As avian flu cases soar in US livestock, public health organizations call for urgent surveillance and prevention efforts to check the menace of a possible zoonotic pandemic. Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has continued to spread throughout the United States, infecting both poultry and cattle now. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported more than 1,009 H5N1 detections in 17 states as of April 2025, including new cases in California and Idaho.

For the first time, the virus is sweeping American dairy cattle, a major departure from its normal avian hosts. New outbreaks have also been confirmed in live bird markets in New York and backyard poultry in New Mexico, showing the rapid spread of the virus in commercial and rural areas.

The crisis fuels worldwide alarm, with veterinarians and infectious disease specialists warning that unchecked transmission among mammals could raise the risk of human-to-human spread, potentially igniting a future pandemic.

From Birds to Cows—and Now Humans is There A Dangerous Mutation?

H5N1 has been widely circulating among wild birds for a long time, but the virus's leap to dairy cows in early 2024 was a watershed moment in zoonotic transmission. Infected states' cows showed symptoms like fever, decreased milk yield, coughing, drooling, and lethargy—puzzling symptoms later linked to avian flu.

The experts suspect that the virus is being transmitted through milking machines, especially auto-milkers, that can transfer traces of the virus from one cow to another. The disease has already infected dairy plant workers, with 70 cases reported in the United States, mostly among farmworkers. Most had mild illnesses, but a death did result in Louisiana in a patient who had some underlying conditions.

A total of all states except two reported H5N1 infection in cattle, poultry, or individuals between February 2024 and February 2025.

Delays in Response Is Alarming

Although the threat was serious, federal agencies have moved slowly, critics say. It took the USDA more than a month to require testing of cattle prior to interstate movement and ten months to launch a raw milk testing program. Even today, testing procedures continue to be irregular, with some states testing on a weekly basis and others participating hardly at all.

This delay has attracted ire from virologists and veterinarians who contend that early and forceful action might have contained the spread more effectively, given H5N1's established virulence and pandemic potential.

WHO New Global Surveillance Guidelines Issued

The World Health Organization (WHO) on April 11, 2025, released revised surveillance guidelines for the detection of human infections of H5 avian influenza viruses. These are intended to boost global readiness, facilitate early detection and response, and augment pandemic readiness.

Under WHO's new guidance, nations are required to inform the agency within 24 hours of the occurrence of any laboratory-confirmed human case of a new subtype of the virus. The guidelines also stress data openness and solicit greater surveillance activities, particularly in areas with heightened livestock-human interaction.

Locally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still rates the risk to the general population as low since human-to-human transmission has not yet been established. The CDC, however, observes that the virus is undergoing genetic evolution, which poses concern regarding potential mutations in the future that may alter its behavior.

In the meantime, the CDC has provided explicit PPE guidelines for farmworkers, such as respirators and eye protection, to avoid airborne and droplet transmission. The agency is also increasing testing, although difficulties remain due to the large percentage of undocumented farmworkers who will avoid testing for fear of legal consequences.

Is the Food Supply Safe?

Even with the commonality of H5N1 among poultry and cattle, there are no reported infections from the American food supply. The CDC still recommends basic food safety practices to reduce any risk that may exist:

• Cook chicken and eggs to 165°F (73.9°C)
• Ground beef must be cooked to 160°F (71.1°C)
• Whole beef cuts need to be cooked to 145°F (62.8°C)
• Raw milk and milk products that contain it, like unpasteurized cheese or yogurt, are highly not recommended due to their danger not only for bird flu but for other foodborne pathogens, like Listeria.

Is There a Bird Flu Vaccine?

No FDA-approved H5N1 vaccine exists for humans, though five candidate virus strains have been produced for possible use. The U.S. government has purchased 4.8 million doses of an experimental vaccine in preparation for a future outbreak with ongoing human-to-human transmission.

Internationally, Sinergium Biotech in Argentina, in partnership with the WHO, is developing an mRNA-based H5N1 vaccine, based on the successful platform utilized for COVID-19 vaccines. This effort will provide equitable access to low- and middle-income countries, where infrastructure for pandemic preparedness may not be present.

In poultry, although vaccines do exist, they are not commonly used in the U.S. because of export bans by trading partners that refuse to accept imported vaccinated birds.

How to Avoid Bird Flu?

For the general public, the most effective defense against H5N1 is still preventive action. This includes:

• Avoiding contact with ill or dead animals
• Reporting unusual wildlife or livestock deaths to local authorities
• Practicing safe food handling
• Avoiding eating raw or unpasteurized dairy products

Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of public awareness, early reporting, and responsible food handling as essential measures to prevent broader transmission.

Fatty liver disease, now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), happens when extra fat builds up in liver cells without alcohol being the cause. Normally, the liver contains some fat, but if more than 5–10% of the liver’s weight is fat, it is considered a fatty liver. In its advanced stage, MASLD can develop into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), causing swelling and serious damage to the liver. Alarmingly, MASLD affects about 100 million people in the United States, including a growing number of children.

The disease often develops silently. Many people do not experience symptoms early on, but if it worsens, signs like fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, swelling, and even mental confusion may occur. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, rapid weight loss, poor eating habits, and certain medications.

A Breakthrough in Early Prediction

A new study offers hope for earlier detection. Researchers, led by Dr. Shiyi Yu from Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital in China, have developed a blood test that looks for five specific plasma proteins to predict MASLD years before symptoms show up. The findings are set to be presented at the Digestive Diseases Week meeting in San Diego.

The test was shown to be 84% accurate at predicting fatty liver disease five years in advance and 76% accurate at predicting it 16 years ahead of diagnosis. When additional factors like body mass index (BMI) and daily exercise habits were added, the prediction accuracy improved even more—over 90% at five years and 82% at 16 years.

This model was tested on two different groups—participants from the UK Biobank (over 50,000 people) and a separate group in China—showing promising results across diverse populations.

Why Early Detection Matters

Fatty liver disease not only damages the liver but also increases the risk of early death—primarily from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) rather than liver failure itself. The connection between MASLD and heart disease is strong, as both share causes like high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and obesity. That is why early diagnosis is crucial—not just to protect the liver, but also to manage the risk of heart disease.

Early identification through a simple blood test could lead to earlier lifestyle changes, medical monitoring, and interventions that can prevent serious complications like cirrhosis or heart attacks.

What You Can Do

Currently, there is no approved medication for MASLD. Treatment mainly involves:

• Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
• Controlling diabetes and cholesterol levels
• Avoiding alcohol
• Following medical advice if already diagnosed

Preventive steps include eating a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils, being physically active, and avoiding unnecessary medications.

Although the findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal, this research marks a major advancement. It shows that a simple blood test could soon help millions of people know their risk decades in advance, giving them a chance to change the course of the disease before it's too late.

As the United States experiences the worst measles outbreak in over a decade with nearly 900 reported cases across 29 states, including deaths of two children, public understanding of the disease and its prevention strategy have been highly misunderstood due to political divide. The outbreak began in West Texas and has now spread widely. This highlights not only the persistent threat of measles but also the growing influence of vaccine misinformation, which have been fueled by political figures.

Why Is There A Resurgence of Preventable Diseases?

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, had been largely controlled in the U.S. thanks to the widespread use of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, gaps in vaccination coverage have led to a resurgence. The current outbreak, centered in Texas but extending to almost 30 states, has alarmed public health officials. Two young girls who were otherwise healthy have died as a result of measles complications.

The disease is known for its rapid transmission. A single case can lead to significant spread if vaccination rates in a community fall below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. Children are particularly vulnerable; although the first dose of the MMR vaccine is typically administered at 12 months, increased parental concern has led some to seek earlier vaccination during the outbreak.

The Politics Of Vaccine

As per a new survey by KKF, a nonprofit health information group, only one-third of Republican-leaning parents were aware of the current measles outbreak. This was in comparison with the two-thirds of aware Democratic parents. The survey also found and 1 in 5 Republicans believes that measles vaccine is more dangerous than the diseases itself, this is double the rate of Democrats.

These gaps in perception are not new but are deepening. About 35% of Republicans surveyed believe the discredited theory that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism—a belief held by just 10% of Democrats. While belief in this theory has not increased significantly, public awareness of the claim has grown, reflecting the impact of persistent misinformation.

Adding to the confusion is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long been associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric. Since taking office, he has supported an investigation into environmental contributors to autism and has floated unproven theories, such as vitamin A being a preventative measure against measles. These statements, while not outright opposing vaccines, muddy public understanding and can discourage immunization.

At a time when clear public health messaging is critical, conflicting remarks from top officials are exacerbating distrust. Advocacy organizations like Immunize.org and The Immunization Partnership warn that such mixed messaging, especially when it originates from high-ranking leaders, undermines public confidence in vaccines.

In southern states like Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, anti-vaccine activism has gained traction within state legislatures. Studies show that even lawmakers with medical backgrounds have not always supported public health measures, often influenced by political considerations and public pressure. Testimony from vaccine opponents at legislative hearings further amplifies misinformation, making it more difficult for facts to gain traction.

Meanwhile, healthcare providers are seeing the consequences firsthand. In California, where a 2014–15 outbreak began at Disneyland, pediatricians have treated severely ill children and taken stricter stances on accepting unvaccinated patients. These outbreaks serve as a stark reminder that the threat of measles is real and recurring.

Every year in April, IBS Awareness Month puts the spotlight on one of the world's most misunderstood and elusive gastrointestinal disorders—Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Affecting about 10% of the world's population, IBS has puzzled physicians and researchers for years. Though its chronic and interruptive symptoms—abdominal pain and bloating on one end, constipation and diarrhea on the other—there remains no agreement on what actually triggers it. A new, daring theory is disrupting conventional wisdom by posing an unusual question- Is gravity the hidden culprit behind IBS?

Dr. Brennan Spiegel, a Cedars-Sinai Medical Center physician and researcher in Los Angeles, is leading the way to a new perspective on IBS—one that looks at the constant pull of gravity on our bodies. In the American Journal of Gastroenterology, Spiegel's theory is that IBS could be the body's failure to successfully deal with gravity.

It's an interesting concept. "We spend our whole life in gravity, are formed by it, but barely appreciate its constant effect on our body," Spiegel explained in an interview. "Each strand of our body is touched by gravity every day, from the top of our head to our gastrointestinal tract."

From a scientific perspective, this hypothesis borrows from evolutionary biology and neurophysiology. The human body over millennia has evolved complex systems—musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, neurological—to deal with the downward pull of gravity. When these systems fail, Spiegel argues, they can initiate not only gastrointestinal symptoms but also a cascade of other complaints—muscle pain, fatigue, changed mood, and more.

What is the Gut-Brain Axis and the Roller Coaster Effect?

At its core is the connection between the gut and the brain—a widely documented characteristic of IBS. Individuals with IBS tend to experience a knotted stomach upon stress or a sensation of "butterflies" in stressful situations. Such gut feeling, as Spiegel speculates, may be attributed to the nervous system's adaptation to threats from gravity, such as the free-falling experience on a roller coaster.

"Our nervous system has mechanisms for perceiving and reacting to changes in gravity," he added. "When it flakes out or overcompensates, it may show up as IBS symptoms." This is related to another fascinating twist: the difference between individuals' reactions to gravitational stress. There are those who love roller coasters; others get nauseated or frantic—implying a continuum of what Spiegel refers to as G-force vigilance.

This might explain why IBS tends to overlap with disorders such as anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome—all of which could potentially have an underlying sensitivity to gravitational stress.

Link Between IBS and Gravity

Spiegel's theory also explores deeper into anatomy. The abdominal cavity houses heavy organs that need to be "suspended" effectively. Genetic predispositions—lax connective tissues, a weak diaphragm, or spinal misalignments in some—may lead to sagging or movement of organs, including the intestines. The downward movement could affect motility, lead to cramping, and result in bacterial overgrowth—all prevalent in IBS.

In addition, the hypothesis delves into serotonin's role. This mood-regulating neurotransmitter also facilitates balance, blood circulation, and the movement of intestinal contents. "Dysregulated serotonin," Spiegel explains, "could actually be a type of gravity failure," which may connect depression, IBS, and even dizziness in a common physiological cycle.

What It Means for Treatment and Prevention

If confirmed, the gravity hypothesis has the potential to transform how we conceptualize—and treat—IBS. "The beauty of it is that it's testable," said Dr. Shelly Lu, director of the Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases at Cedars-Sinai. Unlike so many vague IBS theories, this one invites us to the possibility of targeted interventions.

This hypothesis can also assist us in better comprehending the reason why exercise, posture correction, core strengthening, and physical therapy work for most IBS sufferers. By fortifying the structural support system of the body, these strategies might decrease gravity's effect on the gut.

Symptoms, Triggers, and the IBS Daily Struggle

IBS is an individualized disease. Symptoms range widely and may include:

• Abdominal bloating, pain, and cramping related to bowel movements
• Alterations in stool appearance or frequency
• A feeling of not fully emptying the bowels, gas, and mucus in stool

Its triggers are also multifactorial. Stress and some foods—dairy, citrus, beans, wheat, and carbonated beverages—may exacerbate symptoms. Although food intolerances are not the cause in every case, many individuals find significant symptom relief through diet, such as a low FODMAP diet.

IBS isn't only an intestinal affliction—it can also blow a person's life off track. Chronic patients usually suffer from complications such as hemorrhoids due to constant diarrhea or constipation, and generally decreased quality of life. Research indicates that individuals with moderate to severe IBS experience three times more work absences compared to others. The psychological price is high too—aún and depression often accompany one another in IBS, one worsening the other.

Could this be the long-lost piece to a hundred-year-old puzzle? Maybe. Although further research is necessary to establish the gravity connection, the theory is already creating new avenues for comprehension and healing.

If you have ongoing digestive problems, see a healthcare provider. IBS is a treatable condition, and treatment options can involve medication, counseling, physical therapy, or dietary changes depending on your individual symptoms.