https://www.alojapan.com/1289733/japanese-study-shows-c-sections-do-not-raise-allergy-risk-in-children/ Japanese study shows c-sections do not raise allergy risk in children #AllergicRhinitis #Allergy #asthma #bacteria #CesareanSection #children #Conjunctivitis #contamination #Eczema #food #FoodAllergy #genetic #ImmuneSystem #Japan #JapanNews #Japanese #JapaneseNews #Microbiome #news #research #Rhinitis New research out of Japan challenges global assumptions that children born by cesarean section are more likely to develop allergies than those…

I believe in:

#Science #Vibes #Conjunctivitis

Evolutionary Studies on the #Coxsackievirus A24 #Variants Causing Acute #Hemorrhagic #Conjunctivitis with Emphasis on the Recent #Outbreak of 2023 in #India, https://etidiohnew.blogspot.com/2025/03/evolutionary-studies-on-coxsackievirus.html

#USA, #Nevada’s first #human case of {#H5N1 D1.1} avian #influenza confirmed in #Churchill County, https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/nevadas-first-human-case-of-avian-flu-confirmed-in-churchill-county/#:~:text=The%20person%20infected%20is%20a,infected%20dairy%20cattle%20while%20working.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — According to a Monday release, this is state’s first case of H5N1 in a human. Dairy worker affected was exposed to infected dairy cattle while working. “person had #conjunctivitis with no other reported symptoms and is recovering,” the release stated.

''...recent #comments from the #Nevada State #Agriculture Commissioner about “#workers” with #conjunctivitis suggested multiple cases, but there was no #information about how many workers have been tested, he said. Nor have there been any official reports about clinical illness in the infected dairy herds, he said — although media reports have described the symptoms as respiratory.''

The Emerging Threat of #H5N1 to Human Health

Authors: Michael G. Ison, M.D., and Jeanne Marrazzo, M.D., M.P.H.A
Published December 31, 2024

"Highly pathogenic avian influenza (#HPAI) A(#H5N1) emerged in 1997.1 Since then, it has spread globally by migratory birds, resulting in infections in animals on every continent. HPAI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b emerged in 2021 and resulted in fatal infections in poultry as well as terrestrial and marine mammals. In early 2024, influenza A infection was first recognized in dairy cows with mastitis in Texas. Infection in dairy cows is now widespread in the United States, affecting more than 875 herds in 16 states. Most cow infections are genotype B3.13, whereas most outbreaks in wild birds and poultry are genotype D1.1.

"Against this background, more humans have come into contact with HPAI A(H5N1). Investigators now report in the Journal a series of human cases from the United States and Canada. The former series involves 46 case patients with generally mild, self-limited infection with A(H5N1): 20 with exposure to poultry, 25 with exposure to dairy cows, and 1 with undefined exposure. Among case patients with occupational exposure, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was not universal. Most case patients presented with conjunctivitis, almost half with fever, and a minority with mild respiratory symptoms, and all recovered. The only hospitalization occurred in the case patient with undefined exposure, although hospitalization was not for respiratory illness. Of cases with sequenceable virus, most were B3.13; four cases in patients with poultry exposure were D1.1.

"In Canada, a 13-year-old girl with mild asthma and obesity presented with conjunctivitis and fever and had progression to respiratory failure. She received intubation and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. After treatment that included oseltamivir, amantadine, and baloxavir, she recovered. Notably, genotype D1.1 was detected; sequencing of one isolate from the lower airways that was collected 8 days after the onset of symptoms showed three mutations potentially associated with enhanced virulence and human adaptation: E627K in the polymerase basic 2 gene and E186D and Q222H in the H5 hemagglutinin gene. It is unclear whether these mutations were present in the infecting virus or emerged during the course of the patient’s illness.

"These reports show several critical features of the threat of HPAI to human health, and how we might respond. First, collaboration among investigators in human and veterinary medicine, public health leadership, health care providers, and occupational authorities (especially agricultural), exemplified by the case series in United States, is paramount. Cases of H5N1 respiratory illness have been detected because of a standard surveillance approach aimed at detecting novel (nonseasonal) influenza. This approach involves cultivating trust not only among numerous entities but with people seeking care for symptoms of concern, including #conjunctivitis.

"Second, the #mutations evident in the Canadian case highlight the urgent need for vigilant surveillance of emerging mutations and assessment of the threat of human-to-human transmission. The One Health paradigm is foundational to this outbreak, yet to date, genomic sequencing data that have been collected from animals frequently lack critical metadata. Without information pertaining to where and when isolates were collected, the data cannot be linked phylogenetically to other reported sequences, which limits insight into how the virus is spreading. Such data would also provide opportunity for early detection of mutations that might portend avidity for human respiratory epithelium, which may require as little as one mutation.

"Third, we must continue to pursue development and testing of medical countermeasures. Fortunately, current vaccine candidates neutralize the circulating strains in vitro, and these strains so far are susceptible to antiviral agents. Studies have shown the safety and immunogenicity of A(H5N1) vaccines and the need for a two-dose prime–boost approach and use with adjuvants. Work is ongoing to complete candidate vaccines for clinical use, if needed. Furthermore, studies are ongoing to develop messenger RNA–based A(H5N1) vaccines and other novel vaccines that can provide protection against a broad range of influenza viruses, including A(H5N1). Circulating isolates are susceptible to all approved neuraminidase inhibitors, adamantanes, and baloxavir marboxil. The Canadian case showed higher viral loads in the lower airway and very prolonged shedding, despite therapy, which highlights the potential need for longer therapy. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued emergency-use instructions for oseltamivir that recommend longer durations of oseltamivir therapy for persons hospitalized with novel influenza viruses and twice-daily dose administration for prophylaxis. Baloxavir marboxil is not recommended for monotherapy in hospitalized patients because of concern for resistance emergence. Resistance to #oseltamivir has occurred frequently among patients hospitalized for A(H5N1) infection. Combination of two agents may reduce this risk.

"Fourth, precautions to prevent infection are critical, including the use and optimization of PPE in occupational settings and education about the risk of contact with sick birds and animals. PPE use can be challenging in settings where dust, milk, and feathers may easily contaminate surfaces. Many environments are not air-conditioned and during the summer may be exceptionally warm, and the use of large fans may facilitate airborne particles.
Although these reports help to define some aspects of the clinical course of infection in the current H5N1 outbreak, many questions remain. The type of clinical presentation and severity may depend on the host, the route and inoculum of exposure, and the virus clade. For example, severe cases to date have been associated only with the wild-bird clade, D1.1. Historically, H5N1 infection in Southeast Asia and Egypt has been associated with a case fatality rate of approximately 50%. Whether host immunity (e.g., changes in population-level immunity to the neuraminidase component [N1] of seasonal influenza virus), route of exposure, or other changes in the virus itself might be partly responsible for the lower case fatality rate in North America is unknown.
The CDC still designates the risk of HPAI A(H5N1) to most Americans as low. We do have candidate vaccines and antivirals available to try to mitigate severe influenza in the case of wider spread. That said, a balance between enhanced vigilance and “business as usual” is needed. The past weeks have seen more cases detected in more states as well as more persons with respiratory illness acquired through exposure to poultry or from an unknown source. Without a clearer understanding of the extent of exposure, infection, viral evolution, and transmission, we will be unable to properly protect our communities from a pathogen that has proven to be a formidable challenge to human and animal health."

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2416323
#BirdFlu #Flu #Pandemic #PPE #AvianInfluenza

But yes, it's #BusinessAsUsual because #Crapitalism requires people to #ConsumeConsumeConsume!

Canadian teen with #BirdFlu was on #LifeSupport, new report reveals

The hospitalized teen was also given three #antiviral treatments, underscoring how severe #H5N1 infection can be

By Nicole Karlis, January 6, 2025

"In November, a teenager in British Columbia was infected and hospitalized with bird flu, caused by the H5N1 virus. While most cases have been mild, commonly characterized by #conjunctivitis and respiratory symptoms, this previously healthy Canadian teen was hospitalized from the virus in critical condition. Their symptoms started with double conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, and turned into a fever and coughing. A few days later the teenager was admitted to intensive care after developing acute respiratory distress syndrome [#ARDS].

"'This was a healthy teenager prior to this, so no underlying conditions,' said British Columbia’s health officer, Bonnie Henry, at a news conference at the time. 'It just reminds us that in young people this is a virus that can progress and cause quite severe illness.'

"Now, a recent report brings to light more details about the teenager’s case. In the report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), researchers explain that the 13-year-old girl spent weeks fighting for her life after contracting a severe H5N1 infection from an unknown source. In finding her diagnosis, researchers say that she initially tested positive for influenza A, but not the seasonal subtype. Further testing suggested she had a high viral load of a novel influenza A infection, which researchers discovered to be the H5N1 avian flu.

"The next day doctors started her on oseltamivir, also known under the brand name Tamiflu. However, her respiratory functions declined rapidly causing her to be intubated. She was also placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a machine that is a form of life support for people with life-threatening illnesses. In addition to the ECMO machine, the teenager received a plasma exchange and two more antiviral medication treatments — amantadine and baloxavir.

"In an accompanying editorial, experts noted while mutations were detected in her case, it’s 'unclear whether these #mutations were present in the infecting virus or emerged during the course of the patient’s illness.'

"In other words, it’s unclear if the virus #mutated to be more severe in humans.

"'The mutations evident in the Canadian case highlight the urgent need for vigilant surveillance of emerging mutations and assessment of the threat of human-to-human transmission,' the editorial stated, adding that vaccine development and therapeutics are also needed — perhaps to treat more severe illness. 'The Canadian case showed higher viral loads in the lower airway and very prolonged shedding, despite therapy, which highlights the potential need for longer therapy.'

"Researchers concluded their editorial with an acknowledgment that 'many questions remain.' For example, the severity of cases is likely to depend on host immunity, the route of exposure, or other changes in the virus.

"Currently, the CDC says that the risk to most Americans remains low.

"'We do have candidate vaccines and antivirals available to try to mitigate severe influenza in the case of wider spread,' the report stated. 'That said, a balance between enhanced vigilance and ‘business as usual’ is needed."

https://www.salon.com/2025/01/06/new-report-on-severe-case-of-canadian-teen-with-bird-flu/
#HPAI #BirdFluMutations #Flu

Waiting…

https://flic.kr/p/2qyiSBX

At an urgent care place. They are playing Xmas music. I would literally go insane if I worked here.

I’m taking bets on the diagnosis. The smart money is on conjunctivitis.

Piiiiiink eyeeeeeee.

https://youtu.be/N0JavHkU2IU?si=i_fcsVzjam2ax3x3

#conjunctivitis #health #Hipstamatic #iphoneography #photography #pinkEye #SouthPark

What’s Up, Doc?

I just booked a doctor’s appointment for after work tonight.

I think I have…

Conjunctivitis.

In other words…

(say this like zombie Pip from the first Halloween episode of South Park)

Piiiiink eyeeeeeee.

Crud.

#conjunctivitis #doctorsAppointment #health #pinkEye #urgentCare

#Canada, B.C. #teen remains in #critical condition in suspected case of avian #H5 #flu, https://www.saanichnews.com/news/bc-teen-remains-in-critical-condition-in-suspected-case-of-avian-flu-7642218

The teen was admitted to BC Children's Hospital on Friday. Henry said the initial #symptoms started with #conjunctivitis.

Conjuctivitis (Pink Eye) : Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a contagious eye infection characterized by redness, itching, and discharge. Learn about its symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options.
https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/all-you-need-to-know-about-conjunctivitis

#PinkEye #EyeInfection #Conjunctivitis #EyeHealth #mrmed

''Symptom #onset began within 2-3 days & peaked within 5 days after the start of depopulation. Among 9 workers who tested positive for avian influenza A(H5), all reported mild symptoms (predominantly #conjunctivitis) & were tested within 3 days of symptom onset. All cases have been provided #oseltamivir & are recovering. ''

#BirdFlu Cases #Surge in #Colorado: #Human #Infections Spark Concerns Amid Dairy and #Poultry Outbreaks, https://www.btimesonline.com/articles/167759/20240723/bird-flu-cases-surge-in-colorado-human-infections-spark-concerns-amid-dairy-and-poultry-outbreaks.htm

"If we get seven, or even 70 more cases of #conjunctivitis, what does that mean? Could this be a precursor to a respiratory infection, to influenza being transmitted people to people? No one knows," Osterholm said.

Officials probe #heatwave #factors in #H5N1 spread to #Colorado #poultry #cullers, CIDRAP: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/officials-probe-heat-wave-factors-h5n1-spread-colorado-poultry-cullers

So far, all of the H5N1-infected workers have mild infections and are recovering, Shah said. Though the CDC said earlier that the patients' symptoms include #conjunctivitis and typical flu symptoms, he emphasized that not all workers had respiratory symptoms and not all had eye symptoms.

''These workers reported #symptoms after being exposed to #H5N1 virus-infected #poultry. All #workers who tested positive reported mild #illness. The workers reported #conjunctivitis and eye tearing, as well as more typical #flu symptoms of #fever, #chills, #coughing and sore throat/runny nose. Additional cases may be reported and subsequently confirmed as monitoring and testing is ongoing.''

#USA, #Colorado state health officials identify possible cases of avian #flu in #Colorado #poultry #workers, https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/colorado-state-health-officials-identify-possible-cases-of-avian-flu-in-colorado

3 positive cases of avian influenza in workers responding to avian flu outbreak at a commercial egg layer operation. State Lab sent specimens generating results to CDC for confirmatory testing. Workers were culling poultry at a farm in NE CO & exhibited mild symptoms, #conjunctivitis & common #respiratory infection symptoms. None of individuals were hospitalized.

{#USA}, #Colorado state #health officials identify a #human case of avian #influenza {virus infection}, https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/colorado-state-health-officials-identify-a-human-case-of-avian-flu

Adult male had mild #symptoms, reporting only #conjunctivitis. He reported his symptoms to state health officials, who tested him for influenza at State Public Health Laboratory. Specimens forwarded to CDC for additional testing were positive for avian flu. CDPHE gave the individual #antiviral treatment with #oseltamivir in accordance with CDC guidance.

I spent the last 2 weeks in bed, first it was fungal otitis externa, then it was bacterial conjunctivitis, followed by viral rhinosinusitis, and now with allergic pharyngitis. #ill #sick #infection #otitis #ear #conjunctivitis #eye #rhinosinusitis #nose #allergy #pharyngitis #throat

the patient reported only #conjunctivitis with no respiratory or other symptoms, which likely resulted in lower viral #RNA #concentrations detected in the #nasopharyngeal sample and is suggestive of a lack of respiratory infection in the patient.

{The virus HA} lacks amino acid changes that improve recognition of mammalian receptors or fusion of the viral membrane with the host endosomal membranes.