A rapidly spreading strain of H5N1 avian influenza, more commonly referred to as bird flu, has ravaged bird populations worldwide. Since 2022, over 147 million birds in the U.S. alone have been affected, causing economic strain, increasing egg prices, and growing public health concerns. The virus has also begun spreading to other mammals, including dairy cows, cats, and even humans. The question of the day stands tall: what if bird flu mutated to turn airborne and effectively spread among people? Scientists warned that such mutation would be all it took for the next great global pandemic. Understanding Bird Flu: What makes it dangerous?

Bird flu is one of the forms of influenza which mainly infects birds but occasionally jumps to humans and other mammals. The high fatality rate among infected humans makes H5N1 more alarming. Similar to human flu viruses such as H1N1 and H3N2, H5N1 also has distinct protein structures that will not let it spread from one person to another, at least for now.

There are two major known subtypes of avian flu that have infected humans: influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N9). WHO reports that H5N1 mortality in the Western Pacific Region has reached up to 54% among reported cases. Despite the fact that human infections are rare, health experts are always worried about mutation.

Can Bird Flu Become Airborne?

Currently, H5N1 is not yet able to be transmitted from person to person by the air, although viruses are found to evolve. If H5N1's genetic makeup is changed in such a manner that it can be airborne, scientists fear that it may lead to a deadly pandemic. Unlike seasonal influenza, which spreads by respiratory droplets, bird flu is mainly transmitted by direct contact or any exposure to the infected animal or their body fluids. However, airborne transmission would mean the virus could spread much more easily, making containment significantly more difficult.

Researchers are keeping a close eye on cases in mammals, as transmission among non-bird species may be a sign that the virus is adapting. Pandemics such as the 1918 Spanish flu have, in the past, originated from animal influenza viruses that mutated to become highly transmissible in humans. If H5N1 takes this path, the world may be facing a severe public health crisis.

How Do Humans Get Infected with Bird Flu?

Although it is rare, bird flu can be transmitted to humans. Infected birds spread the virus through their saliva, mucus, and excrement. Other infected animals, like dairy cows, can also harbor the virus in their respiratory secretions, milk, or blood. In these cases, the virus is transferred to humans by direct contact with infected animals or surfaces. These viruses may enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth and can be inhaled via airborne particles, such as dust.

Although human infections have been few, the threat remains that each new case increases the possibility of mutation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. emphasizes that the risk to the general population remains low, but cautions close contact workers who work closely with animals, like farmworkers and veterinarians.

Symptoms and Duration of Bird Flu Infection in Humans

The incubation period for H5N1 in humans varies but generally ranges between 2 to 5 days, with some cases taking up to 17 days to manifest symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Most recent U.S. cases have been mildly symptomatic but, worldwide, H5N1 infections have caused severe respiratory illness and sometimes death. Mortality has been high in all previous outbreaks; thus, officials are on their toes in regard to new infections.

Who's at Greatest Risk?

The people at high risk of acquiring bird flu are those who are in close contact with infected animals, such as poultry farm workers, veterinarians, and dairy farmers. Also, people whose immune systems are weakened, including young children and older adults, are more susceptible to severe illness. Although this is rare, there have been documented cases of limited human-to-human transmission, especially among family members caring for infected individuals.

Are Eggs Safe To Eat?

Well, health experts have assured me that properly cooked poultry and eggs do not harbor the virus of avian bird flu. Also, high heat will kill such a virus for human consumption; however, sometimes birds get flu even after ingesting raw commercial pet food leading to the transfer of the diseases in under-cooked animal-based food products.

Raw milk from infected cows remains a potential risk, though more research is needed to determine the extent of its transmissibility. The CDC advises avoiding raw dairy products and ensuring that all poultry and eggs are thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Preventive Measures: How to Stay Safe

Although the current level of risk in humans is quite low, extra precautions are best taken, starting with people regularly in contact with birds or live stocks. Such precautions have included the following recommendation by the CDC:

• Avoid all direct contact with sick or dead birds and animals.
• Use adequate protective equipment- gloves, mask, goggles-as needed to collect potentially infected animals.
• Wash hands well afterwards with soap, water, antiseptic cleaners, and all poultry and its products.
• Poultry and eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
• Pasteurized dairy products are the safest options.

Monitor for symptoms if you have been exposed to infected animals. Seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms occur.

The Uncertain Future of H5N1

Although the threat of an airborne mutation is speculative at this point, scientists warn against complacency. Surveillance programs monitor changes in the virus, and vaccine development is ongoing to prepare for a potential outbreak.

Like all other emerging infectious diseases, preparation is essential. Public health officers encourage further studies and collaboration that would ensure an early detection and control of H5N1 before it even threatens the entire world.

For now, the risk of a bird flu pandemic is low, but the experience with COVID-19 teaches that preparedness should be proactive. Understanding the risks, staying informed, and following recommended safety protocols can help to minimize potential dangers in the years ahead.

A tragic measles outbreak has claimed the life of a child at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, marking the UK’s second child death from the disease in the last ten years. While the identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, The Mirror reports that measles played a significant role in the child’s illness, which was worsened by underlying health conditions.

Hospital authorities have not confirmed whether the child had received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, public health officials continue to emphasize the high effectiveness of the vaccine — around 97% when both doses are administered — in preventing serious illness or death.

With measles cases climbing and vaccination uptake declining in Merseyside, local health officials are concerned that the virus could “spread like wildfire.” Statistics suggest that as many as 288 out of every 1,000 people in the region may be vulnerable to infection.

“We’re Deeply Concerned,” Says Alder Hey Hospital

In an open letter issued to parents, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust expressed growing concern over the surge in measles-related hospitalizations. “We are concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles,” the hospital said in a statement to The Daily Star. “It’s a highly contagious viral illness which can cause children to be seriously unwell, requiring hospital treatment and, in rare cases, death.”

The hospital revealed that 17 children have been treated for complications related to measles since June alone. Many of these patients include immunocompromised children already dealing with other medical conditions, making them particularly susceptible to infections.

Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, told The Mirror, “I’m extremely worried that the potential is there for measles to really grab hold in our community. My concern is the unprotected population. That’s why we’re trying to be proactive. It’s really important people understand the seriousness of this.”

Understanding Measles and Its Symptoms

Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms: high fever, runny nose, cough, sneezing, and sore, red eyes. These symptoms are often followed by a distinctive rash, which starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading across the body. The rash may appear red or brown on lighter skin and less visible on darker skin, according to NHS guidelines. Small white spots inside the mouth may also develop.

Although the illness usually resolves within 7 to 10 days, it can cause severe complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

The World Health Organization recommends a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity. However, falling rates of MMR vaccination in parts of the UK have compromised this protective barrier.

What To Do If You Suspect Measles

NHS guidance urges people to seek immediate medical advice if they or their child show symptoms of measles, especially if the child is under one year old, pregnant, or immunocompromised. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect exposure or experience symptoms such as persistent fever, breathing difficulties, poor feeding in infants, or reduced urination.

Infected individuals should avoid attending school, nursery, or work for at least four days after the rash appears and limit contact with vulnerable groups.

Vaccination Is the Best Defence

The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses — the first at around 12 months and the second at 18 months. Those who missed their childhood vaccinations can still receive the vaccine at any time. Experts continue to urge families to check their vaccination records and ensure both doses have been administered.

“We can prevent people, including children, from contracting measles through vaccination,” Alder Hey Children’s Hospital stated. “Please protect yourself and vulnerable children and young people by ensuring you are fully vaccinated.”

A Growing Global Concern: Measles in the United States

The UK’s current outbreak mirrors a troubling global trend. The United States is currently battling its worst measles outbreak in 25 years. As of mid-2025, over 1,270 cases have been confirmed — already surpassing the previous high in 2019.

Health officials across both countries are urging vigilance, stressing that measles is not just a childhood illness of the past. It remains a very real, preventable threat that can quickly spiral out of control in communities with low vaccination coverage.

TFC player Tsubasa Endoh, 31, who was diagnosed with acute undifferentiated leukemia in December 2021, has retired as a Toronto FC player.

On Friday, Toronto announced that it had signed Endoh to a one-day contract to officially retire as a TFC player. He had also been honored before Saturday's game against Atlanta United. Toronto GM Jason Hernandez in a state said, "It is truly a special moment for Toronto FC to have Tsubasa come back and officially retire as a Red. The club wanted to give him this recognition for all his contributions over six years and celebrate his career."

How Was He Diagnosed?

His contract with TFC had expired following the 2021 season, after that he signed Melbourne City FC in Australia's A-League in early 2022. It was later the same year when he joined Los Angeles Galaxy reserve side. It was when he was in LA that his body was malfunctioning.

Blood work showed an alarming white blood cell count. A trip to ER then turned into an 8-day hospital stay, it was there when he was told that he may have cancer. He returned to Japan to be with his family and was diagnosed with the rare form of leukemia.

He is also battling a lot of other things on the side, like it is said that cancer does not come alone. His battle also includes chronic GvHDs (graft-versus-host disease), a systemic disorder occurring when immune cells from transplanted tissue recognize the recipient's body as foreign and attack its cells.

He has also been through four rounds of chemotherapy until now, radiation and also a bone marrow transplant. However, during his last round of chemotherapy, which lasted for 8 weeks, no visitor was allowed.

"You spend so much time alone … It's not easy," he said. "The silver lining was to get all the support from TFC fans and the Galaxy, the guys from Maryland."

Yet, to all these, he says, "It's OK."

He is also suffering from debilitating body cramps and is currently on 15 different medications. He also is suffering from fascia inflammation (fascia is the thin cover of tissue that holds muscles in place), which means picking something up on the floor can be difficult because his muscles tighten so much. He sometimes has to stop typing when his fingers cramp. Putting on socks is painfully hard, reports TSN.

"Those are the little things that add up. But this is my life now. I try not to focus on negative things in life. It's what it is. You just have to adapt and accept it," he says.

What Is Acute Undifferentiated Leukemia?

As per the National Cancer Institute, USA, leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and whether it grows quickly or slowly. Leukemia occurs most often in adults older than 55, but it is also the most common cancer in children younger than 15.

However, acute undifferentiated leukemia is different, notes the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The ASH publication from 2019, notes that it is a rare and by definition, has neither lymphoid nor myeloid lineage specific markers. Given its rarity, little is known about its incidence, survival, and optimal management.

National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program (SEER), notes that this cancer affects the bone marrow and peripheral blood. There are too few cases to know whether there is a predilection for other sites. These leukemias are very rare and nothing substantial is known about their frequency. While anecdotal experience generally considers these leukemias to be of poor prognosis, information is too scanty to make any definitive statements.

The National Institute of Health (NIH), USA also notes that there are no established treatment for this condition. However, chemotherapy, allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, radiation, etc. could work, but an optimal strategy remains undefined due to rarity of this cancer.

On Friday, July 11, Gina Rodriguez announced her pregnancy with her second child at the red carpet for Netflix' Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3. She, 40, was joined by her husband, 38, Joe LoCicero, and both were beaming with joy of happiness.

Just a day after, on July 12, Vanessa Hudgens, 36, announced the arrival of her baby No. 2. She is expecting her second child with her husband Cole Tucker, nearly a year after giving birth to their first child. She also posted a photo with her baby bump and captioned, "Round two!!!"

Both have shared their news of pregnancy with their second child after they have crossed their 30s. While this, as also published in many studies including on Office for National Statistics titled Childbearing for women born in different years, England and Wales: 2020, does point out that more and more women are having their first child in their 30s. Another recent study published in 2023, in BMC journal Reproductive Health also notes that "in recent decades women's age at birth of their first child has risen markedly in many countries, and an increasing number of women do not establish a family until their late-twenties to mid-thirties." However, a question that continues to linger around is whether it is safe for the woman and the child to have a pregnancy after 30?

Having Kids Later In Life

As per National Institute of Health (NIH), US, about 20% of women in the US have their first child at the age of 35. However, it does not mean that it does not have its own problem.

While factors like financial stability and better and timely family planning may have resulted in a so-called 'later' pregnancy. However, it does come with its own risks.

Fertility And Age

NIH notes that concievng becomes more difficult as you age. This is constant for both men and women. Women are born with a set number of eggs. Each month, a woman's ovary releases an egg to be fertilized. This is called ovulation. However, before that, her body recruits many eggs in preparation for this process. A handful of eggs are developed and matured, but usually only one makes it to ovulation.

“As women age, they’re still fertile, but their odds of pregnancy are decreased because they’re not making as many good eggs that will fertilize and divide normally and turn out to be an embryo,” explains Dr. Alan Decherney, an NIH fertility expert, mentioned on NIH website.

A woman’s fertility begins to gradually decline after the age of 30, as both the number and quality of her eggs decrease over time. This decline continues until menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. At that point, periods stop and natural fertility ends.

Men also experience age-related changes. As they grow older, they may produce fewer sperm, and the quality of their sperm may decrease. In both men and women, this age-related drop in reproductive health is linked to a higher risk of certain conditions in their children, such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and schizophrenia.

Miscarriage

Another risk during 'late' pregnancies are the increasing risks of miscarriage. Anja Bisgaard Pinborg, head of the fertility department at Copenhagen's Rigshopitalet and clinical medicine professor at the University of Copenhagen tells BBC, "The other thing that that happens in the late 30s is that the chromosomes in the X (chromosome) are getting more unstable – that's why there's an increased risk of chromosomal aberrations, such as Down syndrome. So, many of the pregnancies will end up in a miscarriage."

As per the National Health Service, UK, In women under 30, 1 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, while in women aged 35 to 39, up to 2 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage. The number goes up to 5 in 10 pregnancies, as the age increases to 45.

Other Maternal Complications

A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Women's Health, titled Management of Pregnancy in Women of Advanced Maternal Age: Improving Outcomes for Mother and Baby, notes that pregnancy at advanced maternal age, which means 35 or more, is considered a risk factor for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Possible complications include:

• Increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage
• Preterm labor
• Gestational diabetes mellitus
• Pre-eclampsia, stillbirth
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Cesarean delivery

The study also notes possible adverse fetal outcomes, which include infants small for gestational age and intrauterine growth restrictions, low Apgar score, admission to neonatal intensive care units, and an autism spectrum disorder.