Latest news with #MarcJohnson
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A rare COVID-19 strain disappeared overnight. We still don't know which Ohioan had it
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Scientists were searching for a central Ohio resident with a mysterious strain of COVID-19. Before they could find them, it vanished. Molecular virologist Marc Johnson, a professor at the University of Missouri's medical school, examines wastewater samples to track COVID-19 strains and prevalence. In his work, he noticed different strains of COVID, including mysterious variants he dubbed 'cryptics.' One of these cryptics was traced to central Ohio. Johnson said he believed just one resident, who regularly traveled between Columbus and Washington Court House, carried the cryptic strain for at least two years. In June 2023, Johnson spoke with NBC4 and implored the rare COVID carrier to come forward and help scientists understand the strain. That same month, the strain vanished and has not returned. Lawmakers push for stricter rules on 'obscene' drag queens Last December, Johnson included the Ohio sample in his research summary about cryptic strains, which may soon be published. According to the study, Johnson and his colleagues traced 18 rare cryptic strains using wastewater treatment data. Ohio publishes its wastewater treatment statistics and tracks flu, RSV and COVID levels in the sewage. Johnson and his colleagues found the central Ohio strain mutated over a nine-month period and indicated incredibly high levels of COVID, increasing as the infection presumably grew. Johnson said the highest levels of COVID in Washington Court House's wastewater all year came from this strain. The research determined the rare strain likely manifested in the gastrointestinal track. Johnson estimated on social media in June 2023 that around 3.5 square feet of the person's intestines were infected. Johnson said via social media that it was highly unlikely the person and their doctor knew about the infection, but it was likely causing long-term damage. At the time, he was unaware of any other infections that would shed that much of the virus without killing its host. What Johnson and his colleagues do not know is who the central Ohio patient is, what symptoms they had, or what ultimately happened to them. 'I doubt it ended well for the person, but we will probably never know,' Johnson said. Locals paint rainbow fence at German Village bar that had Pride flags stolen Johnson does know some things about the Ohioan and the strain, which he did not believe to be contagious. Johnson said the strain was most commonly found in the southern Columbus wastewater. Columbus operates two wastewater treatment plants that serve Columbus and 25 suburbs between them. According to state data, the southern Columbus plant serves south and east Columbus, and the more northern plant covers Downtown and northeast Columbus. Johnson said the strain appeared a few times in the northern Columbus area around the holidays. The person with the rare COVID strain most likely lived in the Columbus area and commuted to Washington Court House for work or some other reason that required frequent trips. Wastewater infection disease trends are updated Mondays and Thursdays, and the study shows the final trace of the rare COVID strain appeared in a June 4, 2023, sample. NBC4 compared obituaries from the first half of June 2023 to see if anyone could be a fit for the mysterious COVID strain. Fewer than 10 people could not be ruled out based on address or occupation. However, no one person stood out as a clear fit. Without making contact with the person, Johnson said everything is speculative and derived from publicly available information. His research offers insight into long-term COVID infections and how they can manifest, but without connecting with patients, there is only so much that can be uncovered. If you or a loved one could fit this description, reach out to a cryptic lineage lab to help others and access medical treatment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Another global pandemic fears rise as H5N1 bird flu spreads across US farms
Global Virus Network and other officials are raising alarms as the H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to spread rapidly across dairy farms in the United States. Since March 2024, the virus has affected over 1,000 dairy herds, raising serious public health concerns, especially due to its ability to infect mammals, including humans. Another pandemic warning from experts To date, over 70 human infections have been reported in the country, and at least one fatality has been confirmed. The death occurred in January 2025 in Louisiana, where a 65-year-old man, who had pre-existing medical conditions, succumbed to the virus after being hospitalised for severe respiratory symptoms. Health officials confirmed that he had direct contact with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. A Terrifying CDC Health Warning Press Release Has Been Issued, As "H5N1 Avian Influenza", The New Bird Flu Virus, is Spreading All Across The United States Outbreak is Spreading Across Chicken & Cow Farm Food Products, Effecting Both Farm Workers & Final Consumers... Global Virus Network calls it a serious risk According to the Global Virus Network (GVN), the continued presence of H5N1 in mammals presents a serious risk. The organisation has stressed the importance of proactive monitoring, vaccination programmes for farmworkers and livestock, and robust testing measures. They have highlighted that if the virus mutates further, it could potentially develop the capacity for human-to-human transmission, increasing the risk of a pandemic. Bird flu, or H5N1, now infects over 40 different mammalian species, a dramatic rise from just a few years ago, increasing opportunities for the virus to mutate and become more transmissible or lethal to more from @CSISHealth: Coordination between veterinary and human health sectors is crucial to control its spread Dr Sten H. Vermund, Dean of the USF Health College of Public Health, said that understanding the evolving pattern of H5N1 infections is vital for implementing effective preventive measures. He added that coordination between veterinary and human health sectors is crucial in controlling its spread. Dr Marc Johnson, a virologist at the University of Missouri, noted that while the virus may not necessarily cause a global outbreak, it is showing patterns that warrant serious attention. He expressed concern over the many opportunities the virus has had to adapt. Currently, the health risk is low The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has clarified that the current public health risk remains low. However, they urge people who have close contact with animals—particularly poultry and cattle—to follow precautionary guidelines. The CDC continues to monitor the virus's activity in both animals and humans through its national surveillance systems. While the situation remains under control, experts agree that continued vigilance, improved communication, and readiness are essential to preventing a potential escalation.
Economic Times
30-04-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Experts warn of potential pandemic virus spreading across the US — check infectivity, risks, and more
Experts warn of mutation risk in mammals Live Events CDC urges caution but says public risk still low H5N1: A virus that keeps moving (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A growing outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus has affected more than 1,000 dairy herds across the United States since March 2024, raising serious concerns among health experts. The infection has already jumped to humans, with over 70 confirmed cases and one reported death. The deceased, a 65-year-old man in Louisiana, was hospitalised in January 2025 after experiencing severe respiratory symptoms. Health officials noted he had preexisting conditions and had come into contact with sick birds from a backyard virus, which was previously associated mainly with poultry and wild birds, is now firmly established in dairy cattle—an unusual and worrying and public health experts are alarmed by the increasing ability of the virus to infect mammals. According to the Global Virus Network (GVN), the ongoing presence of H5N1 in animal populations—particularly in mammals—raises the risk of the virus mutating in a way that could allow human-to-human Sten H. Vermund, dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida and chief medical officer of GVN, emphasised the need for a swift and strategic response. 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' he said. He also pointed out that 'The virus' ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.'Adding to the concern, Dr Marc Johnson, a virologist at Missouri University, wrote on X: 'This virus might not go pandemic, but it is really trying hard, and it sure is getting a lot of opportunities.'The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged the seriousness of the outbreak but maintains that the risk to the general public remains minimal. However, the agency strongly advises caution for individuals in close contact with infected CDC reports that H5 bird flu is already widespread in wild birds globally and is now causing consistent outbreaks in both poultry and dairy cattle across the US. Several recent human cases have been reported among dairy and poultry contain the situation, the CDC is working closely with state governments to monitor anyone who has had contact with infected animals. The agency is also actively tracking the spread of the virus through its national flu surveillance systems.H5N1 first emerged in birds but has shown increasing ability to infect other species. Over the years, isolated human cases have typically involved direct contact with sick birds. What sets this outbreak apart is the virus's leap into the dairy sector and its broader mammalian reach. This could give the virus more chances to evolve in ways that make human transmission spread through dairy cows also complicates detection. Unlike poultry, cows may show subtle symptoms or none at all, making the virus harder to trace in early are now calling for improved biosecurity on farms, standardised testing protocols, and vaccines for both animals and workers. As the virus adapts, they say the human response must move faster too.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Experts warn of potential pandemic virus spreading across the US — check infectivity, risks, and more
A growing outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus has affected more than 1,000 dairy herds across the United States since March 2024, raising serious concerns among health experts. The infection has already jumped to humans, with over 70 confirmed cases and one reported death. The deceased, a 65-year-old man in Louisiana, was hospitalised in January 2025 after experiencing severe respiratory symptoms. Health officials noted he had preexisting conditions and had come into contact with sick birds from a backyard flock. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan India considers closing airspace to Pakistani carriers amid rising tensions Cold Start: India's answer to Pakistan's nuclear threats The virus, which was previously associated mainly with poultry and wild birds, is now firmly established in dairy cattle—an unusual and worrying development. Experts warn of mutation risk in mammals Scientists and public health experts are alarmed by the increasing ability of the virus to infect mammals. According to the Global Virus Network (GVN), the ongoing presence of H5N1 in animal populations—particularly in mammals—raises the risk of the virus mutating in a way that could allow human-to-human transmission. Dr Sten H. Vermund, dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida and chief medical officer of GVN, emphasised the need for a swift and strategic response. 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' he said. He also pointed out that 'The virus' ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' Adding to the concern, Dr Marc Johnson, a virologist at Missouri University, wrote on X: 'This virus might not go pandemic, but it is really trying hard, and it sure is getting a lot of opportunities.' Live Events CDC urges caution but says public risk still low The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged the seriousness of the outbreak but maintains that the risk to the general public remains minimal. However, the agency strongly advises caution for individuals in close contact with infected animals. The CDC reports that H5 bird flu is already widespread in wild birds globally and is now causing consistent outbreaks in both poultry and dairy cattle across the US. Several recent human cases have been reported among dairy and poultry workers. To contain the situation, the CDC is working closely with state governments to monitor anyone who has had contact with infected animals. The agency is also actively tracking the spread of the virus through its national flu surveillance systems. H5N1: A virus that keeps moving H5N1 first emerged in birds but has shown increasing ability to infect other species. Over the years, isolated human cases have typically involved direct contact with sick birds. What sets this outbreak apart is the virus's leap into the dairy sector and its broader mammalian reach. This could give the virus more chances to evolve in ways that make human transmission easier. The spread through dairy cows also complicates detection. Unlike poultry, cows may show subtle symptoms or none at all, making the virus harder to trace in early stages. Authorities are now calling for improved biosecurity on farms, standardised testing protocols, and vaccines for both animals and workers. As the virus adapts, they say the human response must move faster too.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts reveal bird flu symptoms to look out for as public warned to prepare for a pandemic
Top U.S. experts have warned the country is staring down the barrel of another pandemic as bird flu spirals out of control on farms. So far, the H5N1 outbreak has affected nearly 1,000 dairy cow herds and resulted in more than 70 human cases, including the first confirmed death. Virus specialists have warned of the 'repeated spillover' of the potentially deadly infection into other mammals, and flagged its pandemic potential. Now, a team of international experts from the Global Virus Network (GVN) has warned that the U.S. poultry industry is at significant risk, and called for urgent efforts to understand and interrupt transmission to its spread among humans. Meanwhile, Dr Marc Johnson, a virologist at the University of Missouri warned on Twitter that the virus 'is trying really hard' to 'go pandemic,' adding: 'It sure is getting a lot of opportunities.' The GVN also called for increased initiatives to 'educate the public' about the risks of bird flu. The virus often has the the same symptoms as regular, flue, including a cough, sore throat, a runny or stuff nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. But more severe symptoms have also been reported including severe upper respiratory infections like pneumonia requiring hospitalization, and a high temperature of over 100F, or 37.7C. Like Covid, bird flu virus infection in people cannot be detected by clinical signs and symptoms alone, and requires lab tests. Swabs used to test for the infection can be collected from the throat, nose, or eye of the sufferer. U.S. health chiefs have pointed out that testing is more accurate when the sample is collected during the first few days of illness. For critically ill patients, collection and testing of lower respiratory tract specimens also may lead to diagnosis of bird flu virus infection. However, for some patients who are no longer very sick or who have fully recovered, it may be difficult to detect bird flu virus in a specimen. In January, U.S. officials reported the first bird flu death in a person in Louisiana who had been hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms. The patient, said to be older than 65, had underlying medical problems and had been in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. A genetic analysis of the patient's infection suggested the bird flu virus had mutated while inside their body, which could have caused a more severe illness. It came a month after California declared a state of emergency over bird flu in response to the outbreak among the state's dairy cattle. The state has identified H5N1 in 645 dairy herds since its first detection in late August last year, according to the state's agriculture department. Nearly half of the cases were reported within 30 days, highlighting the rapid spread of the virus. Although California was not among the first states to detect H5N1 in dairy cattle, the outbreak has grown significantly since its initial discovery. Another concerning case involved a Canadian teenager who had the same type of bird flu, and was hospitalized on November 8 after falling ill on November 2. The most recent report said the teenager was still in the hospital in a critical condition, requiring help to breathe, but was stable. It was not clear how they caught the disease, as dogs and reptiles they had come into contact with all tested negative. Humans are unlikely to catch bird flu from eating poultry and game birds because it is heat-sensitive, and properly cooking the poultry will kill the virus. Instead, human infections mostly occur when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled.
