Health News

11/8/2024: URGENT SEARCH FOR ESCAPED RHESUS MONKEYS FROM BIO-RESEARCH LAB - Authorities are urgently searching for 40 to 43 rhesus monkeys that escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Bio Lab in Yemassee, South Carolina, on Wednesday evening. The Yemassee Police Department confirmed the escape and is deploying traps and thermal imaging cameras to locate the animals. Residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed, avoid approaching the monkeys, and call 911 if spotted, as their escape poses a potential public health risk. Source

3/8/2024: Bubonic Plague - There has been one Human Plague Case in New Mexico in 2024; The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) announces a Lincoln County man has died of plague after being hospitalized for the disease. The case is the first human case of plague in New Mexico since 2021 and the first death since 2020. Related Article 

2/12/2024:  Fungal infection Candida Auris that causes severe illness spreads into Massachusetts   Related Article 

• Colonization People can get C. Auris on their skin and other body sites without getting sick or having an infection. You may hear healthcare providers refer to this as ‘colonization.’ Someone who is colonized can still transmit the disease onto surfaces or objects that they contact, which can then spread it to other patients. 

• Treatment: Unknown. This illness is multidrug resistant. 

• Cases in Washington State Recorded - Related Article 

July 6, 2025 - 'Razor Throat' Covid Variant Spreads to 21 States: Now the Dominant Strain - The NB.1.8.1 variant, nicknamed “razor throat” for its sharp, painful symptoms, is now the top COVID strain in the U.S., making up 43% of cases. It’s spreading fast, already found in 21 states, with symptoms like fever, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. CDC says overall levels are “very low,” but it’s under close watch globally. No sign that it’s more dangerous than past variants. Source: ZeroHedge, CDC, WHO

April 6, 2025 - Weekly U.S. COVID update: Source

• New cases: 113,171 est.

• Admissions: 7,922 (+4%)

• In hospital: 7,375 (-4%)

• In ICU: 1,103 (-1%)

• New deaths: 740

• Average: 768 (+0.4%) 

April 21, 2025 - Infectious Diseases Update  - COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV

• As of April 15, 2025, COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 2 states, declining or likely declining in 23 states, and not changing in 21 states.

• Influenza infections are growing or likely growing in 1 state, declining or likely declining in 37 states, and not changing in 8 states. 

March 15, 2025 - Pandemic fears as New coronavirus is discovered in bats by China - A new coronavirus feared to be able to spread to humans has been discovered by a China-linked scientist. Researchers from Brazil and colleagues affiliated with the University of Hong Kong detected the new strain after swabbing the mouths and rectums of bats. The novel strain is closely related to MERS — a disease that kills about 35 percent of the people it infects. The makeup of the virus' spike protein, which it uses to trigger an infection, means it can probably infect human cells, the researchers warned. The virus is now being transported to China, along with six other viruses discovered during the expedition. Tests will be carried out to find out whether they can infect human cells, despite concerns about such experiments being linked to the Covid pandemic. Revealing the discovery in Brazil, lead researcher Dr Bruna Silverio, from the University of Sao Paulo, said: 'Right now, we aren't sure it can infect humans. 'But we detected parts of the virus' spike protein (which binds to mammalian cells) suggesting potential interaction with the receptor used by MERS-CoV.' 'This monitoring helps identify circulating viruses and risks of transmission to other animals, and even to humans.' It comes three weeks after scientists in China revealed they had discovered yet another coronavirus that could spread to humans. In scenes eerily reminiscent of the beginnings of the Covid pandemic, researchers at the infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology detected the new strain living within bats. Source 

February 24, 2025 - U.S. reports 3.8 million new COVID-19 cases in a single week, with 550,000 daily infections. Currently, 1 in every 87 Americans is infected with COVID-19. Transmission rates are now higher than at any point during 48.6% of the pandemic. Percentage of Population Infectious: 1.2% (1 in 87) New Daily Infections: 550,000. New Weekly Infections: 3,850,000. Estimated Weekly Long COVID Cases: 193,000 to 770,000. Source 

February 21, 2025 -  HKU5-CoV-2 New coronavirus with potential to cause pandemic discovered in China - Another coronavirus feared to be powerful enough to spread through humans has been discovered in China. In scenes eerily reminiscent of the beginnings of Covid, researchers at the infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology detected the new strain living within bats. HKU5-CoV-2 is strikingly similar to the pandemic virus, sparking fears that history could repeat itself just two years after the worst was declared over.The new virus is even closer related to MERS, a deadlier type of coronavirus that kills up to a third of people it infects. Virologist Shi Zhengli, known as 'Batwoman' for her work on coronaviruses, led the discovery, published in a top scientific journal. Tests showed HKU5-CoV-2 infiltrated human cells in the same way as SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid. Sharing their discovery in the journal Cell, the Beijing-funded researchers admitted it posed a 'high risk of spillover to humans, either through direct transmission or facilitated by intermediate hosts.'  Source 

January 2, 2025 - Mask mandates are making a comeback as the US grapples with a “quad-demic”—COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and norovirus. States like California, New York, and Illinois are reinstating mandates in healthcare facilities to “curb rising infections and protect vulnerable populations.” Source 

10/16/2024: Map Updated: US States With 'Very High' Wastewater Viral Activity - While nationwide COVID-19 cases have dwindled in recent weeks, wastewater detections of the virus still remain "very high" in certain states. Newsweek have revealed this variability in a map based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of October 5, the overall viral activity level in wastewater across the country has been demoted from "moderate" to "low," although "very high" levels are still being detected in two states. A further 14 states have "high" wastewater detection levels, with seven detecting "moderate" levels and 15 classified as "low." Eight states, including D.C., are now reporting "minimal" detection levels, the lowest classification in the CDC's system. Source

9/11/2024: New Covid-19 Subvariant Could Lead To Major Increase In Cases, Report Reveals - A new Covid-19 subvariant named XEC is spreading rapidly across Europe, having first been detected in Germany. According to a California-based physician speaking to the Los Angeles Times, XEC is "just getting started" and may take several weeks to months before it begins to significantly impact global and domestic case numbers. While XEC is "definitely taking charge" and appears to be the next prominent variant, experts caution that it will likely be months before it reaches high levels of prevalence. Source

9/2/2024: COVID-19 Updates

• The COVID summer wave in the U.S. continued this week with nearly 178,000 new cases, along with more than 1,000 new deaths for the third week in a row, according to figures collected by BNO News. Cases however appear to be at or near a peak in most areas. At least 177,573 new cases were reported between August 26 and September 1, up from 174,455 the week before (+2%) and the highest since February. Those figures were collected from state health departments and, where necessary, estimated based on hospital admissions. Actual case numbers are higher because many hospitals and states are no longer reporting detailed COVID data. Laboratory testing is also low as most people and doctors are using at-home tests which are not included in official statistics. Source

• Summer COVID surge shows we may have to return to 2020 pandemic measures -As summer 2024 draws to a close, the U.S. finds itself once again grappling with a surge in COVID-19 infections. This wave has taken many people by surprise, particularly as the country has largely consigned the pandemic to the past. While public life has pretty much returned to pre-pandemic norms — something almost none of us would have believed in the summer of 2020 — the virus itself has not. Source 

8/31/2024: COVID-19 Updates

• Ohio reports more than 8,000 COVID cases, 17 deaths a week as ODH encourages fall vaccinations. More than 200 hospitalizations related to COVID reported weekly. Statewide reported cases and wastewater samples show that COVID is spreading and increasing among Ohioans, according to the Ohio Department of Health. The most recent week of COVID-19 data saw 8,352 cases, up from the three-week average of 7,453 cases, according to ODH data. Source 

• COVID-19 cases are increasing in Texas - Recent data from Texas wastewater monitoring shows a significant uptick in SARS-CoV-2 levels, indicating a rise in COVID-19 transmission across the state. In several regions, particularly in urban areas like Houston and Dallas, viral loads have increased, aligning with reports of higher COVID-19 case numbers and test positivity rates. The trend suggests that the virus is circulating more widely, even as traditional testing may not capture the full extent of the spread. Source 

8/28/2024: Covid-19 Updates

• Alabama & Tennessee Schools Close - Covid surge forces schools to close and bring back pandemic-era measures- and more are at risk as millions head back to class next week. Alabama and Tennessee announced the closure of two schools — affecting more than a thousand children — just days into the new academic year, with officials saying the virus had forced them to shut and carry out a 'deep clean.' And there are fears that more disruption could be in store for students in the coming months — with many schools, in states like New York, New Jersey and Michigan, returning after the Labor Day weekend. Teachers will now also be required to wipe down desks and desktop surfaces with disinfectant every time students move from class to class. Masks have not been made mandatory, and no other pandemic-era policies — like social distancing — have been brought back. Source 

• COVID-19 outbreak After Democratic National Convention in Chicago: Multiple attendees test positive - The Democratic National Convention in Chicago saw multiple attendees testing positive for COVID-19, raising concerns over ‘absent’ health guidelines. Reportedly, multiple guests who attended the event tested positive later. The outbreak affected everyone, including reporters, politicians, and family members present. The four-day event, which celebrated Harris's coronation as Presidential nominee with running mate Tim Walz, saw thousands make their way to the Chicago venue. According to a report by the NY Post, the Democratic National Convention, held from August 19 to 22, unexpectedly became a hotspot for a COVID-19 outbreak. Multiple attendees at the Chicago event tested positive for the illness shortly after the wrap-up. This comes amid reports that health officials are concerned about a potential surge in infections nationwide. Many individuals took to social media to share their experiences and symptoms, suspecting they may have contracted the virus. Source

8/24/2024: Covid-19 Updates

• FDA has approved the latest Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 boosters, and Moderna's updated vaccine should reportedly be available in the "coming days.”

• US COVID-19 Cases Stay at 1 Million Daily - In the latest weekly update from JP Weiland, it has been reported that COVID-19 infection rates in the US have plateaued at nearly 1 million new cases per day. Currently, 1 in every 34 people has COVID-19. Source 

• The US government will distribute free Covid-19 tests again starting in September, officials said. - As much of the US continues to experience very high levels of Covid-19 activity, government officials announced on Friday the return of programs to offer free tests, vaccines and treatments to see the nation through the winter respiratory virus season. Source

• A COVID-19 wave has surged in all US regions - The U.S. is experiencing its largest wave in COVID-19 cases since January. To help public health experts stop outbreaks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to test wastewater, which acts as an early warning system for outbreaks. Source

• Weekly Summary:

  • • Maine - COVID-19 cases spike in Maine as wastewater shows ‘very high’ levels of virus 

    • Ohio COVID-19 cases worsen for 12th week

    • Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas - Doctors report increase in COVID-19 cases in the Ozarks

    • Missouri is higher than the national average, at nearly 19 percent

    • Arkansas is higher, at nearly 24 percent higher than the national average

    • Omaha, Nebraska - Douglas County sees an earlier-than-expected rise in COVID-19 cases, health officials said there's high levels of the virus in wastewater

    • Iowa sees rise in COVID-19 cases as part of national trend - There is currently “high” viral activity in Iowa, with nine wastewater sites reporting.

    • Calvert, Texas - Calvert ISD closes campus due to COVID-19 cases - Just two weeks into the new school year, Calvert ISD closed its doors Wednesday due to rising COVID-19 numbers. The district issued a special notice Tuesday that the school would be closed Aug. 21 for deep cleaning “due to a number of individuals” coming down with the virus. Class will be back in session on Thursday. Source 

8/13/2024: COVID-19 News Updates

• More than half of US states reporting 'very high' COVID activity levels: CDC - At least 27 states are reporting "very high" levels, wastewater data shows - The western region continues to see the highest levels followed by the South, Midwest and Northeast, respectively. "While wastewater is not a perfect measure, it's increasingly vital in filling the gaps left by the absence of comprehensive case reporting and hospitalization data," said Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News contributor. Many national surveillance systems have diminished in scope since the national public health emergency ended, leaving authorities will limited resources to monitor how the virus is spreading. Source

• A rise in Covid infections began in early June, and wastewater data from the CDC shows levels are still rising. The U.S. is in what may end up being its biggest summer wave of Covid, with no end yet in sight. “If you just talk about infections, this is probably going to end up becoming the largest summer wave we’ve had,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and former White House Covid-19 response coordinator. “It’s still not as big as the winter waves, but it is starting to get close.” It's not only in the U.S. There's been a worldwide surge in infections in recent weeks. Source

• COVID cases in the state of Michigan are on the rise - According to data on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website, reported cases have risen about 50% between the week ending in July 6 and the week ending in August 3. Source

• This is now California’s worst summer COVID wave in years - California’s strongest summer COVID wave in years is still surging, and an unusual midsummer mutation may be partly to blame. There are a number of possible culprits behind the worst summer infection spike since 2022, experts say. A series of punishing heat waves and smoke from devastating wildfires have kept many Californians indoors, where the disease can more easily spread. Most adults are also well removed from their last brush with the coronavirus, or their last vaccine dose — meaning they’re more vulnerable to infection. But changes in the virus have also widened the scope of the surge. Of particular concern is the rise of a hyperinfectious subvariant known as KP.3.1.1, which is so contagious that even people who have eluded infection throughout the pandemic are getting sick. Source

• COVID-19 cases are increasing in Dallas, Texas - The coronavirus is spreading again in Dallas. In recent weeks, the area has seen an increase in reported cases of COVID-19and increased levels of the virus in wastewater. Wastewater data collected from Dallas’ central water treatment plant showed levels of coronavirus increased by nearly tenfold from May to August, according to data from WastewaterSCAN. Increasing levels of the virus in wastewater were higher in Texas than in the region and the country in the last 45 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Wastewater Surveillance System. Source

8/7/2024: Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in areas throughout the country. Source

• Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows as of July 30, infections were growing or likely growing in 35 states and territories, particularly those located in the South and Midwest

• The percentage of positive COVID tests per week, meanwhile, has seen a consistent increase for nearly three months, CDC data shows, with the test percent positivity reaching 16.3% as of July 27

• The CDC has currently marked the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 – which the agency says can be seen as an “early warning” that an infectious disease is increasing or decreasing in a community – as high around the country

• A committee for The Food and Drug Administration in June decided to recommend manufacturers develop updated vaccines for the fall which are expected to be available within the next two months

6/26/2024: COVID-19 Updates:

• Reports of Covid-19 Spreading This Summer - Why are people suddenly getting COVID-19 this summer? Insight into the uptick. Just as summer gatherings begin, Americans are also catching COVID-19 again. Cases predictably rose, in upticks, during the winter with more people indoors. They are also increasing as experts expected at the start of summer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows small jumps in hospitalizations and deaths and slight increases in new cases. This latest rise in cases shows how the virus has persisted four years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Source  

• COVID outbreak at San Francisco County Jail sickens dozens of inmates - In a statement, the San FranciscoSheriff's Office said there are 42 confirmed inmates with COVID in its custody, with the highest numbers reported at County Jail No. 3 in San Bruno, which has the largest jail population. "Jail staff began seeing an uptick in COVID cases last Thursday, June 20th, and took immediate steps to test and separate infected individuals from the rest of the population. High-risk patients will now have COVID testing ordered regularly," the law enforcement agency said. Source; Summer COVID bump intensifies in L.A. and California, fueled by FLiRT variants - The new COVID-19 subvariants collectively nicknamed FLiRT are continuing to increase their dominance nationwide, fueling a rise in cases in Los Angeles County and growth in the coronavirus levels seen in California wastewater.

6/7/2024 - COVID- (mRNA) Vaccines cannot be mandated -- 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals - Source 

5/7/2024: Covid-19 Update - Fears newest Covid-19 strain is 'harder to stop' as cases surge around world Related Article

5/6/2024: A new group of COVID-19 variants called 'FLiRT' spreading across U.S - CDC admits bird flu has 'pandemic potential' as study shows H5N1 virus has mutated 300 Times.  Related Article

5/3/2024: Covid-19 Updates

• New Covid-19 Variant (KP.2) defies vaccines with higher spread - Related Article

• U.S. ends mandatory reporting of COVID hospitalizations, making it more difficult to monitor the spread of the virus. Related Article

4/18/2024: Mystery flu spreading in Argentina ‘similar to Covid’ - In the past 30 days, there appears to have been an increase in severe atypical pneumonia requiring critical care in Buenos Aires. The affected individuals are mostly young people without major risk factors." Doctors are on high alert over a mystery flu-like illness - with similarities to Covid-19 - that has people critically ill in Argentina. While no official statements have been made by Argentinian officials, it's reported that patients have needed mechanical ventilation to help them breathe. Related Article

April 4, 2025 - Haiti: 23 people have died and 80 hospitalized, the resurgence of the cholera epidemic. Source 

6/23/2024: Florida - Human case of dengue fever from mosquito bite confirmed in Hillsborough County - Officials are conducting aerial spraying as a prevention effort and are reminding residents to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and to take precautions around mosquitos. The DOH is conducting statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus infections, malaria, dengue, and others. Source; 

Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause a severe flu-like illness. Dengue fever is usually diagnosed with a blood test that checks for the dengue virus or antibodies produced in response to the virus. There is no specific treatment for dengue. Treatment consists of pain medications and fluids. Severe cases require hospital care. Symptoms can start 3–14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and typically last for 2–7 days. Most people who get dengue won't have symptoms, but for those who do, common symptoms include: 

• Sudden high fever, often as high as 105°F (40.5°C)

• Severe headache, especially behind the eyes; Pain in the joints, muscles, and/or bones

• Flat, red rash over most of the body that may feel like sandpaper and look like "sunburn with goose pimples"

• A second rash that looks like measles that appears later in the disease; Increased skin sensitivity

• Fatigue; Nausea and vomiting; Swollen lymph nodes

• Cough; Sore throat; Nasal stuffiness

• Mild bleeding from the nose or gums

• Bruising easily 

3/27/2024: Puerto Rico Public Health Emergency - Dengue Fever is now a public health emergency in Puerto Rico, more than 500 cases reported. there have been 549 cases reported with the plurality occurring in San Juan, according to the island's health department. There has been a 140% increase this year in cases from Jan. 1 to March 21, compared to the same period last year, the department said Related Article

March 2, 2025 - 40 cases of dysentery reported in Multnomah County, Oregon - Dysentery is on the rise in the Portland metro area, according to recent data released by the Multnomah County Health Department. Also known as shigellosis, dysentery is a highly contagious bacterial disease that can cause fever, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. It is spread very easily from person to person when someone gets fecal matter from an infected person into their mouth, health officials say. Shigella cases have been rising in Multnomah County since 2012, officials said. But health department data on dysentery cases collected by the county from 2017-2024 shows a marked increase in the number of cases between 2023 and 2024. Further, January 2025 showed 40 cases reported. 

February 16, 2025 - Possible Ebola exposure in Manhattan walk-in clinic reported. Preliminary reports say that two patients from Madagascar with possible Ebola symptoms arrived at the location, with three other patients possibly exposed to Ebola, if confirmed, while waiting in the lobby. Nobody is allowed in or out of the facilities as a precautionary measure while investigation is ongoing. Source

• UPDATE: Ebola was suspected due to the patient's recent travel to Uganda and their current symptoms. There was no test done yet to confirm the virus. Patient has been removed from the Urgent Care clinic, in route to the hospital for further tests and treatment.

• UPDATE: Ebola ruled out Source 

5/29/2024: Ebola-like ‘eye-bleeding’ fever spreading in Europe - A Potentially lethal virus that has the ability to jump from rodents to humans and can trigger Ebola-like bleeding is spreading across northern Europe. Researchers have discovered that rodents in Sweden are carrying a pathogen that can jump to humans and turn into hemorrhagic fever. Cases of the illness are being spotted hundreds of miles from where health officials typically see this virus, causing concern among scientists. Related Article

10/6/2024: Multiple people report odd symptoms following mosquito bites in Oklahoma City - A youth soccer coach and her team say they’ve been experiencing some intense symptoms after being bitten by mosquitoes at an Oklahoma City park, and they aren’t the only ones. Medical experts say their symptoms aren’t normal. If evening after evening on grassy soccer fields has taught Laney Singleton and the youth soccer team she coaches one thing: it’s that they know their bug bites. “It leaves a feeling of almost like a flu shot after you get a flu shot,” she said. It’s not just her either. In fact, several of the girls she coaches, and their parents, also experienced the same thing. “I had some calls from parents… golf ball to baseball sized swelling where the bite was located,” Singleton said. “And some girls experienced some headaches.” Source 

9/11/2024: Fourth human case of EEE in Massachusetts found in Middlesex County, health officials say - A man in his 50s has contracted the state’s fourth confirmed human case of eastern equine encephalitis this year after he was exposed to the mosquito-borne disease, also known as EEE, in a high-risk part of Middlesex County, state health officials said Monday. The man’s name and the town where he lives were not immediately released. Last week, the third confirmed human case off EEE was detected in central Middlesex County. Source 

9/11/2024: A horse in Connecticut has tested positive for EEE, marking the state's first case of the disease in a domestic animal this year. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture said EEE, or Eastern equine encephalitis, was detected in a 23-year-old unvaccinated gelded horse in Fairfield County. “The EEE vaccinations for horses are demonstrably protective, highly effective, and very safe. Horses without a EEE vaccine history have a high mortality rate, upwards of 95%, making it crucial that these be part of every horse’s core vaccine schedule,” Connecticut State Veterinarian Erin Masur, DVM said. “While horses are most susceptible to EEE, mosquitoes can also transmit the virus to goats, turkeys, chickens, and humans. We urge residents to implement the necessary precautions to protect their animals and themselves," Masur continued. Source 

9/6/2024: Vermont: Officials in a second US state issue stay-at-home orders because of a deadly virus that kills one in three sufferers - Vermont just became the second state to postpone public events in order to curb the spread of a deadly virus in the state. The Green Mountain state joins neighboring Massachusetts in recommending their citizens stay home at night, amid high reports of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). In addition to postponing local nighttime festivals and concerts, the Vermont Department of Health 'strongly recommend[s]' people in some of the state's busiest towns stay inside between 6 pm and 6 am, when the bugs are most active. Public events, including Burlington's Oktoberfest, have been canceled for safety. Source 

9/4/2024: New Hampshire man tests positive for EEE and 2 other mosquito viruses, now fighting for life - A New Hampshire man is fighting for his life because of a mosquito bite. Fifty-four-year-old Joe Casey of Kensington has tested positive for three mosquito-borne viruses, including eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus "He's my brother. It's very difficult, especially because it's from a mosquito," his sister-in-law Angela Barker told WBZ-TV, fighting back tears. "He was positive for EEE, for West Nile, and St. Louis Encephalitis, but the CDC, the infectious disease doctors, they don't know which one is making him this sick."  Barker said Casey started to feel sick back in early August. He now has swelling in the brain and is barely able to communicate at Exeter Hospital. Source 

8/31/2024: Mosquito-borne viruses will soon be ‘new normal’ - Dr. Peter Hotez of the Baylor College of Medicine warns that rare mosquito-transmitted viruses, particularly sloth fever and eastern equine encephalitis, are “accelerating” and will soon be a “new normal” in the United States. Human cases of eastern equine encephalitis, also known as triple-e, or EEE, have been confirmed in dozens of counties across five states: Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Wisconsin. EEE has also infected several animals nationwide, prompting health department officials in several states to urge livestock owners to vaccinate their animals. Source 

8/28/2024: A New Hampshire man has died after contracting Triple E (eastern equine encephalitis) a rare but serious viral disease spread by mosquitoes. The man, identified by his family as Steven Perry, tested positive for the virus known as EEE or triple E, and was hospitalized with severe central nervous system disease, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said on Tuesday. EEE cases have also been reported in Massachusetts, Vermont, Wisconsin and New Jersey. So far in 2024, at least five human cases of eastern equine encephalitis have been confirmed in the U.S. All five were the more severe (neuroinvasive) form of the disease, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people infected with EEE do not develop symptoms. If symptoms do occur, these typically begin two to 10 days after being bitten by a mosquito and include fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. Most cases are reported between July and September, with activity peaking around August. As the end of summer approaches and the U.S. enters peak mosquito season, the threat of mosquito-borne diseases looms. Source 

8/26/2024: Triple E Lockdown Updates

• Northeastern towns issue voluntary lockdown to prevent spread of potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease EEE - Four Massachusetts towns — Douglas, Oxford, Sutton and Webster — have enacted a voluntary evening lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of a potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease. On Wednesday, the Oxford Board of Health voted to support the recommendation for people to remain indoors after 6:00 p.m., effective immediately, through Sept. 30, according to a public health advisory shared with Fox News Digital. Starting on Oct. 1, the recommendation is to remain indoors after 5:00 p.m. until the first hard frost. The period from dusk through dawn is considered “peak mosquito hours,” the notice stated. Source 

• Massachusetts Mosquitoes Lockdown Massachusetts Towns “Enforce Voluntary Curfew” to Combat Deadly EEE Outbreak - The public health advisory designates the affected towns as “critical risk” areas for EEE. The Oxford Board of Health emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging residents to adhere to these recommendations to minimize risk. While the curfew is voluntary and not enforced by law, the town encourages compliance to protect public health. Residents who wish to use town fields during the curfew hours must provide proof of insurance and sign an indemnification form. Source

8/24/2024: Mosquito's & Deadly Diseases - Updates on Triple E & West Nile Virus

• Massachusetts health officials are advising residents to stay indoors and imposing a 6 p.m. curfew on outdoor activities until at least October after detecting a human case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) spread by mosquitoes. Though rare, EEE is serious and a potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Source 

• Former COVID czar Anthony Fauci hospitalized with West Nile virus - Fauci, 83, the country’s former COVID-19 czar, as hospitalized for six days and is now home where he is recuperating from the mosquito-borne disease, The Washington Post reported. “A full recovery is expected,” his spokesperson said, according to the Washington Post. Source

8/22/2024: US town imposes a LOCKDOWN to avoid deadly mosquito-borne infection - Residents in a Massachusetts town are being urged not to leave their homes after dark due to the spread of a deadly mosquito-borne virus. The Board of Health in Oxford, a city of 13,300 people about 50 miles southwest of Boston, has set an outdoor curfew in hopes it will reduce the chances of people being bitten by mosquitoes which carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). It comes after a resident was the first human to contract the rare and untreatable illness - known as 'Triple E' - domestically in nearly four years. Source

8/2/2024: Unprecedented CDC Action at LaGuardia Airport – All Passengers Swabbed Amid Mysterious Health Alert, sparking confusion and concern. With officials wearing double masks and refusing to answer questions, the public is left in the dark. This startling measure, characterized by officials wearing double masks and a strict silence, has left travelers and onlookers bewildered and concerned. The situation is unlike anything experienced, even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What could have prompted such a drastic response?  Source

• CDC Launches Traveler-based SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance Program - CDC launched the Traveler-based SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance Program to detect new SARS-CoV-2 variants at three U.S. airports in September 2021. In spring 2024, the program has expanded to eight US international airports. Source

7/29/2024: United Airlines crew and passengers vomiting due to a “biohazard” from a passenger and flight diverted to Dulles as UA2477 (Boeing 737-800 IAH-BOS) this afternoon. A United Airlines flight bound for Boston was forced to divert to Washington Dulles International Airport on July 28 following a medical emergency involving a passenger. United Airlines flight 2477 from Houston, Texas was a few hours into the journey to Boston when the incident occurred. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, landed at Dulles Airport at approximately 1.36pm EST. The airline confirmed that a passenger experienced a medical issue requiring immediate attention, prompting the decision to divert the flight."I talked to the crew and it sounds like it’s quite bad back there, it’s still really bad," the employee is heard saying. "The crew is vomiting, and passengers all around are asking for masks. Source

6/2/2024: Dozens of United Airlines passengers headed to Houston fall ill after international cruise. “Thirty minutes before we land, we get told that they’ve been exposed to an unknown virus.” United Airlines flight 1528 was flying from Vancouver, British Columbia to Houston. During the flight, 25 people (out of 75 total passengers) people became sick. Passengers aboard the airplane say that the pilot and flight attendants alerted them that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the illness.“This is where it got weird,” Snell said. “He [the pilot] got over the speaker, but he came out to us and he said, ‘Hey, in my 25 years of flying, I’ve never seen anything like this. We have been quarantined by the CDC. Nobody can exit the plane until the CDC lets us off.’” Related Article

• CDC Statement: “CDC is aware of a flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, that arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, May 31. Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board. Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.”

1/11/2024: American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage as nationwide donors hit all-time low. This week, the Red Cross announced the number of nationwide blood donors hit an all-time low in the past 20 years. Related Article

3/24/2024: Deadly flesh-eating infection spreading at record levels in Japan, puzzling health officials - The NIID reported recorded 941 confirmed cases of STSS in 2023. In the first two months of 2024, 378 cases have already been recorded, infecting patients in all but two of Japan’s 47 prefectures; Related Article

December 4, 2024 - Unknown disease kills 143 in southwest Congo, local authorities say. Infected people had flu-like symptoms, including high fever and severe headaches. Source

2/12/2024:  Fungal infection Candida Auris that causes severe illness spreads into Massachusetts   Related Article 

• Colonization People can get C. Auris on their skin and other body sites without getting sick or having an infection. You may hear healthcare providers refer to this as ‘colonization.’ Someone who is colonized can still transmit the disease onto surfaces or objects that they contact, which can then spread it to other patients. 

• Treatment: Unknown. This illness is multidrug resistant. 

• Cases in Washington State Recorded - Related Article 

April 6, 2025 - A red fox in Virginia has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. Neurologic symptoms, rapid deterioration, euthanized. Mammals are catching it, dying from it. Source

April 5, 2025 -  Bird Flu Hospitalizes Two More in U.S. as Human Cases Rise Slowly, Animal Infections Accelerate. Two more US patients have been hospitalized with bird flu complications as cases continue to rise slowly among humans but much more quickly among animals, according to The Guardian. When H5N1 (bird flu) cases first took off in the US in 2024, all patients who tested positive made a full recovery. However, at the start of 2025, the first severe case of bird flu led to the hospitalization and subsequent death for a patient in Louisiana. Although the CDC has reported no human-to-human contact at this time, recent cases are causing officials to raise alarms. Source  

April 4, 2025 - Mexico reports its first human case of H5N1 bird flu. The patient - a 3-year-old girl from Durango - is in serious condition. Source

April 2, 2025 - First human death from H5N1 bird flu in India - A 2-year-old girl has died after consuming raw chicken. This marks the first recorded human death from avian flu in the state—just weeks after it was declared bird flu-free. Source  

March 25, 2025 - UK confirms world’s first case of H5N1 bird flu in a sheep - A sheep in the UK has tested positive for avian influenza H5N1, marking the first known case of the virus in the species worldwide, health officials confirmed. The infection was identified in North Yorkshire during routine surveillance of livestock on a farm where avian influenza had previously been detected in captive birds, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed on Monday. Following repeat positive milk tests, the infected sheep was humanely culled, and further testing of the remaining flock was conducted by the APHA at its national reference laboratory. No additional infections were found, and authorities believe this remains an isolated case. Source 

March 24, 2025 - 3-year-old boy in Cambodia dies after testing positive for H5N1 bird flu. The boy became ill after his family used sick chickens for cooking. Source 

February 24 , 2025 - Bird flu detected at fourth poultry farm in Victoria's (Australia) north east - Bird flu has been detected at a Victorian egg farm with about 90,000 chickens. It is the fourth detection of the H7N8 strain in the area since February 8. The new detection of H7N8 bird flu is linked to the ongoing outbreak at Kinross Farms, a major egg producer that supplies supermarkets. The development comes as egg supplies struggle to meet demand after Australia's largest-ever avian influenza outbreak in 2024.

Source 

February 13, 2025 - Scientists Suspect New Bird Flu Strain Spreading Through Airborne Dust from Bird Droppings - Bird Flu Is a Big Threat. The US Needs to Start Acting Like It. The H5N1 bird flu may not officially qualify as a pandemic pathogen yet, but it could easily kill many more people and wreak economic havoc in 2025. In the last few weeks, the virus has spun off a new variant that has killed one person and sent a teenager into critical condition. New bird flu outbreaks have also struck major egg-laying operations in Indiana and Georgia, leading to heists of the precious commodity and the ominous sight of empty supermarket shelves where cartons of eggs should be. Source

December 5, 2024 - Vietnam has reported a human case of H5N1 bird flu. The patient, who is currently hospitalized with pneumonia, was found to have had dead poultry on their property but failed to report it to the authorities, according to local media. Source

11/14/2024: H5N1 Bird Flu Updates

Human bird flu case in Canada confirmed as H5N1, according to health officials. The teen is infected with clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D.1.1, which was also found in poultry in B.C. and Washington state. Source 

11/10/2024: H5N1 Bird Flu Updates

• To date, there have been 46 human cases of H5 in the US, in 2024 25 cases were due to the ongoing outbreak in dairy cows. 20, which of which are 21, of which are in California. 20 cases are due to poultry depopulation, including the 11 recent cases from Washington State. Source 

• Canada detects its first presumptive human H5 bird flu case - Canada has detected its first presumptive case of H5 bird flu in a person, a teenager in the western province of British Columbia, health officials said on Saturday. The teenager likely caught the virus from a bird or animal and was receiving care at a children's hospital, the province said in a statement. The province said it was investigating the source of exposure and identifying the teenager's contacts. The risk to the public remains low, Canada's Health Minister Mark Holland said in posting on X. "This is a rare event," British Columbia Health Officer Bonnie Henry said in a statement. "We are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in B.C." H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers. There has been no evidence of person-to-person spread so far. But if that were to happen, a pandemic could unfold, scientists have said. Source 

9/6/2024: Missouri reports human case of H5 bird flu with no known link to animals. Source

8/29/2024: First Cluster of Cases of Human Bird Flu Detected at Colorado Poultry Facilities - The first known U.S. cluster of cases of bird flu in humans has been recorded at two poultry facilities in Colorado, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Thursday. The nine infected workers experienced mild symptoms only, and all were infected through close contact with sickened poultry, not person-to-person, the CDC said.  "The identification of these cases highlights the ongoing risk to persons who work in close contact with infected animals," said a team led by CDC investigator Dr. Cara Drehoff. The newly identified cluster brings to 13 the number of known cases of U.S. human infection with the H5N1 avian flu virus since April of this year, with nine cases linked to work with poultry and four to dairy cattle, according to the CDC.  Other cases have already been detected in dairy farm workers. Bird flu is now thought to be common among U.S. dairy herds.  Source

7/26/2024: Human H5N1 cases in the U.S. are rising. That's bad timing with flu season, bird migrations just months away - Colorado is now facing the country's first human outbreak, which has quickly hit the double-digits. As of Wednesday, there have been nine recent cases at two poultry farms, plus one earlier case from a dairy farm. And while the latest spread may be chicken-to-human, genetic sequencing suggests the virus strain is similar to the form of bird flu tearing through cow populations across more than a dozen states. The timing is far from ideal, several scientists told CBC News, with farm worker infections ticking up mere months before the return of the usual flu season, and the fall migration of millions of wild birds — giving this globetrotting virus countless more opportunities to evolve. "We are looking at, potentially, a huge outbreak that is still expanding, and still growing, and that is not containable," warned virologist Angela Rasmussen, a researcher with the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization. Source

7/16/2024: CDC sends team to Colorado as human bird flu cases double over the weekend - A nine-member team from the federal Centers For Disease Control and Prevention is on scene in Colorado because the nation’s top contagious disease expert has confirmed four more human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the state. The four additional human cases of H5 bird flu that emerged in Northern Colorado over the weekend, with A fifth pending, double the count from before the weekend. Three presumptive-positive cases were reported by that state on Friday. A fourth specimen was later found to be presumptive-positive by the state on Friday. The CDC also knows of an additional presumptive-positive case in Colorado that will be confirmed at CDC once the specimen arrives. The new human illness cases are among farm workers who were involved in depopulating poultry at a poultry facility experiencing an outbreak of the H5N1 virus. Source

7/4/2024: CDC confirms 4th human case of H5N1 avian flu as more dairy herds in Colorado hit - A dairy farm worker in Colorado has been infected with H5N1 bird flu, becoming the fourth human case in the outbreak so far. The man, who was not named, suffered a mild illness and conjunctivitis — also known as pink-eye — and has since recovered from the infection. He was treated with oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, an anti-viral used to treat flu infections that was also used to treat the previous patients. Related Article 

6/17/2024: H5N1 Bird Flu Updates

• H5N1 bird flu found at 5 more dairy farms, including 3 in Minnesota and 2 in Iowa

• Australia has become the first country to ration food to prepare for the Bird Flu ‘pandemic’. The state of Victoria has ordered farms to go on lockdown, culled millions of chickens, and banned consumers from purchasing eggs.

6/15/2024: H5N1 bird flu found at 7 more dairy farms, including 5 in Colorado and 2 in Iowa

6/10/2024: The FDA is now telling states to block the sale of raw milk because of bird flu. - In an open letter to state and local officials, the agency urged more testing of herds that produce raw milk for sale and recommended that states use their regulatory powers to stop the sale of raw milk where dairy herds have tested positive. On Thursday, Minnesota became the 10th state to report an infected herd. According to the US Department of Agriculture, 82 US herds have now tested positive for the H5N1 avian virus. Related Article 

6/7/2024: Bird Flu - H5N1 and H5N2 Updates

• Wyoming reports its first outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows, the 12th U.S. state - State Veterinarian Hallie Hasel said the highly pathogenic avian influenza infection was confirmed Friday, the location was not disclosed. Still, she said in a news release that the risk to human health was very low and the risk to cattle was minimal. “The primary concern with this diagnosis is on-dairy production losses, as the disease has been associated with decreased milk production,” Hasal stated. Meanwhile, more than 80 dairy cow herds have been infected as of June 7, according to the CDC. Federal agencies and officials continue to track the disease’s movement and analyze how it’s spreading. Related Article

Prior Reports on 6/6/2024: 

• A 59-year-old man in Mexico has died with a type of bird flu - H5N2 - never recorded in people before now. There is no risk to the wider public, say authorities, and none of the man's close contacts have caught the virus. It is unclear how he got it, although there have been cases in some poultry farms in Mexico. The man had other underlying health issues that likely made him vulnerable. He had been bedridden for weeks before getting sick with fever and shortness of breath from bird flu, according to officials. There is no evidence that the virus could start spreading between people and cause an outbreak, they say. Related Article

• Dozens of dairy cows infected with H5N1 bird flu have died or were slaughtered because they failed to recover. This is the first time deaths have been reported in cows, according to Reuters, which found deaths in at least 5 states. Reports of the deaths suggest the bird flu outbreak in cows could take a greater economic toll in the farm belt than initially thought. Farmers have long culled poultry infected by the virus, but cows cost much more to raise than chickens or turkeys. Related Article

• Minnesota reports its first outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows, the 11th U.S. state - A few cows became sick over the weekend and by the next day more than 40 were showing signs of fever. The other states that have reported infected herds so far are Idaho, Colorado, South Dakota, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, and North Carolina. Source: Reuters

• 194 WHO (World Health Organizations) Countries Agree to Arrest Citizens Who Oppose Bird Flu Vaccine – Media Blackout as part of tough new measures designed to stomp out so-called ‘misinformation’. The World Healthy Assembly this week adopted amendments to the controversial International Health Regulations without any fanfare from the mainstream media. These amendments abolish the national sovereignty of countries, grant the WHO sweeping powers to pass laws in western nations, and criminalizes speech that the WHO says undermines the official narrative. Related Article

6/3/2024: H5N1 bird flu found at 10 more dairy farms, including 8 in Idaho and one each in Michigan and South Dakota. This is the biggest one-day increase so far. Related Article

5/31/2024: H5N1 Bird Flu News Update 

• H5N1 bird flu has been found at another dairy farm in the U.S. (in Michigan). Summary of the past 2 months:

  • • 69 outbreaks on dairy farms

    • 3 human cases (dairy workers)

    • At least 24 cats have died

    • First known cases in alpacas

    • Spillover back to poultry

• 5/30/2024: CDC statement on Michigan's 2nd human case of H5N1 bird flu - This patient is a dairy worker and reporting upper respiratory tract symptoms including cough, which did not happen in earlier cases in the U.S.

  • There was a massive Fire at an Illinois Farm which Killed Millions of Chickens. Farina Farms is one of the largest free-range egg facilities in the country. Some of the structures, 300ft away from each other were mysteriously on fire as well

• 5/29/2024

  • 4.2 million birds were impacted and will be killed - A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected among a massive flock of egg-laying chickens in Sioux County, Iowa, officials confirmed. Related Article

• 5/28/2024

  • H5N1 bird flu has been found in 4 alpacas for the first time, at a farm in Idaho - The virus the alpacas were infected with was the same strain that has been spreading among dairy cattle in recent months. Related Article; Related Bird Flu News Updates: 

  • H5N1 bird flu found at 3 more dairy farms, including 1 in Texas, 1 in Idaho and 1 in Michigan

  • The number of dairy workers being monitored for H5N1 in Colorado has increased to 113, after the state's two most recent outbreaks potentially exposed 43 additional workers. Because they have not reported symptoms of bird flu, "they have not met criteria to be tested" per CDC guidelines

5/24/2024: H5N1 bird flu found at 7 more dairy farms, including 3 in South Dakota, 2 in Michigan and 2 in Colorado. This is the biggest one-day increase so far. Latest raw milk bird flu study found insanely worrying results and pasteurization heating doesn’t neutralize all bird flu virus. 

• 5/23/2024: Bird Flu Outbreak Updates: Idaho reports 2 new outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu at dairy farms, taking the U.S. total to 58 - In a package of new support steps spelled out today, the USDA said it will provide financial support, up to $1,500 per farm, for producers to develop and implement a biosecurity plan. Also, the agency said it will provide $100 for producers to buy and use an in-line sample for their milk system. Related Article 

• 5/22/2024

  • Michigan reports human case of H5N1 bird flu in worker at dairy farm - the nation’s second linked to H5N1 outbreak in dairy cows, the farm worker had exposure to infected cows, Michigan state health authorities announced on Wednesday. The individual had mild symptoms and has recovered. Evidence to date suggests this is a sporadic infection, with no signs of ongoing spread. Related Article;

  • H5N1 bird flu found at 5 more dairy farms, including 4 in Michigan and 1 in Texas; 

  • Australia reports a rare outbreak of bird flu and first human case of H5N1 bird flu, in a traveler from India, The exact subtype is not yet known. The farm has been quarantined. The egg farm where the outbreak occurred has been put into quarantine after a number of poultry died, the agriculture ministry of the state of Victoria said. Related Article

5/16/2024: H5N1 Bird Flu Updates (The virus leapt from birds to cows once but is spreading back and forth among birds and mammals, and then to a human) 

• The CDC has released a new dashboard to track the spread of bird flu.

• The dashboard includes data on wastewater sampling sites that have tested positive for influenza A.

• The CDC is also monitoring 260 people who have been exposed to dairy cows infected with H5N1.

5/15/2024: Bird Flu Updates

• H5N1 bird flu found at 3 more dairy farms, including 2 in Michigan and 1 in Idaho. This raises the total to 49 across the U.S. Most are in Michigan (14) and Texas (13).

• CDC issues urgent warning against drinking raw milk as bird flu fears rise, 42 herds in nine states infected - The virus has been found in high levels in the raw milk of infected cows, and viral remnants have been found in samples of milk sold in grocery stores, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. However, the FDA said those products are safe to consume because pasteurization has been confirmed to kill the virus. And consumers don’t seem to mind, as weekly sales of raw cow’s milk ticked up 21 percent to as much as 65 percent compared with the same period a year ago. Related Article

5/14/2024: Bird Flu Updates

• Former CDC Director says bird flu will be the “Great Pandemic’  Video

• The bird flu threat to humans remains low, but potential mutations keep the CDC's top flu scientist up at night.

• The same subtype of bird flu is also spreading in other countries, in what experts are calling a “global pandemic for animals

5/13/2024: Bird Flu Updates

• Influencers promote raw milk despite FDA health warnings as bird flu spreads in dairy cows - Related Article

• On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to unveil a public dashboard tracking influenza A viruses in sewage that the agency has been collecting from 600 wastewater treatment sites around the country since last fall. Related Article

  • 5pm Update: CDC's new dashboard for influenza A (including H5N1) in wastewater has been delayed. The dashboard was initially expected last Friday. Today it wasn't launched either. They're now aiming for tomorrow.

5/12/2024: 70 Colorado dairy farm workers are currently being monitored for possible symptoms of avian flu - workers were recently exposed to the virus while employed at two Colorado dairy farms as confirmed by  Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture first detected bird flu in a Colorado dairy herd on April 25. Related Article

5/10/2024: H5N1 bird flu found at 6 more dairy farms, including 4 in Michigan, 1 in Idaho and 1 in Colorado. This raises the total number of outbreaks on dairy farms in the U.S. to 42. Farmers resist push for workers to wear protective gear against bird flu virus Related Article

• CDC says it's launching a public dashboard to track influenza A (which includes H5N1 bird flu) in wastewater samples. The wastewater dashboard will go live as early as Friday with data from different parts of the U.S.

• The FDA is gearing up for a bird flu pandemic in people that could kill one in four of those it infects, officials are drawing up plans to roll out tests, antiviral drugs and vaccines in the event the virus jumps to humans Related Article

5/6/2024: CDC asking states to provide farmworkers and slaughterhouse employees with personal protective equipment (PPE), to protect them against H5N1 bird flu Related Article

5/6/2024: Bird Flu Updates

• CDC says bird flu viruses "pose pandemic potential". A handful of variants with potentially worrying mutations have also since been spotted in cows, the USDA analysis found. If those variants become dominant, it could change the disease caused by H5N1 or make spread to other animals or humans more likely. Reports by a local veterinarian that other workers on Texas dairy farms had symptoms of flu or conjunctivitis are true, said Anton on April 30. "It's likely there were other people with symptoms who did not want to be tested so we cannot say with absolute certainty that no one else contracted H5N1. We can say for sure that there were people sick with other respiratory viruses working on dairy farms," Anton said in a statement. Related Article

• A US farmworker who caught bird flu after working with dairy cattle in Texas appears to be the first known case of mammal-to-human transmission of the virus, a new study shows. The dairy worker sought care in late March after developing painful red, swollen, weeping eyes with burst blood vessels. He had no fever, however, and his lungs were clear, according to a letter about the case that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Friday. Related Articles

• The U.S. has two vaccines ready should the strain of bird flu circulating in dairy cows begin spreading easily to people, federal health officials said Wednesday. They could begin shipping doses widely within weeks, if needed Related Article

4/24/2024: H5N1 Bird Flu Update: Bird flu virus found in grocery store milk, but no risk to customers, FDA says "USDA has identified spread between cows within the same herd, spread from cows to poultry, spread between dairies associated with cattle movements, and cows without clinical signs that have tested positive." In 1 case, H5N1 was found in a lung tissue sample. Related Article

4/19/2024: H5N1 strain of bird flu is found in Milk for first time in 'very high concentrations,' World Health Organization (WHO) warns - it was found in raw milk from infected animals, how long the virus can survive in milk is unknown. Related Article

4/18/2024: Risk of bird flu spreading to humans is ‘enormous concern’, says WHO. Chief scientist voices fears about H5N1 variant that has ‘extraordinarily high’ mortality rate in humans. So far, there is no evidence that H5N1 is spreading between humans. But in the hundreds of cases where humans have been infected through contact with animals over the past 20 years, “the mortality rate is extraordinarily high”, Farrar said, because humans have no natural immunity to the virus. Related Article

4/12/2024: South Dakota reported its first dairy farm infected with H5N1 bird flu, bringing the total number of affected states to 8. According to USDA, four more dairy farms have become infected, bringing the total to 24. Other states impacted are North Carolina, Michigan, Idaho, Ohio, Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico. Related Article

• Pennsylvania (PDA) has issued an out of state Dairy Cow Quarantine it requires avian flu testing for any dairy cows coming to Pennsylvania from another state after several cases were detected in herds in the west and Midwest. Read More

4/10/2024: Bird Flu Detected at NYC Parks - Health officials are growing more concerned about the disease and warn New Yorkers to keep their distance from wildlife. Philip Meade, a postdoctoral fellow at Icahn School of Medicine, says bird flu has been found in several geese, a peregrine falcon, a red-tailed hawk and a chicken in Marcus Garvey Park in Manhattan. Related Article

4/9/2024: CDC Issues New Alert After Human Case of Bird Flu in the U.S. - 6 Symptoms includes red eyes, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, gut problems, seizers. Related Article

• Egg Prices are Rising - An outbreak of the bird flu is responsible for the culling of more than 1.6 million chickens at a large Texas producer. Read More

4/7/2024: CDC Sends New ‘Health Alert’ Over Bird Flu in the US, Isolation Recommended - In a “health alert network” advisory, the federal agency said that health care providers should be aware of its “updated recommendations” on “instructions for infection prevention and control measures, using personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, antiviral treatment, patient investigations, monitoring of exposed persons” such as individuals who have been “exposed to sick or dead wild and domesticated animals and livestock with suspected or confirmed infection” with H5N1 avian influenza. Related Article

4/4/2024:  Bird flu pandemic could be ‘100 times worse’ than COVID, scientists warn  after a rare human case was discovered in Texas, experts have warned. The H5N1 avian flu has spread rapidly since a new strain was detected in 2020, affecting wild birds in every state, as well as in commercial poultry and backyard flocks. (see related post below from 4/3/2024) Related Article

4/3/2024 - H5N1 Bird Flu - Dairy cows in Ohio have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu - Related Article

• Other states reporting cases: Texas, Michigan, Idaho, Mississippi, Iowa, Kansas

• Tests confirm avian flu on New Mexico dairy farm; probe finds cats positive - Related Article

• Human Case of Bird Flu (Rare) in Texas - Related Article

• Bird flu that infected Texas man has mutated to spread more easily, CDC reveals — as three pet cats die from virus and biggest egg producer in US is hit with outbreak 

 January 6, 2025 - Hospitals in northern China are packed as cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) surge, leaving parents scrambling for care in overcrowded pediatric wards. HMPV, the “cold’s sneaky cousin,” causes flu-like symptoms but can lead to pneumonia in kids, seniors, and the immunocompromised. No vaccine, no magic cure—just rest, fluids, and patience. China calls it “just a winter thing,” but emergency measures and new tracking programs suggest otherwise. The WHO hasn’t labeled this a global health emergency, but the surge has health authorities ramping up surveillance. Neighboring countries like Taiwan and Cambodia are watching closely. Source

January 1, 2025 - China Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums - Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. Source

8/1/2024: The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that schools can’t be sued by families for administering COVID-19 vaccines without parental consent. Source 

5/27/2024: After two years of negotiations, an effort by the World Health Organization to agree on a global pandemic treaty has failed. On Friday, Roland Driece, co-chair of WHO’s negotiating board for the agreement, acknowledged that countries were unable to come up with a draft. WHO had hoped a final draft treaty could be agreed on at its yearly meeting of health ministers starting Monday in Geneva. Related Article

5/23/2024: 4 GOP governors have sent a letter to Biden opposing his potential to sign the World Health Organization’s “Pandemic Agreement,” saying it would give the organization “unprecedented and unconstitutional powers” over the U.S. The Republican governors of two dozen states penned a letter to President Joe Biden opposing the World Health Organization's proposed "Pandemic Agreement," which they said could "undermine national sovereignty" and states' rights Related Article

5/8/2024: Global Vaccine Treaty Related Article

• Britain is refusing to sign the World Health Organizations pandemic treaty while it insists the UK would have to give away a fifth of its jabs

• The UK is firmly against such vaccine-related commitments and will not sign any form of the pandemic agreement that undermines Britain’s sovereignty.

• Backstory: At the peak of the Covid-19 emergency, nations planned to sign a legally binding document, informally known as the pandemic treaty, or pandemic accord, that would force countries to tackle the next global health emergency in a united way.

• Currently: Under the terms of the latest draft of the treaty, now in its ninth and final iteration, all member states, including the UK, would be obliged to give up 20 per cent of “pandemic-related health products” to other countries and would be prevented from stockpiling supplies. This would include therapeutics, PPE and vaccines.

3/21/2024: [updated] Florida recorded three cases of leprosy so far in 2024, through March 26, out of a population of nearly 23 million people, according to U.S. Census data — one leprosy case each in Polk, Sumter and Volusia counties, all in the Central Florida region. Related Article

February 6, 2025 - Push to curb Tanzania’s Marburg outbreak - An effort to curb Tanzania’s second outbreak of Marburg virus disease in almost two years includes enhanced case detection, treatment centres, and a mobile laboratory in the northwestern Kagera region. The virus that causes Marburg, which is similar to Ebola, is highly virulent, with a high fatality rate. It is transmitted to people from fruit bats, and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids, surfaces, and materials.  Africa CDC said at a press conference that 10 cases had been reported, including two confirmed and 29 listed as probable. A total of 281 contacts are being closely monitored. The World Health Organisation and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have pledged more than US$5 million, also deploying public health experts to support Tanzania’s national response teams. The Kagera region borders Rwanda, where 66 cases and 15 deaths were recorded in that country’s first outbreak last year. The outbreak was officially declared over on 20 December 2024. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the country’s recent investments in emergency preparedness, combined with strong experience gained during the last outbreak, offered hope that Tanzania could rapidly bring this outbreak under control. Although there is not yet an approved treatment or vaccine for Marburg, Ghebreyesus said infections could be prevented, and lives saved, through proven public health measures. “Now is a time for collaboration and commitment to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease,” he said. Source 

10/6/2024: Marburg virus outbreak: What you need to know as Europe fears cases - An outbreak of a highly infectious disease has killed at least nine people in Rwanda, sparking concerns of a wider spread. The Marburg virus disease, which is similar to Ebola, has killed hundreds of people in recent years, mostly in African nations. It is fatal for about half the people it infects according to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The latest outbreak was detected in September 2024, marking the first time cases have been found in Rwanda. There are now 37 confirmed cases alongside the nine deaths. Around 300 people are also being monitored, having been in close contact with infected patients. There were fears that the disease had spread to Germany as passengers were evacuated from a train after a man with recent travel history to Rwanda developed flu-like symptoms. The two people feared to be infected were evacuated from the train by crew with full protective gear, but later tested as negative. One of the 300 being monitored also travelled from Rwanda to Belgium but is not thought to be a risk to public health after completing the 21-day monitoring period. Marburg virus disease is highly contagious and can cause haemorrhagic fever with a fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment. More symptoms usually show after another three days, commonly including: watery diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting. 

• WHO writes that at this phase “the appearance of patients at this phase has been described as showing ‘ghost-like’ drawn features, deep-set eyes, expressionless faces, and extreme lethargy.” Source

• Rwanda records at least 9 deaths from Marburg outbreak - Rwanda has declared a public outbreak of the Marburg virus, confirming nearly 30 infections and at least nine deaths as of the end of September. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in a release that most of the 27 cases and nine deaths in Rwanda have occurred among health care workers. Source

May 1, 2025 - ​The United States is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with over 900 confirmed cases reported across 30 states. This marks the highest number of cases since 2019 and represents a more than threefold increase from the 285 cases reported in all of 2024. Health officials across North America are urging increased immunization efforts, emphasizing the need to maintain at least a 95% vaccination rate to prevent such outbreaks. Despite high national vaccination rates, local pockets of under-vaccination leave communities vulnerable. 

April 21, 2025 - Infectious Diseases Update  - Measles

• The U.S. has reported 800 confirmed measles cases across 25 jurisdictions, with Texas accounting for 597 cases.

• Children under 5 represent 249 cases, including 47 hospitalizations.

• Approximately 96% of cases involve individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. 

April 10, 2025 - Ontario measles outbreak grows to more than 800 cases - Health officials have reported 155 new measles cases in Ontario during the past week alone, as the outbreak that began last October continues to grow. So far, 816 cases of the highly infectious disease have been associated with the outbreak, which health officials say began with a Mennonite community gathering in New Brunswick last fall. The outbreak in New Brunswick was declared over in January, but Ontario’s has continued to spread. It is the largest outbreak in the province since measles was considered eliminated in Canada in the 1990s. Source 

April 9, 2025 - Measles Update: Texas - Today's 24 newly reported cases push the state's total since January to 505. All but 10 patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccine statuses. Fifty-seven people were hospitalized, and two deaths have been reported in school-aged children. Source

April 7, 2025 Measles Update

• Second child dies of measles in Texas - US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he has arrived in West Texas after a school-aged child died at a local hospital where they were receiving treatment for measles – marking the second death of a minor in the state linked to the ongoing outbreak. “My intention was to come down here quietly to console the families and to be with the community in their moment of grief,” Kennedy said in a post on X Sunday. HHS is partnering with Texas health officials to better combat the measles outbreak in the state and has deployed teams from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the area, Kennedy added. As of Friday, Texas has reported 481 outbreak-associated cases, according to the Texas Department of Health. Source

• RFK Jr. says vaccine is 'most effective way' to fight measles - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Sunday that the measles vaccine is the "most effective way" to fight the virus, as Texas grapples with an outbreak that has already been connected to the deaths of two children. Source 

• Kansas: New measles case reported in Kansas - Another case of measles was confirmed in southwestern Kansas this week - The Finney County Health Department reports that a resident over the age of 50 tested positive for measles after recently traveling out of state. The department said they have not yet determined if the case is connected to any known measles outbreaks in the U.S. According to reports from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, this case marks the 25th measles case in the state.  The cases come from seven southwestern Kansas counties: Stevens, Morton, Grant, Haskell, Gray, Kiowa and Finney. 22 of the cases have been reported in children. 22 of the people who tested positive were not properly vaccinated. Many counties across Kansas are now offering free drive-up testing and free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines. You can contact your county health department to find out if they’re offering these services. Source

• Mexico: The federal Ministry of Health reported 126 confirmed cases of measles in Mexico, an increase of 66 cases in the last week - The federal Ministry of Health reported 126 confirmed cases of measles in Mexico, an increase of 66 cases in the last week, bringing the total from 60. One new case was registered in Sonora, while Chihuahua increased from 56 to 121 cases, and Oaxaca maintains four reports. Additionally, 252 cases are under investigation. The Epidemiology Directorate highlighted that almost half of those affected are children between 5 and 14 years old, and that 119 of the 126 cases had not been vaccinated against measles. At the regional level, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that measles increased 5.5 times in the Americas in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with a total of 888 cases in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil. Source 

• Canada: Measles case confirmed in Kingston area - Potential exposure sites include Queen's University hall, bus to Toronto - The South East Health Unit (SEHU) says it's investigating a confirmed case of measles in the Kingston, Ont., area. Anyone who may have been exposed should check their records to ensure they're vaccinated and watch for potential symptoms for 21 days, the health unit said. Source; According to the health unit, people may have been exposed on four separate occasions:

• At Duncan McArthur Hall at Queen's University on March 29 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

• At the hall on March 30 from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

• On board a Megabus bus on March 31 that departed Kingston at 4:35 p.m. and arrived at the Scarborough Library stop in Toronto at 9:15 p.m.

• At the Hotel Dieu Hospital's urgent care centre on April 3 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

April 6, 2025 - Measles exposure at Toronto amusement park - Toronto Public Health is warning residents that they may have been exposed to measles last Sunday at the Fantasy Fair amusement park. The department says a case was confirmed in someone who was visiting the city. Members of the public could have been exposed to the virus on March 30 at Fantasy Fair in the Woodbine Mall at 500 Rexdale Blvd., between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., the public health agency said in a news release. Source 

April 4, 2025 - Measles Outbreak Update

• Ontario’s measles outbreak is now the largest in recent memory. Source

April 3, 2025 - Measles Outbreak Updates: 

• 470 Measles cases in Texas and New Mexico. We’re not dealing with isolated events anymore. This is a regional surge. A vaccine-preventable disease is exploding across two states while public health agencies offer press quotes instead of emergency declarations. Source

• Measles exposures in a Costco, Superstore, and Boston Pizza. All in one day. Source

• Measles - Canada, Waterloo: 11 new measles cases confirmed today. 14 total since March 21. This is sustained community spread. Source

March 27, 2025 Measles Updates - Multiple U.S. states are reporting measles outbreaks:

Source ; Note: "Reports" were added to make this update more comprehensive as these states were not included in the list provided by the original source 

• Texas: 335 cases

• New Mexico: 43 cases

• Kansas: 23 cases

• Ohio: 11 cases

• Oklahoma: 9 Cases (Report) 

• Maryland: 3 (Report)

• Washington, DC: 1 (Report) 

• March 26, 2025 - Kansas is reporting a growing measles outbreak. 13 new cases today, taking the total to 23. Source

• March 25, 2025 - Measles case confirmed in DC with exposures on Amtrak, health clinic - The person confirmed to have measles traveled in an Amtrak train, passed through Union Station and then visited an urgent care clinic. The D.C. Department of Health confirmed a case of measles in the District on Tuesday morning. The person who was diagnosed traveled through several places in D.C. while contagious, including an Amtrak train. Health officials warn about potential exposure at these locations and times: 

  • • Amtrak Northeast Regional 175 Train Southbound on March 19, 7:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

    • Amtrak Concourse, Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 on March 19, 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

    • MedStar Urgent Care Adams Morgan, 1805 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009 on March 22, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

In a press release, health officials are asking residents to contact the health department immediately to report any suspected cases and arrange for public health testing. Anyone who was exposed and is at risk of developing measles should watch for symptoms until 21 days following the date of their last exposure.  If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home and away from others. Source 

March 21, 2025 - Measles Outbreak Updates:

• Maryland: Two more cases of measles have been confirmed in Maryland, in two Prince George’s County residents who recently traveled internationally together. The Maryland and Virginia health departments and Prince George’s County health officials confirmed the cases Thursday. Health officials say people who visited the following locations during these times may have been exposed:

Dulles International Airport: Concourse A, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB) and in the baggage claim area on March 5 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Kaiser Permanente Largo Medical Center on the following dates and times:

• March 5, 7:30 p.m. to March 6, 4:30 a.m.

• March 13, 4:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• March 15 from 7:45 a.m. to 3: 15 p.m.

• March 17 from 2:30 p.m. to 7 to p.m.

Reagan National Airport Terminal Shuttle Bus from March 14 from noon to 2:30 p.m. 

Yellow Line Train from Reagan National Airport station transferring at the L’Enfant Plaza station to the Silver Line Train heading toward the Downtown Largo station on March 14 from 12:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Source

• California - Tuolumne County confirms two measles cases, warns of exposure at high school and emergency room - The Tuolumne County Public Health Department on Wednesday confirmed two measles cases a day after it opened an investigation into the possible infections. The department said the cases involved an adult and a child under 18 who lived in the same household and had traveled internationally. It’s unclear whether they had been vaccinated against measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease most often associated with a high fever and rash. On Tuesday, the department said it was investigating the cases for measles and warned of potential exposure at Summerville High School in Tuolumne on March 10-11 and at Adventist Health Sonora Emergency Department on the evening of March 15 and morning of March 16. Public health officials issued another update Thursday night warning those who visited the Sonora Sports and Fitness Center’s back gym, locker rooms, restrooms and back pool area on March 10 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. of possible exposure.  “We understand that there may be a lot of questions and concerns. The investigation is still ongoing, and we will provide updates as they are available,” Michelle Jachetta, the county’s public health director, said in a Wednesday statement confirming the cases. “We want to remind the public that measles is a highly contagious disease and to take steps to protect yourself and your family by ensuring current vaccination status for measles, monitoring for symptoms, and staying home when you feel sick.”

• Most recent CDC Update - As of March 13, 2025, a total of 301 confirmed* measles cases were reported by 15 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. There have been 3 outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) reported in 2025, and 93% of cases (280 of 301) are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated. Source 

March 12, 2025 - Measles Update - Texas and New Mexico are reporting 28 new measles cases today (double from last Tuesday) - Source 

March 9, 2025 - Measles Updates

• Maryland resident has measles after returning from international travel - A Howard County resident tested positive for measles after returning from international travel, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Howard County health officials. Health officials are urging Maryland and Virginia residents to check exposure times and are working to identify others who might have been exposed. Officials say the measles case is not associated with the measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. Source; Anyone who visited the following locations during the following hours may have been exposed: 

  • • Washington Dulles International Airport: The international arrivals area - March 5th: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

    • Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department - March 7th: 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Texas pharmacies are running out of MMR vaccines as the measles outbreak spirals - Source 

• Texas cities run short of MMR vaccine as measles outbreak drives demand. Pharmacies are struggling with supplies as fatal outbreak expands and health secretary sows disinformation. As measles cases continue to grow in Texasand New Mexico, with a second death, an unvaccinated adult, reported on Thursday, some Texas cities are seeing shortages amid soaring demand for the highly effective vaccine and as the top US health official, Robert F Kennedy Jr, sows disinformation and mistrust about vaccines. Ann and Paul Clancy were picking up medications at their local Walgreens in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday and decided to ask the pharmacist about getting the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The pharmacist said that they were “totally out, and she didn’t know exactly when they would be getting more”, Ann said. There are now 198 known cases, 23 hospitalizations and one death from measles in Texas, and 30 known cases and one death in New Mexico. When customers call Walgreens locations in Austin, they are still able to book appointments for the MMR vaccine – but pharmacists say the doses are out of stock, and that’s true all over the city. None of the Austin-area Walgreens had MMR vaccines in stock on Thursday, pharmacists said. Vaccines at CVS pharmacy locations in Austin were also scarce. At least one pharmacy had a few doses left on a first-come, first-served basis. But at another location, the pharmacist said on Friday, “Basically, every location within a 30-mile radius is out.” Source

March 7, 2025 - Measles Updates

• Measles outbreak in the U.S. continues to grow: 39 new cases in Texas (198 total), 20 new cases in New Mexico (30 total) Source

• New Mexico adult dies with measles though cause of death isn’t yet confirmed - An adult who was infected with measles has died in New Mexico, state health officials announced Thursday, though the virus has not been confirmed as the cause. The person who died was unvaccinated and did not seek medical care, a state health department spokesperson said in a statement. The person’s exact age and other details were not immediately released. The person was from Lea County, just across the state line from the West Texas region where 159 measles cases have been identified and a school-age child died last week. New Mexico health officials have not linked the outbreak there to the Texas cases. The person is the 10th in Lea County to have a confirmed measles infection. Seven were unvaccinated. The vaccination status of the other three is unknown. Six of the cases are in adults and the rest are in children younger than 17. Source 

March 3, 2025 - Measles Outbreak Update

• • Ontario faces largest measles outbreak in 30 years - Public Health Ontario says 78 new measles cases have been identified over the past two weeks, bringing cases to just over 140. As Catalina Gillies reports, the outbreak is renewing concerns about vaccination rates and the risk of community spread. Source 

  • Measles case confirmed at Philadelphia children’s hospital - A patient who came to a hospital emergency room in Montgomery County was diagnosed with Pennsylvania’s first confirmed measles case this year amid a national surge of the highly contagious virus, according to health officials. According to the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health, an infected patient was seen at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in King of Prussia on Wednesday. No other details about the patient were available Saturday. Source 

  • An unvaccinated child with measles rode a China Airlines airport shuttle from JFK Terminal 4 to North Philadelphia - Feb 25, 9:30 PM – Feb 26, 3:15 AM Measles spreads through the air & lingers for hours after an infected person leaves. Anyone on or near that bus has been exposed - Source 

March 1, 2025 - Measles Updates - The measles outbreak in western Texas has surged to 146 cases, with one child dead and 20 people hospitalized. Health officials fear the virus may be spreading to central Texas and New Mexico. Most of the infected were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. In Gaines County—where nearly 18% of students have vaccine exemptions—the outbreak is hitting hardest. With measles spreading fast and health officials bracing for more cases, this preventable disease is making a dangerous comeback. Source 

February 26, 2025 - Measles Updates 

• Lubbock, Texas confirms measles exposures at Walmart and Target on Feb 19-20.

• Kentucky confirms measles exposure at Planet Fitness in Frankfort. An infected adult who recently traveled to a measles outbreak area visited the gym while contagious. Source

February 26, 2025 - First measles death is reported in the West Texas outbreak that’s infected more than 120 people - A person who was hospitalized has died from measles in West Texas, the first death in an outbreak that began late last month. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center spokesperson Melissa Whitfield confirmed the death Wednesday. It wasn’t clear the age of the patient, who died overnight. Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has grown to 124 cases across nine counties, the state health department said Tuesday. There are also nine cases in eastern New Mexico. The outbreak is largely spreading in the Mennonite community in an area where small towns are separated by vast stretches of oil rig-dotted open land but connected due to people traveling between towns for work, church, grocery shopping and other day-to-day errands. Gaines County, which has 80 cases, has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged children who opt out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year. Source 

February 26, 2025 - L.A. County Public Health Confirms Measles Case - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has been notified of one case of measles in a non-Los Angeles County resident who traveled to Los Angeles International (LAX) airport while infectious. This person arrived on Korean Air flight KAL11/KE11 at the Tom Bradley International Airport (TBIT) Terminal B on February 19th. Individuals who were at Terminal B on February 19th from approximately 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this traveler. In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control, passengers assigned to specific seats that may have been exposed on Korean Airlines flight KAL11/KE11 on February 19th will be notified by local departments of health. These agencies work together to investigate communicable disease exposures on international flights to the United States. Exposed individuals should confirm if they have been vaccinated against measles. If they have not had measles in the past and have not yet obtained the measles vaccine, they are at risk of contracting measles if they have been exposed. Unimmunized persons or those with unknown immunization status who were at this location during the date and times listed above are at risk of developing measles from 7 to 21 days after being exposed and should monitor for symptoms. Exposed individuals who have been free of symptoms for more than 21 days (March 11th) are no longer at risk. “Measles is a serious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air and on surfaces, particularly among people who are not already protected from it,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “A person can spread the illness to others before they have symptoms, and it can take seven to 21 days for symptoms to show up after exposure. Measles can lead to severe disease in young children and vulnerable adults. The best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is with the highly effective measle vaccine.” Source

February 25, 2025 -  Measles exposure warning issued for Texas universities, restaurants, and public spaces. Locations include Texas State University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, restaurants, and a Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels. Measles can remain airborne for up to two hours. Source

February 24, 2025 - Measles Outbreak Update: 

• • Texas: People who were at Texas State University from approximately 3 to 7 p.m. and Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6 to 10 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2025 may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure. Source

  • Texas: Measles warnings issued in San Antonio and San Marcos. The Texas measles outbreak is spreading. Source

  • Spain: Measles outbreak confirmed in a daycare in Malaga, Spain. Eight children infected. Cases climbing over the past 10 days. Source  

February 21, 2025 -  Texas measles outbreak grows to 90 cases, largest in over 30 years - The number of measles cases linked to an outbreak in western Texas has grown to 90, according to new data released on Friday. Almost all of the cases are in unvaccinated individuals or individuals whose vaccination status is unknown, and 16 people have been hospitalized so far, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Five cases included those who have been vaccinated. A DSHS spokesperson previously told ABC News that this marks the largest measles outbreak in the state in more than 30 years.

Source

February 18, 2025  Measles outbreak in Texas grows to 58 cases, and 3 more in New Mexico, making it the region's biggest outbreak since 1993 - Source

• February 14, 2025: 200-300 Texans feared ailing of measles as disease spreads through state - A West Texas community is grappling with the largest measles outbreak in the state in nearly 30 years. Officials are concerned that hundreds may be infected with the otherwise rare disease because of a lack of vaccinations. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported Friday that over the last three weeks, the agency has identified 48 confirmed cases of measles, which is characterized by rashes that may cover the entire body, along with a high fever and cold symptoms. The DSHS said 13 of the 48 patients have been hospitalized, most of the cases are children younger than 18, and every confirmed case is either unvaccinated or has an unknown vaccination status. Source

  • Measles outbreak in Texas doubles to 48 cases, and 3 more in New Mexico, making it the region's biggest outbreak since 1996 Source

7/15/2024: Sixth case of measles confirmed in Michigan - LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Health officials in Macomb County, north of Detroit, have confirmed a case of measles. This is the sixth confirmed case in the state. Ingham County health professionals are urging everyone to make sure they are protected. “Yes, this is the sixth case, but this is different from what we’ve seen over the past years and so there is cause for concern if we are halfway through the year,” said Dr. Nike Shoyinka of the Ingham County Health Department. Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirms another case of measles, a child in Macomb County. Investigators are still determining how the child was exposed to the virus because they didn’t leave the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 167 cases of measles have already been reported in 24 states this year. With nearly half of the cases being children younger than 5 years old. Dr. Shoyinka says this could be due to the decline in vaccination rate in children. Source

7/13/2024: Measles cases found at New York City migrant shelter - New York City health officials are trying to stop cases of measles from spreading after two cases were confirmed Saturday at a migrant shelter in Brooklyn. The cases were quarantined and confined to one floor of the shelter on Hall Street in Clinton Hill. Health officials are working to identify anyone who was exposed and to determine their immunity status. People who are not immune are being quarantined for 21 days. Dozens at the shelter are being quarantined. Source 

7/12/2024: Officials Investigating Potential Measles Exposures in Arlington, Virginia Grocery Store - The Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD) was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a person who visited a grocery store in Arlington while contagious. The case is a resident of another state. Out of an abundance of caution, ACPHD is informing people who were at this location that they may have been exposed. Listed below are the date, times, and location of the potential exposure site associated with this case of measles: Harris Teeter: 624B N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., on Mon., July 1, 2024 Source 

6/1/2024: Traveler infected with confirmed case of measles at Seattle International Airport as cases in US increase - Travelers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport may have been exposed to measles, according to public health officials. The individual passed through the busy travel hub on May 10 and May 11, according to Public Health, which was notified of the incident on Thursday, according to a news release. “Measles is highly contagious and if you don’t have immunity, you can get it just by being in a room where a person with measles has been,” said Dr. Eric Chow, communicable disease chief for Public Health – Seattle & King County. The individual was likely exposed to the virus while traveling through Europe. They live in Arizona, and their vaccine status is unknown, according to the release. Measles mainly spreads after an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause fever, rash, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, according to Public Health. Related Article

5/28/2024: Passenger on United flight to Fresno had measles, officials confirm - The traveler was United Flight 5591, which left Los Angeles at 8 pm on Sunday, May 19, & landed in Fresno at 9 pm. The passenger started their trip in Munich, Germany, & connected at LAX Related Article

4/22/2024: West Virginia Reports Case of Measles (first case in 15 years) - The Monongalia County Health Department said WVU Medicine alerted officials Sunday that an adult patient living in the county tested positive for the viral infection. Health officials have not pinpointed exactly where and how the patient was exposed but said the person had recently traveled abroad. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented 113 cases as of April 5. Nationwide, measles cases this year already are nearly double the total for all of 2023. There have been seven outbreaks and most U.S. cases — 73% — are linked to those flare-ups. Related Article

4/12/2024: Georgia health officials link third measles case to unvaccinated international traveler - US measles cases have surged in 2024 thanks to unvaccinated international travelers, according to the CDC. Health experts are concerned by an alarming increase in measles outbreaks in the U.S., which are already double the total of all last year. Related Article

4/2/2024: Measles Outbreak in U.S. in 17 states - California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington; “Measles, a serious respiratory disease caused by a virus, is one of the most contagious diseases,” the news release stated. “It is so contagious, that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people who are around that person will also become infected if they are not protected either by immunization or prior illness.” Related Article

3/13/2024: Major Measles Outbreak - Reported In 17 US States As Migrant Shelters Become Infectious Disease Breeding Grounds. States Affected: AZ, CA, FL, GA, IN, IL , LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WA. CDC data shows 45 measles cases were recorded in the first two months across 17 states. Related Article

5/10/2024: Saudi Arabia reports 4 new cases of MERS coronavirus, 2 of which were caused by human-to-human transmission in a hospital, 1 person death reported. MERS is different from COVID and first emerged in 2012. Most cases are linked to camels. There’s no vaccine or treatment for MERS although several vaccines and therapeutics are currently in development. Treatment is supportive and based on the patient’s symptoms. Cases of the deadly virus have been relatively low in recent years with only 5 cases reported in Saudi Arabia in 2023 Related Article

11/18/2024: US Health officials report first known case of new, more severe strain of Monkeypox - The first known case in the United States of a more severe strain of the monkeypox virus was confirmed in California Saturday as health officials said an individual who recently returned from Africa contracted the latest form of the disease. The patient became infected with the clade 1 strain after traveling to eastern Africa, where there is an ongoing outbreak of the virus, according to the California Department of Public Health. Source 

8/24/2024: Monkey Pox (mpox) Updates

• Spain on ‘high alert’ as major airport to enforce controls to stop mpox spread as experts warn of ‘explosion of cases’ - The UK has yet to tighten any controls as cases of the mutant variant continue to rise across the world. Spain is about to ramp up its border controls in a bid to prevent cases of a mutant mpox strain - amid fears of an explosion of cases in Europe. It comes as Thailand detected its first suspected infection in a European traveler who had recently been to Africa. Some countries in Asia, including South Korea, China and Pakistan, are taking similar preemptive actions in a bid to stop a national pandemic, according to local reports. Source

• Uganda has reported two new cases of the clade 1b strain of the mpox virus. The health ministry has announced that one of the patients is a truck driver and that both are in isolation at a hospital in Entebbe, about an hour south of the capital. As mpox spreads, concerns are rising about the confirmed cases of 1b, a new and potentially deadlier strain. Other places where mpox has spread include - Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand and Uganda have reported cases – a total of 18. Source

8/23/2024: MPOX is known Side-Effect of COVID Vax - Top doctors worldwide are stepping forward to expose the World Health Organization’s monkey-pox scare as a cover-up for known side effects linked to the COVID mRNA vaccines. According to leading virologist Dr. Poornima Wagh, we are not experiencing an outbreak of monkey-pox around the world, as claimed by the WHO. As Dr. Wagh explains, the symptoms experienced by those diagnosed with monkey-pox are actually a known side-effect of the Covid shots: Auto-Immune Blistering Disease. Meanwhile, Dr. Wolfgang Wodarg has warned that the WHO’s claims of a monkey-pox emergency is another scam and the disease we are witnessing is actually the result of destroyed immune system shingles caused by the Covid shots. Monkey-pox cases are currently being reported in highly vaccinated countries around the world, while lesser-vaccinated countries are not reporting any cases. Source

8/21/2024: Argentina suspects the first case of mpox as the entire cargo ship quarantined. Crew members are not allowed to deboard the ship till test results arrive. Argentina quarantined a cargo ship over the first suspected case of mpox on the vessel, as an outbreak of a new fast-spreading variant triggered a global public health alert. The Liberian-flagged ship raised the alert after one of its crew members of Indian nationality showed “cyst-like skin lesions predominantly on the chest and face", the health ministry said. The health authorities in the country have activated a public emergency protocol and quarantined the ship with crew members not allowed to deboard. Medical personnel will be the only ones allowed to board the ship and inspect the crew member for the symptoms of mpox, it said. If the symptoms are similar to mpox, the medical team will take samples and conduct tests. Source

8/17/2024: Monkeypox Outbreak Before Election Sparks 'Do Not Comply' Movement - new mpox outbreak is driving a "do not comply" movement among conspiracy theorists who fear that health-related lockdowns will affect this year's presidential election. The outbreak has generated fears that mpox could cause the next pandemic, resulting in global shutdowns and stay-at-home orders. Those worries have caused some panic among those who point out that the threat of a deadly virus comes during an election year again. Outbreaks have been reported in 15 countries so far, with most of the cases still in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of Wednesday, there are no known cases in the U.S. The CDC has said the risk of the outbreak reaching this country remains very low. Source

• 8/16/2024: Pakistan confirms its first three cases of monkeypox. Source

• 8/16/2024: Newark, New Jersey - MPox Levels Surge In Early August Waste Water Sample - Recent data from the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission reveals a concerning trend in mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) levels in Newark, NJ's wastewater. The charts show that mpox was initially detected on July 7, followed by a period of absence in samples. However, a significant spike occurred in early August, with detection on August 4-5 reaching the highest concentration observed during the monitored period. This sudden increase in viral presence could indicate a potential outbreak or increased transmission within the community. Wastewater monitoring has proven to be an effective early warning system for various infectious diseases. Sources: Wastewater SCAN

• 8/16/2024: San Francisco, CA - Monkeypox has allegedly been detected in the wastewater of two San Francisco districts: Oceanside and the southeastern part of the city. These findings come shortly after the World Health Organization declared Monkeypox a global health emergency. While public health officials are closely monitoring the situation and conducting additional testing, they have stated that the risk to the public is not yet a concern. Source

• 8/15/2024: Sweden reports first case outside Africa of the more dangerous mpox strain Sweden has reported the first confirmed case outside Africa of the more deadly mpox variant that sparked the World Health Organization to declare a global public health emergency a day earlier. The person was infected during a stay in a part of Africa affected by the mpox outbreak, a statement from the Public Health Agency of Sweden said today. "This case does not warrant any further infection control measures per se, but we take the outbreak of mpox clade I very seriously. We are monitoring it closely and continuously assessing whether new measures are needed," Magnus Gisslén, Sweden’s state epidemiologist said. Source

• 8/15/2024: Trump tells voters not to comply with forced vaccinations or lockdowns as the "threat" of Monkey Pox looms. He also cited election interference. Source 

• 8/14/2024: WHO declares mpox outbreak a global health emergency - WHO convened its emergency committee amid concerns that a deadlier strain of the virus, clade Ib, had reached four previously unaffected countries in Africa. This strain had previously been contained to the Democratic Republic of Congo.WHO convened its emergency committee amid concerns that a deadlier strain of the virus, clade Ib, had reached four previously unaffected countries in Africa. This strain had previously been contained to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Source ; 

• 8/14/2024: Mpox Map Shows US States With Virus in Wastewater as Outbreak Hits Africa - Detection remains very low, with only three sites showing positive tests: two in California and one in Illinois. Within these sites, detection was still low, with only a small percentage of samples testing positive during this period. Source

• 8/13/2024: Monkey Pox (MPox) News Updates

• Mpox Declared Public Health Emergency By Africa - Africa's top public health body declared what it termed a "public health emergency of continental security" on Tuesday over an outbreak of mpox that spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring countries. Mpox is transmitted through close contact and causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. The outbreak in Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as Clade I. But the new variant, known as Clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, particularly among children. Source

• Special Press Briefing on the declaration of the MPox Outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) scheduled to take place virtually on Tuesday, 13th August 2024,  4:00 – 5:00 pm East Africa Time. Source

• Alarmed by mpox surge, Africa CDC is poised to declare a 'continental emergency' - The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has never done anything like this before. The agency is poised to declare a “public health emergency of continental security” as early as next week. Since the beginning of last year, mpox cases have been surging in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with children making up the majority of the 14,000 reported cases and 511 deaths so far in 2024. Those numbers roughly match the number of cases reported in all of last year in the country. In the last couple weeks, there’s been a new and alarming development. Mpox has been detected in countries that have never previously identified cases. About 50 confirmed cases and more suspected cases have been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, according to World Health Organization officials. Source

• WHO to decide this week if mpox Africa outbreak is a global emergency - Concern is growing over the spread of a more deadly strain of the virus. Independent experts appointed by the World Health Organization will meet virtually on Wednesday to help decide whether the mpox outbreak in Africa is a global public health emergency. The committee will advise WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether mpox constitutes a public health emergency of international concern(PHEIC) and what recommendations he should issue to manage the spread of the disease. Vaccine manufacturers can now apply to WHO for an emergency license that would allow international groups including UNICEF and Gavi the Vaccine Alliance to procure and distribute their shots, the U.N. body confirmed on August 9. Source

  • WHO emergency committee meets this week to discuss African mpox spread - This is the second emergency committee for mpox in 2 years - The upcoming emergency committee meeting will be the second to grapple with mpox. In June 2022, the WHO convened an emergency committee to address challenges with the international spread of the clade 2 virus and said the situation didn't at that point warrant a PHEIC. A month later, the group met again and wasn't able to reach a consensus, but WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, considered their advice and declared a PHEIC. Source

8/17/2024: Justin Trudeau’s Canadian government has issued very specific information about “a future pandemic” which they warn will come in three waves, and is set to disrupt access to banking, gasoline, and the food supply. Citizens should expect disruptions including telecommunications, banking, water, gasoline, medicine and food, according to the Canadian government, due to reduced labor and crippling supply chain issues. The warning of a new pandemic “worse than Covid” was issued by the government as the deeply unpopular Trudeau faces a near-certain electoral wipe-out in next year’s election. The warnings were rolled out by the Centre for Occupational Health and Safety in a second edition of their Flu and Infectious Disease Outbreaks Business Continuity Plan Handbook. Source

8/15/2024: The Canadian government has issued advice warning citizens to prepare for a hypothetical new virus that could lead to food and fuel disruptions. Source 

8/9/2024: Africa's public health agency is set to declare a Monkeypox (mpox) public health emergency as early as next week Source

• U.S. responds to deadly new mpox strain - The Centers for Disease Control on Wednesday alerted doctors to be on the lookout for a deadly new strain of mpox spreading through parts of Africa while U.S. officials committed $424 million to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is the epicenter of the outbreak.  Why it matters: The so-called clade I virus is more virulent and deadly than the clade II variety that caused a global outbreak in 2022. Mpox causes fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and muscle aches and can be deadly to young children and cause complications in pregnant people and adults with weak immune systems. Source 

5/16/2024: The CDC has warned of the resurgence of MonkeyPox - formerly known as MonkeyPox, across the Democratic Republic of Congo. The escalating epidemic in Congo nevertheless poses a global threat, just as infections in Nigeria set off the 2022 outbreak, experts said. Related Article

4/17/2024: Mutated strain of mpox with ‘pandemic potential’ found in DRC mining town. Researchers call for ‘swift action’ to halt the outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo as experts warn virus is ‘not over’. Now a mutated strain of this clade 1 virus has been discovered in Kamituga – a poor and densely packed gold mining town with a highly itinerant population just 170 miles from the Rwandan border – where a sudden and unusual mpox outbreak has raised “alarm bells”.  Related Article

January 6, 2025 - Norovirus Outbreaks: Doctors Warn Common Precaution Won't Prevent Illness - Amid a severe norovirus outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and infectious disease experts are urging people to avoid relying on hand sanitizers and instead focus on handwashing with soap and water to prevent the virus from spreading further. The highly contagious illness has reached its highest levels for this time of year in more than a decade, according to the latest CDC data, but prevention measures could help reduce its spread. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, told Newsweek in an email on Friday that "Norovirus is hardy and rather resistant to pH and temperature changes as well as some disinfectants including alcohol which is the active ingredient in hand sanitizers and wipes." Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., responsible for nearly 58 percent of foodborne infections annually. A tiny dose of just 10 viral particles can make a person ill,making it one of the most easily transmissible pathogens. The CDC has identified leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and shellfish as a common source of norovirus outbreaks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its fourth oyster recall in three weeks, reflecting an alarming increase in norovirus outbreaks across the nation. Source

December 29, 2024 -  Nasty norovirus is back in full force with US cases of the stomach virus surging - Cases of a wretched stomach bug are surging in parts of the United States this winter, according to government data. The most recent numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show there were 91 outbreaks of norovirus reported during the week of Dec. 5, up from 69 outbreaks the last week of November. Numbers from the past few years show a maximum of 65 outbreaks reported during that first week of December. A norovirus infection is characterized by sudden vomiting and diarrhea. Outbreaks are often seen on cruise ships, in congregate living situations like nursing homes and jails, as well as schools and places where people are close together.

• What is norovirus? Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for 58% of such infections acquired in the country each year, according to the CDC. Norovirus infections are caused by a group of viruses that spread easily, with as few as 10 viral particles having the ability to make someone sick, health experts say. There are about 2,500 norovirus outbreaks reported annually in the United States. The outbreaks can occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April. Along with vomiting and diarrhea, common symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, body ache, headache and fever.

• How do you get it? Most norovirus outbreaks occur when people who are already infected spread the virus to others by direct means, such as through sharing food or eating utensils. Outbreaks can also be spread through food, water or contaminated surfaces. 

• How long do you stay sick? Illness caused by norovirus typically starts suddenly, with symptoms developing 12 to 48 hours following exposure to the virus. Most people get better within one to three days and recover fully.

Source 

11/14/2024: Walking Pneumonia cases are surging in parts of the United States & Canada

• Cases of walking pneumonia spike drastically across the Washington, DC Metro Area - As the cold weather moves in, doctors are sounding the alarm over near-record-level pneumonia cases across the country and here in the DMV. Some folks are battling the infection for weeks on end as they suffer from walking pneumonia – a less-severe form of bacterial pneumonia. In fact, pneumonia cases just at MedStar Health's 33 urgent care clinics in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. are up a whopping 358 percent over last year. Those clinics have seen 391 patients with pneumonia in October 2023. Compare that to 1789 cases this October.  "I'll have to say in my 21 years of emergency medicine and urgent care I've never seen pneumonias at this level. Ever," said Amanda Joy, Associate Medical Director with MedStar Health Urgent Care. "Some of the age groups are very frightening – 10 to 17 year olds, there's a 2,167 percent increase." The tell-tale signs are coughs that just won't quit – in some cases lasting more than three weeks – a sore throat and fever. Health experts say cases of COVID, flu, RSV and strep are all very low right now but walking pneumonia cases are through the roof. Source 

• Walking pneumonia cases rise among children in mid-Missouri - Walking pneumonia cases have been on the rise among younger children over the past six months — a trend that has reached Columbia, as well. Mycoplasma pneumonia, or walking pneumonia, is a respiratory illness caused by a mycoplasma bacteria and is generally less severe than typical pneumonia infections, according to MU Health Care pediatrician Alexandra James. James said most cases she's seen have been in children but that the reason for the increasing numbers is unknown. “This does happen," James said. "It’s not anything specific that we know caused it, but we are seeing an increase in those younger children." Source 

• As cases rise in Canada, the symptoms to look out for - Walking pneumonia began to re-emerge globally last year after remaining largely subdued during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, doctors say they are seeing an unusual spike in cases of the respiratory tract infection in parts of Canada, particularly in kids. But they urge parents not to worry, as treatment options are available. “The message is not to panic. It’s just more raising awareness about what’s happening,” said Dr. Allan Grill, chief of family medicine at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Source 

6/6/2024: Rare, sexually transmitted ringworm reported in NYC - The infected man developed a red, itchy rash on his penis, legs, and across his groin and buttocks Health officials are warning about a new case of ringworm likely spread through sex that has been reported in New York City, the first such case in the U.S.  The infection, a rare fungus called trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), was detected in a man in his 30s who reported having sex with multiple men during a trip to England, Greece and California, according to a study published Wednesday at JAMA Dermatology by doctors at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Related Article 

8/20/2024: Virus that causes ‘slapped cheek’ rash in kids is rising in US, CDC warns - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health alert Tuesday warning about a highly contagious respiratory illness detected especially among young children. Over the past two years, there has been an uptick of the common seasonal illness, known as parvovirus B19, particularly among kids aged 5 to 9. The CDC said the percentage of positive cases in this age group rose from 15% between 2022 and early 2024 to 40% in June 2024. The CDC has also received reports from doctors noting an unexpected rise in infections among pregnant people. Some of these cases have reportedly led to severe fetal anemia that required transfusions or resulted in pregnancy loss. The virus, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, can spread rapidly in environments like schools and daycares, according the CDC. Cases typically occur in late winter, spring and early summer, with mini-outbreaks happening roughly every three to four years. People infected with the virus usually experience mild symptoms that can include fever, headache, sore throat, joint pain and a “slapped cheek” rash. However, the CDC said the virus can also pose serious risks for those with compromised immune systems or chronic blood disorders, like sickle cell disease. Source | CDC Fact Sheet

8/31/2024: New Reports of Sloth Fever Increasing, 21 cases confirmed among US travelers - Health officials are warning Americans about a rare insect-borne virus that has infected several travelers. As of Aug. 16, there have been 21 cases of Oropouche virus disease, sometimes called "sloth fever," detected among U.S. travelers returning from Cuba, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC said it wants clinicians and public health offices to be aware of the virus and to test for suspected cases, and for travelers to protect themselves from insect bites. The virus is mainly spread to humans by infected culicoides prariensis, a species of biting midges, although it can be transmitted by certain mosquito species, according to the CDC. It is sometimes called "sloth fever" because scientists investigating the virus first found it in a three-toed sloth and the virus naturally lives in sloths, non-human primates and birds. The incubation period of Oropouche virus disease is three to 10 days and matches symptoms of similar diseases including dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Common symptoms include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and joint pain, typically lasting about two to seven days and then disappearing. Source 

8/28/2024: 'Sloth fever' with Zika-like symptoms spreads to the US, CDC warns - The virus is native to the Amazon basin. It is usually transmitted in forested areas between mosquitoes and non-human vertebrates, such as sloths, wild birds and rodents. Travelers visiting parts of the Caribbean and South America are at an increased risk of contracting the Oropouche virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far this year, more than 8,000 cases of the virus have been reported, including two deaths, officials said. They noted five cases in which pregnant women transmitted the virus to babies, resulting in either fetal death or congenital abnormalities. The CDC said the virus has been reported in the U.S. and Europe by people returning from trips to Cuba and Brazil. The virus has also been reported this year in Bolivia, Peru and Colombia. The CDC said people can become infected when visiting these forested areas. People can then introduce the virus to urban areas, where biting midges and certain mosquitoes spread the virus from person to person. Nearly two-thirds of people contracting Oropouche virus exhibit symptoms that are similar to those involved with Zika, according to the CDC. They can include fever, chills and headache, in addition to myalgia – muscle aches and pains – and arthralgia – joint stiffness. No vaccines or antiviral treatments are available for this disease. Source 

March 4, 2025 - Swine Flu Cases Surge In India: Over 20,000 Infected, 347 Deaths Reported - India reports over 20,000 swine flu cases, 347 deaths. Delhi, Kerala, and Maharashtra among worst-hit states. Experts warn of seasonal flu surge. Source 

April 13, 2025 - Tuberculosis exposure confirmed in Manchester, New Hampshire. 5 latent infections already found. New testing clinics opened. After an adult was diagnosed with tuberculosis after visiting two locations in Manchester in January, officials have announced additional testing clinics for anyone who might have been exposed. The adult had been at the Families in Transition shelter and the 1269 Cafe while infectious in January. Officials said information collected thus far suggests people who visited the FIT shelter or the 1269 Cafe in January might have a greater risk of being infected with the tuberculosis bacteria. Health officials said more than 100 people sought testing at clinics offered in mid-March, and five were diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection. Each of those who tested positive was connected with the appropriate treatment, according to officials. Source 

February 16, 2025 - Multiple employees at Maître, a meal supplier in the Netherlands, have tested positive for tuberculosis (TB) 80 employees tested positive out of a workforce of 165. Two workers were severely ill. Source 

2/4/2025: TB Outbreak in Kansas - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments, have been responding to an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in the Kansas City, Kan. Metropolitan (KCK Metro) area since January 2024.  As of Jan. 31, 2025, there are 67 confirmed cases of active tuberculosis (TB) disease, including 60 in Wyandotte County and seven (7) in Johnson County, associated with this outbreak. Of these individuals, 35 have completed treatment and are considered cured and 30 are currently under treatment. Most are no longer considered infectious to others or are isolating to avoid infecting others. There are two reported deaths associated with this outbreak. There are 79 confirmed latent TB cases, including 77 in Wyandotte County and two (2) in Johnson County. Individuals with latent TB infections are not infectious to other people. Thirty-one of these individuals have completed treatment and 28 are currently under treatment.  Although there is a very low risk of infection to the general public in the KCK Metro area, KDHE is working to ensure that individuals are receiving appropriate testing and treatment, which will limit the ability to spread this disease and prevent additional cases from occurring. TB is not as easily spread as COVID-19, the flu, or measles. Public health officials have been actively investigating an outbreak of tuberculosis in the KCK Metro area since early 2024. The public health response includes case investigation and contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to TB and follow-up to ensure individuals are being properly tested and treated. In this current outbreak, no reports of drug-resistant TB have been identified. There is no elevated risk to individuals traveling to the KCK Metro area. Source

TB, What to Know: 

How does tuberculosis spread? Tuberculosis spreads through the air, but it’s not as contagious as COVID or influenza. To catch it, you need to be near someone with an active TB infection. It’s unlikely you’d catch it from just walking past someone with TB in a hallway; there needs to be a slightly longer exposure. But if you’re with an infected person who is speaking to you, coughing or singing near you, your risk increases. Tuberculosis does not spread by touching surfaces or sharing food or drinks. 

What are symptoms of tuberculosis? For TB in the lungs, the symptoms often include:

• A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer

• Chest pain

• Coughing up blood or phlegm

• An abnormal chest X-ray

• Fatigue or weakness

• Loss of appetite or weight

• Fever

• Chills

• Night sweats

How can I be tested for TB?

• Blood and skin tests are available, and coughed-up phlegm (sputum) can be tested. You can request a test from your primary care physician.

Is tuberculosis deadly? It can be, but it’s rarely fatal in the United States. Tuberculosis is a curable and preventable disease, and most Americans have access to the medications needed to treat it. People with lung issues, such as COPD or emphysema, are more vulnerable. Tuberculosis is extremely deadly in certain parts of the world where people don’t have access to healthcare. It’s one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, and in 2023, killed more than 1.25 million people. Source 

5/4/2024: Tuberculosis Outbreak in California, 1 Deceased, Long Beach, CA declared a Health Emergency - A California hotel housing homeless people is experiencing a tuberculosis outbreak that has left one dead and several hospitalized. Investigators said around 170 people have likely been exposed to the illness. Health officials are in contact with any guests or individuals who were at the hotel during the time the infected people were present. Related Article

• What to Know: Tuberculosis is a serious illness that mainly affects the lungs, according to the CDC. The bacteria is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. More Info

April 4, 2025 - Taiwan reports 1st fatal Coxsackie B5 enterovirus case in decade - Taiwan has recorded its first fatal case of Coxsackie B5 enterovirus in 10 years after a one-year-old boy from southern Taiwan died from complications early last month, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. CDC spokesman Lo Yi-chun told a news conference that the child initially developed a fever and respiratory symptoms before experiencing seizures and loss of consciousness. The boy was diagnosed with acute encephalitis and admitted to intensive care, but his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away on the sixth day of illness, Lo said. This also marks Taiwan’s third enterovirus-related death this year and the first severe Coxsackie B5 infection, Lo said. Coxsackie B5 is typically associated with mild symptoms such as fever, cough, mouth ulcers and blisters on the hands and feet, with severe complications being rare. Although the overall outbreak remains at a low level, sporadic severe cases continue to emerge, underscoring the ongoing threat of the virus, he said.

• With temperatures rising this month, enterovirus activity is expected to increase significantly, and this year’s outbreak could be more severe than in previous years, Lo said. The CDC urged parents, especially those with children under two years old, to maintain strict hygiene practices and watch for early signs of severe infection, such as persistent vomiting, drowsiness, muscle twitching or difficulty breathing. Source 

February 25, 2025 -  Mystery illness leaves 50+ dead in Congo. Apparently children ate a bat carcass. Source 

6/4/2024: The Northeast U.S. is bracing for an invasion of giant venomous spiders with half-inch-long legs that can parachute through the air - Giant venomous flying spiders with 4-inch legs heading to New York area as they spread across East Coast, experts say. Joro spiders will be "hard to miss" as females have a leg span of up to 4 inches and are known for their vibrant yellow and grey bodies. "What sets them apart, however, is their ability to fly, a trait uncommon among spiders," the company said. "While not accurate flight in the avian sense, Joro spiders utilize a technique known as ballooning, where they release silk threads into the air, allowing them to be carried by the wind." Related Article

April 21, 2025 - Infectious Diseases Update - Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

• Cases have more than doubled compared to the previous year, with multiple child fatalities reported in states such as Louisiana, South Dakota, and Washington.

• The CDC warns that these increases are connected to declining childhood vaccination rates and eroding public confidence in vaccines. 

• Norovirus - Between August 1, 2024, and April 9, 2025, 2,407 norovirus outbreaks were reported, nearly double the number from the same period the previous year. 

10/11/2024: Worst U.S. whooping cough outbreak in a decade has infected thousands - Whooping cough is spreading nationwide at the highest levels since 2014. There have been more than 16,000 cases this year — more than four times as many compared to the same time last year — and two confirmed deaths. And experts are concerned that the outbreak could worsen in the fall and winter months. The disease is most dangerous to babies: 1 in 3 who get it requirehospitalization. Whooping cough cases are especially high right now on the West Coast. King County, where Seattle is, has seen more this year than any year since 2015 — “and the year isn’t even over yet,” Chow said. He said the county is still seeing new cases of whooping cough every week. Source

3/28/2024: Whooping Cough Spreads in San Francisco, “highly contagious respiratory infection” spreading in San Francisco and in schools. 65 cases reported. Advisory issued. Related Article

• Alberta, Canada - Reporting a surge in cases over recent months. The provinces has already recorded 120 cases in 2024 read more

• People diagnosed with whooping cough should stay home for 21 days after coughing begins or for five days after the start of antibiotics.

8/31/2024: West Nile Case Update - 2 people die from West Nile virus in New Jersey, bringing the number of reported deaths in the U.S. to 5 - State health officials on Friday announced two New Jersey residents died of West Nile virus, while the total number of human cases in the state increased to eight. Seven of the eight cases were hospitalized with neurological illnesses, the New Jersey Department of Health said in a statement. “This year, New Jersey is seeing higher than average West Nile virus activity earlier than expected,” New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston said Friday in a statement. Source 

8/30/2024: West Nile Case Update 

• • Illinois, Wisconsin report their first West Nile virus deaths of 2024 - Two deaths from West Nile virus have been reported in Wisconsin and one in Illinois, the first such deaths in those states this year, according to the state health departments. The deaths in Wisconsin, in addition to the hospitalization of another person with West Nile, were the first human cases there this year, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said in a statement Thursday. The people were residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac and Brown counties. Source

  • Missouri teen who just graduated high school paralyzed and placed on a ventilator from West Nile infection - A recent high school graduate in Missouri was left paralyzed and placed on a ventilator in an ICU after contracting West Nile virus. John Procter VI, known as “BB” to family and friends, has been hospitalized for more than two weeks with severe symptoms that started as a headache and dizziness on Aug. 8, St. Louis 11 reported.  The 18-year-old went to urgent care and was told he had a tension headache and was sent home. Source

  • Central Ohio Residents  cautioned of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus - Mosquitoes in central Ohio have tested positive for West Nile virus over the past few weeks.  There are no human cases in Ohio at this time, and Franklin County Public Health is working to keep it that way. Franklin County Public Health was out spraying mosquitoes on Thursday evening in Dublin, New Albany, Gahanna and Plain Township. Spraying kills mosquitoes in the hopes of preventing the spread of West Nile Virus to humans. Source

  • West Nile Virus claims a life in Tehama, California, residents urged to take precautions - The first human death caused by the West Nile Virus in Tehama County has been reported by the Tehama County Health Services Agency (TCHS). Local Doctor Timothy Peters says that the victim was bitten by an infected mosquito and later died from complications of the virus. “All residents, especially the elderly and those with serious medical conditions, need to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Protection is especially important at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active," said Dr. Peters. Source 

• Houston man battling West Nile Virus, left with numerous health problems - John Hudson went to the hospital July 27 after he was found disoriented sitting in his car. After three days in the hospital, he was found to have contracted West Nile Virus, most likely from the increase in the mosquito population after Hurricane Beryl. He was in the ICU every day up until Wednesday, when he was finally moved to a rehab facility. Source

• West Nile virus detected in North Kingstown,Rhode Island state officials on alert for mosquito-borne diseases - Washington County remains at significant risk for mosquito-borne diseases, with a new mosquito sample in North Kingstown testing positive for West Nile virus, state officials announced Friday. The latest results, reflecting traps set on Aug. 13 and Aug. 19 across the state, comes amid increasing concern over West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis across southern New England, including in Rhode Island. Neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut have also seen disease prevalence rise, including several cases of West Nile and EEE in residents. In New Hampshire, a 41-year-old man died after contracting EEE, state health officials reported this week. In Rhode Island, DEM organized helicopters to drop mosquito larvicide across 3,000 acres of swamp in Westerly and South Kingstown this week to help kill mosquito populations. State officials have also recommended schools and organizations limit outdoor activities to avoid peak mosquito activity hours in the early morning and at dusk. Source

• Durham, NC has West Nile Virus scare as other cases of mosquito-borne virus pop up in NC - Additional testing in Durham County reveals a local blood donor doesn’t have West Nile Virus, even though routine screening of blood donations pointed to a “presumptive case.” As of Tuesday, residents of three counties in the North Carolina mountains have confirmed cases of the disease, the CDC reports (Source):

  • • Buncombe County: 1 severe case and 1 presumptive blood donor

    • Rutherford County: 1 severe case

    • Cleveland County: 1 severe case

8/29/2024: West Nile Updates - Maryland Department of Health announces the first human case of West Nile virus in the state - An adult living in Baltimore has tested positive for West Nile virus, this is the first confirmed human case in Maryland this year. The Maryland Department of Health said the patient is recovering at home. Source

8/28/2024: West Nile Cases in over 50% of the U.S. - Updates

• So far, more than 30 states, including Georgia, have reported West Nile cases. According to the CDC, there have been 289 cases nationwide this year, with six of those occurring in Georgia. Source 

• West Nile Virus cases tripled in GA within the past week. The news comes just days after it was reported former head of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Anthony Fauci, had contracted the virus. While the number isn’t high, and nationally there are still fewer than 300 cases total, 33 states have reported cases of West Nile virus this year.

• The CDC said 195 of those cases were the neuro-invasive disease version, meaning it is the severe form of the virus that can cause hospitalization or death. The neuro-invasive West Nile virus is also called West Nile encephalitis and causes brain inflammation. The CDC says most people who get infected with West Nile virus, close to 80%, don’t develop symptoms. However, of those who are infected, roughly 20% present the following symptoms: Fever, Headache, Body aches, Joint pain, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Rashes, Fatigue and weakness. The CDC said that about one of every 150 people infected develop severe illness including encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Source 

• Health officials confirm first case of Human West Nile virus in Orange County - Orange County health officials have confirmed the first case of Human West Nile virus this year.  The announcement, issued by the Orange County Health Care Agency on Wednesday, stated a Huntington Beach resident tested positive for the virus.  The exact date of their positive test was not released. O.C. health officials are cautioning residents that while “most people” who contract West Nile virus do not experience symptoms, about two in 10 will experience symptoms, including a fever, headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness and occasionally a skin rash. Source

• West Nile virus is in North Carolina - The health department confirmed to WRAL News, at least three human infections have been reported to the CDC so far this year with additional cases expected in the coming weeks. Buncombe, Rutherford and Cleveland counties have reported one case each of a human infection. It is unclear if any of those cases required hospitalizations. DHHS confirms Columbus County is expected to be added to the map in the coming weeks. The health department recently urged residents to take precautions when confirming three cases had been reported since mid-July. “The majority of people who get infected with West Nile virus, around 80%, will not have any symptoms whatsoever,” said Dr. Ahmad Mourad with Duke Health’s division of infectious diseases. “Around 20% of people who do have symptoms will have a fever, some flu-like symptoms and may have a rash.” Source

• 1st human case of West Nile virus diagnosed in Boston resident. The man, who is in his late 60s, is being treated and his condition is improving, officials said. A Boston resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first human case of the mosquito-borne illness detected in the city this season, officials announced Tuesday. The man, who is in his late 60s, is being treated and his condition is improving, the Boston Public Health Commission said in a statement. His diagnosis comes a week after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health raised the risk level for West Nile virus in Boston to “high.” Source