Outbreaks of Norovirus, a Death from Bird Flu and Wildfires in L.A.

6 snips

Jan 13, 2025

Andrea Thompson, senior news editor for Earth and Environment, dives into pressing environmental issues. She highlights the alarming spike in norovirus outbreaks across the U.S. and discusses the recent H5N1 bird flu death in Louisiana, emphasizing the low risk for most people. The impact of wildfires in Los Angeles is examined, particularly the influence of Santa Ana winds on fire behavior. Thompson also touches on the new medical debt policy that could boost credit scores for millions, showcasing how health and environment intertwine.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Norovirus Prevention

Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, handling food, or taking medicine.
Also, wash after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, as norovirus is highly contagious.

INSIGHT

First U.S. Bird Flu Death

The first U.S. death from H5N1 bird flu occurred in Louisiana, involving someone over 65 with underlying conditions.
While the current risk is low for most, factors like age and health can increase disease severity.

ADVICE

Respiratory Infection Prevention

Protect yourself from respiratory infections like HMPV, COVID, and the flu.
Wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home if you feel unwell.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Norovirus cases are up this year, with 91 reported outbreaks nationwide. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases are up in China and India. There has also been an increase in the U.S., but HMPV is currently a cause for concern in the nation, where its relative commonality gives many people some immunity. Louisiana has reported the first U.S. death from H5N1 avian influenza. Experts say the risk of bird flu to most people is low, though several factors can cause severe disease. Medical debts are set to be removed from U.S. credit reports, which could raise credit scores by an average of 20 points for the 15 million Americans who will be affected.

Wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area last week, caused in part by a hot, dry winter and the speeds of the Santa Ana winds. Those winds made it difficult to fight the Palisades and Eaton Fires. As of last Thursday evening, firefighters were continuing to get a handle on these fires.

Plus, a new study uncovers the cosmic kiss between Pluto and its largest moon Charon.