• Dairy cows infected with bird flu in five U.S. states have died or been slaughtered by farmers because they did not recover. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the vast majority of cows recover well.
• Bird flu infections lead cattle to suffer reduced milk production, digestive issues, fever, and diminished appetite, and can beget secondary infections that can be lethal.
• The USDA reported that no viral particles were found in samples of ground beef collected at retail stores, and that no bird flu virus was found after cooking ground beef to medium to well done after it was injected with a virus surrogate as part of an experiment.

Dairy cows infected with avian flu in five U.S. states have died or been slaughtered by farmers because they did not recover, state officials and academics told Reuters.

Reports of the deaths suggest the bird flu outbreak in cows could take a greater economic toll in the farm belt than initially thought. Farmers have long culled poultry infected by the virus, but cows cost much more to raise than chickens or turkeys.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson said the agency knew of a few deaths but that the vast majority of cows recover well. Reuters was not able to determine the total number of cows with bird flu that died or were killed in South Dakota, Michigan, Texas, Ohio and Colorado.

WHO CONFIRMS FIRST HUMAN DEATH FROM A(H5N2) BIRD FLU

Avian flu has infected dairy cows in more than 80 herds across 10 states since late March, according to the USDA.

Some of the animals died of secondary infections contracted after bird flu weakened their immune systems, said state veterinarians, agriculture officials, and academics assisting in state responses to bird flu. Other cows were killed by farmers because they failed to recover from the virus.

Cattle infected with bird flu suffer reduced milk production, digestive issues, fever, and diminished appetite, according to farmers and veterinarians.

In South Dakota, a 1,700-cow dairy sent a dozen of the animals to slaughter after they did not recover from the virus, and killed another dozen that contracted secondary infections, said Russ Daly, a professor with South Dakota State University and veterinarian for the state extension office who spoke with the farm.

“You get sick cows from one disease, then that creates a domino effect for other things, like routine pneumonia and digestive issues,” Daly said.

A farm in Michigan killed about 10% of its 200 infected cows after they too failed to recover from the virus, said Phil Durst, an educator with Michigan State University Extension who spoke with that farm.

Michigan has more confirmed infections in cattle than any state as well as two of three confirmed cases of U.S. dairy workers who contracted bird flu.

In Colorado, some dairies reported culling cows with avian flu because they did not return to milk production, said Olga Robak, spokesperson for the state Department of Agriculture.

Ohio Department of Agriculture spokesperson Meghan Harshbarger said infected cows have died in Ohio and other affected states, mostly due to secondary infections.

The Texas Animal Health Commission also confirmed that cows have died from secondary infections at some dairy operations with avian flu outbreaks.

Officials could not provide figures for the number of statewide cow mortalities.

New Mexico’s state veterinarian, Samantha Uhrig, said farmers increasingly culled cows due to decreased milk production early in the outbreak, before the U.S. even confirmed bird flu was infecting cattle. Culling decreased as farmers learned that most cows gradually recovered, she said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Officials in North Carolina and Kansas said there have been few to no cow deaths associated with bird flu in their states. Idaho officials did not respond to requests for information.

Bird flu virus particles were found in beef tissue taken from one dairy cow sent to be slaughtered for meat, and meat from the animal did not enter the food supply, USDA said last month.

The agency has reported that no viral particles were found in samples of ground beef collected at retail stores, and that no bird flu virus was found after cooking ground beef to medium to well done, after it was injected with a virus surrogate as part of an experiment.

Health officials are warning about a new case of ringworm likely spread through sex that has been reported in New York City, the first such case in the U.S.

The infection, a rare fungus called trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), was detected in a man in his 30s who reported having sex with multiple men during a trip to England, Greece and California, according to a study published Wednesday at JAMA Dermatology by doctors at NYU Langone Health in New York City.

When the man returned from his trip, he developed a red, itchy rash on his penis, legs, and across his groin and buttocks. The rash looks similar to eczema, a common condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin, as opposed to the typical ringworm fungal skin infection that forms in circles. 

WHO CONFIRMS FIRST HUMAN DEATH FROM A(H5N2) BIRD FLU

Tests revealed he had the fungus and doctors prescribed him standard antifungal oral medications – but it took his body four and a half months to clear it.

The man took fluconazole for four weeks without improvement before moving on to terbinafine for six weeks and then itraconazole for eight weeks.

Doctors say he did not have any other infections that could have made the problem worse.

Dr. Avrom Caplan, an assistant professor of dermatology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and author of the new report, told NBC that there is no need for the public to be alarmed.

“There’s no evidence that this is widespread, or that this is something that people really need to be worried about,” Caplan told the outlet. “But if people are having itchy eruptions in areas like the groin, and it’s not getting better, see a doctor.”

John Zampella, who also co-authored the study, called on physicians to help identify the fungus.

DR. DEBORAH BIRX ARGUES THERE WAS AN EFFORT TO SQUASH LAB-LEAK THEORY

The co-author of the study called on physicians to help identify the fungus. (iStock )

“Since patients are often reluctant to discuss genital problems, physicians need to directly ask about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for those who are sexually active, have recently traveled abroad, and report itchy areas elsewhere on the body,” Zampella said in the statement. 

The man’s case is the first recorded in the U.S. and comes as doctors in France reported 13 such cases last year, according to a statement announcing the study. Twelve of those patients were men who had sex with men. The man said he had sex with multiple male partners during his travels, none of whom reported similar skin issues.

Caplan said the infection was most likely transmitted through sexual contact but he couldn’t rule out the possibility that he picked the fungus up at a sauna he had visited two months prior to his symptoms erupting, NBC reports. 

According to the study, male genital fungi have been increasing in India, consistent with the emergence of a slightly different form of ringworm called trichophyton indotineae.

Climate, hygiene and bathing practices likely contribute to the spread of that fungus as well as sexual contact.

Caplan previously identified the first two cases of trichophyton indotineae and since then his team at NYU Langone Health has identified a further nine cases of the ringworm in both men and women in New York City.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The study was conducted by doctors at NYU Langone Health in New York City.   (Noam Galai/Getty Images)

The infection causes similar itchy and contagious rashes as TMVII and poses a greater challenge for dermatologists since it often resists terbinafine treatment, Caplan said. 

“These findings offer new insight into how some of the fungal skin infections spreading from South Asia can evade our go-to therapies,” Caplan said. “Beyond learning to recognize their misleading signs, physicians will need to ensure their treatment addresses each patient’s quality-of-life needs.”

Caplan said that he plans to work with leading fungi experts around the U.S. and internationally over the next few months to expand research efforts and track emerging cases.

Travelers may want to think twice before having a glass of wine on a flight and then grabbing some shuteye.

A new study published in Thorax, a monthly peer-reviewed publication by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), found that consuming alcohol and then falling asleep on a plane could lead to a drop in blood oxygen levels and a spike in heart rate.

The air in the cabin of a plane already has less oxygen than the air we typically breathe. Drinking alcohol can reduce oxygen levels even further — as does sleep, according to experts.

JUST ‘PLANE RUDE’ FOR PEOPLE TO INVADE YOUR PERSONAL SPACE ON A FLIGHT: HERE’S HOW TO HANDLE IT

In the study, which was led by the Department of Sleep and Human Factors Research at the German Aerospace Center, one group of healthy adults slept for two nights in a sleep laboratory.

Another group slept for the same amount of time in a hypobaric (reduced oxygen) altitude chamber that mimicked an airplane.

Before one of the nights, the participants consumed alcohol. The German researchers found that the people in the hypobaric chamber experienced a drop in blood oxygen, higher heart rates and a lower quality of sleep after drinking alcohol.

“[Airplane] passengers with cardiopulmonary diseases have an increased risk of aggravation of symptoms due to the decreased cabin pressure at cruising altitude, which is amplified during sleep,” the researchers wrote. 

SWITCHING SEATS ON A PLANE: WHEN TO DO IT AND WHEN TO SAY ‘NO,’ ACCORDING TO EXPERTS

“Alcohol, which is often consumed on board, has similar effects, but hypobaric hypoxia-induced changes are usually more pronounced.”

This was the first study to evaluate the combined impact of hypobaric hypoxia (low oxygen concentration at high altitudes) and alcohol during sleep, according to the researchers. 

“The study showed that the ability to compensate for cabin oxygen pressure lowering in flight is worsened both by sleep and by alcohol,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the study but called it “well-executed,” although he noted that it was on the small side, with fewer than 50 people.

“The study showed that the ability to compensate for cabin oxygen pressure lowering in flight is worsened both by sleep and by alcohol,” Siegel told Fox News Digital.

“Because of the alcohol and most likely your sleep position, you don’t get restful sleep or go through all the stages of sleep, which causes additional stress on your heart.”

“Those [factors] are synergistic with each other, leading to increased heart rate and likely increased heart pressure and risks, even in young, healthy individuals.”

The findings highlight the need to stay well-hydrated, the doctor noted, as alcohol is a diuretic and airflight is already somewhat dehydrating due to the dry cabin air.

“Be aware that although restive sleep on long flights makes sense, it may interfere with REM sleep and quality of sleep — and may affect oxygen pressure to the point where it is below 90%,” Siegel warned.

Alcohol is a diuretic and airflight is already somewhat dehydrating due to the dry cabin air, the researchers said. (iStock)

Dr. David Campbell, clinical and program director of Recover Together in Bend, Oregon, who was also not involved in the study, said it supports the findings that alcohol consumption and sleep combined with the pressurized environments found on airplanes reduces oxygen levels and increases heart rate. 

“Sleep deprivation has been closely associated with increases in irritability, agitation and brain fog, as well as escalations of anxiety, depression and challenges with mood regulation and memory — things most people would typically like to avoid on their next family vacation or business trip,” he told Fox News Digital.

“I would caution those with obstructive sleep apnea, COPD or obesity from consuming alcohol pre-flight or in-flight.”

While Campbell echoed Siegel’s comment that the study is small in scale, he said the findings should be investigated further to gauge the physiological and psychological impact.

“Despite the need for further research and a larger sample size, I would caution those with obstructive sleep apnea, COPD or obesity against consuming alcohol pre-flight or in-flight, to avoid co-consumption of alcohol and other sleep aids or medicines, and to limit blue light to improve sleep quality and mood when traveling,” he advised.

Alcohol alternatives on planes

Dr. Adam Scioli, chief medical officer at Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, noted that most people drink alcohol when flying to fall asleep or to manage their stress, which itself increases the risk of a cardiovascular event. 

“You’ve got a situation where because of the alcohol and most likely your sleep position, you don’t get restful sleep or go through all the stages of sleep, which causes additional stress on your heart and cardiovascular system,” said a chief medical officer. (iStock)

“Now you’ve got a situation where because of the alcohol and most likely your sleep position, you don’t get restful sleep or go through all the stages of sleep, which causes additional stress on your heart and cardiovascular system,” Scioli, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.  

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“This can be exacerbated by the fact that many people don’t drink enough water before they fly, which causes dehydration — again increasing the likelihood of negative impact on their heart.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

There are other, more effective ways to manage stress and reduce anxiety than drinking, according to Scioli. 

Some of those include breathing, mindfulness and reading a book.

An expert recommended other ways to manage stress and reduce anxiety, such as breathing, mindfulness and reading a book. (iStock)

“Finally, to avoid cardiovascular events due to hypobaric hypoxia, drink plenty of water, eat a healthy meal and plan to manage stress during take off and landing,” Scioli advised. 

“Know your heart health and take necessary precautions,” he said. “Avoid alcohol, cannabis and other drugs that can add stress to your cardiovascular system.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health 

Anyone who has a true panic disorder or fear of flying should talk to a medical professional about medications that can be useful.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers requesting further comment.

What’s in your medicine cabinet?

In the event of aches and pains, allergic reactions or even a minor medical emergency, do you have the essential supplies?

Fox News Digital spoke with two experts — Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, a pharmacist based in Dallas-Fort Worth, and Katy Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist and the CEO and co-founder of Vitalize, a private supplement company — who identified the most important medical staples that every household should have on hand.

TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY? IT COULD BE ILLEGAL TO BRING ALONG THESE MEDICATIONS, ACCORDING TO A PHARMACIST

Here’s a list of 9 key staples. 

1. Pain relievers

Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen are important for treating headaches, easing achy muscles, reducing inflammation and lowering fevers, according to Bourgeois.

“These are simply medicine cabinet essentials,” she said. 

2. Allergy medications

“Each allergy medication is designed to treat specific symptoms, so it’s important to find the correct over-the-counter medicine in order to manage and relieve your allergy symptoms,” Bourgeois said. 

PET MEDICATION FOR DEADLY CAT ILLNESS SOON TO BE AVAILABLE IN US: ‘HUGE TRIUMPH’

Antihistamines like Claritin, Allebgra and Zyrtec may treat symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis — also known as hay fever, which causes sneezing and itching.

A decongestant medication like Sudafed or Afrin nasal spray treats congestion or headaches. 

3. Cold, cough and flu medicines

It’s important to pick your over-the-counter cold medication carefully, based on the specific symptoms you’re experiencing, according to Bourgeois. 

“For example, to combat a cough, you’ll want to take dextromethorphan (Delsym or Robitussin),” she said. 

Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, is a pharmacy and health expert based in Dallas-Fort Worth. (Jennifer Bourgeois/SingleCare)

“For aches, pains and fever, you’ll want to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Cough drops are also medicine cabinet staples.”

Decongestants with pseudoephedrine can help relieve nasal congestion, she noted. 

“For medications that contain pseudoephedrine, you will need to access these through the pharmacy, as federal regulations require that these medications are kept behind the counter.”

SPRING-CLEAN YOUR MEDICINE CABINET TO REMOVE EXPIRED DRUGS

Combination medications can be helpful when experiencing multiple symptoms, but it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients to prevent doubling up.

“Sometimes a person may not benefit from all the ingredients in a combination product,” Bourgeois said. 

“Combination products often contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief, and it’s important that the patient not take more pain relievers in addition to the combination product.”

4. Digestive aids 

Digestive aids shouldn’t be used regularly, Bourgeois said, but they are important in stomach-related times of need. 

“Antacids for heartburn relief (Tums or Rolaids), antidiarrheals (such as loperamide, i.e., Imodium), and laxatives (such as Dulcolax and Miralax) are must-haves for the medicine cabinet,” she said. 

Although digestive aids shouldn’t be used regularly, they are important in stomach-related times of need, one pharmacist said. (iStock)

“Pepto-Bismol is a great catch-all for stomach issues, as it can provide relief from heartburn, diarrhea and nausea.”

5. Topical treatments

Topical treatments like hydrocortisone are important to have on hand in case you experience a rash or bug bite, as they help reduce localized inflammation and itching, Bourgeois said.

“To help with dry, itchy skin or minor skin irritations, Aquaphor is another great product for your medicine cabinet, as it helps moisturize the skin,” she added. 

“And parents of infants and toddlers know that triple paste is a must-have for treating diaper rash and skin irritation.”

THESE MEDICATIONS COULD MAKE DRIVING DANGEROUS, THE FDA WARNS

Calamine lotion also helps to soothe irritation from insect bites, rashes or chicken pox, according to Dubinsky.

“Antifungal creams such as Clotrimazole and Terbinafine are also useful for treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm,” she added.

6. First aid supplies

“The quick and easy version of this is to purchase a first-aid kit,” Bourgeois said. 

Experts recommend keeping a first aid kit in the home and another in the car. (iStock)

For those who want to purchase à la carte, she recommends including adhesive bandages, large 4″ x 4″ gauze pads, a gauze roll, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment to prevent infection (such as Neosporin), compression dressings, a cold compress, hydrocortisone ointment (such as Cortisone 10), tweezers (for splinters and ticks) and a thermometer. 

“I suggest keeping one of these kits in your house and another one in your car,” Bourgeois said.

7. Sun safety and treatment

When selecting sunscreen, Bourgeois recommends opting for a broad-spectrum variety with an SPF of at least 30. 

“Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays,” she noted. 

HOW TO WEAR SUNSCREEN THE RIGHT WAY: YOUR GUIDE TO SPF

Mineral-based sunscreens, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are considered safe and provide a physical barrier that reflects UV rays, Bourgeois said.  

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation before it penetrates the skin.

When selecting sunscreen, an expert recommends opting for a broad-spectrum variety with an SPF of at least 30.  (iStock)

“When you’ve had too much sun exposure, I advise applying a moisturizer that contains aloe vera to help soothe the sunburn and relieve irritation,” Bourgeois said. 

“In addition to aloe vera, a cold compress can also help reduce swelling and alleviate any discomfort.”

8. Neti-pot/saline rinse

Using a sinus rinse can help flush out allergens and mucus from the nasal cavities, Bourgeois noted.

“Allergies increase mucus production as a mechanism to clear out the allergens, but excessive mucus production can accumulate in the sinus cavities, creating an environment for viral and bacterial infections to thrive,” she warned. 

FOR ACUTE LOWER BACK PAIN, THESE ARE THE BEST MEDICATIONS

“Flushing out the nasal cavity can help reduce allergy symptoms and eliminate potential infections from arising.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a how-to guide showing proper technique and best practices.

9. Eyedrops

Eyedrops such as Visine and Systane are a must-have for moisturizing dry eyes or alleviating redness, according to Dubinsky.

Proper storage and disposal

When storing medications, it’s important to keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture, which can degrade their effectiveness, according to Dubinsky.

“Avoid storing them in the bathroom, where humidity is typically high,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Regularly check expiration dates and safely dispose of expired medications,” an expert advised. “Expired medications can lose potency or become harmful.” (iStock)

“Most medications should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C),” Bourgeois noted. 

The pharmacists recommend routinely checking the expiration dates on your prescriptions and safely disposing of any that are past their shelf life. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Expired medications can lose potency or become harmful,” Bourgeois warned.

It’s also important to store medications in their original packaging to ensure that you have access to expiration dates, dosage instructions and other important information, she added.

“While over-the-counter medications are safe and available for self administration, it’s best to consult with a health care professional to determine if a product is right for you.”

When disposing of expired medications, follow local guidelines. 

“Many pharmacies offer take-back programs for unused drugs,” noted Bourgeois.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

If there are children in the house, use childproof containers and store medications out of reach. 

“Consider a locked cabinet if necessary,” Bourgeois advised.

If there are children in the house, use childproof containers and store medications out of reach, experts advised. (iStock)

If you have any questions about which medications are safe and effective, it’s best to consult with your doctor, the experts agreed.

“While over-the-counter medications are safe and available for self administration, it’s best to consult with a health care professional to determine if a product is right for you,” Bourgeois said. 

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health 

“This is particularly true if you have a chronic disease or take prescription medications, as there are some over-the-counter medications that may interact with your current prescription.”

When it comes to specific interactions and treatment indications, your pharmacist is a great resource, Bourgeois added.

‘LIKE A MIRACLE’ – Children with total deafness regained their hearing after receiving gene therapy. Doctors from Mass Eye and Ear in Boston and the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai spoke with Fox News Digital about the groundbreaking trial. Continue reading…

‘DANGEROUS IDEA’ – Florida has become the first state to allow C-sections to be performed outside of hospitals. Here’s why some industry experts disagree with the decision. Continue reading…

DOUBLE DUTY – Ozempic and Wegovy could have a surprise health benefit for those suffering from kidney disease, a new study has found. Continue reading…

DENTAL DIVIDE – Women experience more dental health issues than men, experts say. Here’s why it happens — and what they can do about it. Continue reading…

ASK A DOCTOR – “Why are my hands swelling, and what can I do about it?” Continue reading…

LONGEVITY DIET – A popular nutrition plan has been shown to reduce early mortality in women. Nutritionists weigh in on the potential benefits. Continue reading…

Women who adhered to the heart-healthy, plant-focused diet were found to have a 23% lower risk of death from any cause. (iStock)

TECH TO THE RESCUE? – Some believe artificial intelligence could be the secret to better sleep. An expert explains how AI can help you drift off. Continue reading…

OVERCOMING THE ODDS – The first person with multiple sclerosis to play in the NBA shares his inspiring message. Continue reading…

HAVE MEDS, WILL TRAVEL – Before packing your prescriptions for that summer trip, check to make sure it’s legal to bring them. Continue reading…

As Americans gear up for summer travel this year, 77% expect to pack a prescription medication — but nearly half don’t check to see whether it’s even legal to bring along those meds to other countries, a survey found. (iStock)

FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS

Fox News First

Fox News Opinion

Fox News Lifestyle

Fox News Health

Fox News Autos

Fox News Entertainment (FOX411)

DOWNLOAD OUR APPS

Fox News

Fox Business

Fox Weather

Fox Sports

Tubi

WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE

Fox News Go

STREAM FOX NATION

Fox Nation