New CDC research shows wastewater sampling can predict outbreaks early. Scientists simulated pathogen monitoring in sewer systems. They found wastewater tracking detects viruses and bacteria before they spread widely.
A separate Nature study simulated wastewater sampling from airplanes. It showed this method detects pandemics two months earlier than current protocols. Researchers suggest monitoring 20 major airports to track new diseases.
A new CDC study suggests humans can spread bird flu to cats. Researchers examined two feline cases in Michigan from May 2024. Both cats lived with farm workers exposed to infected dairy cattle. The virus proved fatal in each case.
Both cats were indoor pets and showed severe illness. Symptoms included respiratory distress and neurological issues. The study raises concerns about the virus spreading between species. Scientists are monitoring the risk to other animals.
The bird flu virus is mutating quickly and spreading more among mammals. Officials reported the first known case of bird flu in a sheep. This is the first time bird flu has been found in that species.
New research shows the virus is changing faster than before. These changes make current antibodies less effective against infection. As a result, bird flu now poses a greater threat to animals. Experts say the risk to humans is also rising with each mutation.
Tuberculosis is becoming a more serious global health problem. TB infections in children rose 10% in Europe last year. Reported TB cases also increased in the U.S. last year.
An outbreak began in January 2024 in Kansas City, Kansas. TB kills more than 1 million people worldwide every year. The growing threat poses greater risk to poorer countries.
Recent U.S. aid cuts have disrupted global TB treatment programs. The Trump administration’s cuts weakened support for international TB work. Many global TB efforts depend heavily on U.S. financial aid.
Two new studies link black-legged ticks to red meat allergy. This condition is called alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS for short. People with AGS react after eating meat from mammals.
AGS was once only linked to bites from lone star ticks. As spring temperatures rise, insect activity increases across the country. Climate change is also pushing many bug species farther to the north.
