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Virus

‘Zombie’ Rabbits With Bizarre Horns Alarm, Confuse Colorado Residents ‘Zombie’ Rabbits With Bizarre Horns Alarm, Confuse Colorado Residents
‘Zombie’ Rabbits With Bizarre Horns Alarm, Confuse Colorado Residents A parade of so-called “zombie” rabbits sporting hornlike growths has sparked confusion and concern in Colorado. Wildlife officials say there’s no cause for alarm. These unusual creatures are simply living with a harmless, century-old virus. Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed this week that several cottontail rabbits in Fort Collins have been spotted with strange, horn-like projections on their heads and faces. The culprit: Shope papillomavirus, a common and naturally occurring virus in wild rabbits that causes wart-like growths which can resemble horns or even tentacles. Though the app…
Rabies Declared 'Imminent Public Health Threat' In Nassau County Rabies Declared 'Imminent Public Health Threat' In Nassau County
Rabies Declared 'Imminent Public Health Threat' In Nassau County Nassau County health officials have declared an “imminent public health threat” over rabies. Officials made the formal declaration Tuesday, July 22, after confirming two dozen rabies cases among raccoons and feral cats. At least 25 rabid animals have been confirmed since July 2024, marking a troubling return of a virus that had previously been eradicated from the area in 2016, according to the Nassau County Department of Health. “The resurgence of rabies in Nassau County, with its high population density and after nearly a decade of absence, represents a serious and evolving public health …
West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes In Orangetown West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes In Orangetown
West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes In Orangetown A pool of mosquitoes in a Rockland County town has tested positive for West Nile Virus, health officials said.  The mosquitoes were collected in a surveillance trap in the Town of Orangetown during the week of Monday, June 30, the Rockland County Department of Health announced on Tuesday, July 15. The sample was sent to the state for testing on Monday, July 7, and confirmed positive by the New York State Department of Health. So far this year, 183 mosquito pools have been submitted for testing. No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Rockland this season. The most rece…
Measles Exposure Alert Issued In DC, Maryland, Virginia After Infected Traveler Visits Region Measles Exposure Alert Issued In DC, Maryland, Virginia After Infected Traveler Visits Region
Measles Exposure Alert Issued In DC, Maryland, Virginia After Infected Traveler Visits Region A confirmed case of measles in a traveler has sparked a regional health alert in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. DC Health is warning residents of possible measles exposure after an international traveler visited multiple high-traffic areas across the DMV earlier this month. The infected person visited airports, Metro stations, buses, a school in Chevy Chase, and a pediatric clinic in DC, officials announced. The public may have been exposed on the following dates and times: June 8, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Dulles International Airport, Concourse A to baggage claim; June 8, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m…
Mysterious Illness Claims 53 Lives In Africa With Many Dying Hours After Onset Of Symptoms Mysterious Illness Claims 53 Lives In Africa With Many Dying Hours After Onset Of Symptoms
Mysterious Illness Claims 53 Lives In Africa With Many Dying Hours After Onset Of Symptoms A mysterious illness has led to 53 fatalities, with many dying within hours of developing symptoms.  The outbreak in Central Africa has emerged in a northwestern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify the situation as "a significant public health threat." Frontline medics from the WHO have reported hundreds of cases, revealing a chillingly brief timeline from symptom onset to death.  Since the outbreak began on Tuesday, Jan. 21, there have been 419 reported cases and 53 deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of 12.49 p…
New Coronavirus Resembling COVID-19 Discovered In Bats In China New Coronavirus Resembling COVID-19 Discovered In Bats In China
New Coronavirus Resembling Covid-19 Discovered In Bats In China A coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been discovered in bats in China. Lab studies at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China show it may have the potential to infect humans. The HKU5-CoV-2 virus resembles COVID because it targets the same human receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), according to research published in the scientific journal Cell. The virus doesn't enter human cells as easily as COVID, the researchers said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday, Feb. 24 that there is no reason to believe…
Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know
Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know With data showing a significant rise in flu cases nationwide, medical experts are describing it as the worst flu season since before the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been over 24 million flu cases nationwide this season, a 10 percent increase over last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Overall flu-related hospital visits are up 25 percent. During this season, there have been 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including at least 55 children. Hospitalizations due to flu also rose, with 8,905 new admissions reported for the week ending S…
New Bird Flu Strain Detected In US Dairy Cattle Sparking Concerns Of Spread New Bird Flu Strain Detected In US Dairy Cattle Sparking Concerns Of Spread
New Bird Flu Strain Detected In US Dairy Cattle Sparking Concerns Of Spread A new strain of bird flu has been detected in US dairy cattle, raising concerns about its potential transmission and impact on livestock and public health. The USDA confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, genotype D1.1, was found in dairy cows in Nevada following routine milk testing. This marks the first time this specific genotype has been identified in cattle. Previous cases in dairy herds involved a different strain, known as genotype B3.13.  According to the USDA, genotype D1.1 has been prevalent among wild birds, mammals, and domestic poultry across North …
Backyard Flock Quarantined, Depopulated After Bird Flu Detected In Montgomery County Backyard Flock Quarantined, Depopulated After Bird Flu Detected In Montgomery County
Backyard Flock Quarantined, Depopulated After Bird Flu Detected In Montgomery County A highly contagious strain of avian influenza has been detected in a Montgomery County backyard flock, prompting quarantines and immediate depopulation of affected birds, state officials announced. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI), a deadly airborne virus that spreads easily among birds. Maryland Department of Agriculture officials have taken swift action to prevent further spread, ensuring that birds from the infected flock will not enter the food system. Final confirmation from the US Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinar…
Rabies Alert: Charles County Warns Of Outbreak After Two Wildlife Cases Confirmed Rabies Alert: Charles County Warns Of Outbreak After Two Wildlife Cases Confirmed
Rabies Alert: Charles County Warns Of Outbreak After Two Wildlife Cases Confirmed Officials in Charles County are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant after two animals tested positive for rabies in the La Plata and Dentsville areas over the past month. The Charles County Department of Health reported a rabid raccoon near Charles Street and Penns Hill Road on Dec. 22, 2024, then on Thursday, Jan. 9, a fox in the vicinity of Cooksey Road and Penns Hill Road also tested positive for the deadly virus. “Rabies is a disease of animals and people,” health officials warned.  The virus is spread through the saliva of a rabid animal, they said. Usually this occu…
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are surging across the United States, with healthcare systems feeling the strain as more people seek care for these conditions.  The CDC reported on Monday, Jan. 13 that the nation is experiencing high levels of acute respiratory illnesses, with young children and older adults particularly affected. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas, fueled by rising emergency department visits, elevated lab test positivity, and high levels of virus detected in wastewater.  Influenza remains widespread, while RSV activity …
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know About HMPV This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know About HMPV
This Virus With No Vaccine Causes Symptoms Similar To Cold: Here's What To Know About Hmpv A virus causing cold-like symptoms is making its seasonal rounds, and health officials are urging everyone to take preventive measures.  With no vaccines or specific treatments currently available, vigilance is key to avoiding infection of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is key. HMPV, according to the Cleveland Clinic, usually causes symptoms similar to a cold, such as coughing, a runny nose, or a sore throat.  However, certain groups—young children, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for severe complications, including lung infe…
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Health officials have confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 18 saying the infection was diagnosed on Friday, Dec. 13, following contact the patient made with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. The case was reported in Louisiana and marks the first H5N1 case in the US linked to exposure to backyard poultry.  Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. H5 is generally less severe than…
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
Third Groundhog Tests Positive For Rabies Within Same Quarter-Mile Area In Frederick County Third Groundhog Tests Positive For Rabies Within Same Quarter-Mile Area In Frederick County
Third Groundhog Tests Positive For Rabies Within Same Quarter-Mile Area In Frederick County For the third time in as many months, a groundhog has tested positive for rabies in Frederick County in the same neighborhood, this time after getting in a fight with a dog, health officials are cautioning. An alert was issued on Tuesday, Oct. 8 cautioning that the animal collected in the Willowcrest neighborhood in Frederick last week tested positive for the virus, the third to test positive for rabies in a quarter-mile area in the last three months. Google Maps satellite view "Finding this many rabid animals a short distance from each other and over a short period of time is unusua…
Sun River Health Doctor Discusses Hepatitis A, B, C Sun River Health Doctor Discusses Hepatitis A, B, C
Sun River Health Doctor Discusses Hepatitis A, B, C Hepatitis is a general term used to describe liver inflammation that occurs for different reasons, including infections, toxin-related damage from drugs and alcohol, genetic disorders, or a dysfunctional immune system. The most common types of hepatitis are known as hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis infections need to be diagnosed, monitored, and treated. Viral hepatitis could result in serious liver damage. Fortunately, blood tests can quickly determine if you have a viral infection. What are the symptoms of hepatitis? Symptoms during the early part of infection can be mild and vague. Som…
Horse Dies In Newburgh From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes Horse Dies In Newburgh From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes
Horse Dies In Newburgh From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes A horse has died in the region from a rare brain disease spread by mosquitoes that can also infect people. The Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) reports a horse in the town of Newburgh died late last week of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).  The diagnosis was confirmed in test results released by the New York State Department of Health. Officials said the horse had not been vaccinated for EEE and did not travel outside the County. EEE is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection spread by mosquitoes. It can infect people and horses.  It causes encephalit…
West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes On Long Island; Here's How To Protect Yourself West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes On Long Island; Here's How To Protect Yourself
West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes On Long Island; Here's How To Protect Yourself Health officials on Long Island are urging people to take precautions after testing of mosquitoes confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus. Twelve mosquito samples were positive for the virus following testing done at locations around Suffolk County, according to county Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott. The samples were collected on Sunday, July 2, and Monday, July 3, in Northport, Melville, West Babylon, Lindenhurst, Holbrook, Holtsville, North Patchogue, Farmingville, and Manorville. It brings the total number of positive mosquito samples this year to 16. “The confirmation of Wes…
COVID-19: New LB.1 Variant Sees Climb In Infections Amid Nationwide Uptick In Cases COVID-19: New LB.1 Variant Sees Climb In Infections Amid Nationwide Uptick In Cases
Covid-19: New LB.1 Variant Sees Climb In Infections Amid Nationwide Uptick In Cases Cases of a new COVID-19 variant are on the rise nationally as the spread of the virus overall is climbing, according to brand-new data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The highly contagious variant, LB.1, now accounts for 17.5 percent of US cases in the two weeks ending Saturday, June 22. LB.1 cases have more than doubled since May, and some experts think it could be on a path to surpass two offshoots of the highly contagious Omicron variant who are part of the so-called "FLiRT" group: KP.3 and KP. 2. Combined, those two subvariants account for mo…
Measles Exposure Possible At This New Jersey Hospital, Health Department Warns Measles Exposure Possible At This New Jersey Hospital, Health Department Warns
Measles Exposure Possible At This New Jersey Hospital, Health Department Warns The New Jersey Health Department is warning residents of a potential measles exposure at a Central Jersey hospital. The department said anyone who visited the emergency room at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro between noon and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 may have been exposed to the virus. The confirmed case was Somerset County resident who developed measles following travel from a country that is currently experiencing an ongoing outbreak of measles. Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between thr…
Raccoons Infected With Rabies Found In Two Separate Maryland Towns, Health Officials Say Raccoons Infected With Rabies Found In Two Separate Maryland Towns, Health Officials Say
Raccoons Infected With Rabies Found In Two Separate Maryland Towns, Health Officials Say Despite the county’s best efforts to immunize them against the virus, a pair of raccoons have tested positive for rabies in two separate towns within two days in Anne Arundel County. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health issued alerts this week after confirming cases of rabies in Crownsville and Laurel that were located on Sunday, Nov. 13, and Thursday, Nov. 15. In Crownsville, the first raccoon was recovered near the intersection of Maple Hill Lane and Echo Cove Drive on Sunday. In Laurel, the raccoon that tested positive was discovered in the 3200 block of Laurel Fort Meade Road o…
Sun River Health Infectious Disease Specialist Shares Tips On Navigating Monkeypox Sun River Health Infectious Disease Specialist Shares Tips On Navigating Monkeypox
Sun River Health Infectious Disease Specialist Shares Tips On Navigating Monkeypox With news stories on monkeypox cases rising in New York, especially in New York City, many are concerned about how this disease is spread, how to recognize it, and how to prevent it. What is monkeypox? The monkeypox virus belongs to the pox group of viruses. This group also includes smallpox, but it is important to note that monkeypox is not the same as smallpox. Monkeypox also has nothing to do with chickenpox, which is part of a different family of viruses. What are the symptoms of monkeypox? The monkeypox virus incubates for between five and 21 days before presenting with fever, chill…
COVID-19: Here's New Breakdown Of Massachusetts Cases By County COVID-19: Here's New Breakdown Of Massachusetts Cases By County
Covid-19: Here's New Breakdown Of Massachusetts Cases By County The number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts continues to increase as the death toll mounts across the state amid what some fear could slowly become a potential fourth wave of the virus. In the latest data released by the state Department of Health, there were 2,252 new COVID-19 cases, which resulted in 36 newly reported virus-related deaths. There were nearly 32,000 active COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts as of Thursday, April 1, up more than 250 from earlier in the week. Younger residents in Massachusetts have seen the largest number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in state laboratories sinc…
COVID-19: CDC Unveils Highly-Anticipated Guidelines For Those Who Are Fully Vaccinated COVID-19: CDC Unveils Highly-Anticipated Guidelines For Those Who Are Fully Vaccinated
Covid-19: CDC Unveils Highly-Anticipated Guidelines For Those Who Are Fully Vaccinated The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has just issued its first guidance for fully vaccinated people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who currently count as fully vaccinated are those who have gotten two separate shots of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines with the second shot coming at least two weeks ago. The rollout for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine started last week. According to the CDC guidance released late Monday morning, March 8, fully vaccinated people should still: Maintain physical distance in public and wear a well-fitted mask Avoid large- and…
COVID-19: New Deaths Reported In Dutchess; Here's The Latest Breakdown Of Cases By Community COVID-19: New Deaths Reported In Dutchess; Here's The Latest Breakdown Of Cases By Community
Covid-19: New Deaths Reported In Dutchess; Here's The Latest Breakdown Of Cases By Community The number of active COVID-19 cases in Dutchess is getting closer to 1,000 as the death toll in the county rose slightly in the past week as the county recovers from the second surge of the virus. Dutchess health officials were monitoring 1,080 active COVID-19 cases on Friday, March 5, down from 1,177 last week, but up from approximately 800 in late February. According to the Department of Health, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Dutchess has reached 22,678 out of nearly 550,000 tests that have been administered countywide. In the past week, six new virus-related deaths were repor…
COVID-19: CT Sees Increase In Hospitalizations; Brand-New Breakdown By Community, County COVID-19: CT Sees Increase In Hospitalizations; Brand-New Breakdown By Community, County
Covid-19: CT Sees Increase In Hospitalizations; Brand-New Breakdown By Community, County Dozens of new COVID-19 patients were administered to Connecticut hospitals over the weekend, as the state continues to contend with the “holiday surge” of new cases of the virus. In his latest COVID-19 briefing, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said that there were 85,344 COVID-19 tests administered over the weekend, resulting in 4,516 new positive cases as the positive infection rate held steady at approximately 5.25 percent. A total of 55 new COVID-19 patients were hospitalized for treatment of the virus, bringing the total to 1,111 in Connecticut. There were 69 newly confirmed virus-related d…
COVID-19: 'January Is Going To Be Terrible,' Fauci Says In New Interview COVID-19: 'January Is Going To Be Terrible,' Fauci Says In New Interview
Covid-19: 'January Is Going To Be Terrible,' Fauci Says In New Interview Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the world’s leading experts on infectious diseases, didn’t mince words when talking about the country’s future in combating COVID-19 in the New Year. “January is going to be terrible,” Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the White House COVID-19 task force said in an interview with Newsweek on the same day the United States broke some more new virus-related records. Citing the 37-day holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Fauci said that January could be the worst of the outbreak, which has…
COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Rundown Of Westchester Cases By Municipality COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Rundown Of Westchester Cases By Municipality
Covid-19: Here's Brand-New Rundown Of Westchester Cases By Municipality With many concerned about a possible second wave of COVID-19 cases, Westchester has seen the number of new cases stabilize after rising, though the numbers are still greater than they were over the summer. For the second straight day, there were 116 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the state Department of Health, though the positivity rate of those being tested has been on the decline. There have now been more than 500,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in New York.  Since the virus was first reported in Westchester seven months ago, there have now been 40,554 confirmed COVID ca…