All articles tagged with #virus
CDC data and WastewaterSCAN show a summer uptick in Covid-19 activity across about 43 states, with rising infections and more emergency visits, especially in coastal states like California and Florida. Experts say the virus may be returning to a seasonal pattern, though it’s more variable than flu due to evolving variants and waning immunity, while vaccines continue to reduce the risk of severe illness.
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has reached about 4,200 cases and more than 1,900 deaths. Genetic sequencing shows the outbreak began months earlier than officially declared, and the WHO says the virus is spreading faster than containment efforts can keep up, though it is not airborne. Ongoing challenges include conflict, healthcare access limits, misinformation, and displaced communities, all complicating response efforts.
Measles cases in the United States have climbed to more than 2,300, with doctors warning of a dangerous, preventable resurgence fueled by vaccine skepticism linked to political figures like RFK Jr. and Trump. The piece recalls past outbreaks and public health victories, notes two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective (versus 93% for one dose), and highlights ongoing federal and local efforts to contain the spread amid an environment where anti-science rhetoric complicates vaccination efforts.
Measles is resurging in the United States, triggering memories of the late-1980s outbreak as public health officials grapple with vaccine hesitancy fueled by political figures and misinformation; past interventions—updated vaccine guidelines, the Vaccines for Children program, and free campus clinics—helped curb transmission, but today skepticism remains a major obstacle as officials push vaccination as the best defense and prepare expanded outbreak responses.
A Texas A&M study used Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) in mice to model Parkinson's-like neurodegeneration. The virus infected dopamine-producing neurons and caused motor deficits that persisted after the virus was cleared, suggesting viruses could contribute to Parkinson's risk alongside genetic or environmental factors. This new viral model offers a tool to study disease progression and etiology, complementing genetic or toxin-based models, though TMEV itself does not infect humans.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh built a catalog ranking 239 human-infecting RNA viruses by transmission potential, lethality, and how closely they resemble known human pathogens. About two-thirds are zoonotic, and the highest-risk viruses cluster near highly transmissible human viruses like SARS‑CoV‑2, making a novel measles-related virus especially concerning. AI-driven tools such as SpillOver, CEPI’s VISTA, and the CDC’s influenza risk assessment framework are used to pre-develop vaccines and antivirals for top-ranked families, shifting pandemic preparedness from reactive stockpiling to proactive defense. While the catalog doesn’t predict the next outbreak, it narrows the search and can speed public health responses when a threat emerges.
Photographs show gray squirrels with oozing, wart‑like tumors across several states. Wildlife experts say the condition is squirrel fibromatosis caused by leporipoxvirus, not dangerous to humans, pets, or birds. The virus spreads through contact between infected and healthy squirrels, and lesions typically clear in 4–8 weeks, though severe cases can affect internal organs. A surge in sightings last August was noted and may be linked to bird feeders that promote transmission. It’s a wildlife health issue, not a human health threat.
Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi withdrew from his French Open semi-final with a virus, handing Flavio Cobolli a walkover into the final where Cobolli will face Alexander Zverev. Arnaldi, who had spent nearly 20 hours on court en route to the last four, cited dizziness, inability to eat or drink after a lengthy run, and apologized to the fans as Cobolli prepared for the final.
Two scientists are charged with illegally importing a deactivated mpox virus into the United States without permission, highlighting ongoing biosecurity concerns and potential penalties as the case unfolds.
Colorado has confirmed a hantavirus death and state health officials have launched an investigation to identify exposure sources and prevent additional cases.
A little-known respiratory virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading in multiple states, including New Jersey, drawing attention from the CDC; most people have likely already had it by age five, making awareness of symptoms important as cases rise.
Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb argues vaccines do more than prevent immediate infection: by stopping viruses, vaccines also avert lasting health problems, countering anti-vaccine misinformation.
France confirmed its first cases of MERS in over a decade, with 19 cases globally in 2025, highlighting ongoing risks of this deadly virus, which is primarily transmitted from camels and has a high fatality rate. The WHO emphasizes the need for strengthened surveillance and infection control to prevent further spread, especially as the virus re-emerges in Europe amid ongoing COVID-19 recovery efforts.
Adenovirus, a highly contagious and more resilient virus than Covid and flu, is spreading rapidly with symptoms like sore throat, runny nose, and shortness of breath. It is untreatable with common disinfectants, and most cases are mild, but vulnerable groups should monitor symptoms closely, especially if fever exceeds 40°C or persists beyond three days. The rise in cases may be linked to fewer flu vaccinations and previous flu surges.
A new, more resilient virus called adenovirus is spreading globally, exhibiting symptoms similar to the flu but with limited treatment options, and is resistant to disinfectants, raising concerns among health experts about its contagiousness and potential severity, especially for vulnerable populations.