1st human known to be infected with H5N5 strain of bird flu dies, Washington state officials say. This news, frankly, is a little unsettling. The headline itself is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases, and the potential for a virus to jump species. The Washington State Department of Health, in their news release, stated the unfortunate news: a person, an older adult with underlying health conditions, has succumbed to the H5N5 strain of avian influenza.
The good news, as health officials have emphasized, is that there is no evidence of the virus spreading between people. This is the crucial point that provides some measure of relief.… Continue reading
A person in Washington state has died from a rare strain of bird flu, identified as H5N5, marking the first human fatality from this specific strain. The individual, an older adult with underlying health conditions, had a backyard flock of poultry exposed to wild birds and developed the illness in early November. Despite the fatality, health officials emphasize that the risk to the public remains low, as no other individuals involved have tested positive for the virus and there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The CDC has also stated that the case doesn’t indicate an increased public health risk.
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Millions of dollars’ worth of HIV prevention drugs and contraceptives, purchased by USAID but now stranded in distribution centers, face imminent destruction. This follows President Trump’s January decision to halt USAID funding, a move critics deem “inconceivable” and “nuts.” The supplies, including condoms, birth control, and HIV medication, were intended for 18 countries and their disposal would exacerbate the AIDS pandemic, potentially leading to millions more deaths and orphans. The State Department has dismissed the report as “fake news,” despite expert concerns and testimonials from those affected.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker