After several months without detection of HPAI circulation, these are the first outbreaks confirmed in 2026.
{Lisboa Region} Yellow-legged gull with weakness and neurological clinical signs found at a city park.
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{Aveiro Region} Lesser black-backed gull with neurological clinical signs found at a fishing port.
Source:
Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7671
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Summary
[Country - Confirmed Cases - Confirmed Deaths - Probable Cases - Probable Deaths - Total Cases (Confirmed & Probable) - Total Deaths (Confirmed & Probable) - CFR (%) Confirmed & Probable ]
-- Democratic Republic of the Congo
° 1 307 - 377 - ... - ... - ... - 1 307- 377 - 28.8%
-- Uganda
° 20 - 2 - 1 - 1 - 21 - 3 - 14.3%
-- France
° 1 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0.0%
Event description
The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak remains active, with ongoing transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one imported case reported in France in a physician returning from the affected country.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the number of confirmed cases continue to rise, and an additional health zone reported cases during the current reporting week.
No new confirmed cases were reported in Uganda over the past week.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Since the last update of 21 June 2026 (Situation Report #6), cumulative case incidence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has increased by 24.7%, with 259 new confirmed cases reported.
Cumulative deaths also increased by 41.2%, with 110 new confirmed deaths recorded during the reporting period.
An additional health zone, Mandima in Ituri Province, reported its first confirmed case, bringing the total number of affected health zones since the start of the outbreak to 35.
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
On 20 June 2026, WOAH was notified of the first detection of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Australia in a marine wild bird, a migratory brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus).
The virus is related to H5N1 HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, which is the same subtype that is predominantly circulating in poultry, wild birds, and mammals globally.
Enhanced general and targeted surveillance is underway by the animal health authorities to determine the extent of infection.
An epidemiological investigation has commenced.
HPAI H5N1 has caused a global panzootic since 2021, affecting wild birds, poultry, and multiple mammalian species.
Until recently, Australia remained free of this particular subtype despite widespread international incursions.
Since its emergence, this H5N1 subtype has crossed continents, reaching North and South America in 2022 and extending to the Antarctic islands in 2023.
It has since been detected in new host species such as cattle, and marine mammals, caused sporadic human infections, driven exceptionally high activity in wild birds in 2025, and is now being reported in Australia for the first time.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) acknowledges Australia’s immediate notification of Influenza A virus of high pathogenicity in non-poultry birds through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) and commends Australia for its longstanding commitment to transparency and to the protection of global animal health.
This notification represents a significant epidemiological event, documenting the first detection of HPAI H5N1 in a wild bird in Australia.
The finding confirms the incursion of this globally circulating virus lineage into wildlife in a subregion that had remained free from this subtype despite its extensive international spread in other regions and sub-regions.
The risk for Australian avifauna, especially endemic bird species is significant.
This detection underscores critical considerations:
° Early detection remains our strongest line of prevention
° Early detection and timely reporting linked to early response measures, are essential in limiting the spread of HPAI and reducing its impact on poultry, livestock, wildlife, livelihoods and human health. This event demonstrates the value of sustained surveillance systems, laboratory capacity and field awareness in identifying emerging threats.
° Transparency and solidarity strengthen global preparedness
° Timely reporting through WAHIS allows countries to access official information, assess risks and coordinate responses based on reliable scientific evidence.
° Preparedness requires sustained investment
Preparedness is best built before an emergency. Recent events demonstrate the cost of waiting. According to WOAH’s State of the World’s Animal Health 2026 report, more than 2,000 outbreaks of HPAI were reported by 64 countries and territories between 2025 and 2026, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 140 million poultry. At the same time, animal health continues to receive only a small fraction – 0.6% – of global health investment. Strong Veterinary Services, well-equipped laboratories, collaboration with WOAH Reference Laboratories, effective surveillance systems, trained personnel, One Health collaboration, international networks of expertise such as OFFLU and emergency preparedness plans do not emerge during a crisis – they are built through sustained investment over time.
° Continued national and international investment remains essential to reduce the impact of HPAI and other emerging animal health threats.
° Multisectoral collaboration
This event also highlights the importance of maintaining strong scientific collaboration networks and engaging stakeholders before emergencies arise. Governments, Veterinary Services, laboratories, researchers, wildlife authorities, public health authorities, industry and international organisations play complementary roles in strengthening preparedness and response.
WOAH remains committed to supporting its Members through international standards, scientific expertise, capacity building and transparent information sharing. As HPAI continues to evolve globally, continued collaboration, preparedness and collective action remain essential to protect animal health, safeguard livelihoods and strengthen global health security.
° WOAH calls on its Members to:
- Maintain enhanced avian influenza SURVEILLANCE in domestic and wild birds and consider HPAI in differential diagnosis for other susceptible wild or domestic animal species.
- REPORT cases of HPAI in all animal species, including in domestic and wild mammals, to WOAH through its World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) . Genetic sequences of avian influenza viruses should be shared in publicly available databases.
- COLLABORATE with public health authorities, wildlife authorities and other relevant partners through a One Health approach to strengthen surveillance, risk assessment, preparedness and response.
- CONSIDER poultry vaccination as a possible complementary avian influenza control measure;
- PREVENT the introduction and spread of the disease by implementing strict biosecurity measures in poultry holdings and
- EMPLOY good production and hygiene practices when handling animal products. Relevant measures notably include keeping poultry away from contact with wild birds, ensuring good hygiene in poultry housing and equipment and reporting bird illnesses and deaths to the Veterinary Services.
- PROTECT humans and other potentially susceptible mammals (both wild and domestic). People in close contact or exposed to wildlife should always take precautionary measures to avoid getting infected and minimise the risk of mechanically carrying the virus.
- AVOID IMPLEMENTING unjustified trade restrictions. Import risk management measures should be scientifically justified and in line with the WOAH International Standards.
° WOAH is fully committed to supporting its Members to mitigate the risks associated with avian influenza. We will continue to engage with our networks of experts, OFFLU, as well as public and private partners, notably through the One Health Quadripartite and the Global Framework for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) to provide technical updates as more information becomes available.
° In collaboration with its Reference Centres , networks of experts and Members including the WOAH WildNet network of collaborating centres on wildlife health, the WOAH remains in close contact with Australian Veterinary Authorities to monitor the situation to assess the risks to poultry, wildlife, other susceptible animal species and humans. Australia’s rapid detection and transparent reporting demonstrate the value of strong surveillance systems and international cooperation. As HPAI continues to evolve and spread across regions and species, timely information sharing, scientific collaboration and sustained preparedness remain essential to protect animal and public health. Transparent reporting is also critical to maintaining trust, supporting evidence-based decision-making and preventing misinformation and disinformation.
Source:
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Abstract
The recently emerged cattle H5N1/Texas/2024 strain highlights the need for effective prophylactic and therapeutic drug interventions, yet most existing neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) have limited efficacy against genetically divergent pathogenic influenza viruses. Here we engineer a sialic acid-anchored tandem M-SiaB by fusing a hemagglutinin (HA) stalk-specific monoclonal NAb with a sialic acid-receptor-binding domain (SiaB). M-SiaB shows 4- to 20-fold greater neutralizing potency against diverse authentic influenza viruses compared to the parental NAb and suppresses multiple stages of the viral life cycle, including viral attachment, entry and release. Importantly, intranasal M-SiaB confers markedly enhanced protection against nasal challenges with the pathogenic H1N1/PR8 and H5N1/Texas/2024 strains. Notably, a single dose of M‑SiaB maintains survival after a highly lethal H5N1/Texas/2024 challenge for up to 21 days. These findings demonstrate that simultaneously targeting HA stalk and sialic acid-receptor is a promising strategy to enhance the potency and breadth of NAbs against genetically divergent pathogenic influenza viruses.
Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/ncomms/
Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-74633-5
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Significance
Coronaviruses are regarded as highly important pathogens of birds and mammals. Herein, we obtained three almost full-length severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes and one partial Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) genome in the feces of migratory birds based on meta-transcriptome and PCR amplification. We determined the affinities and the complex structures between receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein of two migratory birds, Tundra and Black swans. Moreover, pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 variants can enter into HeLa cells expressing ACE2 proteins of these birds. Altogether, our results expand our understanding of migratory birds as potential carrier of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV.
Abstract
Migratory birds are the natural reservoir of influenza A virus (IAV), but their role as a carrier of SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear. Here, we report the identification of three almost full-length viral genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) in Tundra swans. These sequences are named hCoV-19/Tundra swan/Jiangxi/IMCAS_M1/2021 (IMCAS_M1), hCoV-19/Tundra swan/Jiangxi /IMCAS_M2/2021 (IMCAS_M2), and hCoV-19/Tundra swan/Jiangxi/IMCAS_M3/2021 (IMCAS_M3). IMCAS_M1 and IMCAS_M3 have the same mutations as the Beta VOC (K417N, E484K, and N501Y) in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike (S) protein, whereas IMCAS_M2 shares the same mutations as the Gamma VOC (K417T, E484K, and N501Y) in the RBD with all three showing their distinct mutations in the genomes. Virus receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) proteins from both Tundra swan (tsACE2) and Black swan (bsACE2) can bind to the RBDs of all three viruses and the Alpha VOC, but not to RBD of the prototype (PT) virus. The polar contacts and hydrophobic interactions revealed by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the RBD–ACE2 complex, play key roles in virus–receptor engagement. Furthermore, HeLa cells expressing bsACE2 and tsACE2 proteins could be transduced by pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta, and Gamma) but not PT SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we obtained one partial genome of MERS-CoV named Bar-headed goose/Tibet/IMCAS_M4/2022 (IMCAS_M4) with 20,180 bp (~70.0% coverage). Our findings highlight the importance of migratory birds as potential carrier of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, thereby posing potential threat to public health.
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, https://www.pnas.org/
Link: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2400023123
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Abstract
Background
Andes virus (ANDV) is a high-consequence infectious disease with substantial mortality. On May 2, 2026, the World Health Organization reported a multinational ANDV outbreak, raising questions regarding risk of transmission to healthcare personnel (HCP).
Methods
We performed a systematic review per PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO:CRD420261283806) for studies describing healthcare-associated ANDV exposure or transmission events to HCP.
Results
Eight studies reporting on 7 events were included, describing a total of 17 healthcare-associated cases. Overall, 207 individuals were exposed, including 118 HCP, resulting in 8 infections and 4 deaths among HCP. Studies describing HCP infections reported none or inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) use.
Conclusions
Transmission of ANDV to HCP has been reported in the setting of delayed implementation of transmission-based precautions or breaches in infection control practice. Limitations in published exposure events highlight the need for standardized reporting of exposure events and outcomes as well as infection prevention measures implemented.
Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal, https://academic.oup.com/cid
Link: https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciag394/8721691
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
{Summary}
Key points
° Rabies is a neurotropic infection that is rare in Canada and almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
° Rabies postexposure prophylaxis is highly effective in preventing infection in exposed humans if administered promptly and before onset of rabies symptoms.
° Any direct human contact with a bat is an indication for rabies postexposure prophylaxis and should be discussed with the regional public health authority.
° No established efficacious therapies are available for treatment of rabies once symptom onset has occurred.
An immunocompetent 11-year-old boy presented with odynophagia and emesis to an urban hospital emergency department in Ontario, Canada. Seven days before presentation, he had developed progressive right-sided facial paresthesia and numbness, followed by anorexia and right-sided facial swelling. Four days after symptom onset, he had been prescribed oral valacyclovir (1 g, 3 times daily) at a local urgent care clinic for presumed Bell palsy secondary to herpes simplex virus; however, he was unable to tolerate this because of odynophagia. He had no history of allergies, sick contacts, tick bites, or recent travel outside the country.
(...)
Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal, https://www.cmaj.ca/
Link: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/198/25/E969
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated today (June 30) that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rise both domestically and internationally, and with the summer travel season approaching, the risk of virus transmission is increasing.
The publicly funded COVID-19 vaccines currently used in Taiwan still provide protection against the existing circulating strains.
Those planning to travel who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to seize this opportunity to get vaccinated as soon as possible to obtain sufficient protection.
According to CDC statistics, the COVID-19 pandemic is rising domestically.
In the 25th week (June 21-27), there were 1,452 outpatient and emergency room visits related to COVID-19, an increase of 43.8% compared to the previous week.
Last week (June 23-29), there were 8 new local cases of severe COVID-19 complications, with no new local deaths.
Since October 2025, there have been a cumulative total of 105 local cases of severe COVID-19 complications, of which 16 have died.
The majority of severe cases are among the elderly aged 65 and above (71.4%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (81.9%). 94.3% of these cases have not received the COVID-19 vaccine this season.
The global COVID-19 positivity rate has recently shown a slight increase, with a significant rise in the Western Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
Neighboring countries/regions such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan are experiencing rising cases, while South Korea's situation is fluctuating at a low point.
Currently, the predominant circulating variant globally is NB.1.8.1, followed by BA.3.2 and JN.1.
Neighboring countries such as China and Hong Kong have a higher proportion of NB.1.8.1.
Furthermore, as of June 28, 2026, approximately 1.728 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered this season, with vaccination rates among those aged 65 and above at 20.97% for the first dose and 0.48% for the second dose.
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reminds the public that the nationwide rollout of publicly funded COVID-19 vaccines to those who are 6 months (180 days) or older will continue until July 31st of this year.
Approximately 461,000 doses remain in stock (including 455,000 doses of the single-dose Moderna vaccine and 6,000 doses of the Novavax vaccine).
The public is urged to seize this opportunity and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
High-risk groups, such as those aged 65 and above, who have not yet been vaccinated or have received their first dose with a 6-month interval, are also urged to get vaccinated promptly to enhance their immune protection.
Furthermore, the multi-dose Moderna vaccine for young children has been exhausted.
Following discussions and approval by the Advisory Committee on Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (ACIP) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare on June 24th of this year, it has been agreed that for children aged 6 months to 11 years who require vaccination, the remaining doses of the single-dose Moderna vaccine (after deducting half the dose) can be used for their vaccination.
The CDC urges the public not to be complacent about the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and to take necessary precautions such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated.
Individuals with severe risk factors (such as those over 65 years of age, pregnant women, those with chronic diseases, or those with weakened immune systems) are at high risk of developing severe complications.
If they experience suspected symptoms, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
A doctor will assess their condition and prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the risk of severe complications or death after infection.
The public can also purchase home rapid testing kits at convenience stores or pharmacies that sell them for self-testing to facilitate subsequent medical diagnosis and treatment.
Currently, there are sufficient reserves of antiviral drugs. There are 113,000 doses of oral antiviral drugs (Beravir and Remdesivir) and 156,000 doses of injectable Remdesivir in stock.
Health bureaus in various counties and cities will manage and allocate resources according to the usage at each distribution point. The public can rest assured.
Source:
Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/I6r18LGy_-Y1I2Fj72gO2w?typeid=9
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Abstract
BVD is a severe filoviral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), for which outbreak-related evidence remains limited compared with that available for Zaire ebolavirus. This perspective summarizes current evidence on transmission dynamics, presymptomatic infectiousness, post-recovery viral persistence and the duration of infectiousness, distinguishing BDBV-specific data from evidence extrapolated from other ortho-Ebolaviruses.
Available epidemiological data from the 2007–2008 outbreak in Uganda indicate that BDBV transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of symptomatic or deceased individuals, with the handling of corpses representing a significant risk factor (adjusted odds ratio 3.83; 95% confidence interval 1.78–8.23).
The average incubation period is 6.3 days, and prolonged chains of transmission were documented in household and healthcare settings. No documented evidence of pre-symptomatic transmission in humans is currently available, although experimental animal data suggest biological plausibility.
No BDBV-specific data are available regarding viral persistence and duration of infectiousness. Consequently, current recommendations rely largely on evidence derived from other orthoebolaviruses. Viral RNA may persist after recovery in immunoprivileged sites, particularly in semen, with rare but documented episodes of delayed transmission. The ongoing outbreak highlights the need for BDBV-specific studies to strengthen the evidence base underpinning public health recommendations.
Source:
Link: https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(26)00574-6/fulltext
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Executive summary
This report provides a snapshot of the infrastructure and procedures in place for exit screening in the main international airports of each capital city: N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa (DRC) and Entebbe International Airport in Kampala (Uganda).
Exit screening in these airports, including symptom checks and exposure assessment, can contribute to reducing the risk of onward transmission by identifying travellers who are symptomatic before they board, and preventing them travelling with symptoms.
It also helps dissuade people who are ill from travelling, and enhances public and stakeholder confidence in the public health response.
However, it cannot fully prevent the exportation of cases, as the absence of symptoms at departure does not exclude subsequent onset of disease upon or after arrival.
The mission team found that both countries have established coordinated exit screening systems, supported by strong political commitment and national leadership to prevent international transmission of Ebola disease.
These function alongside domestic containment efforts based on extensive experience of managing previous Ebola disease outbreaks.
In both countries, the mission team observed a high degree of transparency and willingness to engage with stakeholders through facilitating access to systems and operations.
The site visit at both airports demonstrated that the exit screening systems in place are in line with international standards and benefit from effective multi-sectoral collaboration, involving public health authorities, aviation actors, border services, security forces, and international partners.
Screening processes have clear referral and escalation pathways supported by trained medical personnel and infection, prevention and control (IPC) measures.
While the systems in place are functional, the mission identified opportunities for further targeted interventions, particularly in relation to passenger processing, digital integration, IPC measures and risk communication.
These findings have been communicated to the national authorities in both countries.
Regular training, supervision and monitoring over time by national teams and international partners will help to sustain and further improve practices.
Source:
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
{Click on Image to Enlarge}
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Public Domain.
Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/
Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/claude-monet/road-to-the-saint-simeon-farm
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Abstract
Swine influenza virus (SIV) not only causes significant losses to the pig industry but also poses a potential threat to human health due to its ability for cross-species transmission and zoonotic characteristics. In this study, 600 nasal swab samples were collected from pigs in Shandong Province and tested for SIV using RT-qPCR. One sample tested positive, and the virus was successfully isolated in 10-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs. Subtype-specific RT-PCR and sequencing identified the isolate as H3N2, designated A/swine/Shandong/116/2022 (H3N2). Whole-genome sequencing and similarity analysis showed that PB2, PB1, PA, NP, and M genes were most similar to H1N1 viruses (97.71–99.67%), while HA, NA, and NS genes were closest to H3N2 viruses (96.06–97.85%), suggesting this isolate is a reassortant between H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PB2, PB1, PA, NP, and M genes belong to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pdm/09 H1N1) lineage, HA and NA genes belong to the human-like H3N2 (HL H3N2) lineage, and the NS gene belongs to the triple-reassortant (TR) H1N2 lineage. Key amino acid analysis showed a monobasic HA cleavage site (PEKQTR/G), consistent with low pathogenicity, and residues 190V, 226I, and 228S, which may affect receptor binding. PB2 residues 271A, 590S, and 591R may influence viral replication and host adaptation. Compared with the human influenza vaccine strain A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2), several amino acid changes were found in HA antigenic sites A, B, C, and E, suggesting possible antigenic drift. In addition, clear differences were found in N-linked glycosylation sites between the isolate and vaccine strain, including loss of several glycosylation sites and the appearance of a new site at position 499, which may change virus antigenicity and immune recognition. Functional studies demonstrated that the isolate efficiently infected MDCK cells and replicated in the respiratory tissues of BALB/c mice, causing mild to moderate lung lesions without mortality or significant weight loss. In summary, the isolated is a multi-source reassortant virus with low pathogenicity, providing valuable insights into the genetic characteristics and epidemiology of H3N2 SIV circulating in pigs in China.
Source:
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12866-026-05324-w
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
The death toll continues to rise, while a preliminary assessment estimates the direct physical damage caused by the disaster at $6.7 billion.
At the request of the Venezuelan Government, 44 international urban search and rescue teams, known as USAR, have deployed 2,245 specialists and 140 search dogs to extract possible survivors from collapsed structures and provide initial medical care, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Saturday.
OCHA has activated its emergency response mechanisms and is supporting the arrival and coordination of teams in the country.
The rescuers come from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and the Dominican Republic; as well as from Germany, Czechia, Spain, the United States, France, Italy, Jordan, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Qatar, the United Kingdom, Serbia, Syria, Switzerland and TĂ¼rkiye.
As of 27 June, authorities have confirmed that at least 1,430 people have died and another 3,238 have been injured following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the north of the country on 24 June.
Damage equivalent to six per cent of GDP
While rescue operations continue, a preliminary satellite assessment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that the earthquakes caused direct physical damage of about $6.7 billion, equivalent to about six per cent of the country's gross domestic product.
The estimate, calculated using the Rapid Digital Analysis tool known as RAPIDA, places the range of losses between $4.7 billion and $8.7 billion. This figure includes damage to homes and economic assets, but does not account for damage to infrastructure, disruption of economic activity, or long-term reconstruction costs.
The earthquakes, of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, shook northern Venezuela and were felt in the capital Caracas and in the states of La Guaira, Carabobo, Miranda, Yaracuy and Aragua.
According to UNDP , some 8.6 million people were exposed to moderate to severe shaking, including approximately 2.1 million who experienced the strongest tremors. The assessment also estimates that 1.7 million structures were located in the affected areas.
Possible power outages
Satellite data also points to possible power outages in parts of Carabobo, La Guaira, Caracas and Aragua, after detecting a reduction in nighttime lighting following the earthquakes.
“The speed and accuracy of initial assessments are essential for an effective response,” said Luis Francisco Thais, UNDP Resident Representative in Venezuela.
“Tools like RAPIDA help us make faster, evidence-based decisions to support affected communities,” he added.
The agency explained that it will continue to analyze higher-resolution satellite images to support authorities in assessing casualties, displacement, and recovery needs.
Source:
Link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/06/1167825
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Abstract
Pixavir marboxil (Yilikang®; 壹立康®) is an oral cap-snatching endonuclease inhibitor being developed by TaiGen Biotechnology for the treatment of influenza virus infections. Pixavir marboxil recently received approval in China for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza A and B in previously healthy adults and adolescents aged ≥ 12 years. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of pixavir marboxil leading to this first approval for uncomplicated influenza A and B infections.
Source:
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40265-026-02320-2
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Antiviral Res
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
BMC Pediatr
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
