The first U.S. death from avian flu; HHS awards $306 million in avian flu monitoring and preparedness; children exposed to higher levels of fluoride have lower IQs – Morning Medical Update

First U.S. death from avian flu reported in Louisiana

The first human has died in the U.S. from the avian flu, the Louisiana State Health Department announced yesterday. The avian flu, also known as the bird flu and the H5N1 virus, is still considered a low public health risk for the general public, according to a statement from the state’s health department. The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions. They were believed to have contracted the virus after exposure to a combination of non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. CBS News has more.

HHS awards $306 million in avian flu monitoring and preparedness funding

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a $306 million effort to continue its avian flu response. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) will award approximately $183 million in additional funding for regional, state and local preparedness programs, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will award approximately $111 million in funding for additional enhancements to the monitoring of avian flu at local, state and national levels and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will award approximately $11 million in funding for additional research into potential medical countermeasures against avian flu.

“While the risk to humans remains low, we are always preparing for any possible scenario that could arise. These investments are critical to continuing our disease surveillance, laboratory testing, and monitoring efforts alongside our partners at USDA,” said Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe. We will continue to ensure our response is strong, well equipped, and ready for whatever is needed.”

Children exposed to higher levels of fluoride have lower IQ levels

A government study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics found significant inverse associations between fluoride exposure and children’s IQ scores, and as the children in the study were exposed to more fluoride, their IQ levels dropped. Every one part per million increased in fluoride in urine was associated with a roughly one-point decrease in a child’s IQ score. CNN Health has more.