Douglas County, Kansas, was humanely depopulated after testing positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health department, in collaboration with state health and agriculture departments, is monitoring individuals exposed to the flock. The risk to the general public is considered low, but precautions are advised for those in contact with birds. This marks the 33rd case in Kansas this year.
Arizona has reported its first human cases of avian flu, with two individuals exposed to infected poultry at a commercial farm in Pinal County. Both patients experienced mild symptoms and have recovered. If confirmed by the CDC, these cases would increase the national total to 60. Meanwhile, California is investigating a potential second avian flu case in a child in Marin County, following the state's first confirmed case in a child in Alameda County last month.
The rise in avian flu cases in the U.S. is raising concerns about the consolidation of agriculture, particularly in large livestock facilities where cramped conditions facilitate virus spread. The H5N1 virus has affected millions of poultry and hundreds of cows, with spillover to humans causing alarm. Climate change and changing migration patterns of wild birds are contributing to the spread, while the consolidation trend in agriculture exacerbates the situation. The potential for the virus to mutate and spread between humans is a growing concern, highlighting the need for better protective measures for farmworkers.
Birdwatchers in Pleasanton are advised to consider removing bird feeders to minimize the risk of avian flu, a highly contagious virus that can spread from birds to humans, though human cases are rare. To reduce risk, feeders and birdbaths should be kept clean, and protective gear should be worn when handling them. Pets should be kept away from bird droppings and dead birds. Reporting dead birds to authorities is also recommended.
California has reported a second batch of retail raw milk testing positive for the H5N1 avian flu virus, with two more dairy workers infected, raising the state's human cases to 31 this year. The CDC confirmed these cases, bringing the national total to 55. The contaminated milk, from Raw Farms in Fresno County, has been recalled, and distribution halted. Additionally, 14 more H5N1 outbreaks were confirmed in California dairy farms, and poultry facilities in six states also reported new cases.
A teenager in British Columbia remains in critical care with Canada's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza, though no other cases have been identified. Health officials have tested and monitored contacts and potential sources, all returning negative results. The virus strain is linked to wild geese, not poultry farms, and the public health investigation is currently closed. Authorities emphasize the importance of precautions to prevent further infections, as the virus poses a pandemic risk if it adapts to human transmission.
Egg prices have surged due to a combination of avian flu outbreaks and increased holiday demand. The avian flu has significantly reduced the egg supply, killing millions of egg-laying birds, which has led to a 30.4% increase in egg prices compared to last year. The holiday season exacerbates this issue as demand for eggs rises for cooking and baking. Some grocery stores are trying to absorb the cost increases to avoid losing customers, but the overall market is experiencing volatility and higher prices.
The avian flu outbreak in British Columbia's Fraser Valley has severely impacted local poultry farmers, with nearly 50 flocks infected and millions of birds culled. Farmers like Mark Siemens and Derek Janzen are facing emotional and financial challenges as they work to sanitize their farms and prevent further infections. The outbreak, exacerbated by migratory birds, has led to heightened biosecurity measures and significant emotional tolls on farmers, many of whom run family operations. Despite the setbacks, farmers remain resilient, with hopes of rebuilding their flocks in the coming months.