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).

Massachusetts, United States - 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,

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.

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).

The report calls out the state for not ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products and for not adequately funding state tobacco prevention programs.

Massachusetts officials announced Wednesday that bird flu is now considered to be “widespread” in the state and urged the public to avoid handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick.

Here's how to properly dispose of a dead bird on your property, or how to report the dead animal to proper authorities.

Although there are no human cases of avian flu in Massachusetts, officials this week advised poultry farmers and people with backyard flocks to keep their birds inside. They suggested people and their pets avoid contact with wildlife,

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.

U.S. public health officials have been told to stop working with the World Health Organization, effective immediately. A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official,