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.
Tanzania has confirmed two cases of Marburg virus in the Kagera region. The outbreak now includes ten cases—two confirmed and eight probable. Nine people have died, giving the outbreak a 90% fatality rate.
The WHO first reported the outbreak on January 14. Tanzania officially declared it a confirmed outbreak on January 20.
Antibiotic-resistant superbugs are a growing health threat. Nearly 5 million people die from these infections each year. Experts predict this number will rise by 70%, reaching 40 million deaths by 2050. Scientists must find new ways to stop harmful bacteria.
A new PLOS One study offers hope. Researchers found that hemolymph protein extract (HPE) from Sydney rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) can kill harmful bacteria. These proteins, called antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPPs), also help antibiotics work better. The study suggests that HPE could improve antibiotic treatments and slow resistance.
