China 🇨🇳 Detects First XEC Recombinant Variant (KS.1.1/KP.3.3) in Liaoning Province.
China's Liaoning Province has reported the first case of the XEC recombinant variant (KS.1.1/KP.3.3), a development that has raised significant concern globally.
XEC, initially identified in Germany, is now closely monitored as it begins to spread.
According to a California-based physician, XEC is "just getting started" and could take weeks or months to significantly affect global and domestic case numbers.
While the variant is "definitely taking charge," experts warn it may take time before it reaches high levels of prevalence.
According to Raj Narayanan, a variant tracker and Assistant Dean of Research and Associate Professor at NYITCOM at Arkansas State University, the XDV.1 lineage is currently the most widely circulating variant in China.
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Virologist warns of pandemic risk as bird flu spreads in Germany 🇩🇪
German virologist Klaus Stöhr warns growing H5N1 spread in Germany could spark a pandemic, saying the virus “has all the characteristics” needed.
He urged urgent vigilance and preparedness.
The H5N1 virus has all the characteristics necessary to trigger a pandemic,” said Klaus Stöhr, former head of the World Health Organization’s influenza program, in an interview with the German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung.
Stoehr urged to step up preparedness efforts. "Pandemics have always occurred. Good pandemic planning is the best form of protection," he said calling for the development of new vaccines the global updating of pandemic response plans and stronger monitoring of animal populations.
BREAKING: Florida Sees Sharpest COVID-19 Surge in the U.S. — Wastewater Levels Triple, Highest in 9 Months, According to WastewaterSCAN
Florida is currently experiencing the most significant increase in COVID-19 transmission nationwide, with wastewater surveillance data showing levels nearly three times higher than any point in the past nine months, according to WastewaterSCAN.
While other Southern and West Coast states are also seeing gradual increases, Florida's spike is notably sharper. Most other U.S. regions remain stable with low or flat transmission trends.
U.S. 🇺🇲 Sees 2.009 Million COVID-19 Cases in a Week as COVID-19 Transmission Exceeds to 33.6%
Currently 1 in 167 Americans Infected with COVID-19.
The U.S. has reported 1.624 million new COVID-19 cases in a single week, with daily infections reaching 287,000, according to the PMC COVID-19 Forecasting Model.
The latest data indicates that 1 in every 167 Americans is currently infected.
Transmission exceeds 33.6% of peaks.
Current Levels – As of June 23, 2025
% of Population Infectious: 0.6% (1 in 167)
New Daily Infections: 287,000
New Weekly Infections: 2,009,000
Estimated Weekly Long COVID Cases: 100,000 to 402,000
H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus from Michigan Dairy Worker Found to Transmit Airborne in Animal Model, Raising Pandemic Concerns.
A newly published study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides critical insight into the transmissibility and pathogenicity of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus isolated from a dairy farm worker in Michigan.
The findings, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, underscore the potential for mammalian adaptation and highlight the importance of continued surveillance as avian influenza viruses cross species barriers.
China 🇨🇳 Hit by New COVID Surge Driven by Omicron XDV and NB.1.8.1 Variants Hospitals Overwhelmed, Beijing Warns of Delayed Response
New COVID-19 infections are rising again across China, driven by Omicron subvariants NB.1.8.1 and XDV.
Viral videos show crowded hospitals and long lines, fueling public concern over a potential new wave.
On May 12, the Chaoyang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Beijing confirmed that epidemic activity in the capital is heating up.
U.S. 🇺🇲 Sees 1.624 Million COVID-19 Cases in a Week as COVID-19 Transmission Exceeds to 21.9%
Currently 1 in 206 Americans Infected with COVID-19.
The U.S. has reported 1.624 million new COVID-19 cases in a single week, with daily infections reaching 232,000, according to the PMC COVID-19 Forecasting Model.
The latest data indicates that 1 in every 206 Americans is currently infected.
Transmission exceeds 21.9% of peaks.
Current COVID-19 Levels – May 12, 2025
% of Population Infectious: 0.5% (1 in 206)
Daily New Infections: 232,000
Weekly New Infections: 1,624,000
Estimated Weekly Long COVID Cases: 81,000 – 325,000