All articles tagged with #virus spread
Originally Published 16 days ago — by ScienceAlert
Experts warn that bird flu, particularly the expanding reach of H5N1 and related strains, poses a significant but underrecognized threat due to weakened surveillance systems and underfunded health agencies, risking a future pandemic if early warning signals are ignored.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by The New York Times
Scientists have found evidence that bird flu may spread through the air in milking parlors and contaminated wastewater on dairy farms, with live virus detected in the air and on equipment, suggesting inhalation and environmental routes as possible transmission pathways, which raises concerns about undetected spread and potential risks to farmworkers and humans.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by CIDRAP
Recent research indicates that H5N1 avian flu may spread on dairy farms through airborne particles during milking and contaminated wastewater, highlighting the need for enhanced biosecurity measures to prevent transmission to animals and humans.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by Daily Mail
Experts warn of the spread of hantavirus, a deadly rodent-borne virus, after two cases in Nevada, highlighting the need for vigilance as warmer weather increases rodent activity; the virus, which can be fatal, is more widespread among rodent species in the US than previously thought, prompting public health advisories on prevention.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Mainichi
A Japanese research team led by Takashi Fukuda at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of closing toilet lids in preventing disease spread. Using a water-saving Japanese toilet, they found that closing the lid reduced aerosol generation to a quarter of that with the lid open, though some particles still escaped. Virus samples placed in the bowl showed minimal risk of infection from surfaces like toilet seats or walls. The team recommends closing the lid, standing 15 cm away when flushing, and cleaning nearby walls regularly.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by STAT
Scientists are struggling to understand the H5N1 bird flu outbreak affecting dairy cattle in the U.S. due to farmers' reluctance to allow research on their farms. Key questions include how the virus spreads among cows, its impact on farmworkers, and the potential for the virus to adapt to mammals. The lack of data is reminiscent of early Covid-19 information gaps, and experts stress the urgency of containing the outbreak to prevent long-term health risks.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Yahoo Finance
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found in dairy herds in Michigan and Idaho, indicating the virus is spreading into new US states. The virus strain found in Michigan appears to have been introduced by wild birds, and transmission between cattle can’t be ruled out. There is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply, and initial testing hasn’t found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans. Concerns arise about the flu potentially spreading across borders, with speculation of infections in cows in Europe.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by VOA Learning English
The H5N1 bird flu virus is spreading aggressively in South America, killing wild birds and marine mammals, raising concerns about potential threats to humans. The virus has killed thousands of seals, sea lions, and birds, and has been detected in several mammal species. Experts fear the virus could adapt to infect humans, prompting the Pan American Health Organization to launch a regional program to supervise bird flu spread. Limited resources and data in the region have hindered disease surveillance, prompting the need for increased monitoring and response efforts.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by New York Post
The USDA has reported cases of avian flu in mammals in three states, sparking fears of potential transmission to humans. Dr. Chris Walzer of the Wildlife Conservation Society believes it is "quite likely" that humans could catch the virus, urging better tracking and monitoring. The virus has also been found in marine animals in South America. The outbreak has caused significant impact on the poultry industry, with millions of birds affected and egg prices surging.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Yahoo Life
A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that genetics may account for 30% to 70% of one's chance of getting COVID-19, with environmental factors playing a larger role at the beginning of the pandemic. Researchers analyzed health records of over 12,000 people who tested positive for COVID-19 in New York City and found that genetic factors became more important as the pandemic progressed, likely due to increased immunity and homogenized environmental factors. Understanding the interplay between genetics and public health measures can help experts determine the most impactful interventions.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS News
The World Health Organization has designated the JN.1 COVID-19 strain, a subvariant of Omicron, as a "variant of interest." Dr. William Schaffner provides insights on the spread of the virus.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Earth.com
A study from the American Society for Microbiology reveals that domestic cats can contract and spread SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, to other cats and contaminate their environment. The study found that cats are susceptible to the virus and can efficiently transmit it to their peers. The average duration of infectiousness was slightly more than one-third of a day. The primary mode of transmission is human-to-human through respiratory droplets, but there is concern about humans transmitting the virus to wildlife, particularly to species that are already endangered.