Top in ID: Avian flu in milk; surge in hospital-onset COVID after end of universal masking

The FDA has identified genetic traces of avian influenza virus in pasteurized cow milk samples, but since the pasteurization process is expected to inactivate the viruses, the agency said there is no indication of a threat to human health.

“For the general public, concern should still be low because the tests are most likely picking up ‘dead’ viruses in the milk,” Andrew S. Pekosz, PhD, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology and vice chair of the department of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, told Healio.

In response to the FDA’s finding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it took steps to help reduce the spread of avian influenza among cattle. For example, dairy cattle are now required to receive a negative test before they can cross state lines. It was the top story in infectious disease last week.

The second top story was about an association between the end of universal masking and admission COVID-19 testing of hospitalized patients and an increase in hospital-onset COVID-19 at five Massachusetts hospitals.

Read these and more top stories in infectious diseases below:

Q&A: FDA confirms traces of bird flu virus in pasteurized milk

The FDA announced that testing has identified genetic traces of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in pasteurized cow milk samples collected in the United States. Read more.

Hospital-onset COVID-19 surged after end of universal screening, masking

Ending universal masking and admission testing of all hospitalized patients was associated with an increase in hospital-onset COVID-19 at five Massachusetts hospitals, researchers found. Read more.

Q&A: Mnemonic can help assess patients for penicillin allergy

A 6-month implementation study improved nurses’ evaluation of penicillin allergies among perioperative patients, as is recommended by the CDC for antimicrobial stewardship programs, researchers reported. Read more.

Social network analysis spots facilities at risk for KPC-CRE transmission

Using social network analysis, researchers were able to show how health care facilities in Colorado are connected by patient transfers, which allowed them to identify potential outbreak origins. Read more.

Norovirus outbreak at New York restaurant linked to infected food handlers

A norovirus outbreak at a New York restaurant was traced back to sick food handlers, some of whom were unaware of the location’s paid sick leave policy, researchers reported at the CDC’s annual Epidemic Intelligence Service conference. Read more.