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H7N9 Bird Flu Outbreak in the U.S.: Deadliest Since 2017 Hits Poultry Farm

H7N9 Bird Flu Outbreak in the U.S.

United States – Health authorities in the U.S. have confirmed the deadliest H7N9 bird flu outbreak since 2017, striking a commercial poultry farm in Mississippi. This strain, known for its high mortality rate in humans, is now raising concern amid already rising fears from other avian influenza strains circulating across farms and even affecting humans.

As reported by Reuters, this deadly outbreak comes while American agriculture continues to wrestle with an ongoing H5N1 strain that previously caused a human fatality and significantly impacted egg prices and supply chains.

H7N9 Bird Flu: A Threat with High Mortality Rates

The H7N9 bird flu outbreak in the U.S. marks a disturbing return of a strain that has a fatality rate of about 40% in humans, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). First identified in China in 2013, the virus has caused hundreds of deaths globally, prompting strict biosecurity measures wherever it’s detected.

The recent outbreak in the U.S. was confirmed on a Mississippi farm housing 47,654 commercial broiler breeder chickens, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. The farm reported elevated mortality and symptoms consistent with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The strain is believed to be of North American wild bird lineage, highlighting a possible route of transmission via migratory birds.

CDC Bird Flu
CDC Bird Flu

Impact on the Food Industry and Supply Chains

The H7N9 outbreak is expected to further disrupt the already fragile poultry supply chain. Over the past year, poultry producers in the U.S. and worldwide have faced culling operations, logistical challenges, and increased feed costs due to ongoing outbreaks of various avian flu strains.

Experts warn that if the H7N9 bird flu outbreak in the U.S. spreads further, it could result in more flock culls and food shortages, especially in poultry meat and egg production. Consumers could also face price hikes at grocery stores, echoing what happened during previous outbreaks.

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Risks to Human Health and Pandemic Fears

Unlike H5N1, which has more limited transmission to humans, H7N9 Bird Flu Outbreak poses a higher pandemic threat due to its previous history of infecting humans with severe complications. Symptoms in humans include fever, cough, pneumonia, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.

So far, no human infections have been linked to the Mississippi outbreak, but health officials are closely monitoring workers and residents near the affected site. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also collaborating with the USDA to prevent further spread.

Government Response: Surveillance and Containment

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in coordination with state and wildlife officials, has initiated an enhanced surveillance program. Affected flocks are being depopulated, and surrounding farms are under strict observation to prevent transmission.

“The USDA, along with state officials, is conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation to assess the outbreak’s origins and limit further impact,” the agency said in a statement.

How to Prevent the Spread of Avian Influenza
Experts advise poultry farmers and backyard flock owners to:

  • Restrict access to flocks
  • Report any signs of illness or death
  • Avoid contact between domestic and wild birds
  • Follow strict biosecurity protocols

The public is also urged not to handle sick or dead birds found in the wild and to report them to local animal control or agriculture departments.

Conclusion


The H7N9 bird flu outbreak in the U.S. is a major concern not only for the agriculture sector but also for public health and global food security. As the virus continues to spread in bird populations, the risk of zoonotic transmission (from animals to humans) increases, necessitating urgent response measures and public awareness.

With enhanced monitoring, responsible biosecurity practices, and global cooperation, health authorities hope to contain the outbreak before it escalates into a broader crisis.

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FDA Approves Self-Injectable Vyvgart Hytrulo for gMG and CIDP 

FDA Approves Self-Injectable Vyvgart Hytrulo for gMG and CIDP 

United States: The U.S. FDA has approved Vyvgart Hytrulo’s (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) self-administered form for treating adult gMG patients who carry anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and adult CIDP patients, as reported by HealthDay. 

Fast and Easy Subcutaneous Injection 

The Vyvgart Hytrulo prefilled syringe now functions as an approved subcutaneous device that needs 20 to 30 seconds during patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional administration.  

Testing between the Vyvgart Hytrulo prefilled syringe, and the Vyvgart Hytrulo vial led to the approval of this product by the FDA. The human factors validation studies demonstrated that both gMG or CIDP patients, along with their caregivers, could execute acceptable prefilled syringe preparation and administration of Vyvgart Hytrulo safely and effectively, as reported by HealthDay. 

Designed for Independence and Flexibility 

“Today’s FDA approval provides a new self-injection option across both approved indications in the U.S. that is designed for patients who seek more independence with their treatment,” Luc Truyen, M.D., Ph.D., the chief medical officer at argenx, said in a statement. “Whether patients prefer to receive their treatment in a physician’s office, at home, or while traveling, they can experience treatment on their own terms and continue to benefit from Vyvgart Hytrulo’s favorable safety profile and strong efficacy.” 

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Quick Walking May Prevent Heart Rhythm Issues 

Quick Walking May Prevent Heart Rhythm Issues 

United States: A new research finds that individuals who walk vigorously for long periods reduce their chances of developing heart rhythm abnormalities. 

Faster Walking, Healthier Heart 

The research in the Heart journal revealed that individuals walking over 4 miles per hour had a decreased chance of 43% developing heart rhythm abnormalities compared to walkers moving less than 3 miles per hour, as reported by HealthDay. 

According to researchers, the duration of movement together with average or brisk pace walking worked to decrease heart rhythm issues by 27%. 

Duration and Pace Matter 

“These new findings reinforce the promotion of faster walking pace in physical activity recommendations,” concluded the research team led by Jill Pell, chair of public health with the University of Glasgow in the U.K. “Walking at a brisk pace may have a role in … prevention of cardiac arrhythmias.” 

Inside the Research 

Study data originated from the UK Biobank health study, which encompassed 421,000 participants, with accelerometer-wearers representing 82,000 individuals who tracked their walking pace. 

A brisk walking pace existed in 41% of study participants, whereas an average walking pace occurred in 53%, and a slow pace was observed in less than 6%. 

The study results revealed that walking swiftly reduced heart rhythm issues by 43% or walking moderately reduced them by 35%. 

Atrial Fibrillation Risk Also Drops 

Analysis of data from UK Biobank demonstrates that brisk or average-paced walkers experienced a 46% and 38% decrease in atrial fibrillation risk rates, which elevates stroke risks, as reported by HealthDay. 

Quick Walking May Prevent Heart Rhythm Issues 
Quick Walking May Prevent Heart Rhythm Issues 

The connection between heart rhythm problems and walking pace appears to be shaped by 36% through inflammation alongside metabolic factors, according to expert estimation. 

What’s Behind the Benefits? 

Research from the past supports these findings because brisk walking leads to lower obesity levels and better blood sugar control, in addition to preventing diabetes and lowering high blood pressure, according to scientists. 

“This study is the first to explore the pathways underpinning the association between walking pace and arrhythmias and to provide evidence that metabolic and inflammatory factors may have a role,” researchers concluded. “Walking faster decreased the risk of obesity and inflammation, which, in turn, reduced the risk of arrhythmia.” 

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Smart Shirt Technology Monitors Heart Health in Real Time 

Smart Shirt Technology Monitors Heart Health in Real Time 

United States: The “smart shirt” coupled with an electrocardiogram (ECG) device enables researchers to detect people with elevated cardiovascular risks, according to recent study findings. 

The wearable shirt measures heart rate recovery after workouts, so it tracks how long it takes for the heart to stabilize, as reported by HealthDay. 

“The heart’s response to exercise provides us with an early indicator of changes in health, in particular cardiovascular function and mortality,” senior researcher Manuel Hernandez, a professor of biomedical and translational sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said in a news release. 

How It Works: Tracking the Heart’s Response to Exercise 

Researchers employed smart shirts developed by Carré Technologies based in Quebec for their investigation. Continuous heart performance measures are collected using sensors attached to the smart shirt that record heart rate and electrical cardiac activity. 

Study Participants Show Promising Insights 

The research team selected 38 participants from 20 to 76 years old to complete treadmill walking exercises. The seven participants underwent medical examinations, which revealed high blood pressure as their diagnosis. 

Sounds from the laboratory tests enabled researchers to establish risk prediction systems for targeting heart disease in individuals. 

Researchers declared the investigation kickstarts the development of heart health risk understanding for individuals. 

“We want to use it to provide us with some greater insight in terms of our underlying cardiovascular function,” Hernandez said. “And we want to make something that’s clinically actionable.” 

According to a co-author, wearable technology should give physicians access to a wealth of helpful data. 

A Game-Changer for Rural and Remote Healthcare 

“One would like to have a whole bunch of data from wearables, and then that data is transmitted to a doctor’s office, and the doctor can interpret it,” said co-researcher Richard Sowers, a professor of industrial & enterprise systems engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  

Based on Sowers’ statement in the news release, these wearable devices would benefit most people who live in rural areas and places where medical resources are scarce. 

Future investigations plan to extend study participant numbers and monitor their progress longitudinally, according to researchers. 

Research groups investigate various applications of the “smart shirt” technology. 

Global Use Cases Emerging 

During the European Association of Urology conference a month ago, scientists from Italy introduced a new tracking system using smart shirts to monitor the vital signs of patients after hospital discharge, as reported by HealthDay. 

“Our patients found the T-shirt easy to use, and over 90% reported it allowed them to feel safe and cared for while recuperating at home,” lead researcher Dr. Antonio Pastore, an associate professor of urology at Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, said in a news release. 

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