#Genetic modification of primary #airway epithelial cell cultures defines MX1 as a #barrier for zoonotic #influenza A viruses in the #human respiratory epithelium

 

Abstract

The antiviral innate immune response is a major species barrier that emerging viruses must overcome to infect and transmit efficiently in new hosts. In humans, the interferon-stimulated MX1 gene encodes the antiviral MX1 protein, which restricts zoonotic influenza A viruses (IAVs). Resistance to MX1 is considered a key feature of human-adapted IAVs and a potential determinant of zoonotic and pandemic risk. However, MX1-mediated restriction and viral escape have mostly been investigated in cell lines and animal models, which incompletely recapitulate virus-host interactions in the human airway epithelium, representing the primary site of IAV replication. Although primary human airway epithelial cell (hAEC) cultures, such as airway organoids and air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures, provide a physiologically relevant model, their use in studying MX1 restriction has been limited by challenges in achieving efficient and reliable genetic modification. Here, we used engineered virus-like particles (eVLPs) to deliver Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes into primary hAECs and disrupt MX1 expression. This approach generated MX1-knockout airway organoids and organoid-derived hAEC ALI cultures with >90% genomic-level editing efficiency and near-complete loss of MX1 protein, while preserving epithelial differentiation at the air-liquid interface. MX1 knockout in hAEC ALI cultures had only a minor effect on the replication kinetics of the human-adapted H1N1pdm09 strain. By contrast, MX1 knockout markedly impaired interferon lambda-mediated restriction of the zoonotic bovine H5N1/Texas and avian H7N9/Anhui strains, resulting in viral titers up to 3-4 logs TCID50 higher than in MX1-competent cultures. These findings provide direct evidence that MX1 restricts zoonotic IAVs in primary human airway epithelium. Our study establishes a biologically relevant platform for assessing the sensitivity of emerging IAVs to a key antiviral host factor and thereby informs evaluations into their zoonotic and pandemic risk.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Swiss National Science Foundation, https://ror.org/00yjd3n13, 310030_207675

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.19.759965

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#Bundibugyo Virus Disease #Outbreak in #DRC, #Kenya, #Nigeria - Weekly #Report No. 23, Data as of 19 Oct. '26 (WHO, summary)

 

{Summary}

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Event description

    The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak is becoming increasingly  challenging, marked by an expanding cluster of cases linked  to the imported index case in Kenya, further geographic expansion into a new  province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the confirmation of a case  in Nigeria. 

    These developments highlight the widening international dimension  and the growing complexity of the outbreak, particularly in the  Democratic Republic of the Congo, where escalating insecurity, population  displacement and restricted humanitarian access threaten to further undermine  surveillance and response operations.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

    As of 19 October 2026, the BVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of  the Congo has affected 66 health zones across eight provinces, following  the recent expansion into Wapinda Health Zone in Nord-Ubangi Province. 

    Since External Situation Report #22, an additional 572 confirmed cases and 265 confirmed deaths have been reported, bringing the cumulative total to  9637 confirmed cases, including 4646 confirmed deaths [crude case fatality ratio (CFR) 48.2%].

    Transmission remains highly heterogeneous across affected areas. Ituri  continues to account for the largest proportion of cumulative confirmed  cases (72.7%), although its relative contribution is declining, while substantial  transmission persists in Nord-Kivu and Haut-Uélé.

    National daily incidence increased steadily from May, reaching its highest  levels in late July and mid-August, before fluctuating at persistently high  levels through September. Following a decline in late September,  incidence rebounded in early October. 

    The most recent seven-day moving average indicates a modest upward trend, suggesting renewed intensification of transmission. Provincial trends  remain heterogeneous. Ituri shows a slight recent rebound despite an overall  decline from its August peak, while Nord-Kivu continues to experience elevated  but fluctuating transmission. 

    Haut-Uélé remains relatively stable with a slight increase, and Tshopo  shows renewed upward activity. Transmission remains sporadic in Bas-Uélé, with  newly reported cases in Nord-Ubangi, while Sud-Kivu and Sud-Ubangi report no recent transmission in the last 21 days (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1. Daily national trend in confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases, with  seven-day moving average, by date of report, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 19 October 2026

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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(...)

Trend Analysis (21-day comparison):

    During the most recent 21-day period (29 September – 19 October 2026),  a total of 1466 confirmed cases were reported nationally, compared with 1328  cases during the preceding 21 days (8 – 28 September), representing an increase  of 138 cases (+10.4%). 

    Provincial trends remain heterogeneous. Cases increased in Ituri from 757  to 785 (+3.7%), accounting for 53.5% of national cases during the latest  period. In Nord-Kivu, cases increased from 460 to 564 (+22.6%), accounting for  38.5% of national cases while in Haut-Uélé cases decreased slightly from 82 to 81  (−1.2%), accounting for 5.5% of national cases.

    During the same period, a total of 692 confirmed deaths were reported  nationally, compared with 644 deaths during the preceding 21 days (8 – 28  September), representing an increase of 48 deaths (+7.5%). Deaths increased  from 302 to 374 (+23.8%) in Ituri, from 213 to 269 (+26.3%) in Nord-Kivu, from  35 to 38 (+8.6%) in Haut-Uélé, and from seven to ten (+42.9%) in Tshopo.  The increase in confirmed deaths, particularly in Ituri and Nord-Kivu,  reflects a worsening mortality burden alongside rising national case incidence.

(...)

    Transmission remained active in more than three-quarters of all health  zones affected since the start of the outbreak. 

    Of the 66 health zones affected to date, 50 (75.8%) reported at least one  new confirmed case during the most recent 21 days (29 September – 19 October  2026). Case incidence increased in 31 health zones while 21 health zones reported a decreased in cases comparing the two periods. The largest absolute  increase occurred in Mandima, Ituri (87 to 216 cases; +148.3%), while  substantial increases were also observed in Mambasa (12 to 45; +275.0%) and  several health zones in Nord-Kivu, particularly Mabalako (22 to 47; +113.6%),  Oicha (17 to 28; +64.7%) and Beni (158 to 194; +22.8%) (Figure 4).

    There were also 16 health zones without a new case in the last 21 days.  These include Adja, Ariwara, Aungba, Boga, Drodro, Kambala and Mahagi in Ituri;  Goma in Nord-Kivu; Dungu and Gombari in Haut-Uélé; Lubunga and Wanie-Rukula in Tshopo; Miti-Murhesa in Sud-Kivu; Buta and Viadana in Bas-Uélé; and Bulu in Sud-Ubangi.

(...)

    Weekly confirmed deaths (Figure 6) declined by 5.2%, from 233 during  5–11 October to 221 during 12–18 October 2026, reversing the upward trend  observed over the preceding two weeks. Community deaths decreased from 157  to 135 (−14.0%), while deaths in treatment facilities increased from 76 to 86  (+13.2%). Consequently, the proportion of deaths occurring in the community  declined from 67.4% to 61.1%. Despite the overall reduction, more than six in ten  confirmed deaths continued to occur in the community, highlighting persistent  challenges in early case detection, timely referral and access to treatment.

(...)

Kenya

    Since the previous report, Kenya has confirmed eight additional cases of BVD, bringing the cumulative total to nine cases, including one death (CFR: 11.1%). 

    

    All eight new cases were epidemiologically linked to the imported index  case and were already under quarantine when they developed symptoms. 

    The secondary cases included four family members and four hospital  staff.

    Of the nine confirmed cases, seven were male and two were female,  with ages ranging from 24 to 65 years. 

    Eight patients are currently in isolation and receiving treatment at two  designated facilities. All are reportedly in stable condition.

    A total of 135 contacts have been listed, comprising 46 airport staff, 45  hospital staff, 26 passengers, 14 relatives and four flight crew members. 

    Of these, eight have tested positive for BVD (four relatives and four  hospital staff). 

    Eight passengers travelled outside Kenya, and the authorities in their  destination countries were notified. Among the 119 contacts remaining under  follow-up in Kenya, 118 (99.2%) are in quarantine, while one passenger remains  outside quarantine.

(...)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Nigeria

    On 20 October 2026, the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria announced a confirmed case of BVD in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. 

    The case involved a woman who reportedly travel from Uganda to  Nigeria on 3 October 2026. She developed symptoms on 7 October 2026 and  sought care at a private health facility on 11 October 2026. 

    Following clinical deterioration, laboratory testing confirmed BVD on 20  October 2026. The patient is currently in isolation and receiving treatment. 

    A total of 44 close contacts have so far been identified, including  healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Additional  investigation is underway to establish her travel itinerary, including all those who may have been potentially exposed while the case was symptomatic. 

(...)

Situation interpretation

    The BVD outbreak remains at a critical juncture, with sustained  transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and international  spread highlighting persistent gaps in outbreak containment. 

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, escalating insecurity,  displacement and restricted humanitarian access are further challenging response  operations and increasing the risk of undetected transmission. 

    In Kenya, the identification of all secondary cases among known, quarantined contacts is encouraging, suggesting that transmission  chains remain traceable, although continued surveillance is essential to detect any  unrecognized spread. 

    In Nigeria, the prolonged period between symptom onset and confirmation  raises concern about potentially undetected exposures and secondary  transmission, requiring urgent retrospective investigation and intensified  surveillance. 

    Priorities should focus on targeted interventions in transmission hotspots, restoring operational access in insecure areas,  strengthening early detection and rapid containment, and intensifying coordinated  cross-border surveillance and information sharing to prevent further  international spread.

Source: 

Link: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/nigeria/publication/ebola-bundibugyo-virus-disease-outbreak-democratic-republic-congo-uganda-weekly-external-situation

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#Epidemiology of #MERS-CoV in #Saudi Arabia, 2012–2025: a nationwide surveillance analysis

 

Abstract

Background

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), caused by MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is a severe zoonotic respiratory illness first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Dromedary camels are the recognised reservoir, with human transmission occurring through animal exposure and, less commonly, person-to-person spread, particularly in healthcare settings.

Objective

To characterise all laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia from September 2012 to August 2025, examine trends across four periods defined by suspected-case definitions, and identify factors independently associated with mortality.

Methods

We analysed laboratory-confirmed cases in the national surveillance database by period and probable infection source. Case-fatality ratios (CFRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and unadjusted odds ratios were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression assessed independent mortality associations using a prespecified model including period, age, sex, and infection source, and a fuller model additionally considering nationality, comorbidities, and pregnancy. Seasonality of primary cases was assessed using an annual harmonic term.

Results

Among 2,219 cases, 1,545 (70%) were male, 1,566 (71%) Saudi nationals, and 608 (27%) aged ≥65 years. Overall, 1,211 (55%) were primary cases, including 172 (14%) reporting camel contact; 737 (33%) were healthcare-associated and 271 (12%) household- or community-associated. There were 867 deaths (CFR, 39%; 95% CI, 37%–41%). CFR declined from 65% in the earliest period to 32% in the most recent, although changing testing eligibility and ascertainment limit temporal comparisons. Older adults had the highest crude CFR. In the prespecified model, healthcare-associated infection among patients was associated with higher odds of death (aOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.15–2.65), while odds were lower among healthcare workers (aOR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.05–0.17) and household contacts (aOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.18–0.48). No consistent seasonality was observed.

Conclusions

MERS-CoV epidemiology in Saudi Arabia reflects persistent zoonotic spillover, episodic healthcare-associated transmission, and substantial mortality, particularly among older adults. Sustained One Health surveillance, rapid detection, and rigorous infection prevention and control remain essential.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taag094

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#Nigeria, Ministry of Health confirmed the first imported case of #Bundibugyo Virus Disease in a traveler from #Uganda (Min. Health, Oct. 21 '26)

{Ministry of Health of Nigeria Instagram Page}

PRESS STATEMENT  | FG CONFIRMS EBOLA DISEASE CASE IN FCT, ACTIVATES PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE

Abuja, Nigeria | 20 October 2026

    The Federal Government of Nigeria confirm one case of Ebola disease in the  Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation today, 20  October 2026. 

    The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight  from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received  care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in  isolation and receiving medical care.

    The Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare and NCDC are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to  contain the infection and prevent further spread.

    Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified  presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may  have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving  immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

    The FG calls on all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert. Healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion,  promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention  and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health  authorities.

What Nigerians Should Know and Do

    Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone  who is sick with the disease or has died from it, or through contact with contaminated materials. A person with Ebola cannot spread the disease  before symptoms begin.

    We advise everyone to:

        1. Remain calm but vigilant. There is no need for panic.

        2. Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids  of anyone suspected to have Ebola.

        3. Watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache,  vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.

        4. Report any possible exposure immediately, even if you feel well. If  you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health  authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

        5. Cooperate with public health teams. Anyone contacted during contact  tracing, including relevant airline passengers, should provide the  necessary information and follow public health advice.

        6. Avoid rumours and stigma. Share only verified information from official  health authorities.

Our Assurance to Nigerians

    Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experience  and public health systems to respond to this case. However, containing Ebola  requires everyone to play their part.

    The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working  together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public.  Investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide accurate and timely  information. We urge Nigerians to remain calm, stay vigilant and cooperate with  public health authorities. Early detection, prompt reporting and everyone's  cooperation are critical to preventing further spread.

    The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD  and NCDC will continue to provide updates.

    NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For  information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number  6232. 

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON | Coordinating Minister | Strategic Communications 

health.gov.ng

Source: 

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeuendPDfyn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&obrf=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==&srtk=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Oct. 21 '26)

 

{Extract}

(...)

Event data

    ° 715 Positive events

    ° 66,411 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 20 October 2026, Australia has 715 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 332 in South Australia (SA)

        § 72 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 245 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 53 in Tasmania (TAS)*

        § 1 in Other Territories#

    {*} Includes events on Macquarie Island

    {#} 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 since 20 June 2026. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the jurisdiction. 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}

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(...)

Source: 

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

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#Kenya Ministry of Health announced the confirmation of one additional #human case of #Bundibugyo Virus Disease, total so far: 9 Cases (Min. Health, Oct. 20 '26)

 

{Via Kenya Ministry of Health Social Media Page}

MINISTRY OF HEALTH | REPUBLIC OF KENYA | OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR  GENERAL FOR HEALTH | PRESS RELEASE

    ALL NINE (9) CASES IN ONE KNOWN CLUSTER: PATIENTS IMPROVING AS FIRST CONTACTS SET TO COMPLETE QUARANTINE

    Nairobi, Tuesday, October 20, 2026

    Kenya's Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) response continues to hold firm. 

    The Ministry of Health confirms one further case of the disease, bringing  the total to nine (9) confirmed cases, including the first case, who  died. 

    The new case is a known contact of the index case and was already in  quarantine when he fell ill. 

    All nine cases belong to one cluster, and as today there is no evidence of  transmission outside this group.

    The ninth case, a 24-year-old man is also a close family member of the  first case, was confirmed on 19th October. 

    He was isolated at the first sign of illness, tested and started on treatment  immediately upon confirmation of his positive test result.

    Our patients are improving and responding well to treatment. 

    All eight (8) patients are receiving appropriate supportive care from our dedicated clinical teams. 

    All the patients have improved markedly and are currently stable under  strict observation and treatment. 

    In addition, we have received 500 doses of medicines to support treatment of all confirmed cases. 

    We are grateful to our partners for the solidarity and collaboration in our  response and remain hopeful of good outcomes for every patient under care.

    Contact tracing continues to widen. As each new case is confirmed, their  contacts are added to the tracing list, and this explains the growing number of contacts. 

    Today, 134 of 135 contacts (99.3%) have been traced and quarantined,  far above the global benchmark of 85%. This progress reflects the dedication of  our national and county contact-tracing teams, closer cooperation with families  and communities, and the support and solidarity of our development partners. 

    We  sincerely thank all Kenyans for this collaboration, and continue to call for  your full cooperation with our response teams.

    Counties and hospitals are better equipped. The Ministry has distributed  supplies to 12 very high-risk and 16 high-risk counties, including the appropriate  personal protective equipment such as gowns, gloves, face shields and boots,  sample collection and transport kits, diagnostic kits and thermometers. These  commodities enable county rapid response teams to detect, isolate and safely test  any suspected cases promptly. 

    In  addition, a dedicated laboratory has been set up at the Kenyatta  National Hospital Infectious Disease Unit to handle routine tests for patients under  Ebola care, so that the hospital's laboratory is contaminated with Ebola  positive samples or overwhelmed and can continue serving all other patients  without disruption of testing services

    Our safeguards are holding. We continue to assess and monitor the infection prevention and control measures in our quarantine and treatment  centers and continuously address any gaps as they arise to ensure the protection  of healthcare workers as they continue offering the much-needed response  services: there has been no spread of infection within quarantine facilities, and  every health worker caring for patients is fully protected.

    Kenya remains open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public  gatherings. We ask every Kenyan to keep following the guidance of the Ministry of  Health and to cooperate fully with the response. If you or anyone you know  has fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pains, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea  or unexplained bleeding, report it at once at the nearest health facility or on the toll-free line 719.

    A milestone is now in sight. Contacts who entered quarantine on 6th of  October and remain well will complete their 21-day monitoring period and begin  returning home from this coming weekend, 25th October, having successfully  completed quarantine. 

    We thank them and their families for their patience, their patriotism and  their contribution to protecting not only their families and communities, but also  the nation and the wider world. When they return, we appeal to communities to  welcome them home with love and open arms: having completed 21 days without  symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone.

    Together, we are on course to bring this outbreak to a complete end.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, CBS | DIRECTOR GENERAL

Source: 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE

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

 

{Extract}

(...)

    {England} 

    Commercial, 32k bird laying flock (73 weeks of age). 

    Positive test for HPAI H5N1, clinical signs presented prior to testing.

(...)

Source:  

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7918

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

 

{Extract}

(...)

    {Durres Region} 

    As a part pf the surveillance programme implemented in high risk areas, sample were collected from {backyard reared} ducks and geese, none of the which exhibited clinical signs. 

    The reference lab confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus. 

    All the necessary measures have been implemented on farm in accordance with the CP and in line with the commission delegated regulation 2020/687.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7917

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Avian #Influenza #Report - October 11 - 17 '26 (Wk 42) (HK CHP, Oct. 20 '26): 1 New Human Case of #H5N1 Virus in the #US; 2 New #H9N2 Virus Cases in #China

 

{Excerpts}

(...)

Avian influenza A(H5N1)

    ° {USA} Washington:

        § The patient is currently isolating at home and has not experienced severe illness or required hospitalisation.

        § The case had exposure to dairy cattle infected with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus at a local dairy farm.

        § The Washington state recorded their first detection of avian influenza  A(H5N1) in two dairy farms on October 8, 2026.

Avian influenza A(H9N2)

    °{China} Guizhou Province:

        § A four-year-old boy with onset on September 20, 2026.

    ° Henan Province:

        § A 68-year-old man with onset on September 17, 2026.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk42.pdf

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#Oropouche virus #infection in #pregnant women in #Rio de Janeiro, #Brazil: a prospective cohort study

 

Summary

Background

Although adverse maternal and infant outcomes have been reported following Oropouche virus infection, the frequencies of these outcomes have not been compared with those in uninfected pregnancies. We followed up pregnant women from areas with Oropouche virus transmission in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, to evaluate potential adverse maternal and infant outcomes following Oropouche virus exposure.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study across the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, we included pregnant women receiving prenatal care in municipalities with or at high risk of Oropouche virus outbreaks. Inclusion criteria were: ongoing risk of Oropouche virus infection at the time of prenatal visit; prenatal care at one of the participating sites; and willingness and ability to consent to and participate in the study. Exclusion criteria included infection with other arboviruses and fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Maternal blood, urine, and saliva were collected and tested for Oropouche virus by RT-PCR at enrolment and pregnancy endpoints. IgG and IgM serologies from maternal blood, placental tissue PCR, and immunohistochemistry were done. Confirmed infections were defined by: positive Oropouche virus PCR in blood, urine, saliva, or placenta; positive Oropouche virus placental immunohistochemistry; or Oropouche virus-specific IgM or IgG seroconversion. Possible infection was defined as one positive IgM result without a positive PCR. Negative results ruled out infection. Adverse maternal outcomes (reported by study investigators following up participants at study sites) were maternal death or disability, fetal loss, or haemorrhage; adverse infant outcomes were neonatal death or malformations. Relative risks adjusted for maternal age, other congenital infections, and use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy for adverse maternal and infant outcomes were calculated.

Findings

Between Nov 29, 2024, and Oct 8, 2025, 544 participants were enrolled: 130 (24%) with confirmed, 143 (26%) with possible, and 271 (50%) with no Oropouche virus infection. The median cycle threshold value of RT-PCR was 29·7 (IQR 25·8–34·9). Among the 130 women with confirmed infection, 104 (80%) developed detectable IgG antibodies. Symptoms were present in 80 (62%) women with confirmed infection, not necessarily associated with adverse outcomes (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0∙84 [95% credible interval 0∙51–1∙21]). By the end of follow-up, the pregnancies of 119 women with confirmed infection and 193 with no infection had resulted in livebirth, stillbirth, or miscarriage; 105 (88%) women with confirmed infection had livebirths and 187 (97%) women without infection had livebirths. Adverse maternal outcomes occurred in 21 (18%) women with confirmed infection and 14 (7%) women with no infection (aRR 2∙90 [1∙52–5∙35]). Fetal loss and haemorrhage risk were three times higher in women with confirmed infection than in those with no infection (aRR 3∙08 [1∙28–7∙29] for fetal loss and 2∙79 [1∙22–6∙21] for haemorrhage). The aRR for adverse infant outcomes was 9∙18 (1∙89–47∙88). CNS abnormalities occurred in eight (8%) infants of mothers with confirmed infection and in no infants of mothers with no infection.

Interpretation

Oropouche virus infection during pregnancy is associated with severe maternal and infant outcomes, including maternal haemorrhage, fetal loss, and infant CNS abnormalities.

Funding

The Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), and the European Health and Digital Executive Agency.

Translation

For the Portuguese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00493-7

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Effects of prolonged #SARS-CoV2 #spike protein #exposure in #longCOVID and a mouse model of the disease

 

ABSTRACT

We addressed the question: can the SARS-CoV2 spike protein persist in ACE2+ endothelia in the CNS/other sites and induce a prolonged microvasculature injury syndrome? People who died from COVID-19, with age-matched controls, and people with long COVID with symptoms persisting from 1-5 years, with controls of people who had recovered from COVID-19, were studied. Also compared were WT mice injected with the spike protein sacrificed at day 5 versus 1.5 months. The ACE2+ microvasculature density in the CNS increased 19-fold in the mice exposed to spike for 1.5 months. Human fatal COVID-19 cases showed an ACE2+ CNS density of 13.2/3.9 versus 2.1/0.9 for the controls. Long Covid cases showed an ACE2 microvasculature density of 11.9/3.0 versus 3.5/0.9 for the people who recovered from COVID (each p value < 0.001). Viral spike microvasculature density in the CNS was similar in the fatal COVID-19 cases (6.9/2.1) and mice (7.0/4.0) and in the skin of long-COVID cases (6.0/1.9) and less in people who recovered from COVID-19 (0.9/0.3) (each p < 0.001). Microvasculature collagen 1 deposition was only evident in fatal COVID, long COVID, and in the mice exposed to S1 for 1.5 mo. Thus, SARS-CoV2 spike (S1) protein can persist for months/years with an associated microvasculature pro-inflammatory state and a restrictive fibrosing microangiopathy; and exposure to high dose S1 markedly increases ACE2 endothelial density.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2026.09.009

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#Bat-borne #influenza A #H9N2 virus shows species-specific #replication and #transmission

 

Abstract

Bat-borne H9N2 IAV (bat H9N2), initially detected in bat feces in Egypt in 2017, has recently attracted attention because of its unexpected pre-pandemic properties, including airborne transmission between ferrets and efficient replication in human lung explant cultures. However, its host range and potential reservoir hosts remain poorly defined, particularly with respect to additional bat hosts and mammalian or avian mixing-vessel species. Here, we compare the susceptibility of two pteropodid bat species, Rousettus aegyptiacus and Eidolon helvum, and additionally assessed pigs and quails following intranasal inoculation with bat H9N2. Juvenile R. aegyptiacus showed only low-level viral replication and shedding, largely restricted to the upper respiratory tract, and did not show transmission to contact bats. In contrast, both juvenile and adult E. helvum, despite showing no clinical signs, showed high-level viral replication and shedding in the upper respiratory tract, with efficient and early transmission to contact bats. Viral RNA was most abundant in the respiratory turbinates, the nasopharyngeal meatus and the tracheal epithelium, where it was associated with moderate to severe necrotizing rhinitis and tracheitis. The lower respiratory tract was less involved, with viral RNA confined to scattered bronchioles and associated with focal necrotizing bronchiolitis. Other organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, lacked histologic lesions and viral RNA labeling. In pigs and quails, intranasal inoculation did not result in detectable replication, transmission, or seroconversion. Our findings demonstrate marked differences in the susceptibility to bat H9N2 between the two fruit bat species tested and identify E. helvum as a highly susceptible host capable of rapid and efficient transmission. Conversely, pigs and quails were not susceptible, suggesting that additional viral adaptations may be required to allow for a productive infection in these species.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.15.759517

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#Taiwan, Seasonal #Influenza and #COVID19 #Epidemics - Weekly #Report (CDC, Oct. 20 '26): #H1N1pdm09 flu virus & #SARS-CoV-2 PQ.16.1.1 variant predominated

 

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    According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic influenza epidemic is slowing but still high and in its peak season. 

    During week 41 (October 11-17), there were 123,820 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, a 5.4% decrease from the previous week. 

    Last week (October 13-19), 159 new cases of severe influenza were reported (151 H1N1, 7 unidentified A, and 1 B), and 44 deaths were reported (42 H1N1 and 2 unidentified A). 

    Laboratory surveillance data shows that the influenza virus currently circulating in the community is predominantly type A, with type A H1N1 accounting for 92.7%. 

    This flu season (2026-2027) has seen a cumulative total of 307 severe cases (298 H1N1, 7 unidentified A, and 2 B) and 42 deaths (40 H1N1 and 2 unidentified A). 

    Furthermore, the domestic COVID-19 epidemic has remained below the epidemic threshold for two consecutive weeks, indicating that the epidemic period has ended. 

    In week 41 (October 11-17), there were 3,873 outpatient and emergency room visits for COVID-19, a 27.7% decrease compared to the previous week (October 4-10). 

    In the past seven days (October 13-19), there were 25 new severe cases and 5 deaths. 

    This season (October 1, 2026-September 30, 2027), there have been a cumulative total of 56 severe cases, including 6 deaths. 

    In the past four weeks, the most common local variant strain has been PQ.16.1.1, followed by NB.1.8.1.

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Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/NmSGjiosphPs1mla9qRq6Q?typeid=9

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Oct. 20 '26)

 

{Extracts}

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Event data

    ° 713 Positive events

    ° 65,906 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 19 October 2026, Australia has 713 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 331 in South Australia (SA)

        § 71 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 245 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 53 in Tasmania (TAS)*

        § 1 in Other Territories#

    {*} Includes events on Macquarie Island

    {#} 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 since 20 June 2026. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the jurisdiction. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

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Source: 

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

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Emergence of #Shamonda #Orthobunyavirus, Central #Europe, 2026

 

Abstract

Since mid-June 2026, an acute, nonfatal syndrome characterized by high herd illness rate, reduced milk yield, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy has affected dairy cattle in southern Germany and Switzerland. After major viral pathogens were excluded, pan-Simbuvirus reverse transcription PCR detected an orthobunyavirus, confirmed by metagenomic sequencing, enabling recovery of a complete Shamonda virus genome.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3212.261496

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#Kenya, Ministry of Health confirmed one additional case of #Bundibugyo Virus Disease raising the total number to eight (Oct. 18 '26)

{via Social Media Page}

    Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth has confirmed one additional Ebola case, bringing Kenya’s total to eight.

    “Today, 38 people were tested, and one tested positive. He is a 49-year-old man who is not a healthcare worker and developed fever, headache and muscle pain,” Dr Amoth said.

Source: 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE

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Assessing evidence of immune #imprinting in serological #patterns of #influenza immune response

 

Abstract

The subtype of the first influenza infection shapes infection risk, illness and mortality associated with subsequent infection subtypes, as well as vaccine efficacy. This phenomenon, termed 'immune imprinting', may result from immune recognition rooted in structural similarity of the hemagglutinin protein within subtypes of influenza viruses. However, it is difficult to isolate from cohort effects resulting from the annual dominance of specific influenza subtypes. We used a long-term cohort study in southern China to examine whether hemagglutination inhibition responses show evidence of imprinting, and explore whether such patterns could emerge in the absence of imprinting using simulations. Our statistical analysis reveals patterns consistent with immune imprinting. However, simulations showed that similar patterns can emerge without an imprinting mechanism, meaning these may partly be due to age-related variations in immune responses driven by other factors. This work lays the foundations for further research into immune imprinting while accounting for cohort effects.

Competing Interest Statement

B.G.-C., M.D.T.H., and D.A.T.C. received financial research support through their institution from Merck for unrelated work; D.A.T.C. receives financial research support through a grant to his institution from Pfizer for unrelated work; J.L. receives research support from CDC and NIH-NIGMS for unrelated work; S.R. receives grants from the Wellcome Trust; The other authors declare no competing interests.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.28.25338971

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