Friday 3 May 2024 – KFF Health News

Stat: H5N1 Bird Flu Virus Began in Cattle in Texas in December

As agriculture officials and epidemiologists try to wrap their heads around the latest confounding episode in the decades-old story of the H5N1 flu virus — it’s outbreak in US dairy herds — they’re turning to virus-destroying genes. they leave in the noses of animals, in the lungs, and especially in the milk. (Molteni, 5/2)

NPR: Scientists Worry U.S. May Be Running Out of Bird Mist Cases in Farm Workers

Officially, there has only been one reported case of bird flu spilling from cattle to humans during the US pandemic. But epidemiologist Gregory Gray suspects the true number is higher, based on what he’s heard from veterinarians, farm owners and workers themselves when the virus hits their herds in his state. “We know that some workers sought medical attention for flu-like illnesses and conjunctivitis at the same time H5N1 was ravaging dairy farms,” ​​says Gray, an infectious disease expert at the University of Texas. Medical Branch in Galveston. (Stone, 5/2)

Count: Why H5N1 Bird Flu Keeps CDC’s Top Flu Scientist on Alert

Vivien Dugan isn’t sleeping much these days. Director of the influenza division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dugan leads a team of CDC scientists who work with partners — the US Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and federal health departments. and local – in response to an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cattle. (Branswell, 5/3)

Reuters: Bird flu outbreak in dairy cows fails to deter US raw milk exporters

US raw milk producers appear undeterred by federal health warnings for consumers to avoid drinking unpasteurized milk in the wake of an outbreak of bird flu that has affected dairy herds in nine states and sicken at least one dairy farm worker. Thirty of the 50 US states allow the sale of raw milk, which accounts for less than 1% of US milk sales. A nationwide study of pasteurized milk – heated to kill germs – found particles of the avian flu virus in about 20% of the samples tested. (Baertlein, Steenhuysen and Polansek, 5/2)

KFF Health News: Bird Flu is Bad for Chickens and Dairy Cattle. Not a Tremendous Threat to Most of Us – Yet

Heads are flying after the Department of Agriculture confirmed that the H5N1 bird flu virus has infected dairy cattle across the country. Tests have detected the virus among cattle in nine states, mostly in Texas and New Mexico, and most recently in Colorado, said Nirav Shah, assistant principal at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at a May 1 event in held by the Court. External Relations. (Adults, 5/3)

With tuberculosis and tuberculosis –

CBS News: 1 dead in Long Beach tuberculosis outbreak, 9 hospitalized

One person has died from an outbreak of tuberculosis among residents of a one-bedroom hotel in Long Beach, health officials announced Thursday. Nine other people were hospitalized. As of April 29, a total of 14 cases have been linked to the outbreak. Investigators also found another 170 people who may have been exposed. These potential patients are being evaluated, and further exposure is expected to increase. (Radin, 5/2)

USA Today: Michigan State Confirms Bat and Rabies, More Transmissions to Come

A bat with rabies has been found in a small county in Michigan, prompting local health officials to remind residents of the dangers of the creatures and rodents in general. As if there will be no more spring. Washtenaw County, which has a population of more than 300,000, had been “enjoying an extended period” of no animals with rabies until Monday, the day they confirmed the presence of ‘ bats with rabies among them. The last time a bat with rabies was seen in this area was in 2022. (Encinas and DeLetter, 5/2)

In covid –

The Boston Globe: Moderna COVID Vaccine Sales Plummet 91 Percent

Soaring sales of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine have fueled debate on Wall Street over the future of the biotech company that was once seen as the brightest star in the Massachusetts drug scene. Sales of Moderna’s messenger RNA vaccine fell 91 percent in the first quarter from a year ago, a stark illustration of the dwindling demand for protection against the virus that has caused a global pandemic. The Cambridge company’s earnings report, published on Thursday, continued the decline in sales of the biotech vaccine, Spikevax. (Saltzman and Weisman, 5/2)

The New York Times: Thousands Admit Covid Vaccines Harmed Them. Is Anyone Listening?

Within minutes of receiving the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, Michelle Zimmerman experienced excruciating pain from her left arm to her ear to her toe. home. After a few days, he became hypersensitive to light and had difficulty remembering simple details. He was 37 years old, with a Ph.D. in neuroscience, and until then he could ride his bike 20 miles, teach a dance class and give a tutorial on artificial intelligence, all in one day. Now, more than three years later, he lives with his parents. When he was finally diagnosed with brain damage, he was unable to work, drive or stand for long periods of time. (Mandavilli, 5/3)