The US is struggling with multiple disease outbreaks, the longest one till now being the bird flu or the H5N1 virus. However, to give a ray of hope, scientists have now created a handheld sensor that can quickly detect H5N1 in the air, which could potentially stop the outbreak before they spread.

The findings of this handheld sensor is published in journal ACS Sensors, which noted it to be a low-cost, highly sensitive and workable sensor.

How Does Bird Flu Spread?

Bird flu spreads when infected respiratory droplets are inhaled by birds or animals. While lab-based texts like PCR are effective, they require sample collection and time to deliver results. Whereas, this handheld sensor is a much faster, simpler method that could help detect the virus even before the outbreak could cover.

How Does The Sensor Work?

The research was led by Rajan Chakrabarty, who is the leader of the Aerosol Interdisciplinary Research(AIR) group at Washington University. His team developed the sensor using electrochemical capacitive biosensor (ECB) technology. The ECB features a thin network of nanocrystals and graphene oxide, with special probes that attach to bird flu particles.

This is a built-in-air sampler, which collects airborne virus droplets and turns them into a liquid sample. When the virus binds to the sensor, it changes the device's ability to hold electrical charge. This allows the scientists to measure virus levels.

In lab tests, the ECB sensor detected the H5N1 virus within five minutes. It was also sensitive enough to identify 95 viral copies per 35 cubic feet of air. This is a level that researchers say should be "sensitive enough to detect the presence of H5N1 below the virus' infectious dose."

Is Bird Flu Deadly In Humans?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since 2003, a number of thousand confirmed cases of human H5N1 was reported to the World Health Organization. Out of this, almost 50% died, and the fatality rate was set at 52%.

The countries reporting the highest number of human bird flu deaths are Indonesia, Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. While the fatality rate varies by the strain of bird flu, another type, that is, H679 is known to infect humans has a lower fatality rate of 40%.

CDC also noted that severe H5N1 avian flu in America was "not expected". "Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death," the CDC stated.

Does it come from other animals?

Bird flu primarily infected farmworkers or those in close proximity to livestock. The first human bird flu case in the US was reported in 2022, to a person who was also involved in farm-working.

While this flu is largely confined to birds in the wild and poultry, recent outbreaks have been reported in mammals too, including cattle.

The CDC also noted earlier that the risk to the general public is still at low, however, this warning could change. "Although human infections are rare, circumstances may evolve as we learn more about this case," said the CDC in a statement.

The sting of skepticism when we hear about sniffles or cold symptoms in midsummer. Many of us chalk it up to myth. After all, cold and flu season lives squarely in winter—right? New CDC data shows COVID‑19 is rising across several regions, even as flu and RSV remain remarkably low. Emergency room visits for COVID‑19 are climbing in some parts of the U.S., signaling something worth paying attention to—especially if we’re done worrying about respiratory viruses until October.

According to the CDC’s Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel, respiratory illness levels overall are still very low as of August 1, 2025. But the devil’s in the details: COVID‑19 activity is increasing in Mid‑Atlantic, Southeast, Southern, and West Coast states, while flu and RSV cases remain flat or declining.

Summer is supposed to be the season of sunshine, vacations, and a break from cold-season sniffles. But this year, something unusual is happening across the United States — COVID-19 is making a comeback, even as other respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV remain uncharacteristically quiet. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency room visits due to COVID-19 are up in several parts of the country, especially in Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Southern, and West Coast states. So what’s going on, and why is COVID spiking in the summer?

As of early August, RSV activity is flatlining, and flu levels are decreasing. In contrast, COVID-19 numbers are moving in the opposite direction. Emergency department visits are rising for people of all ages, with particular increases among children under four. According to CDC tracking, while the general level of acute respiratory illness is low overall, the uptick in COVID-19 cases in summer has public health officials paying close attention.

The expectation was for COVID-19 to settle into a winter virus pattern. But recent years — including 2024 and now 2025 — have shown that late summer surges are not only possible but are now becoming somewhat predictable.

Why COVID Is Spiking When Other Viruses Aren’t?

One major reason we see fewer respiratory illnesses in summer is behavior. Warmer weather drives people outdoors, where airflow disperses respiratory droplets and reduces transmission. Windows are open, ventilation is better, and large indoor gatherings are less frequent.

However, in parts of the country where temperatures soar into the triple digits, people escape the heat by heading indoors. Air-conditioned environments mean enclosed spaces, close contact, and recirculated air — all of which are ideal for viral transmission.

In places like Arizona, summer is our indoor season. And that means more sickness, just like winter on the East Coast.

Which COVID Variant Is Behind the Summer Spike?

A new COVID-19 variant, known as NB.1.8.1 or "Nimbus," is making the rounds and may be contributing to the current rise in infections. One of the more talked-about symptoms of this variant is an extremely painful sore throat, leading some to nickname it “razor blade throat” COVID.

This symptom has been reported in the UK, India, and now parts of the U.S., although overall severity hasn’t shown any dramatic increase. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the variant is under monitoring but isn’t classified as a variant of concern. Current vaccines remain effective against Nimbus, and there’s no evidence so far that it causes more severe illness than earlier strains.

Still, painful symptoms, coupled with the ease of summer spread, are making this version of COVID a hot topic among health experts.

Should You Get a COVID Booster Now?

Timing matters. According to Dr. Costi Sifri from the University of Virginia Health System, people who are otherwise healthy might benefit from waiting until the fall to get their booster, especially if they're looking to optimize protection for winter gatherings or travel. But if you’ve got a big event coming up — a wedding, trip, or family reunion — a summer booster may offer timely protection.

For people in high-risk categories, including older adults and those with compromised immune systems, consulting a healthcare provider about booster timing is critical. The virus may be milder for many people, but it’s far from benign for vulnerable populations.

Why Are Kids Contacting COVID Faster in 2025?

Last week’s CDC data showed a rise in emergency visits among children under 4 years old. Many of these kids are encountering the virus for the first time, and some may be unvaccinated.

Confusingly, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently stated that COVID shots are no longer recommended for healthy children — a move that has sparked concern among pediatricians and public health experts. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend vaccinations for all children over 6 months old.

What Can You Do to Lower Risk?

The same principles that applied in previous waves still hold true today. Doctors recommend:

• Spending time outdoors instead of enclosed indoor spaces
• Washing hands regularly
• Wearing masks in crowded areas
• Staying home if you feel sick

Additionally, consider returning to more mindful health habits — like using HEPA filters indoors, avoiding unnecessary travel if sick, and staying up to date on all your vaccinations, including the flu and COVID.

Role of Behavior in Virus Spread

It's not just biology. Our habits play a huge role in how viruses circulate. When the weather gets unbearable outside, people crowd into movie theaters, gyms, malls, or shared living spaces — all prime environments for transmission. Summer weddings, concerts, and family reunions can also become hotspots.

Experts say that if people treated summer with the same level of viral caution they show in winter, spikes like this could be mitigated. But fatigue, misinformation, and the seasonal expectations of carefree health often override the reality of virus behavior.

Other Summer Viruses You Should Know About

While COVID-19 is leading the respiratory virus pack this season, it’s not alone. Doctors have also reported increases in:

• Norovirus (aka the stomach flu)
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (common in children, causes rashes and fever)

These viruses tend to spread through close contact and poor hygiene, and are particularly active in schools, camps, and daycare centers.

The big question now is whether this summer’s spike is a blip or a bellwether. Will we see more off-season waves of COVID-19? Will variants like Nimbus become the norm or remain footnotes in the larger pandemic timeline?

While the WHO has designated the public health risk as "low" on a global scale, local surges, particularly among vulnerable populations, demand vigilance. As we approach the fall, new booster recommendations are expected from both U.S. and global health agencies.

For now, the take-home message is clear: Don’t let your guard down just because the sun’s out. COVID-19 isn’t taking the summer off, and your health routine shouldn’t either.

COVID-19 cases are increasing in several U.S. regions during summer 2025, even as RSV and flu remain low. Experts point to heat-driven indoor activity and the rise of the Nimbus variant as key drivers. Staying alert, practicing basic hygiene, and making informed decisions about vaccination timing remain essential for navigating this unusual respiratory season.

Over 7,000 cases of chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquitoes, have been reported in China's Guangdong province since July. To stop the virus from spreading, officials have put in place strict rules similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the hardest-hit city of Foshan, patients must stay in the hospital, and their beds are protected with mosquito nets. They can only leave after a week or when they test negative for the virus.

However, the health official have employed an innovative and biologically friendly way to fight the contagious virus. Giant 'elephant mosquitoes' are being released to to fight the mosquito-borne virus.

What are 'Elephant Mosquitoes'?

To see whether these helpful insects can impact diseases like chikungunya, a study published in the BioControl journal looked at how they interact with Aedes, which are the mosquitoes responsible for spreading chikungunya. Researchers collected elephant mosquito larvae from old tires and studied them in a lab. They discovered that a single elephant mosquito larva can eat up to 45 Aedes larvae in a day.

The study showed that these elephant mosquito larvae are highly effective hunters. Their eating habits didn't change based on the type of container, how much water was present, or whether it was day or night. This means they could be a reliable, natural way to control mosquitoes in many different places, at any time. This shows that these giant, non-biting mosquitoes are a promising, all-natural pest control solution.

What is Happening and Why People Are Worried

The virus is not contagious and spreads only when an infected person is bitten by a mosquito that then bites others. The virus causes fever and bad joint pain, which can sometimes last for years.

The outbreak has caused some panic in China, as the virus isn't well known there. People are concerned about the long-term pain. However, officials say most cases have been mild, and 95% of patients have gotten better within a week. Hong Kong has also reported its first case, a boy who had recently traveled to Foshan.

How Does Chikungunya Spread?

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, chikungunya virus, a type of alphavirus, is found in many parts of the world. It is carried and spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites a person with the virus and then bites another person, the virus is transmitted. People are most likely to infect mosquitoes during the first few days of their illness, when they have a high level of the virus in their blood.

Less Common Ways the Virus Can Spread

While the virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, it can also be transmitted through other means due to the high viral load in an infected person's blood. These less common methods include:

• Blood transfusions
• Handling infected blood in a lab
• Drawing blood from an infected person
• The virus is not spread from person to person through sneezing, coughing, or touching.

Has Monsoon Played A Part In The Chikungunya Outbreak?

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine explains that a surge in chikungunya cases began in early 2025, and it is likely due to favorable climatic conditions, which allow the Aedes mosquito population to boom. Guangdong province is a coastal area, that is experiencing rainfall at the moment. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet conditions, often living near humans and breeding in places with standing water like water tanks and discarded containers. After heavy rain, mosquito populations can grow rapidly, leading to a rise in diseases they carry.

The combined risks of climate change and transmission from people who don't know they're infected. As the climate gets warmer, the Aedes mosquito can now be found in new parts of the world. Additionally, many people with chikungunya don't show any symptoms, so they can spread the virus without knowing it. Other possible reasons for the increase in cases could be a lack of funding for mosquito control or even a change in the virus's genetics that makes it more infectious.

Chikungunya is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and causes a fever and severe joint pain. There is no specific cure, and while rare, the disease can be fatal. The best ways to prevent infection are to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, install screens on windows and doors, and remove any standing water from containers around your home.

Should People Be Concerned About It?

Most people who get bitten by an infected mosquito will feel sick within three to seven days. Besides fever and joint pain, other symptoms include rashes, headaches, and muscle aches. While most people get better in a week, some will have joint pain that lasts for months or even years.

The virus is rarely deadly, but it can be more dangerous for babies, older people, and those with other health issues like heart disease or diabetes. The World Health Organization says the best way to stop the virus is to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

2 people have died and about 58 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaire's disease in Harlem, New York. According to NYC Health statement, they are investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem.

They reported that the bacteria responsible for the outbreak, Legionella pneumophila, was found in 11 cooling towers. All of these towers have undergone the required cleaning and remediation.

Legionnaire’s disease is a type of of pneumonia that is caused by a bacteria called legionella, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse is urging anyone in the affected areas who develops flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms can include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing. It is especially critical for high-risk individuals—such as those over 50, smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems—to get care as soon as possible, as early treatment with antibiotics can be very effective.

How Legionnaire’s Disease Spreads

Legionnaires' disease is caused by breathing in mist or water vapor that contains the Legionella bacteria. This bacteria thrives in warm water and can be found in various water systems, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, humidifiers, and large air-conditioning units. The disease cannot be spread from person to person.

To prevent the spread of Legionella, building owners and managers should follow a water management program. At home, you can take steps to prevent the growth of waterborne germs. For example, in vehicles, it's important to only use genuine windshield cleaner fluid instead of water, as Legionella can grow in the windshield wiper fluid tank.

Risk Factors for Legionnaire’s Disease

A 2014 review published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal showed that cases from 2002 to 2011 showed that the number of people getting Legionnaires' disease in New York City was on the rise, increasing by 230% during that time. The highest number of cases was in 2009, when the rate was 2.74 per 100,000 people—much higher than the national average of 1.15.

The study found a clear link between the disease and poverty. The areas with the highest poverty rates also had the most cases of Legionnaires' disease.

Additionally, people with certain jobs were more likely to get sick. For those who caught the disease in their community, there was a higher chance they worked in jobs like transportation, repair, protective services, cleaning, or construction.

What Are the Complications That Occur?

The disease was first identified in 1976 following an outbreak among people at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia.

If a doctor suspects pneumonia, they will perform a chest x-ray. To confirm if the cause is Legionella, other tests are needed, such as a urine test or a lab test using a sample of sputum or lung fluid. If you are diagnosed with the disease, the healthcare provider will report it to the local health department for investigation.

Legionnaires' disease is treated with specific antibiotics, and most cases can be cured successfully, especially with early treatment. Although healthy people usually recover, they often need to be hospitalized. Complications can include lung failure or even death. About 1 in 10 people who get the disease will die from complications. The risk of death is higher, about 1 in 4, for those who get the disease while in a healthcare facility.