JANUARY  2025  BLOG

GET READY FOR IT……….2025! 

GOOD LAWD! 

HEALTH  UPDATES

H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation

What to know

• H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
• While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.
• CDC is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5 bird flu activity in people.

65 - Confirmed Total Reported Human Cases in the United States

• Confirmed human case summary during the 2024 outbreak, by state and exposure source
• Probable human case summary during the 2024 outbreak, by state and exposure source

When a case tests positive for H5 at a public health laboratory but testing at CDC is not able to confirm H5 infection, per Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) guidance, a case is reported as probable.

• Probable cases with commercial poultry exposure (e.g., poultry farms or culling operations):

• Washington (3)
• Arizona (2)

• Probable cases with commercial dairy (cattle) exposure:

• California (1)

• Probable cases with exposure source unknown:

• Delaware (1)

Detections in Animals

• 10,917 wild birds detected as of 12/23/2024 | Full Report
• 51 jurisdictions with bird flu in wild birds
• 125,554,992 poultry affected as of 12/23/2024 | Full Report
• 50 states with outbreaks in poultry
• 876 dairy herds affected as of 12/23/2024 | Full Report
• 16 states with outbreaks in dairy cows

This data will be updated daily, Monday through Friday, after 4 p.m. to reflect any new data.

Protective Actions for People

• Protective actions around wild birds.  Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. Learn more.
• What to do if you find a dead bird.  Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died and call to report sick or dead birds. Learn more.
• Protective actions around other animals with H5N1 bird flu.  Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them. Learn more.
• Protective actions if you work with potentially infected dairy cattle.  Avoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure with cattle and materials potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with HPAI A(H5) virus. Learn more.
• Consuming Milk.  People should not eat or drink raw milk or products made with raw milk.  Choosing pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe. Learn more.
• Preparing food.  It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. There are recommendations around products from other animals with H5 virus infections, including cattle and milk. Learn more.
• Traveling to other countries.  CDC does not currently recommend any travel restrictions related to bird flu to countries affected by bird flu in birds, other animals or people. Learn more.
• If you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick.  Learn what to do if you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick. Learn more.
• Clinicians can visit CDC's avian influenza (bird flu) information for health professionals for the latest guidance. Learn more.
• Public health professionals and laboratorians can visit CDC's avian influenza (bird flu) information for public health partners for the latest guidance. Learn more.
• Get a seasonal flu vaccine.  Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection. Learn more.

USDA

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Avian Influenza.  Avian influenza is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl and wild birds, especially waterfowl. There are two types:

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI virus strains, are extremely infectious, often fatal to domestic poultry, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock.
• Low pathogenicity avian influenza, LPAI virus strains, occur naturally in wild migratory waterfowl and shorebirds without causing illness. LPAI can infect domestic poultry, with little or no signs of illness.

Birds infected with the HPAI virus may show one or more of the following signs:

• Sudden death without clinical signs
• Lack of energy and appetite
• Decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of head, comb, eyelids, wattles, and hocks
• Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs
• Nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing
• Incoordination

• Diarrhea

Poultry owners and growers are encouraged to always practice good biosecurity to prevent the spread of avian influenza.

Biosecurity Best Practices.  Influenza and biosecurity are not just for the birds! For tips on protecting yourself and your workers, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Limit visitors

• Only allow people on farm who need to be there. 
• Use only one entrance and exit for the farm. 
• Keep a record of all farm visitors.

Keep germs away

• Give visitors disposable shoe covers to wear on the farm. 
• Keep a separate pair of boots for use on the farm around your animals. 
• Use a footbath with a disinfectant solution (4 ounces of bleach in 1 gallon of water) to clean footwear before entering the farm. 
• Spray disinfectant on all vehicle and trailer tires before returning to the farm. 
• Don’t borrow tools or equipment from other farms. 
• Don’t use untreated water from ponds or streams.

Avoid mixing species

• Keep other animals and
•  strangers off the property. 
• Keep livestock and pets away from other animals and birds, including bird feed, litter, or equipment. 
• Keep birds out of animal pens and barns. 
• Keep all wild animals (615.02 KB) (including rats and mice) away from bird and livestock areas.

APHIS works closely with commercial operators, States, backyard and hobby growers to prevent avian influenza and other diseases from becoming established in the U.S. poultry population.  Protecting the health and safety of our Nation’s poultry must be a top priority for flock owners of all sizes.  The U.S. poultry industry is one of the largest in the world and an important sector of our agricultural economy.  If U.S. poultry are exposed to highly contagious diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza and virulent Newcastle disease, the impact on our economy could be severe and international trade can be impacted.  These deadly diseases quickly kill large percentages of any flock they infect.

Practicing good biosecurity is one of the best ways to protect our flocks from the risk of infection and the spread of disease.

Look out for sick animals.  Check animals regularly for the following signs of illness: 

• Coughing (“barking”), sneezing, or trouble breathing 
• Discharge from eyes or nose 
• Difficulty moving, walking, or standing upright 
• Lack of appetite 
• Severe illness in multiple animals 
• Sudden or unexplained deaths

If your animals look sick, take action!  Isolate sick animals and report them to your veterinarian or State and Federal animal health officials. Your veterinarian will determine if your animals might have HPAI.  They may contact USDA or your State animal health official to test your animals.

As whooping cough spikes nationwide, Wisconsin continues to see among worst outbreaks.  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Health Topics mentioned in this article.  Cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, in the United States are the highest they have been in a decade, with Wisconsin continuing to see some of the worst numbers in the country.

As of Dec. 14, the U.S. had logged more than 32,000 cases of whooping cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the highest case count since 2014, when cases hit under 33,000 nationwide.

In Wisconsin, the highly contagious bacterial infection has been spiking since the summer. According to the latest CDC data, Wisconsin continues to see the third-worst outbreak in the country, with only Pennsylvania and New York reporting higher case counts.

How much is whooping cough spreading in Wisconsin?  As of Dec. 20, Wisconsin had 2,365 cases of whooping cough statewide compared to 51 cases reported in all of 2023., according to the state Department of Health Services.  DHS provides vaccines free and regardless of insurance status through its Vaccines for Children and Adults programs.

U.S. whooping cough cases hit highest levels in a decade.  MSNBC.  Thu, December 26, 2024 at 12:21 PM PST.  The CDC has reported at least 32,000 cases of whooping cough in 2024, a five times increase compared to last year.  NBC News Medical Contributor and NYU Langone Medical Center Rheumatologist Dr. Natalie Azar discuss how to stay healthy during the holidays and the importance of vaccines.

VARIANT  UPDATES

Home » Health IQ.  8 warning signs the new Covid XEC variant shouldn’t be ignored this winter.  Medical experts reveal what you need to know about the dominant Covid strain of 2024.  Dec 24, 2024, 7:15 am.  The landscape of Covid-19 continues to evolve in 2024, with the XEC variant the main concern during this winter season.  This mutation of the Omicron strain, represents 45% of all cases across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The variant’s modified spike protein structure suggests it could spread more easily than its predecessors, raising concerns among health experts as families gather for winter celebrations.

While the virus has evolved, its telltale signs remain consistent with previous strains.  Medical professionals are particularly focusing on these eight primary symptoms that could indicate an XEC infection:

• Persistent fatigue that exceeds normal tiredness
• Fever accompanied by body chills
• Dry cough that may worsen over time
• Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• Throat discomfort and inflammation
• Nasal congestion with increased mucus production
• Sudden changes in taste or smell perception

• Muscle pain and body aches

Health experts emphasize that these symptoms can range from mild to severe, regardless of previous Covid infections or vaccination status.

Indoor activities and respiratory virus season, creates the perfect condition for XEC transmission.  The variant’s enhanced spike protein structure allows it to bypass some immune defenses, though current vaccines still offer significant protection against severe illness.

The latest on vaccine effectiveness.  The updated Covid-19 vaccine formulation shows promising results against the XEC variant.  Research indicates that the current booster shots target the variant’s specific mutations, though protection may decrease over time.  Health authorities recommend staying current with vaccinations, particularly for those who haven’t received their latest dose.

Protection strategies that work.  Current medical guidance emphasizes a multi-layered approach to prevention, which include maintaining up-to-date vaccination status and wearing masks in high-risk situations, particularly in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation.  The recommendation to isolate when experiencing symptoms remains crucial for community protection.

What to do if you suspect infection.  Testing remains a vital tool in managing the spread of XEC.  Symptoms often mimic general fatigue or common colds, so early testing can help prevent unintended transmission, especially during social gatherings and family events.  Various testing options remain readily available, from home kits to medical facility testing.

At-home tests remain reliable for detecting infection, though they don’t specify the variant type. The key is testing early when symptoms first appear, rather than waiting for them to worsen.

Many local pharmacies and healthcare providers offer same-day testing appointments, making it easier to get quick results and appropriate care.  Medical facilities now offer advanced testing capabilities that can specifically identify the XEC variant.

The impact on different age groups.  XEC affects various age groups differently, with interesting patterns emerging in 2024.  

• Young adults between 25 and 40 currently show the highest infection rates, possibly due to increased social interaction and workplace exposure.
• However, severe cases continue to predominantly affect older adults and those with underlying health conditions.  
• Children generally experience milder symptoms, though medical professionals stress the importance of protecting them through appropriate precautions.

Travel considerations for 2024.  Many countries have relaxed their entry requirements, but health experts recommend several precautions for safer travel:

• Taking a Covid test before and after major trips, especially international ones
• Keeping masks handy for crowded transportation hubs. 
• Maintaining good hand hygiene throughout the journey. 
• Having a plan for potential illness while away from home

The role of immunity in 2024.  Natural immunity from previous infections combined with vaccine-induced protection has created a complex immunity landscape. The XEC variant’s mutations can potentially still bypass some of these defenses.  This doesn’t mean previous immunity is worthless – rather, it continues to provide important protection against severe illness, even if it doesn’t completely prevent infection.

VACCINE   UPDATES

Your Guide to COVID Vaccines for 2024-2025.  Dec. 9, 2024.  The updated COVID vaccines for 2024-2025 are officially here, designed to target the latest variants and offer robust protection, but getting Americans to roll up their sleeves could prove harder than ever.  Many people feel cases are on the decline, the urgency has passed.

According to the CDC, as of Dec. 2, 19.7% of the U.S. adult population and 9.4% of children had gotten the updated vaccine. The most likely age group?  Adults ages 65 and older, with 41.6% getting the updated shot.

Nov. 20, the CDC warned it expects levels of both COVID and RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, to rise in the coming weeks — the familiar post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas and Hanukkah increase.

What’s Available?  Three updated vaccines, which work two different ways, are authorized or licensed by the FDA for the 2024-2025 season:

• Novavax.  A protein subunit vaccine, authorized for emergency use by the FDA in people ages 12 and older.  The vaccine makes a protein that mimics the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ version of the spike protein and combines it with an adjuvant or “booster” to stimulate a protective immune response. This year’s version targets the JN.1 variant.
• Pfizer/BioNtech. Its Comirnaty is a fully licensed vaccine for people ages 12 and older.   Its mechanism of action is by messenger RNA, mRNA. It works by instructing cells to produce viral proteins, triggering an immune response.  Pfizer’s COVID vaccine is authorized for emergency use in children ages 6 months to 11 years.  This year’s version targets KP.2. 
• Moderna. Its Spikevax is a fully licensed vaccine for people ages 12 and older.  It is also an mRNA vaccine.  Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for emergency use in children ages 6 months to 11 years. This year’s version targets KP.2.

How Effective Are They?  Before being approved for this year’s use, each company had to show its updated vaccine is effective against the currently circulating variants.  For the two weeks ending Nov. 23, KP.3.1.1 and XEC, from the Omicron lineage, made up the majority of cases, according to CDC data. 

Companies continue to monitor their updated vaccines as new variants appear. Later in the season, there will be more specific information about how well each vaccine protects in people after tracking real-world data.

Severe allergic reactions are rare, the CDC says, but cautions to be alert for low blood pressure, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Which One Is Best?  “I consider the three currently available COVID vaccines — Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax —interchangeable,’’ said Scott Roberts, MD, an infectious diseases specialist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. “There have not been head-to-head studies, and the initial vaccine studies for each were performed at different phases of the pandemic, so we do not have great data to guide which one is better than another.”

Best Time to Get It?  COVID rates rise quite significantly in the winter season, especially around the holidays.  In late October, the CDC recommended a second dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine six months after the first one for those age 65 and above and those 6 months old and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.   

Coverage.  Most people can get COVID-19 vaccines at no cost through their private health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare.  For the uninsured, there’s also the Vaccines for Children, VFC, program or access through state and local health departments and some health centers.  Find details on the CDC website.

How to Protect Yourself?  Getting vaccinated is your best bet!

IT’S NOT OVER!

Stay safe.  Mask.  Social distance.  Frequent hand washing.  Avoid crowds

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

• https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html
• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock/enhance-biosecurity
• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/statistics/as-whooping-cough-spikes-nationwide-wisconsin-continues-to-see-among-worst-outbreaks/ar-AA1wwYLd
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-whooping-cough-cases-hit-192057815.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall
• https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/3-things-to-know-about-xec-the-latest-covid-strain
• https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20241209/your-guide-covid-vaccines-2024-2025