#Iceland - #Influenza A #H5N5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

{Extracts}

(...)

    ° Pursuant to Article 10.4.1.4 of the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, the notification reported herein relates to infection in wild birds, which are not considered poultry under the WOAH definition, and therefore does not affect the HPAI-free status of Iceland.

(...)

    ° Wild Birds in the Norðurland vestra Region:

        § Black-headed Gull, 

        § Lesser Black-backed Gull, 

        § Great black-backed Gull, 

        § Great Skua 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7884

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#Russia, An Unconfirmed #Report on a Second #Fatal Case of #Plague linked to the first in the #Irkutsk Region (via Baidu, Oct. 7 '26)

 

{Excerpts, edited.}

(...)

    A 28-year-old female researcher working at the Irkutsk Plague Control Institute was hospitalized on September 29 with severe pneumonia and died in Sherekhov on October 2. 

    Russian authorities stated the cause of death was undetermined and no occupational pathogens were detected; however, independent media outlets reported further deaths in quarantine areas and hospital capacity restrictions, presenting inconsistent information.

(...)

    Before her hospitalization on September 29, Shipilova was described by colleagues as having participated in fieldwork in the Buryat region, near the Mongolian border. 

    Local media also reported that she broke test tubes containing live bacteria in the laboratory, but this detail has not been confirmed by Russian officials. 

    Rospotrebnadzor's investigation concluded that no evidence of an accident involving the handling of pathogenic microorganisms was found.

    The number of contacts varies slightly from source to source, with foreign media reports totaling approximately 197 to 200, some of whom are hospitalized for observation. 

    Subsequent official reports indicated that common respiratory pathogens such as COVID-19 and rhinovirus were detected among those under observation, but no dangerous pathogens associated with Yersinia pestis were detected. 

    According to the WHO's report from Russia on October 6, no cases of pneumonic plague have been registered in Irkutsk.

    Around October 1st, the hospital where Sherekhov was treated implemented limited entry and exit, with some departments suspending admissions and discharges. 

    Independent media outlets have described the limited access and closed-loop management of the First, Third, and Tenth Clinical Hospitals in Irkutsk, as well as the Ivano-Matreninskaya Children's Hospital, as a "pandemic model" or "three-week quarantine," though this has not been fully confirmed by officials.

    On October 3, the Baikalsk government posted on Telegram, advising residents to postpone travel to Sherekhov and surrounding areas due to "unofficial confirmed cases of plague in Sherekhov." The post was deleted approximately two hours later. Independent media outlet The Insider reported that REN TV removed five articles related to the incident; Channel 5 and some print media articles were also taken down.

(...)

    On October 2nd, an aluminum plant required employees to wear masks, which was later changed to seasonal respiratory disease prevention on October 4th. 

    Personnel in protective suits were seen at the entrances of childcare facilities and some hospitals, and residents photographed fully equipped staff entering and exiting the Sherekhov medical center. 

    British media reported a 5000% year-on-year increase in searches for the Russian word "chuma," reflecting public panic, but not necessarily indicating a confirmed diagnosis.

    The second death came from independent media reports after October 6th, stating that another person had died in the isolation hospital, possibly a medical staff member or a former patient. 

    Neither Rospotrebnadzor nor the WHO's current reports have confirmed a second death from plague or pneumonic plague. The official wording in the report can only retain phrases like "media reports, awaiting etiological report."

(...)

    Four points need to be verified: whether sputum culture, blood culture, and PCR of the deceased detected Yersinia pestis and phage typing; the fever conversion rate of approximately 200 contacts after October 9; whether the WHO obtained the original test reports; and whether the pathological autopsy in the isolation ward of Sherekhov Hospital was made public. 

    Without all four points, the second case and the laboratory leak remain at the level of suspicion.

Source: 

Link: https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1878371860695545357&wfr=spider&for=pc

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The #mammalian-adaptive #PB2-E627K substitution preserves viral fitness of clade 2.3.4.4b #H5N1 HPAIV in #birds

 

Abstract

Since emerging in 2020, clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) has disseminated globally, causing substantial infection and mortality in wild birds and poultry. Additionally, numerous spill-over events into mammals have occurred, including mass mortalities and sporadic human infections. Such events can drive the acquisition of mammalian-adaptive mutations, which further increase the risk to humans; the most well characterised mutation is the glutamate to lysine change at amino acid position 627 in the polymerase basic 2 protein (PB2-627K). Across avian influenza viruses, PB2-627K enhances polymerase activity and replication in mammalian cells, increasing zoonotic and pandemic potential. However, bioinformatic analyses indicate that PB2-627K remains rare among clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses circulating in avian populations. Here, we investigated the impact of PB2-627K on viral fitness in avian hosts to assess the potential for mammalian-adapted viruses to re-establish in birds, mimicking infection of avian species following scavenging on mammalian species where PB2-627K has already emerged. Using a representative H5N1 virus (European genotype AB), PB2-627K increased polymerase activity and replication in human cells without compromising replication in avian cells. A mammalian-derived PB2-627K H5N1 isolate from a fox exhibited comparable replication kinetics and transmission efficiency in chickens and ducks to a closely related PB2-627E virus. Notably, PB2-627K remained genetically stable at consensus level following infection and transmission in both avian hosts. These findings demonstrate that mammalian-adaptive mutations acquired during spill-over can be maintained in avian populations, potentially elevating zoonotic risk and underscoring the importance of surveillance for such mutations in birds.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.06.757006

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#Kenya confirms first imported #Bundibugyo virus disease case; #WHO supports control efforts (Oct. 7 '26)

 

    Nairobi—Following the confirmation by Kenyan authorities of the country's first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), the World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with the Government of Kenya to intensify key control measures to prevent further spread of the virus.

    The government is strengthening its response coordination and case investigation, while monitoring and listing contacts for enhanced disease surveillance. 

    At the core of the response efforts are screening at high-risk points of entry, and clear risk communication, while engaging communities to help prevent infection. These measures are rapidly being deployed to ensure the identification of cases and help contain further transmission.

    The patient, a Kenyan citizen, fell ill in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they had been living, and was treated at several health facilities there. 

    The patient then travelled by road to Kampala, Uganda through Beni on 2 October 2026, and flew to Nairobi, arriving on 3 October 2026. 

    On arrival, the patient was transported to a hospital in Nairobi and was quickly isolated. 

    Samples tested positive for Bundibugyo virus at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute. 

    Despite supportive care, the patient died on the night of 5 October 2026 and was buried on 6 October 2026 in line with the country’s Ebola safe and dignified burial protocol.

    The Government of Kenya notified WHO of the case in line with the International Health Regulations (2005) on 6 October 2026. 

    Kenya is the fourth country to confirm BVD. 

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo is responding to an ongoing BVD outbreak, while Uganda, where the Bundibugyo virus species was first detected in 2007, ended the latest outbreak in August 2026. 

    Most cases in Uganda were imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the remaining few were locally acquired among contacts and health workers linked to imported cases. 

    France reported a travel-related case of BVD in June 2026.

    Health authorities in Kenya have so far listed 28 contacts, including family members and health workers who cared for the patient. They are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members from the same flight, with arrangements underway for appropriate follow-up and quarantine of people assessed to be at risk.

    "Health emergency preparedness gives us a head start. Kenya has put important outbreak control measures in place. The priority now is to move swiftly to detect any further cases before the virus has an opportunity to spread. We're supporting the ongoing efforts to strengthen the response, and with rapid and coordinated action, we can prevent the virus from gaining a foothold and stop a potential larger outbreak," said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

    Kenya has been on high alert since May 2026, when outbreaks were declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. As of 6 October 2026, Kenya has screened over 652 000 travellers entering the country, tested 267 suspected samples and trained around 5000 health workers on Ebola prevention and management.

    WHO and partners have supported Kenya’s Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute in these efforts. 

    This includes: 

        § Ebola simulation exercises and training a national pool of rapid response trainers, among them responders who served during the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak. 

        § Isolation units across 27 high-risk counties in Kenya have been identified and assessed, case managers trained, and Ebola surveillance tools have been updated so that suspected cases can be quickly identified, reported and investigated. 

        § Risk communication and community engagement activities have also been strengthened through public messaging, media and community engagement, call centre support, and monitoring and responding to rumours and misinformation.

    WHO has also delivered about 1000 Ebola tests and 1000 personal protective equipment kits to high-risk counties in Kenya.

    Kenya's Ebola preparedness score, which tracks progress on key readiness measures such as surveillance, laboratory testing, isolation and treatment facilities and trained response teams, rose from 66% in May to 82% in July 2026.

    WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or Kenya based on the currently available information. WHO continues to closely monitor and, where necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to this event.

    WHO calls for continued support to the response in affected countries. Global solidarity, along with government-led responses with engaged communities, is the best route to ending the outbreak.

Source: 

Link: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/kenya/news/kenya-confirms-first-imported-bundibugyo-virus-disease-case-who-supports-control-efforts

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Oct. 7 '26)

 

{Extracts}

(...)

Event data

    ° 690 Positive events

    ° 58,894 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 6 October 2026, Australia has 690 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 327 in South Australia (SA)

        § 68 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 235 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 47 in Tasmania (TAS)

        § 1 in Other Territories*

{*} Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

    As H5 bird flu is confirmed in more locations and species in Australia it will not be necessary to continue testing all species in known areas of transmission, or to test every animal involved in an investigation. 

    Reporting will be targeted to provide a clear picture of the national H5 bird flu situation in wildlife in Australia and key developments.

Data disclaimer

    Data reflects information provided by state and territory governments to the Australian Government as at 17:00 AEST daily. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the relevant state or territory government. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

___

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu

____

#Kenya, First Confirmed Case of #Ebola #Bundibugyio Virus Disease imported from #DRC (Min. Health, Oct. 6 '26)

{Extract}

REPUDLIC OF KENYA | Ministry of Health

CABINET SECRETARY PRESS RELEASE ON CONFIRMED CASE OF BUNDIBUGYO  EBOLA VIRUS

Date: 6th October 2026

    The Ministry of Health wishes to inform members of the public that it has confirmed the first imported case of Ebola (Bundibugyo) Virus Disease. 

    The patient a Kenyan citizen, who has been living in DRC for the past 7  years fell ill about a month ago and was treated in several hospitals while still in DRC. 

    He travelled from DRC to Kampala by road and then boarded Jambo Jet flight number 8523 and arrived in Nairobi on Saturday 3rd October 2026  at 1.10 pm. 

    He underwent the normal public health screening at the Port health and  immigration desk. 

    He was transported by a relative and a friend directly from the JKIA using KDG 699Z Toyota Fielder to Nairobi hospital where he was quickly isolated in a separate room at the A&E in the Hospital and later transferred to the East Wing Isolation Facility. 

    He presented with fever, chills, intense fatigue and weakness, muscle pain, painful swallowing, sore throat and bleeding under the skin at injection  sites. 

    Based on the above presentation and history of travel to DRC the doctor  considered this a case of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever and collected a sample for  testing which turned positive for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease at both the  National Virology Reference Laboratory and the KEMRI Lab. 

    The patient was given supportive treatment but regrettably passed on last night. 

    We take this opportunity to pass our sincere condolences to the family  and friends of the departed. 

    Arrangements for safe and dignified burial of the deceased are ongoing,  and the burial is planned for later today in line with the Ebola safe and dignified  burial protocols.

Source: 

Link: via Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/DeJemXJDe0K/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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#Cyprus - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

A wild Greylag Goose in Nicosia Region.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7864

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Persistent #influenza A #RNA detection in a #fatal #pediatric case of influenza-associated #encephalopathy

 

Abstract

Influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) is a life-threatening complication of influenza. We report a case of a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with fulminant IAE. The patient received life-sustaining support, intensive immunomodulatory therapy, and antiviral therapy. Following an initial single dose of baloxavir marboxil, persistent influenza A (H3N2) RNA detection prompted a multi-targeted antiviral regimen (oseltamivir, baloxavir marboxil, peramivir, and onradivir) as salvage therapy. Nevertheless, influenza A RNA remained detectable for more than 1 month, potentially reflecting severe neurological injury, immunosuppression, and impaired airway clearance.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103380

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#Urban #waterfowl harbour geographically connected #viral communities across #Aotearoa New Zealand

 

Abstract

Urban waterfowl are important natural reservoirs of viruses that can affect wildlife, livestock and human health, yet the diversity and spatial distribution of these viral communities remain poorly understood. Here, we characterised the faecal viromes of urban waterfowl sampled from 13 locations across the length of Aotearoa (New Zealand). We identified 96 avian viruses (50 species) spanning nine viral families, including 33 previously undescribed viruses. Picornaviruses were the most widespread viral group, while several viruses were closely related to those previously identified in Australian waterfowl, indicating that some viral lineages are likely distributed across the broader Australasian region. Despite sampling locations spanning more than 1,500 km, virome composition exhibited little evidence of geographic structure, with little difference in viral diversity or community composition between sampling locations. Network analyses similarly demonstrated extensive sharing of virus species among sampling locations, indicating little geographic structuring of virome composition among urban waterfowl. In addition, we recovered the complete genome of a low-pathogenic A(H3N8) influenza A virus from mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in the most southern region of Aotearoa. These findings reveal extensive viral diversity and widespread connectivity among urban waterfowl, providing new insights into viral ecology and the potential for widespread virus distribution across Aotearoa.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Te Niwha, Aotearoa's Infectious Disease Research Platform, TN/SWC/24/UoOJG

New Zealand Royal Society Rutherford Discovery Fellowship, RDF-20-UOO-007, MTP-UOO2504

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.04.756485

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#Taiwan, Seasonal #Influenza and #COVID19 #Epidemics - Weekly Situation #Update (CDC, Oct. 6 '26): #H1N1pdm09 flu virus & #SARS-CoV-2 PQ.16.1.1 predominate

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

    According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic influenza epidemic remains stable and is still in its epidemic period. 

    In week 39 (September 27 - October 3), there were 139,060 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, a slight decrease of 1.4% from the previous week. 

    Last week (September 29 - October 5), there were 219 new cases of severe influenza complications (210 H1N1, 1 H3N2, 7 unidentified A cases, and 1 B case) and 44 deaths (41 H1N1, 1 H3N2, and 2 unidentified A cases). 

    Laboratory surveillance data shows that the influenza virus currently circulating in the community is predominantly type A, with type A H1N1 accounting for 90.7%. 

    This flu season (2025-2026) saw a total of 30 severe cases (all H1N1); the previous flu season (2024-2025) saw a total of 1,862 severe cases (1,225 H1N1, 511 H3N2, 35 unidentified A cases, and 91 B cases) and 378 deaths (247 H1N1, 107 H3N2, 12 unidentified A cases, and 12 B cases). 

    Among the severe cases, the majority were elderly people over 65 years old (66.4%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.6%), and 67.2% had not received the flu vaccine for this season. 

    Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has declined, but it is still in the epidemic period. 

    In the 39th week (September 27 - October 3), there were 7,836 outpatient and emergency visits for COVID-19, a decrease of 26.7% compared with the previous 7 days (September 24 - September 30). 

    Last week (September 29 - October 5), there were 37 new local severe cases and 16 local deaths. 

    This quarter (October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027) saw a cumulative total of 12 local severe cases, with no deaths. 

    In the previous quarter (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026), there were a cumulative total of 781 local cases of COVID-19 complicated with severe illness, of which 163 died. 

    The majority of severe cases were among the elderly aged 65 and above (73.6%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.0%). 83.9% of these cases had not received the COVID-19 vaccine that quarter. In the past four weeks, the most common local case variants were PQ.16.1.1 and NB.1.8.1.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/tC7VIc05_kkg8wOlIPpQIw?typeid=9

____

#Taiwan, In response to suspected #plague case reported in #Russia, CDC has inquired about the incident through #IHR mechanism and is monitoring situation (Oct. 6 '26)

 

{Edited}

    The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated on October 6, 2026, regarding recent international media reports of a death from pneumonia of unknown cause reported on October 2, 2026, in Irkutsk Oblast, Siberia, Russia. 

    The patient was a 28-year-old female laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, who died on October 2 after developing severe pneumonia. 

    According to an official statement issued by the Rospotrebnadzor (Russian official infectious disease management agency), as reported by local Russian media, expanded testing of the infected employee's samples revealed no special microorganisms related to her job duties. 

    The country's biosafety expert committee also confirmed that no pathogen leakage occurred at the laboratory. 

    Furthermore, Russia has conducted extensive testing and hospitalized isolation observation on all contacts. 

    Currently, only two cases of COVID-19 and two cases of rhinovirus infection have been detected, with no other special infectious disease pathogens found, and the relevant contacts have no abnormal symptoms. 

    The incidence of respiratory diseases among the general population in the region remains within the normal seasonal range. 

    Further information is still pending clarification. 

    A WHO spokesperson stated that the public health risk posed by this event to the general public is low.

    To monitor the situation, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) inquired with the International Health Regulations (IHR) {focal point} in Russia on October 5th for detailed information regarding the event to clarify the local epidemic situation and the risk of cross-border transmission. 

    The CDC also sent a letter to the WHO today (October 6th) requesting information related to this case.

    The CDC explained that Taiwan has not reported any cases of plague since 1953. 

    Regarding the international epidemic, according to WHO data, from 2019 to 2025, 10 countries worldwide reported 3,860 suspected cases of plague, of which 2,646 were confirmed cases, resulting in 423 deaths (a case fatality rate of 11% for suspected cases). 

    Approximately 98% of confirmed cases were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar. China reported 19 confirmed cases, and Mongolia reported 17 confirmed cases. 

    The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) points out that plague is a Category 1 notifiable infectious disease, requiring reporting within 24 hours, immediate isolation and treatment with appropriate antibiotics as soon as possible. 

    Aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones are the first-line drugs for treating plague and are readily available and stably supplied in domestic clinical practice, suitable for both diagnostic treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis.

    In response to emerging infectious diseases, Taiwan has established relevant testing capabilities and an infectious disease prevention and control medical network. 

    Legal regulations mandate that isolation hospitals at all levels develop emergency response plans, procedures for admitting infectious disease patients, and conduct regular drills, including personal protective equipment (PPE) donning and doffing, negative pressure isolation ward testing and maintenance, and inter-hospital transfer drills, ensuring frontline medical staff are aware of and report emerging infectious diseases.

    In addition, collaborations have been established with three medical centers—Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Cheng Kung University Hospital—to set up a special pathogen technology care demonstration center. 

    A dedicated team has been formed to improve the efficiency of various hardware and software facilities in the care area, introduce smart healthcare technologies, and establish standardized care models. This center can provide professional technical guidance to isolation hospitals at all levels and is capable of providing comprehensive medical care services for patients with highly contagious or unexplained severe acute or emerging infectious diseases.

    In response to the current international plague outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is not only closely monitoring the development of the epidemic both domestically and internationally, but also strengthening fever screening at airports and ports, as well as quarantine measures for aircraft and ships. 

    Furthermore, the CDC is using various communication channels to urge inbound and outbound travelers to pay attention to the international epidemic situation and their own protection.

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/tfHqeDmxP80662NPXLwWYA?typeid=9

____

#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. Agriculture, Oct. 6 '26)

{Extracts}

(...)

Event data

    ° 686 Positive events

    ° 58,174 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 5 October 2026, Australia has 686 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 325 in South Australia (SA)

        § 68 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 234 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 46 in Tasmania (TAS)

        § 1 in Other Territories*

{*} Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

    As H5 bird flu is confirmed in more locations and species in Australia it will not be necessary to continue testing all species in known areas of transmission, or to test every animal involved in an investigation. 

    Reporting will be targeted to provide a clear picture of the national H5 bird flu situation in wildlife in Australia and key developments.

Data disclaimer

    Data reflects information provided by state and territory governments to the Australian Government as at 17:00 AEST daily. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the relevant state or territory government. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

___

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu

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#Norway - #Influenza A #H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

{Extract}

(...)

A wild Greylag Goose in Akershus Region.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7878

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Several Central Asian #countries have strengthened #border #quarantine measures after #Russia reported a possible pneumonic #plague case (NetEase, Oct. 5 '26)

 

{Excerpts}

(...)

    While Russia continues to deny a plague outbreak, neighboring countries have already taken action. 

    Following the death of a 28-year-old female employee of the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Irkutsk, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have strengthened border health and quarantine measures. 

    Russia's latest conclusion remains that the illness is "pneumonia of unknown cause," and no plague has been publicly detected in the 197 contacts identified so far.

    The deceased was named Daria Shipilova, and worked at the Irkutsk Siberian and Far Eastern Anti-Plague Research Institute, which is under the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare of the Russian Federation.

    She was hospitalized on September 29 with severe pneumonia and died on October 2.

    The incident quickly spiraled out of control because her workplace was not an ordinary laboratory, but an institution that specializes in researching highly dangerous infectious diseases such as plague.

    Russian local media later published an extremely frightening version: Shipilova broke a test tube containing live plague pathogens while working in the laboratory on September 25 and subsequently fell ill.

    This claim has not yet been confirmed by the Russian health authorities.

    Following expanded testing, the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare stated that Shipilova's official diagnosis remains "pneumonia of unknown cause," and no microorganisms related to her occupational activities were detected in her biological samples.

    The Russian side also stated that the expert committee found no evidence of any incidents involving the handling of pathogenic microorganisms at the institute.

    However, the measures taken locally were not lenient.

    Following Shipilova's death, 197 people who had been in contact with her were placed under medical observation. Russian local media initially reported that several hospitals restricted access, and research institute staff were also quarantined.

    The Sherekhov aluminum plant near Irkutsk has even reinstated the requirement for masks.

    Anna Popova, Russia's top public health official, traveled to Irkutsk to attend a special meeting on the prevention and control of "suspected particularly dangerous infectious diseases."

    The leader of the neighboring Buryat Republic, Alexei Tsydenov, initially wrote directly "the woman who died of the plague," but later changed the wording to "possibly died of the plague."

    By October 5, the Russian government had further downplayed the rumors.

    Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said that expanded laboratory testing did not find any pathogens related to Shipilova's professional activities, and her cause of death is still listed as "pneumonia of unknown cause."

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also publicly stated that day, urging the outside world not to follow rumors about a "plague outbreak" circulating online, but to rely on information officially released by the Russian health authorities.

    But Russia's neighbors clearly did not wait for the final conclusion.

    The Kyrgyz Ministry of Health announced that health quarantine checkpoints nationwide have been upgraded. Passengers, vehicles, and goods transiting the country will be subject to stricter epidemiological monitoring.

    Tajikistan's health authorities have also confirmed that they have strengthened national border health and quarantine measures, with a focus on preventing the importation of particularly dangerous infectious diseases.

    The Kazakh Ministry of Health stated that it is monitoring the situation in Irkutsk, and no cases of plague have been confirmed on the Russian side so far. Kazakhstan has assessed the risk of imported cases as "low," but health quarantine measures have been implemented at border crossings.

    Uzbekistan raised its health and epidemic prevention department's alert level earlier, with the same aim of preventing the importation of particularly dangerous infectious diseases from abroad.

    There's a place here that's easily swayed by social media.

    The "pneumonic plague" mentioned in the English report is not "pneumonia plague"; the accurate Chinese name is "pneumonic plague".

    Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis. The most common form is bubonic plague; if the bacteria invade the lungs, it can cause pneumonic plague. The biggest difference between pneumonic plague and bubonic plague is that the former can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets produced by infected individuals, which is why public health departments are particularly concerned.

    However, "the existence of suspected pneumonic plague" and "the outbreak of pneumonic plague in Russia" are two completely different things.

    As of the evening of October 5, publicly available evidence could only confirm a few things: 

    ° a female employee of the anti-plague research institute had died; 

    ° Russia had initiated preventative measures as a "suspected particularly dangerous infectious disease"; 

    ° approximately 197 contacts were under medical observation; and 

    ° at least four Central Asian countries had implemented border control measures to prevent the importation of the virus.

    What remains uncertain is precisely the most frightening question: whether she was actually infected with the plague, and whether the test tube supposedly containing plague bacteria was broken.

    There's another layer of background to this mystery.

    The vast grasslands and mountains bordering Russia, Mongolia, and northwest China naturally contain plague foci. Just this September, the Russian health authorities reported a high level of plague activity in animals in the Altai region near the Mongolian border and organized disease control personnel to conduct monitoring.

    Therefore, the fact that Central Asian countries are now strengthening border health checks does not mean that they have confirmed the outbreak of plague in Russia.

    What they are doing is something else entirely: conclusions can wait, but border epidemic prevention cannot.

    To date, Russia has not released any laboratory results proving that Shipilova was infected with plague, nor has it released any reports on the pathogen strains detected in the so-called "ruptured test tube."

Source: 

Link: https://www.163.com/dy/article/L8GQQJKP05528J01.html

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#Teratogenic Effects and Outcomes of #Congenital #Oropouche Virus Infection: Current Evidence, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, and Research Priorities

 

Abstract

Background: 

Oropouche virus (OROV), an Orthobunyavirus endemic to Latin America, has recently emerged as a pathogen of concern in pregnancy following reports of vertical transmission, fetal demise, congenital anomalies, and neonatal disease. The unprecedented 2023–2025 outbreaks in Latin America have expanded the geographic distribution of OROV and renewed concerns regarding its potential as an emerging human teratogen. 

Methods: 

We conducted a narrative comprehensive review of the literature focusing on epidemiology, maternal–fetal transmission, placental infection, experimental models, fetal and neonatal outcomes, and comparisons with other congenital arboviral infections. 

Results: 

Increasing evidence supports the ability of OROV to infect the placenta, cross the maternal–fetal interface, and invade fetal tissues. Human cases have documented miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal demise, microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, cerebral atrophy, corpus callosum abnormalities, posterior fossa defects, arthrogryposis, and neonatal death following maternal infection. Viral RNA and OROV-specific antibodies have been detected in placental, fetal, and neonatal samples, providing direct evidence of congenital infection. Experimental studies using trophoblast cultures, placental organoids, neural progenitor cells, brain organoids, and animal models have confirmed placental susceptibility, vertical transmission, fetal neurotropism, and disruption of neurodevelopment. The congenital phenotype shares important similarities with congenital Zika syndrome and other neurotropic arboviral infections. 

Conclusions: 

OROV is newly and increasingly recognized as a vertically transmissible neurotropic arbovirus with potential teratogenic effects. Although biological plausibility is supported by converging clinical and experimental findings, prospective epidemiological studies are urgently needed to quantify risks, identify determinants of fetal injury, and define long-term outcomes among affected children.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/v18101101

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#UK - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N5 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

{Extract}

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{Scotland} 

Backyard flock. Samples taken were positive for HPAI H5N5. Birds presented clinical signs prior to testing.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7873

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#Chile - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

{Excerpt}

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A backyard poultry farm in Araucanía Region.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7872

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#Cambodia - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

{Extract}

(...)

{Otdar Mean Chey} 

    On 20 September 2026, an outbreak investigation team visited a backyard poultry farm following reports of illness and mortality suspected to be caused by Avian Influenza (AI). 

    A total of three chicken and one duck samples were collected and submitted to NAHPRI/GDAHP for testing of Avian Influenza (H5N1). 

    And On 23 September 2026, laboratory results confirmed that all four samples tested positive for Avian Influenza (H5N1). 

    Additionally, in the same area, one human case of Avian Influenza (H5N1) was confirmed by the Ministry of Health on 27 September 2026.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7875

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Apse, Domenico Ghirlandaio (c.1471)

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/domenico-ghirlandaio/apse

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#UK, Avian #influenza (bird flu) #H5N5 Virus: Ness, Isle of Lewis, #Scotland (AIV 2026/20) (Dir. of Agriculture, Oct. 4 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

    Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 was confirmed at a premises in Ness, Isle of Lewis on 2 October 2026.

    A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) are in place.

    Check if your premises is affected by using the interactive map.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-flu-bird-flu-ness-isle-of-lewis-aiv-2026-20/

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