Helen Branswell 🇨🇦
@helenbranswell.bsky.social
I cover infectious diseases for STAT (www.statnews.com). 2020 Polk winner. Nieman '11. She/her. I write about H5N1 (in all species), Covid, polio, flu, Ebola, RSV, mpox, STIs. Find me on Signal: HBranswell.01
Idaho reported another #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herd recently, its 108th.
That makes 1,081 confirmed infected herds in 18 states since the outbreak was first recognized in spring 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
That makes 1,081 confirmed infected herds in 18 states since the outbreak was first recognized in spring 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
October 17, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Idaho reported another #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herd recently, its 108th.
That makes 1,081 confirmed infected herds in 18 states since the outbreak was first recognized in spring 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
That makes 1,081 confirmed infected herds in 18 states since the outbreak was first recognized in spring 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
Belatedly: #USDA announced that Nebraska has joined the states that have detected #H5N1 #birdflu in dairy cattle. Since H5 was first detected in cows in the US in spring 2024, 1,080 herds in 18 states have tested positive for the virus. www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-...
September 16, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Belatedly: #USDA announced that Nebraska has joined the states that have detected #H5N1 #birdflu in dairy cattle. Since H5 was first detected in cows in the US in spring 2024, 1,080 herds in 18 states have tested positive for the virus. www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-...
#CDC was alerted to 3 more #flu deaths in kids, bringing the total for the 2024-25 season (so far) to 278 — only 10 fewer than during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. About 90% of those kids weren't vaccinated against flu. So tragic.
Kids should be vaccinated against flu.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
Kids should be vaccinated against flu.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
August 31, 2025 at 5:04 PM
#CDC was alerted to 3 more #flu deaths in kids, bringing the total for the 2024-25 season (so far) to 278 — only 10 fewer than during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. About 90% of those kids weren't vaccinated against flu. So tragic.
Kids should be vaccinated against flu.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
Kids should be vaccinated against flu.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
The number of kids who died from flu in the 2024-25 season is still rising. #CDC was informed of another 5 deaths, bringing the season total to 275 so far. Deaths occurred in Jan & May.
The only time more peds deaths from flu were reported was in the 2009 pandemic. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
The only time more peds deaths from flu were reported was in the 2009 pandemic. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
August 23, 2025 at 2:37 AM
The number of kids who died from flu in the 2024-25 season is still rising. #CDC was informed of another 5 deaths, bringing the season total to 275 so far. Deaths occurred in Jan & May.
The only time more peds deaths from flu were reported was in the 2009 pandemic. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
The only time more peds deaths from flu were reported was in the 2009 pandemic. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
#CDC has been advised of another 3 children who died from #flu in the 2024-25 season, bringing the confirmed pediatric death toll to 270. This number could rise further; pediatric deaths are often reported months later.
Most weren't vaccinated.
This is beyond tragic.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
Most weren't vaccinated.
This is beyond tragic.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
August 15, 2025 at 3:12 PM
#CDC has been advised of another 3 children who died from #flu in the 2024-25 season, bringing the confirmed pediatric death toll to 270. This number could rise further; pediatric deaths are often reported months later.
Most weren't vaccinated.
This is beyond tragic.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
Most weren't vaccinated.
This is beyond tragic.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
Massachusetts announces the risk of #WestNile has risen to "high" in a number of municipalities at this point. Between #WNV and #EasternEquineEncephalitis or #EEE, this is a good time of the year not to be bitten by mosquitoes!
August 12, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Massachusetts announces the risk of #WestNile has risen to "high" in a number of municipalities at this point. Between #WNV and #EasternEquineEncephalitis or #EEE, this is a good time of the year not to be bitten by mosquitoes!
"Public health workers are not the enemy:" former surgeon general Jerome Adams on yesterday's alarming attack on the CDC. www.statnews.com/2025/08/09/c...
August 9, 2025 at 11:04 PM
"Public health workers are not the enemy:" former surgeon general Jerome Adams on yesterday's alarming attack on the CDC. www.statnews.com/2025/08/09/c...
#CDC has been informed of another pediatric #flu death in the 2024-25 season. That makes 267 children who died from flu this season. Such a tragedy.
90% of these kids (of those for whom vax status is known) weren't vaccinated, up from 82% in 2023-24. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
90% of these kids (of those for whom vax status is known) weren't vaccinated, up from 82% in 2023-24. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
August 8, 2025 at 3:26 PM
#CDC has been informed of another pediatric #flu death in the 2024-25 season. That makes 267 children who died from flu this season. Such a tragedy.
90% of these kids (of those for whom vax status is known) weren't vaccinated, up from 82% in 2023-24. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
90% of these kids (of those for whom vax status is known) weren't vaccinated, up from 82% in 2023-24. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
#USDA reports another #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herd in California, the 771st such detection in the state.
The cumulative national total of detected/confirmed herds is 1,078 in 17 states. The true number of infected herds? Who knows?
www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
The cumulative national total of detected/confirmed herds is 1,078 in 17 states. The true number of infected herds? Who knows?
www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
August 4, 2025 at 12:35 PM
#USDA reports another #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herd in California, the 771st such detection in the state.
The cumulative national total of detected/confirmed herds is 1,078 in 17 states. The true number of infected herds? Who knows?
www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
The cumulative national total of detected/confirmed herds is 1,078 in 17 states. The true number of infected herds? Who knows?
www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
Dallas County has reported its first confirmed case of #WestNile in 2025. Recently, MA's Public Health Dept reported the first finding of #TripleE — Eastern Equine encephalitis — infected mosquitoes this year.
Aug-Sept is when some nasty mosquito-spread diseases emerge. Be prudent: Use bug spray.
Aug-Sept is when some nasty mosquito-spread diseases emerge. Be prudent: Use bug spray.
August 1, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Tiny bit of good news: No new pediatric #flu deaths for 2024-25 were reported last week to the #CDC. First time in weeks that figure — currently 266 for the season — hasn't risen. However, 1 additional peds death for the 2023-24 flu season was reported last week, bringing that yr's total to 208.
August 1, 2025 at 3:23 PM
The NYC #Legionnaires outbreak has grown to 22 cases, with 1 death. Cases have been reported in Central Harlem (ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 & 10039) & bordering communities. Sounds like cooling towers (multiple?) may be the source??? www.nyc.gov/site/doh/abo...
July 31, 2025 at 12:37 AM
The NYC #Legionnaires outbreak has grown to 22 cases, with 1 death. Cases have been reported in Central Harlem (ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 & 10039) & bordering communities. Sounds like cooling towers (multiple?) may be the source??? www.nyc.gov/site/doh/abo...
If you aren't checking out @statnews.com today, you're missing out. Our newsroom is on fire. So many important stories to read. www.statnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:52 PM
If you aren't checking out @statnews.com today, you're missing out. Our newsroom is on fire. So many important stories to read. www.statnews.com
NYC Dept of Health is investigating a #Legionnaire's disease outbreak in Central Harlem. 5 cases so far; test results pending on other suspected cases. Right now it looks like it's centered in these zip codes: 10027, 10030, 10035 and 10037. www.nyc.gov/site/doh/abo...
July 25, 2025 at 11:02 PM
NYC Dept of Health is investigating a #Legionnaire's disease outbreak in Central Harlem. 5 cases so far; test results pending on other suspected cases. Right now it looks like it's centered in these zip codes: 10027, 10030, 10035 and 10037. www.nyc.gov/site/doh/abo...
1. The pediatric death toll from #flu for 2024-25 continues to climb, with #CDC informed of 5 more deaths last week. That brings the season's total so far to 266, which is only 22 fewer than during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic! Of kids eligible for vax & for whom vax status is known, 90% weren't vaxed.
July 25, 2025 at 3:12 PM
#USDA reports 2 more #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herds in California, bringing the state's total to 770.
The cumulative national total is 1,077 herds in 17 states. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
The cumulative national total is 1,077 herds in 17 states. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
July 23, 2025 at 12:55 PM
#USDA reports 2 more #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herds in California, bringing the state's total to 770.
The cumulative national total is 1,077 herds in 17 states. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
The cumulative national total is 1,077 herds in 17 states. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
#CDC has been informed of another child who died from #flu this season; the death was earlier this month. (Flu circulates year round, but at lower levels in summer.)
The to-date season total is 261 pediatric deaths, a tragically high number. Most weren't vaxed. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
The to-date season total is 261 pediatric deaths, a tragically high number. Most weren't vaxed. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
July 18, 2025 at 6:10 PM
#CDC has been informed of another child who died from #flu this season; the death was earlier this month. (Flu circulates year round, but at lower levels in summer.)
The to-date season total is 261 pediatric deaths, a tragically high number. Most weren't vaxed. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
The to-date season total is 261 pediatric deaths, a tragically high number. Most weren't vaxed. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
1. New pediatric #flu deaths for 2024-25 continue to be reported to #CDC; last week 4 more were added. The latest occurred in mid-June.
There've been a staggering 260 deaths in '24-25, the worst year (except the 2009 pandemic) since CDC started tracking peds flu deaths.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
There've been a staggering 260 deaths in '24-25, the worst year (except the 2009 pandemic) since CDC started tracking peds flu deaths.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
July 11, 2025 at 3:28 PM
1. New pediatric #flu deaths for 2024-25 continue to be reported to #CDC; last week 4 more were added. The latest occurred in mid-June.
There've been a staggering 260 deaths in '24-25, the worst year (except the 2009 pandemic) since CDC started tracking peds flu deaths.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
There've been a staggering 260 deaths in '24-25, the worst year (except the 2009 pandemic) since CDC started tracking peds flu deaths.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
New #H5N1 #birdful detections in dairy herds are few & far between these days. But the virus is still around. #USDA reported a new infection in California today, CA's 768th & the nation's 1,075th since the outbreak in cows was first recognized in March 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
July 11, 2025 at 1:29 PM
New #H5N1 #birdful detections in dairy herds are few & far between these days. But the virus is still around. #USDA reported a new infection in California today, CA's 768th & the nation's 1,075th since the outbreak in cows was first recognized in March 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
#CDC reports 3 more pediatric #flu deaths for the 2024-25 season, bringing the total to date to 256. Pediatric flu death reports to CDC are often delayed, so the total could still rise.
For the kids in whom vaccination status is known, 90% weren't vaccinated.
So tragic. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
For the kids in whom vaccination status is known, 90% weren't vaccinated.
So tragic. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
July 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM
#CDC reports 3 more pediatric #flu deaths for the 2024-25 season, bringing the total to date to 256. Pediatric flu death reports to CDC are often delayed, so the total could still rise.
For the kids in whom vaccination status is known, 90% weren't vaccinated.
So tragic. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
For the kids in whom vaccination status is known, 90% weren't vaccinated.
So tragic. www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
Though the West Texas #measles outbreak has slowed down, the nationwide number of confirmed cases this year is still climbing. The number of recorded cases in the first 6 months of 2025 is close — 8 shy — to surpassing the 2019 total to become the highest yearly tally since measles elimination.
July 2, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Though the West Texas #measles outbreak has slowed down, the nationwide number of confirmed cases this year is still climbing. The number of recorded cases in the first 6 months of 2025 is close — 8 shy — to surpassing the 2019 total to become the highest yearly tally since measles elimination.
Wow! The pediatric death toll for the 2024-25 flu season keeps climbing. #CDC was informed of +3 deaths last week; they occurred between early Feb & mid April.
The total is now 253 pediatric deaths (& more reports could still come). 90% of these kids weren't vaxed.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
The total is now 253 pediatric deaths (& more reports could still come). 90% of these kids weren't vaxed.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
June 27, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Wow! The pediatric death toll for the 2024-25 flu season keeps climbing. #CDC was informed of +3 deaths last week; they occurred between early Feb & mid April.
The total is now 253 pediatric deaths (& more reports could still come). 90% of these kids weren't vaxed.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
The total is now 253 pediatric deaths (& more reports could still come). 90% of these kids weren't vaxed.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
#USDA reports the first new #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herd in weeks, this one in Arizona. It's the state's 5th and the country's 1074th.
Does the trickle of new positives mean the outbreak is ending? Who knows? So little visibility on this situation. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
Does the trickle of new positives mean the outbreak is ending? Who knows? So little visibility on this situation. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
June 25, 2025 at 1:10 PM
#USDA reports the first new #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herd in weeks, this one in Arizona. It's the state's 5th and the country's 1074th.
Does the trickle of new positives mean the outbreak is ending? Who knows? So little visibility on this situation. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
Does the trickle of new positives mean the outbreak is ending? Who knows? So little visibility on this situation. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
The *confirmed* #measles count in the US has hit 1,214 so far in 2025. This figure only includes cases where testing was done and is believed to be a significant underestimate of the true number of cases. www.cdc.gov/measles/data...
June 20, 2025 at 4:59 PM
The *confirmed* #measles count in the US has hit 1,214 so far in 2025. This figure only includes cases where testing was done and is believed to be a significant underestimate of the true number of cases. www.cdc.gov/measles/data...
The death toll this past #flu season took on kids continues to climb. In its latest flu update, #CDC reports on another 4 deaths, bringing the total to date to 250 — an extraordinary number. 89% of the kids for whom vaccination status was known weren't fully vaccinated.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
June 20, 2025 at 3:27 PM
The death toll this past #flu season took on kids continues to climb. In its latest flu update, #CDC reports on another 4 deaths, bringing the total to date to 250 — an extraordinary number. 89% of the kids for whom vaccination status was known weren't fully vaccinated.
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...
www.cdc.gov/fluview/surv...