Flu Vaccine Changes: B/Yamagata Strain Excluded Amid Historic Shift
This year’s flu vaccination program introduces a trivalent flu shot that protects against three strains instead of four, following the extinction of the B/Yamagata strain. Health experts highlight the impact of COVID-19 public health measures in this unprecedented change, emphasizing the continued importance of flu shots in preventing illness and protecting public health.
Four-Year-Old Girl from West Bengal Contracts Bird Flu in India
A four-year-old child from West Bengal’s Malda district becomes India’s second case of bird flu among humans. After testing positive for multiple viruses, including avian flu, the child’s symptoms resurfaced, leading to referral to a Kolkata hospital. Experts emphasize low risk of transmission in India, but call for continued vigilance to prevent escalation.
CDC Introduces Wastewater Surveillance Tool for Monitoring H5N1 in Dairy Herds
The CDC has introduced a new tool to monitor H5N1 avian influenza in wastewater, aiming to enhance understanding of transmission pathways. The interactive dashboard displays current influenza A levels across 230 sites in 34 states, with experts supporting the initiative for its transparency and research potential. In parallel, USDA APHIS reported new H5N1 detections in dairy herds and wild birds, highlighting the interconnected nature of virus transmission.