Wildfires, no longer limited to the traditional wildfire season, create significant adverse health effects and make it difficult for healthcare facilities to provide safe, clean air for their staff and patients to breathe.
On May 23, 2025, the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued 2025 Health Advisory #10: Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gel Contaminated with Paraburkholderia fungorum (an environmental bacterium).
While there have not yet been any reported human cases of avian influenza in New York State, it is important that nurses be prepared to safely care for potential patients.