Latest news with #AndreaGarcia
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Whooping cough cases soar by 1,500% leaving two dead and health experts concerned it could be next outbreak
State and local health officials are seeing skyrocketing cases of whooping cough, and experts are sounding the alarm it could join the outbreak of measles in impacting thousands of Americans. Cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection have reportedly risen by more than 1,500 percent nationwide since 2021. Cases of whooping cough have been high in measles-stricken Texas, with the Laredo Public Health Department reporting more cases there than all of last year. 'We've seen more cases of whooping cough this year in Laredo than in the past few years,' Dr. Richard Chamberlain, director of Laredo Public Health told The Laredo Morning Times. 'This isn't just happening in Laredo; other places in Texas are also seeing more cases. Right now, we're keeping a close eye on it. There's no need to panic, but it's important to stay informed and take simple steps to help keep everyone safe.' Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily impacts babies younger than one year old and can cause serious complications, including life-threatening pauses in breathing. Deaths from whooping cough are also on the rise, according to a recent report in ProPublica. Within the past six months, two infants have died in Louisiana – the first such deaths since 2018. 'Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by family members or caregivers who may not even know they are carrying the bacteria,' the Louisiana Office of the Surgeon General noted earlier this month. 'About half of babies younger than a year old who get whooping cough will need hospital care.' The Gulf Coast state has seen 110 cases in 2025. Last year, state health authorities reported 154 cases for the entire year. In North Carolina, 166 cases have been identified throughout the state so far, WITN reported, and WXYZ said there have been 520 cases in Michigan. Across the nation, there was a sharp spike in cases last year, with the number rising markedly from 7,063 in 2023 to 35,435 in 2024. There were 10 people – the majority of whom were under one year old – who died. Single-digit deaths had been reported in the three prior years, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. 'It's the highest number in more than a decade. In the few years prior to the pandemic, for example, we were seeing roughly between 15,000 and 19,000 cases. So, like in Louisiana, this rise in cases nationwide is something to keep an eye on and to be concerned about,' American Medical Association Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health Dr. Andrea Garcia. There is a way to stave off whooping cough, which is also known as pertussis. The best way to prevent the contagious respiratory illness is through vaccination, although protection wanes over time. Without the vaccine, infants younger than a year old who contract pertussis are at risk of developing pneumonia, seizures and other complications. Some babies with whooping cough may struggle to breathe – but others may experience symptoms like it's a common cold. Experts tie recent outbreaks to populations with no or reduced protection amid declining vaccination rates. "When you start to see these outbreaks … it tends to be as a result of that increased circulation of the microbe in the community, as well as populations with no immunity or reduced immunity that are susceptible to the infection," Dr. Lisa Morici, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, told CIDRAP. 'This is not just measles,' Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious diseases doctor in New York City, told ProPublica. 'It's a bright-red warning light.'
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Whooping cough cases soar by 1,500% leaving two dead and health experts concerned it could be next outbreak
State and local health are seeing skyrocketing cases of whooping cough, and experts are sounding the alarm it could join the outbreak of measles in impacting thousands of Americans. Cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection have reportedly risen by more than 1,500 percent nationwide since 2021. Cases of whopping cough have been high in measles-stricken Texas, with the Laredo Public Health Department reporting more cases there than all of last year. 'We've seen more cases of whooping cough this year in Laredo than in the past few years,' Dr. Richard Chamberlain, director of Laredo Public Health told The Laredo Morning Times. 'This isn't just happening in Laredo; other places in Texas are also seeing more cases. Right now, we're keeping a close eye on it. There's no need to panic, but it's important to stay informed and take simple steps to help keep everyone safe.' Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily impacts babies younger than one year old and can cause serious complications, including life-threatening pauses in breathing. Deaths from whooping cough are also on the rise, according to a recent report in ProPublica. Within the past six months, two infants have died in Louisiana – the first such deaths since 2018. 'Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by family members or caregivers who may not even know they are carrying the bacteria,' the Louisiana Office of the Surgeon General noted earlier this month. 'About half of babies younger than a year old who get whooping cough will need hospital care.' The Gulf Coast state has seen 110 cases in 2025. Last year, state health authorities reported 154 cases for the entire year. In North Carolina, 166 cases have been identified throughout the state so far, WITN reported, and WXYZ said there have been 520 cases in Michigan. Across the nation, there was a sharp spike in cases last year, with the number rising markedly from 7,063 in 2023 to 35,435 in 2024. There were 10 people – the majority of whom were under one year old – who died. Single-digit deaths had been reported in the three prior years, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. 'It's the highest number in more than a decade. In the few years prior to the pandemic, for example, we were seeing roughly between 15,000 and 19,000 cases. So, like in Louisiana, this rise in cases nationwide is something to keep an eye on and to be concerned about,' American Medical Association Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health Dr. Andrea Garcia. There is a way to stave off whooping cough, which is also known as pertussis. The best way to prevent the contagious respiratory illness is through vaccination, although protection wanes over time. Without the vaccine, infants younger than a year old who contract pertussis are at risk of developing pneumonia, seizures and other complications. Some babies with whooping cough may struggle to breathe – but others may experience symptoms like it's a common cold. Experts tie recent outbreaks to populations with no or reduced protection amid declining vaccination rates. "When you start to see these outbreaks … it tends to be as a result of that increased circulation of the microbe in the community, as well as populations with no immunity or reduced immunity that are susceptible to the infection," Dr. Lisa Morici, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, told CIDRAP. 'This is not just measles,' Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious diseases doctor in New York City, told ProPublica. 'It's a bright-red warning light.'
The Independent
15-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Whooping cough cases soar by 1,500% leaving two dead and health experts concerned it could be next outbreak
State and local health are seeing skyrocketing cases of whooping cough, and experts are sounding the alarm it could join the outbreak of measles in impacting thousands of Americans. Cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection have reportedly risen by more than 1,500 percent nationwide since 2021. Cases of whopping cough have been high in measles-stricken Texas, with the Laredo Public Health Department reporting more cases there than all of last year. 'We've seen more cases of whooping cough this year in Laredo than in the past few years,' Dr. Richard Chamberlain, director of Laredo Public Health told The Laredo Morning Times. 'This isn't just happening in Laredo; other places in Texas are also seeing more cases. Right now, we're keeping a close eye on it. There's no need to panic, but it's important to stay informed and take simple steps to help keep everyone safe.' Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily impacts babies younger than one year old and can cause serious complications, including life-threatening pauses in breathing. Deaths from whooping cough are also on the rise, according to a recent report in ProPublica. Within the past six months, two infants have died in Louisiana – the first such deaths since 2018. 'Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by family members or caregivers who may not even know they are carrying the bacteria,' the Louisiana Office of the Surgeon General noted earlier this month. 'About half of babies younger than a year old who get whooping cough will need hospital care.' The Gulf Coast state has seen 110 cases in 2025. Last year, state health authorities reported 154 cases for the entire year. In North Carolina, 166 cases have been identified throughout the state so far, WITN reported, and WXYZ said there have been 520 cases in Michigan. Across the nation, there was a sharp spike in cases last year, with the number rising markedly from 7,063 in 2023 to 35,435 in 2024. There were 10 people – the majority of whom were under one year old – who died. Single-digit deaths had been reported in the three prior years, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. 'It's the highest number in more than a decade. In the few years prior to the pandemic, for example, we were seeing roughly between 15,000 and 19,000 cases. So, like in Louisiana, this rise in cases nationwide is something to keep an eye on and to be concerned about,' American Medical Association Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health Dr. Andrea Garcia. There is a way to stave off whooping cough, which is also known as pertussis. The best way to prevent the contagious respiratory illness is through vaccination, although protection wanes over time. Without the vaccine, infants younger than a year old who contract pertussis are at risk of developing pneumonia, seizures and other complications. Some babies with whooping cough may struggle to breathe – but others may experience symptoms like it's a common cold. Experts tie recent outbreaks to populations with no or reduced protection amid declining vaccination rates. "When you start to see these outbreaks … it tends to be as a result of that increased circulation of the microbe in the community, as well as populations with no immunity or reduced immunity that are susceptible to the infection," Dr. Lisa Morici, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, told CIDRAP. 'This is not just measles,' Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious diseases doctor in New York City, told ProPublica. 'It's a bright-red warning light.'
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nevada Resident Infected with New Strain of Bird Flu: 'We're Gonna Have Another Influenza Pandemic'
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that a Nevada resident has been infected with a new strain of the bird flu. On Feb. 10, the Central Nevada Health District (CNHD) reported a case of the bird flu (highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI) in a worker who had exposure to infected dairy cattle at a farm in Churchill County. Health officials said the dairy worker's illness was mild, they were not hospitalized and have since recovered. The patient reportedly had the D1.1 strain of bird flu, differing from the B3.13, which is the strain of the virus that has resulted in the majority of human infections in the United States. This new strain was first confirmed in Nevada cattle on Jan. 31 after the virus was detected in milk collected for monitoring purposes in December. The latest development raises concerns about whether dairy cows may be more susceptible to the bird flu, which would increase the risk of cow-to-human transmission. 'Some experts do fear that it could mark a new chapter in the outbreak or that bird flu may become endemic in the U.S.,' Andrea Garcia — vice president of science, medicine and public health at the American Medical Association — said during a news brief on Feb. 10. 'This is something we are continuing to very closely follow.' Related: What to Know About the Bird Flu amid the Current Outbreak Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'That's a big deal,' Michael Osterholm — infectious disease expert and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota — told NBC of the virus being found in more cows. 'We're gonna have another influenza pandemic, and when it happens, we shouldn't be surprised,' he added. However, the CDC and CNHD said the public health risk for the general public remains low, while noting that 'people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.' Those at greater risk are encouraged to avoid touching sick or dead animals, and ensure that they are not eating uncooked or undercooked food. Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, according to the CDC. Last Month, health officials announced the first death in the United States linked to the bird flu. The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed on Jan. 6 that a 65-year-old man died from the virus after exposure to 'a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.' The World Health Organization previously called the current outbreak a 'significant public health concern.' However, the agency does not currently list the bird flu outbreak as a global health emergency. Read the original article on People
The Independent
11-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Nevada confirms first human case of new bird flu strain from infected dairy herd
A Nevada dairy worker has become the first human known to be infected with a new version of bird flu from a dairy herd. The flu strain (D1.1), which has been circulating in wild birds, is different from the version that has been spreading in American dairy herds since last year, federal health officials said Monday. It's also different from the strain of the virus (B3.13) that has caused the majority of human infections in the U.S. D1.1 has a mutation that could make the virus spread more easily in mammals. 'That's a big deal,' said Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, reported NBC News. Some experts fear that it could mark a new chapter in the outbreak, or that bird flu may become endemic in the U.S.,' warned Andrea Garcia, vice president of science, medicine and public health at the American Medical Association. 'This is something we are continuing to very closely follow.' The dairy worker is Nevada's 'first and only human case of avian influenza' in an adult who was exposed to infected dairy cattle while working at a dairy farm, state health officials said in a statement. 'There is currently no evidence of person to person spread of this virus,' the statement added. 'While the current public health risk for the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows ... are at higher risk,' warned health officials. The Nevada dairy worker's illness was considered mild, but is the latest indication of a mutating disease infecting humans. The dairy worker's main symptom was eye redness and irritation. The person, who was not identified, wasn't hospitalized and has recovered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Close contacts of the infected dairy worker are being closely monitored. The H5N1 strain of bird flu had been seen before in more than a dozen people exposed to poultry. But this is the first time an infection was traced to a cow that then jumped to a human. The Nevada dairy worker was exposed at a farm in Churchill County, in the west central part of the state, state health officials said. CDC officials said there is no evidence the virus has spread from the dairy worker to anyone else. Another version of bird flu known as B3.13 was confirmed in March after spreading to cattle in late 2023, according to scientists. It has infected 962 cattle herds in 16 states, the vast majority of them in California. The D1.1 strain was confirmed in Nevada cattle the last day of January. It was found in milk collected as part of a monitoring program launched in December. That discovery meant that distinct forms of the virus spread from wild birds into cattle at least twice. Experts said it raises questions about a wider spread and the difficulty of controlling infections in animals and the people who work with them. At least 68 people in the U.S. have been reported infected with bird flu in the last year, according to CDC data. All but a small handful worked closely with cows or poultry. Most caught the B3.13 version. The CDC previously said the D1.1 version had been seen only in cases in Louisiana and Washington state. But on Monday, the agency revealed that available data indicates D1.1 last year likely infected a total of 15 people in five states – Iowa, Louisiana, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin – all related to poultry. The D1.1 version of the virus was linked to the first U.S. death tied to bird flu and to a severe illness in Canada. A person in Louisiana died in January after developing severe respiratory symptoms following contact with wild and backyard birds. In British Columbia, a teen girl was hospitalized for months with a virus traced to poultry. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered a temporary closure of live-poultry markets after bird flu was detected in the outer boroughs of New York City. The order, signed by Hochul on Friday, requires the markets to close down between February 7-14 as facilities undergo a complete disinfection process, whether the markets have had cases of bird flu or not.
