Plague News: Bird Flu, COVID, Measles, Good News - 5.8.25

Bad. Not good.

Although, I am adding a section called "Good News" for the sake of morale. You need something to hope for and look forward to, as far off and unrealistic as it seems.

Let's take a look at the shitshow.

In this issue:

• Measles
• Bird Flu
• COVID
• Recommended Reading
• Good News

Measles

If you don't know who/what CIDRAP is, you should get familiar:

The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP; "SID-wrap") is a global leader in addressing public health preparedness and emerging infectious disease response. Founded in 2001, CIDRAP is part of the Research and Innovation Office at the University of Minnesota. - From their website.

US measles total passes 900 as CDC responds to alternative treatment push

CIDRAPLisa Schnirring

North Dakota reports first measles case since 2011

CIDRAPStephanie Soucheray, MA

Currently North Dakota has an 81% vaccination rate among toddlers and 90% among kindergarteners entering during the 2024-2025 school year. Vaccination coverage at 95% or above is needed to halt measles transmission. - CIDRAP 5.5.25

Measles, bird flu and more: Where Massachusetts stands with public health right now

As outbreaks for several diseases are being monitored across the U.S., state DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein has an update on the ongoing public health initiatives in Massachusetts.

GBHMark Herz

Massachusetts has MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rates of 96% for kids entering kindergarten. This WGBH article is from March of 2025 but contains info about vaccination rates in the Commonwealth. Unfortunately things have escalated since then.

As Measles Spreads Across New England, CT’s Top Public Health Official Says Check Your Vaccinations

Rhode Island PBSSujata Srinivasan

World may be ‘post-herd immunity’ to measles, top US scientist says

As infections pummel communities in the US, Mexico and Canada, fear of ‘the most contagious human disease’ grows

The GuardianJessica Glenza

The measles ‘is not a benign disease’

And, clarithromycin and cod liver oil are not treatments, says infectious disease expert Dr. Tina Tan

Northwestern Now

Scientists Find Measles Likely To Become Endemic in the US Over Next 20 Years

A new study forecasts more than 850,000 measles cases over the next 25 years if US vaccination rates stay the same. Millions of infections are possible if rates drop.

WIREDEmily Mullin

Bird Flu

Bird flu isn't as silent as we think — experts caution the pandemic threat is still growing - Salon 4.30.25

Top virologists urge world leaders to act on rising avian flu threat

Global Virus Network scientists highlight the need for robust surveillance, enhanced biosecurity, and readiness for potential human-to-human viral transmission.

CIDRAPMary Van Beusekom, MS

US CDC cancels science group workshop on preventing human bird flu infections - Reuters 4.29.25

COVID

New research links long COVID to worse health-related quality of life

CIDRAPMary Van Beusekom, MS

"COVID-19 continues to impose a significant burden on the survivors by post-COVID conditions (PCCs), even after a mild initial infection," the study authors wrote. – CIDRAP 5.7.25

US scientist who touted hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid named to pandemic prevention role

Steven J Hatfill, who promoted the drug despite scant evidence of efficacy, becomes special adviser at HHS

The GuardianChris Stein

FDA names oncologist Dr. Vinay Prasad, a Covid vaccine critic, as the new vaccine chief

Prasad was an outspoken critic of the FDA’s response to the pandemic, including the former vaccine chief, Dr. Peter Marks.

NBC NewsBerkeley Lovelace Jr.

THE LIST: 120 Organizations, Institutions, Individuals, and Tools that UCSF’s Vinay Prasad Has Attacked

An Embarrassing History of Outrage Farming

Pandemic Accountability IndexJJ Kogburne

Recommended Reading

Scientists question NIH project’s use of 20th century technology to make a universal flu vaccine

$500 million NIH program to make vaccines against pathogens that can trigger pandemics uses approach pioneered in last century

STATHelen Branswell

RFK Jr. may have inspired acting US attorney’s harassment of medical journals

Ed Martin’s nomination may be DOA, but MAHA lives on.

Mother JonesDan Friedman

“Long COVID Mode”: Seeing the crisis through games - The Sick Times

Games uniquely incorporate emotional and social factors that influence how we take in information — making them surprisingly useful communication tools in a world in denial about the ongoing threats of COVID-19 and Long COVID. Whether through the cathartic storytelling in indie designers’ interactive theater projects or learning opportunities woven into popular video games, playing games can help people make informed decisions amid the Long COVID crisis.

The Sick Times - Chronicling the Long Covid crisisKate Fishman

This is from New Zealand but very good:

The Press

The Press

Good News

Moderna’s combo Covid and flu mRNA shot outperforms current vaccines in large trial

A combination shot would make it easier for people to get vaccinated against Covid and the flu at the same time.

NBC NewsBerkeley Lovelace Jr.

This is why we need to advocate for public health and vaccines and rally against misinformation. We need this medicine. I have read that the FDA is trying to push this vaccine back. Not good.

Clinical trial underway for potential Long Covid treatment - Schmidt Initiative for Long Covid

A clinical trial is underway to assess the effectiveness and safety of sipavibart, AstraZeneca’s long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to provide protection against Covid-19, as a potential treatment for Long Covid, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and the Schmidt Initiative for Long Covid (SILC) announced today.

Schmidt Initiative for Long Covid

If you want to purchase high-quality masks and PPE, I recommend Bona Fide Masks.

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Plague News is a round-up of pandemic and infectious disease news focusing on so-called New England and the rest of the so-called United States.

Rhinestone Mice is the project.