Viruses
Bat diseases may be the most deadly to humans
Viruses from bats are likely to be more deadly to humans than viruses from other animals, due to bats' evolved resistance to inflammation.
Woman dies of rare Powassan virus in Rhode Island
An 80-year-old woman died in mid-July after being bitten by a tick carrying the virus, marking the second U.S. death from the disease this year.
Cats to be given human COVID-19 drugs after outbreak leaves thousands dead
Around 10,000 cats are thought to have died after a strain of feline coronavirus spread around the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean.
Scientists raise alarm as more cats die from avian flu
In the first cases of H5N1 bird flu detected in cats in the country for seven years, two cats have died from the virus in South Korea.
At least nine cats killed in bird flu outbreak
Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects birds but has the potential to spill over into mammals, including—in rare cases—humans.
Rabies-infected moose found 'drooling profusely' in Alaska
The moose was the first-ever to test positive for rabies in North America, and appeared "stumbling, drooling profusely," with "bare patches of skin."
Horror outbreak on cruise ship leaves over 150 passengers sick with virus
This incident marks the 12th outbreak this year reported by the CDC, a notable increase from previous years.
The looming superbug crisis—and how to beat it
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, impervious to the usual drugs, are on the rise, leading scientists to look into using viruses to fight them instead.
Sudan militants spark "huge risk" in lab with samples of deadly viruses
Warring forces have occupied Sudan's national laboratory in Khartoum, a situation the local WHO chief described as "extremely dangerous."
Marburg virus outbreak: Tanzania announces spread of deadly disease
The virus is a close relative of Ebola and causes very similar symptoms, including hemorrhaging and organ failure.
Global biosafety fears grow amid rise in labs handling dangerous pathogens
The number of labs handling dangerous pathogens has increased to more than 100 worldwide, a report has found, as debate over the origin of COVID-19 rages.
Fauci says he's always been "honest" as COVID origins questions raised
The former medical advisor to the president stressed his transparency amid fresh accusations he had engaged in a "cover-up" of COVID lab leak theory evidence.
COVID: China spread an "experiment the likes of which none of us have seen"
China's COVID secrecy and "fairly limited" systemic global monitoring "leads to a perpetual risk of a wider outbreak of infections," a Stanford professor said.
Scientists discover 100,000 viruses never seen before
The discovery could aid the development of treatments against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as well as defenses against agriculturally harmful pathogens.
Emerging killer bat virus keeps spilling over to horses
A study of virus spillover from bats to other animals in Australia could have significant implications for the prevention of future pandemics.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease: deadly virus found in U.S. highly "concerning"
The virus that causes the disease is highly infectious and can spread easily among rabbits and hares.
Mammoth de-extinction firm turns sights on saving elephants from same fate
Colossal Biosciences is working on the development of a vaccine designed to protect endangered Asian elephants from a highly fatal disease.
Where Does Ebola Come From, What Does It Look Like and Is There a Cure?
There have been 36 suspected cases of Ebola in Uganda and Sudan virus is the cause, the World Health Organization has said.
Monkeypox Virus 'Behaving Differently'
The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a public health emergency in light of the unprecedented spread of the virus in 2022.
Russian Bat Virus Discovery Could Be Bad News for Humans
Researchers have discovered that a virus originally found in Russian bats, which is related to SARS-CoV-2, may be capable of infecting human cells.
Deadly Fungus Can Shape-shift Its Way Deep into Your Brain: 'Shocked'
Cryptococcus neoformans' natural habitat of bird droppings may have allowed it to adapt to living in cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
CDC COVID Failings: Timeline of Agency's Pandemic Recommendations
CDC director, Rochelle Walensky, who ordered the review, has vowed to make a series of changes at the agency.
Langya vs. Nipah: China's New Virus Spread by Shrews Has a Deadly Relative
There have been 35 cases of Langya virus across two provinces in China and it is unclear whether it is treatable.
Langya Virus: China Detects New Virus in 35 People
The cases have been reported out of the provinces of Shandong and Henan.
First Infant Dies From Marburg Outbreak, Virus Related to Ebola
The infant was the son of one of the virus's first victims in Ghana, with its mother also testing positive.
Penis Swelling and Rectal Pain Identified As Monkeypox Symptoms
Over the course of 2022, more than 20,000 cases of monkeypox have been identified worldwide in countries where the rare disease is not normally reported.
Scientists Develop Spray Coating to Shield Surfaces From Viruses, Bacteria
Standard disinfectants are becoming less and less effective and require reapplication, according to researchers.
Everyday Kitchen Habits That You Should Stop Doing
Hidden germs in the kitchen make one in six Americans sick every year.
Is the Polio Vaccine Still Required in U.S. and Why Was OPV Stopped?
Widespread vaccinations efforts have helped to eradicate polio—a potentially debilitating or deadly disease—in the wild across most of the globe.
Microplastics Heath Risk Discovered in Hitchhiking Vomiting Viruses
Viruses that cause sickness in humans can attach to microplastics, remaining infectious for much longer than they would otherwise.