AP News reports that a Washington state resident has been diagnosed with H5N5 bird flu, marking the first human case in the nation since February. This is the first known human infection with this specific strain of bird flu. Health officials have stated that the H5N5 virus is not considered a greater threat to human health than the H5N1 virus. The infected individual, who has underlying health conditions, had exposure to domestic poultry which is believed to be the most likely source of the infection.
Read More
Scientists have constructed a 37,000-year timeline of human infections by analyzing ancient DNA from 1,313 individuals, revealing 214 pathogens. This research, led by Eske Willerslev, shows that the transition to farming around 6,500 years ago coincided with the emergence of zoonotic diseases. The study highlights how pathogens, like the plague bacterium, emerged and evolved, shaping human history and genetic variations through waves of infections linked to migrations and the domestication of animals. Furthermore, this ancient data provides valuable insights for modern medicine, aiding in the understanding of vaccine development and anticipating future mutations.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker