1. The CDC found a Chilean man infected with two bird flu genetic mutations. The evolutions, both in the PB2 gene, help the H5N1 virus replicate better in mammalian cells. The mutations likely emerged in him over the course of his illness. The World Health Organization and Chinese officials confirmed the first human death from the H3N8 bird flu strain in mid-April.
2. New Mexico reported five hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases, with four individuals hospitalized and one dead from the virus carried by rodents. The hantavirus cases did not spread from person to person; it commonly stems from exposure to rodent feces, urine and saliva that contains the virus.
3. Stanford (Calif.) University researchers said they identified the first animal-to-human transmission of Mycobacterium marinum — a nontuberculous mycobacterium that commonly causes a tuberculosis-like illness in fish — after an iguana bit a girl’s hand in May 2022.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.