A fourth dairy worker in the U.S. has tested positive for bird flu after exposure to infected cows, the first such case in Colorado. The virus, influenza A(H5N1), can be transmitted through contact with infected milk, posing a risk to dairy workers. While pasteurized milk is safe, the CDC recommends avoiding raw milk. The infected individual recovered after treatment with Tamiflu, and the overall risk to the general public remains low, although the CDC is monitoring for unusual flu activity.
Six family members contracted a rare parasitic worm infection called trichinellosis after consuming undercooked black bear meat during a meal. The meat had been frozen for over a month but still contained live larvae of the parasite, which can survive freezing temperatures. All six individuals developed symptoms consistent with trichinellosis, and two were confirmed to have antibodies against the parasite. The infection can cause serious health complications, including heart problems and neurological issues. Authorities recommend cooking wild game meat to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any parasites.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a second human case of bird flu linked to the ongoing outbreak on U.S. dairy farms. Both cases involved dairy workers exposed to cows infected with the H5N1 avian influenza strain, which has been detected in cattle in nine states. While raw milk from infected cows has tested positive for the virus, no human infections have been linked to consuming it. The CDC maintains that the risk to the general public remains low, but recommends avoiding close contact with sick or dead animals, their waste, or unpasteurized milk from infected sources.
An alarming surge in drowning deaths has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marking the first increase in decades. The data shows a significant rise in fatalities between 2020 and 2022, with over 4,500 people losing their lives each year due to unintentional drowning. Notably, the increase was most pronounced among high-risk groups, including children under age 4, adults over 65, and Black individuals of all ages. Black and Native American or Alaska Native individuals had the highest drowning rates by race and ethnicity.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating two separate norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships linked to the United States. The outbreaks on Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess and Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas have affected 161 passengers and crew members, primarily causing symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.
Measles, a once-eliminated disease, is making a comeback in the U.S. As of April 18, the CDC has reported over 100 cases, more than doubling the total of the previous year. This poses a grave threat to susceptible communities with low vaccination rates, putting children and adults at risk. The Coalition for National Vaccination is urging Congress to fully fund the CDC’s National Immunization Program to strengthen vaccine infrastructure, improve disease surveillance, and conduct research and outreach.
According to a recent study by grwn diamonds, Pennsylvania ranks 35th overall as one of the worst states for marriage. The study analyzed marriage rates using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Census Bureau. The study found that marriage rates have declined steadily in the U.S. over the years, with people waiting until they are older to marry. The median age for men to get married for the first time is now 30.2, up from 26, and for women, it has risen from 25.1 in 2000 to 28.4 today. Despite the decline, marriage remains a bedrock of American society, and the state of marriage varies considerably across the country.
The National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have launched a new heat risk system that uses a seven-day forecast and a color-coded scale to alert Americans to dangerous heat conditions. The system includes five categories: pale green (little to no risk), yellow (minor risk), orange (moderate risk), red (major risk), and magenta (deadliest risk). The system is based on science-set numerical thresholds that take into account local weather data, climatology, and health data. Heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States, and the new system is designed to help reduce deaths by providing better warnings and planning tools.
The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have partnered to launch HeatRisk, an experimental heat tool designed to provide real-time heat risk information and forecasts. This tool aims to help communities and individuals stay informed and take necessary precautions to mitigate heat-related illnesses and deaths.
