Dr. Anthony Fauci’s security detail is being scaled back after years of U.S. Marshals protection. This comes amidst criticism from Republicans over his continued security detail and his recent congressional testimony where he defended pandemic-era restrictions.
Recent bird flu infections in Mexico and India have raised concerns about the potential for a pandemic. We spoke to Dr. Shahid Jameel, a leading virologist, to understand the threat posed by bird flu viruses to humans. He explains the transmission pathways, the role of the immune system, and the potential for adaptation of the virus to mammals. Dr. Jameel also discusses the availability of vaccines and the possibility of long-term effects.
New York City’s tourist tax revenue has rebounded above pre-pandemic levels, largely driven by a surge in domestic visitors. Despite a decline in international and business travel, the city welcomed 62.2 million visitors in 2023, generating a record $4.9 billion in tourism-related tax revenue. While the industry is still below pre-pandemic employment levels, New York City remains the top tourist destination in the United States.
Marriage rates have increased in the US since the pandemic, but New Jersey continues to have low marriage rates, ranking fifth-worst in the country. Despite the rebound, the overall trend is a decline in marriage as adults wait longer to tie the knot. Nevada remains the state with the highest marriage rate, while New Jersey has experienced a significant decline since 2000. Factors such as busy schedules, career focus, and fear of divorce have contributed to the decline in marriage rates among young adults in New Jersey.
A highly pathogenic strain of bird flu has infected tens of thousands of birds and has begun to spread among mammals, including a dairy worker in Texas. The virus, known as H5N1, can mutate and spread among humans, raising concerns about a potential pandemic. While the current threat to public health remains low, experts urge swift action to prevent the virus from becoming more widespread.
A recent study has revealed an alarming increase in alcohol-related hospitalizations among women ages 40-64 during the pandemic. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, found that women within this age range were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for alcohol abuse, with increases ranging from 33.3% to 56%.
According to a recent study, the most likely cause of the next pandemic is a type of flu virus. This is supported by the findings of a survey conducted among infectious disease experts worldwide, with 57% of them ranking influenza as the primary threat. Experts also identified Disease X, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and Ebola viruses as other potential pandemic triggers.
