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New study reveals hidden spread of C. diff in intensive care units

One of the most common health care-associated infections spreads within intensive care units (ICUs) more than three times more than previously thought, new research has found.

4 Apr 2025

How perception of risk affects COVID-19 infections in aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel

One category of first responders had close, daily contact with travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic: aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel.

11 Mar 2025

Cambridge launches program to tackle engineered pandemic risks

Covid-19 showed us how vulnerable the world is to pandemics – but what if the next pandemic were somehow engineered? How would the world respond – and could we stop it happening in the first place?

27 Feb 2025

WHO Director-General issues revised recommendations on mpox emergency

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), following the third meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024, held on 25 February 2025, from 12:00 to 17:00 CET, concurs with its advice that the event continues to meet the criteria of a public health emergency of international concern and, considering the advice of the Committee, he is hereby issuing a revised set of temporary recommendations.

27 Feb 2025

New tool improves TB isolation decisions and streamlines workflows

Patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB) require special precautions in healthcare facilities, and cases of TB have been rising in the US over the past several years.

3 Feb 2025

Innovative TB risk scoring tool enhances patient care and workflow

Caitlin Dugdale, MD, MSc, and Kimon Zachary, MD, physicians in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and assistant professors of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, are co-lead authors of a new study in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, TB or Not TB? Development and Validation of a Clinical Decision Support System for the Evaluation of Suspected Tuberculosis.

29 Jan 2025

Mild avian flu cases in US spark safety warnings for poultry and dairy sectors

Researchers identify 46 mild cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) in U.S. poultry and dairy workers, highlighting low PPE adherence and potential outbreak risks.

2 Jan 2025

Public health experts outline critical steps in handling HPAI H5N1 spread

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1) remains a low risk to the general public, and public health experts in the United States believe that available treatments and vaccines, as well as those in development, are sufficient to prevent severe disease.

2 Jan 2025

Public health strategies essential for reducing airborne virus transmission

Half a decade on from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a study by the University of Surrey highlights the significant impact of combined public health measures in reducing airborne viral transmission.

20 Dec 2024

As California taps pandemic stockpile for bird flu, officials keep close eye on spending

California public health officials are dipping into state and federal stockpiles to equip up to 10,000 farmworkers with masks, gloves, goggles, and other safety gear as the state confirms at least 21 human cases of bird flu as of early November.

14 Nov 2024

New toolkit aims to help U.S. hospitals spot deadly viral hemorrhagic fevers faster and safer

Researchers develop a laboratory toolkit to assist frontline healthcare facilities or the care of patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fevers.

30 Oct 2024

Obesity increases risk of contracting COVID-19 after exposure to SARS-CoV-2

Researchers reveal that obesity also increases the risk of contracting COVID-19 following exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

11 Sep 2024

Healthcare workers unprepared for mpox outbreak due to knowledge gaps and vaccine inequity

Research highlights significant gaps in healthcare workers' knowledge of mpox during the 2022-2023 outbreaks, emphasizing the need for better global preparedness and equitable vaccine access.

27 Aug 2024

With only gloves to protect them, farmworkers say they tend sick cows amid bird flu

In early August, farmworkers gathered under a pavilion at a park here for a picnic to celebrate Farmworker Appreciation Day. One sign that this year was different from the others was the menu: Beef fajitas, tortillas, pico de gallo, chips, beans — but no chicken.

27 Aug 2024

Work-related dust exposure linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease

Exposure to dust and particles at work may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, a University of Gothenburg study shows.

21 Aug 2024

First meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee reports on mpox surge

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), having concurred with the advice offered by the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR or Regulations) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024 during its first meeting, held on 14 August 2024, has determined, on the same date, that the ongoing upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and in a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the provisions of the Regulations.

20 Aug 2024

Study links chronic noise exposure in power loom weavers to increased blood pressure

Noise exposure is a known occupational hazard in some jobs, particularly for hearing loss, physical and psychological stress, and reduced concentration.

15 Aug 2024

Masking policies prevalent in top cancer centers amid winter COVID wave

Nearly half of the nation's National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers required universal masking in key clinical areas during the winter 2023-2024 COVID-19 surge, according to a study by Tulane University researchers.

1 Aug 2024

Alarming spread of H5N1 bird flu in US dairy cattle reveals cross-species transmission dangers

Researchers discovered that the H5N1 avian influenza virus has spilled over into dairy cattle in the US, posing significant cross-species transmission risks. Their multidisciplinary study reveals the virus's evolution and its zoonotic potential, emphasizing the need for heightened biosecurity measures.

25 Jul 2024

Study warns of H5N1 avian flu risk from unpasteurized milk in dairy farms

Researchers found that the H5N1 avian influenza virus can persist in unpasteurized milk on milking equipment, posing an infection risk to dairy workers. They recommend protective gear and sanitization to prevent virus transmission.

4 Jul 2024