Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been detected in both cows and humans in the United States for the first time. The strain of bird flu involved is highly pathogenic H5N1, which causes severe disease in birds and can be fatal. While the risk to the general public is considered low, health officials are calling for increased monitoring of infected animals and people exposed to them.
The National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have launched a new heat risk system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors to provide a seven-day forecast of heat risk, color-coded for easy comprehension. The system introduces magenta as the deadliest of five heat threat categories, indicating extreme heat with little to no overnight relief. The heat risk categories range from pale green (little to no risk) to yellow (minor risk), orange (moderate risk), red (major risk), and magenta (deadliest risk). The system relies on science-based numerical thresholds to determine heat risk levels and considers local weather data, climatology, and health data. The CDC and Weather Service websites provide access to the heat risk tool, allowing users to enter their ZIP code for localized information. The system aims to simplify heat risk communication and enhance preparedness and planning to reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths as climate change intensifies heat waves.
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%.
The Karnataka High Court has upheld the state government’s ban on hookahs, ruling that they fall under the definition of an illegal ‘service’ under India’s anti-tobacco law.
The Environment Ministry has implemented a new special alert system to safeguard people from extreme heat until October 23. This system issues alerts for prefectures when the heat index is expected to reach 35 or higher at all monitoring points, indicating potentially dangerous heat conditions. Individuals are strongly advised to prioritize air conditioning usage and minimize outdoor activities during these alerts.
The Los Angeles County Public Health Department has issued an advisory for beachgoers to avoid all water contact at three beaches in the region: Santa Monica Canyon Creek, Marie Canyon Storm Drain and Puerco Beach, and Inner Cabrillo Beach. High levels of bacteria have deteriorated the ocean water quality in these areas, posing a potential health risk. The health department advises against swimming or wading in these waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, and rivers. Regular testing of ocean water bacteria levels is conducted, and advisories will be lifted once the levels meet state standards. For the latest information on beach closures and warnings, visit the L.A. County Department of Health’s website or call the hotline at 1-800-525-5662.
This summer, people across the U.S. will have a new way to keep track of dangerous heat headed their way through a new heat warning system called HeatRisk. The tool, developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will be used by National Weather Service offices across the country to give people an understanding of when heat goes from uncomfortable to dangerous.
The article highlights the resilience of Flint’s youth despite experiencing the Flint water crisis. Young activists like Cruz Duhart, Sima Gutierrez, and Asia Donald have dedicated themselves to bringing awareness to the ongoing struggles of their city, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for positive change.
Growing up amidst the Flint water crisis, young activists have faced challenges and trauma. Despite ongoing struggles, they are determined to make a difference and change perceptions of their city. Through community involvement, advocacy, and support organizations, they are working to address systemic inequalities and improve the lives of Flint residents.
A 72-year-old immunocompromised man in Amsterdam battled COVID for 613 days, allowing the virus to mutate into a highly evolved and deadly variant. The case highlights the risks of persistent infection in immunocompromised individuals and the importance of genomic surveillance.
