Virus

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda an international emergency

The WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda an international emergency, citing risks of cross-border spread.

|ByREUTERS
Ambulances parked at Bunia General Referral Hospital following confirmation of an Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 16, 2026.
It is possible to completely get rid of the virus

All 26 people under observation for hantavirus in France tested negative, health minister says

"These 26 people will continue to be medically monitored and tested three times a week," she wrote. "Health authorities will no longer communicate these results, except if there is a positive test."

|ByREUTERS, MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
The viruses hitting Israel now

The flu is gone, but the danger is not: The viruses hitting Israel now

Israel is dealing with extreme weather, alongside a rise in viral morbidity during the spring and summer: Influenza viruses have disappeared, but other viruses are attacking kids and adults.

|ByDR. ITAY GAL
A police boat approaches the cruise ship MV Hondius at the port of Granadilla de Abona after being affected by a hantavirus outbreak, in Tenerife, Spain, May 10, 2026.

One US citizen tests mildly positive for hantavirus, another has mild symptoms

The two passengers suspected of being infected will be taken to another undisclosed location, where they will also undergo further testing for the virus.

|ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Goat infected with bird flu in the US for first time

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health noted that the risk to the public is “extremely low.”

MARCH 24, 2024ByTZVI JOFFRE
Baby goat (illustrative)

Bird flu found on mainland Antarctica for first time ever

Scientists have warned that the impact of the bird flu on Antarctic wildlife could be "immense."

FEBRUARY 27, 2024ByTZVI JOFFRE
Penguins are seen in Curverville Island, Antarctica, February 15, 2018.

Dozens of cranes killed by bird flu in northern Israel

Avian influenza has affected tens of millions of birds and thousands of mammals worldwide in recent years.

FEBRUARY 18, 2024ByTZVI JOFFRE
Workers from the Agriculture Ministry in protective gear retrieving dead cranes who were infected with the Avian Influenza (bird flu) from the Hula Lake in the Hula Valley Nature Reserve, northern Israel, January 2, 2022.

Elderly man first person to die from Alaskapox virus

Symptoms of Alaskapox include lesions - an abnormal or damaged tissue caused by injury, infection, or disease.

FEBRUARY 13, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
An aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska.

Breakthrough CMV vaccine offers hope to pregnant women

The vaccine, known as mRNA-1647, utilizes the same technology as Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines.

FEBRUARY 4, 2024ByDR. ITAI GAL
A pregnant woman gets vaccinated (illustrative).

Global warming could release viruses millions of years old entrapped in ice

JANUARY 29, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A man walks through a tunnel formed from crystals of permafrost outside the village of Tomtor in the Oymyakon valley in northeast Russia, January 28, 2013.

Bird flu spotted in Israel again as outbreaks intensify globally

Since 2021, Europe and the Americas have been suffering from a nearly continuous outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza.

JANUARY 28, 2024ByTZVI JOFFRE
Workers in protective gear seen in Moshav Givat Yoav, in northern Israel, December 29, 2021, following an outbreak of avian influenza

West Nile virus found to be connected with agriculture and migratory bird routes

West Nile fever is caused by a virus primarily present in birds and transferred to humans through mosquito bites. Those infected typically experience flu-like symptoms.

JANUARY 25, 2024ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Bird receiving oral swab for West Nile virus testing.

Israeli-Palestinian cooperation vital to preventing spread of disease in cattle - Hebrew U study

"The high transmission rate between the Palestinian Authority and Israel suggests that preventing Foot and Mouth Disease in both areas is of high interest for both of them.”

JANUARY 15, 2024ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
A cow opens its mouth during feeding at the Johann Dairy farm in Fresno, California, U.S. September 10, 2020. Picture taken September 10, 2020.

Polar bear dies due to bird flu for first time

It's likely the polar bear was infected after scavenging dead birds, according to local officials.

JANUARY 5, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Polar bear near Kaktovik, Barter Island, Alaska