Contagion

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The detection of a new, fast-spreading strain of the virus in a remote mining town in eastern Congo led the World Health Organization to declare mpox a global public health emergency in August. Since then, its spread has only accelerated.

The virus is taking hold in crowded camps home to millions of displaced Congolese, who live crammed into rough shelters with limited access to water. And it has reached Congo’s cities, including its enormous, congested capital.

Belated efforts to control mpox in Kinshasa — by isolating patients and vaccinating their contacts — have been halting and haphazard, far outpaced by the speed of the virus’s spread and change.

A ‘silent’ COVID surge may hit the US over the holidays, experts warn — here's what that means This year's winter wave is off to a late start, and experts expect cases to keep rising. Here's what to know. TODAY

This year's winter COVID wave is off to a later start than usual, and some experts are warning about a potential "silent" surge in transmission over the holidays.

Key warning signs about bird flu are all going in the wrong direction This year has been marked by concerning developments in the virus’ spread, including widespread detections in wastewater and mutations observed in the virus. NBC News

...No bird flu transmission between humans has been documented, and the CDC maintains that the immediate risk to public health is low. But scientists are increasingly worried, based on four key signals.