We are seeing flu case numbers spike upward through the U.S., including here in Massachusetts. The flu season is definitely upon us and unfortunately it is not showing signs of slowing down. According to CDC,

Bird flu is now believed to be widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive, state environmental and health officials said Wednesday.

The map of flu activity across the United States continues to darken, both figuratively and literally, as case numbers spike upward in most states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A man died Monday in Louisiana after contracting the bird flu virus after being exposed to birds. By December the CDC had identified at least 65 human infections of avian flu in the United States, more than half (36) in the state of California,

Bird flu is widespread among birds in Massachusetts, state officials confirm, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines.

Massachusetts officials suspect more than 60 birds found dead in Plymouth died from bird flu, though official results may not come for days.

The leading message coming from Bay State officials this week was that people and pets should stay away from sick or dead wild birds. And if they see any, they should report their observations to MassWildlife.

MORE: Long Island farm forced to euthanize more than 100,000 ducks after bird flu detected. There has been a history of intermittent bird flu outbreaks in Massachusetts since earl

State officials issued guidelines for potential bird flu cases Wednesday morning. State officials held a news conference Wednesday morning with an update on bird flu in Massachusetts. Two geese at UMass tested positive for the disease last week,

D.W. Field Park, a large park in Brockton and Avon, Massachusetts, was closed on Friday, with officials warning of a potential bird flu outbreak and warning the public not to touch any birds that are dead or hurt.

A state’s ban on menthol and flavored tobacco has made no impact on smoking habits among adults, according to a new report from the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association (NECSEMA).

By Daniel Propp January 12, 2025 This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate,