Child dies from petting zoo infection in Victoria

A three-year-old died from haemolytic uremic syndrome after visiting a farm in July. A second child who visited two months earlier also contracted HUS and suffered kidney failure.

Why it mattersParents considering petting zoo visits need to know about this rare but serious infection risk and take proper hygiene precautions.

AustraliaFamilies across Australia planning farm visits should be aware of HUS infection risks and ensure hand washing stations are available and used.

Corroborated bythenightly.com.au

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 6 d ago

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Laboratory worker in RMIT coat holds labeled rainwater sample bottle

✓ ThenightlyScience & Systems

PFAS 'forever chemicals' found in Australian rainwater for first time

RMIT researchers detected eight PFAS compounds in Melbourne rainwater samples at levels well below health guidelines.

Why it mattersUnderstanding how PFAS spreads through air and rain helps regulators decide which uses to restrict. It also helps communities protect their water sources.